5.0(3 Reviews)Wreck Fishing for Sharks and Tarpon
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 4-hour charter targets powerful tarpon and sharksAll fishing equipment and expert guidance included aboardWreck fishing adventure accommodates up to 6 guests
Get ready to battle some of the most powerful predators in Florida waters on this private 4-hour charter out of Islamorada. Captain George and his crew at Kekoa Charters know exactly where to find hungry tarpon and aggressive sharks around the best wreck sites in the Keys. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're heading to deep structure where the big fish live, and you'll feel every pound when these monsters hit your line. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, our captains will put you on fish and teach you the techniques that consistently produce results in these waters.
Your half-day adventure starts early when we meet at the marina and head straight to our productive wreck sites off Islamorada. These underwater structures are magnets for baitfish, which means tarpon and sharks are never far behind. We'll be fishing both the wrecks themselves and the surrounding areas, depending on current conditions and what the fish are doing that day. The captain will position the boat perfectly, taking into account wind, tide, and structure to give you the best shot at hooking up. You'll be using heavy tackle capable of handling these powerful fish – we're talking 50-80 pound test line and reels with serious stopping power. The crew handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and net work, so you can focus on what matters: fighting fish. Expect to see plenty of action throughout the morning, with multiple species often showing up to feed around these productive spots.
Fishing wrecks successfully requires specific techniques that our experienced captains have perfected over years on these waters. We'll be using a combination of live bait and cut bait, depending on what's working best that day. For tarpon, we often fish with live pilchards or threadfin herring, either free-lined or fished under a float to keep the bait in the strike zone. When targeting sharks, fresh cut bait like bonita, mackerel, or barracuda gets their attention fast. The key is getting your bait to the right depth and keeping it there – these wrecks can be 40-80 feet down, and that's where the action happens. We use circle hooks for both conservation and better hookups, and the crew will coach you through proper fighting techniques to maximize your chances of landing these powerful fish. The boat is equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels matched with heavy action rods that can handle the abuse these fish dish out.
"My husband, brother, and sister-in-law been coming to islandmorada for some time now. We highly recommend you go with Captain George. He, and his son Georgie know how, and where to catch fish. You will not be disappointed. Thanks again for an awesome day. Oh yes almost forgot, you were right Captain the shoulder of the bonita was tasty." - Nancy "Went out with Doc and his first mate George last week. What a trip! These 2 are the real deal. I have been on alot of charters through out the keys and have never done as well as this day. George was a maniac in the back of the boat. He was more excited to catch fish than we were. That is exactly what you want in a first mate. They had us worn out by noon! Great day. Great people." - John "We had a last minute fishing trip a few days ago and Captain George and his son was able to accomodate us! Our family of 4 had a blast! My husband caught a Grouper and the Captain cleaned it and let us store it on his boat for the day until we were ready to have it cooked for us at a local resturant. We had a great time, they were very knowledgable and fun. I highly, highly recommend them!!" - Tina
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Florida sport fishing, and the wrecks around Islamorada hold some real giants. These silver-sided acrobats can reach 200 pounds and 8 feet long, though most fish we encounter range from 80-150 pounds – still plenty big enough to test your tackle and stamina. Peak tarpon season runs from April through August, but we see fish year-round around the deeper wrecks. What makes tarpon so special is their fighting ability – they'll jump repeatedly, make long powerful runs, and test every knot in your rigging. The satisfaction of successfully fighting and releasing a healthy tarpon is something every angler should experience at least once.
Blacktip sharks are aggressive feeders that patrol the waters around our wreck sites, typically ranging from 30-60 pounds with occasional larger specimens. These sharks are incredibly fast and will hit bait with serious attitude, often making multiple runs before you can get them to the boat. They're active year-round in South Florida waters but seem most aggressive during the warmer months. Blacktips are perfect for anglers wanting a strong fight without the extreme challenge of larger shark species.
Bull sharks represent the ultimate challenge for wreck anglers – these powerful predators can exceed 300 pounds and have the strength to test even the heaviest tackle. Bulls prefer deeper water around structure, making our wreck sites perfect hunting grounds. They're ambush predators that will crush a bait and immediately head for the bottom, using the wreck structure to try to break you off. Landing a decent bull shark requires patience, proper technique, and a bit of luck. Summer months typically produce the most bull shark action around our local wrecks.
Blue sharks are the marathon runners of the shark world, built for speed and endurance rather than brute strength. These sleek predators typically range from 50-100 pounds and will make incredibly long runs, sometimes taking 200+ yards of line in a single burst. Blues are more common in the cooler months and prefer slightly deeper water, making them perfect targets during winter wreck fishing trips. Their beautiful blue
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes right into the boat if you're not careful. Most run 4-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, perfect for getting that shark experience without needing massive tackle. You'll find them patrolling our artificial reefs and shallow waters, usually in 30-100 feet. They're curious but skittish, often checking out the chum slick before committing to a bait. Spring through fall is prime time when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their aggressive fight and those crazy jumps - plus they're great for photos before release. Here's the trick: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and keep your lines at different depths. They'll cruise mid-water but often feed near the surface when excited.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the ocean's wanderers - sleek, fast, and surprisingly curious. These torpedo-shaped sharks typically run 6-8 feet and 60-120 pounds, with females getting much larger. They cruise the deeper offshore waters, usually 100+ feet, following the Gulf Stream currents. We see them best during cooler months when water temps drop into the 60s-70s. What makes blues special is their intelligence - they'll circle the boat, check out the chum slick, and often approach cautiously. The fight is more finesse than brute force, with long runs rather than bulldogging. They're beautiful fish with that deep blue coloration that fades to white underneath. Key tip: keep your chum line going and be patient. Blues will come in from miles away once they hit that scent trail, but rushing the hookset usually spooks them.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers you want if you're looking for raw power. These thick-bodied fighters average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. What makes them unique is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we'll find them in channels, near structures, and around our deeper flats. Summer months are best when they're moving through our waters. Unlike other sharks, bulls don't mess around - when they hit, you know it immediately. They're built for bulldogging, not jumping, so expect a straight-up tug-of-war. The fight is all about endurance and keeping them from wrapping you up on structure. My go-to secret? Fresh eel when you can get it. The oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through their initial attack. Heavy tackle and circle hooks are a must.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" of the Keys, tarpon are what legends are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds and 4-6 feet, but can push 200+ pounds. What makes them special? That first jump - watching a 6-foot fish launch 10 feet out of the water will stop your heart. We find them around the deeper channels and flats edges, especially during late spring through summer when they're migrating through. They're purely catch-and-release since the meat's too bony to eat, but the fight is what you're after anyway. These fish can live 50+ years, so treat them with respect. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish - drop your rod tip toward the water to give slack. Keeps them from throwing the hook on those spectacular aerial shows.
5.0 out of 5.0My husband, brother, and sister-in-law been coming to islandmorada for some time now. We highly recommend you go with Captain Geor...
Went out with Doc and his first mate George last week. What a trip! These 2 are the real deal. I have been on alot of charters thr...
We had a last minute fishing trip a few days ago and Captain George and his son was able to accomodate us! Our family of 4 had a b...
Islamorada, FL