5.0(3 Reviews)Shark & Tarpon Wreck Fishing in Islamorada
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private 4hour charter targets sharks and tarpon offshoreAll fishing equipment and bait provided by experienced captainsAccommodates up to 6 guests at Islamorada wreck sites
If you're looking to tangle with some serious predators in the Florida Keys, this 4-hour private charter with Kekoa Charters is exactly what you need. Captain George and his crew know these Islamorada waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on tarpon and sharks that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills. This isn't your typical reef fishing trip – we're talking about targeting apex predators around wrecks and offshore structure where the big boys hang out. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet with serious sportfishing, this charter delivers the kind of action that keeps you coming back for more.
Your morning starts early – that's when the fish are most active and the water's usually calmer. You'll meet Captain George and his son Georgie at the dock, where they'll have everything rigged and ready to go. The boat heads out to proven wreck sites and offshore structure where tarpon and sharks cruise looking for baitfish. These aren't random spots – they're carefully selected based on current conditions, bait movement, and recent fish activity. The crew provides all your tackle, fresh bait, and the local knowledge that makes the difference between a decent day and an epic one. With up to 6 anglers on board, there's plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up, and the crew makes sure everyone gets their shot at the action.
Wreck fishing for predators requires specific techniques and heavy-duty equipment. The crew rigs up with circle hooks and wire leaders – essential when you're dealing with sharks that can slice through mono like butter. For tarpon, they'll use live bait like pilchards or mullet, presented on the right tide and depth where these silver kings patrol. The tackle setup includes sturdy rods with serious backbone and reels loaded with enough line to handle long runs. Anchoring and drift fishing are the primary methods, positioning the boat so your baits work the strike zone around structure. The crew reads the water, watches for bait activity, and adjusts tactics throughout the trip. They'll coach you on fighting technique too – crucial when you hook into a 100-pound tarpon that wants to go airborne or a bull shark that's determined to head for the bottom.
"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 silver kings of the flats and wrecks, and Islamorada sits right in prime tarpon territory. These prehistoric giants can reach over 200 pounds and 6 feet long, with scales the size of your palm. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, when massive schools migrate through the Keys. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive is their aerial acrobatics – when hooked, they explode from the water in spectacular jumps that'll have you shaking with adrenaline. They're incredibly strong fish that can peel line off your reel in long, powerful runs. The fight can last 30 minutes or more with a big fish, and even experienced anglers get humbled by these silver rockets.
Blacktip sharks are aggressive feeders that put up a scrappy fight once hooked. These streamlined predators typically run 30-60 pounds in these waters and are known for their spectacular jumps – yes, sharks that go airborne. They're most active during warmer months and often hunt in schools around baitfish concentrations. Blacktips hit baits hard and fast, making sizzling runs that'll test your drag settings. They're also one of the more acrobatic shark species, often clearing the water completely when hooked. The fight is typically shorter than tarpon but intense, with multiple jumps and direction changes that keep you on your toes.
Bull sharks are the bruisers of the shark world – thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless when hooked. These apex predators can exceed 300 pounds and are found year-round in Keys waters, though they're most abundant in warmer months. What sets bull sharks apart is their incredible strength and stamina. When you hook one, expect a long, grinding battle with deep runs and stubborn resistance. They don't jump like blacktips, but they make up for it with raw power. Bull sharks are also one of the few sharks that venture into shallow water and even freshwater, making them adaptable predators that anglers respect and fear.
Blue sharks are the offshore wanderers, typically encountered in deeper water beyond the reef line. These sleek, beautiful sharks are built for speed and endurance, with long p
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll hook into. These medium-sized sharks typically run 4-5 feet and 50-80 pounds, with distinctive black-tipped fins that make them easy to identify. They love patrolling our artificial reefs and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water, especially during warmer months. What guests love about blacktips is their explosive personality - they'll jump clear out of the water and put on a real show. They're also great eating with firm, white meat. We find them most active when there's moving water and bait around. Pro tip: use oily baits like mackerel or sardines and keep your drag set properly - these sharks get excitable in feeding frenzies and can snap lighter tackle if you're not ready for their sudden runs.
Prionace GlaucaBlues are the marathon runners of sharks - sleek, fast, and built for the deep. These beautiful sharks average 7-10 feet and can weigh 60-200+ pounds, with that distinctive deep blue coloring fading to white underneath. We typically find them offshore in 500+ feet of water during cooler months when they follow baitfish migrations. What makes them fun to target is their curious nature and willingness to take baits, plus they put up a solid fight with their speed and endurance. They're catch-and-release only for us since the meat quality isn't great. Drift fishing with a good chum slick works best - mashed mackerel and sardines will bring them up from the depths. Key tip: keep your baits at least 20 feet from the boat when chumming - excited blues can get aggressive and you don't want them jumping aboard.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bulldogs of the shark world - thick, powerful, and aggressive. These apex predators typically measure 8-10 feet and weigh 200-300 pounds around here. What sets them apart is their ability to move into brackish water, so we catch them near river mouths and shallow coastal areas year-round. They're ambush hunters that patrol muddy bays and structure where prey gets cornered. Guests love targeting bulls because they fight dirty - no fancy jumps, just raw power and determination. The meat is excellent too, with a firm texture perfect for grilling. Best fishing happens during moving tides when they're actively hunting. Local secret: fresh eel is deadly bait for bulls. Its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what tarpon fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can push 200+ pounds and 6+ feet long. What makes them special? When hooked, they launch themselves 10 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. We find them year-round in the Keys, but late spring through summer is prime time when they migrate through. They hang around bridge channels, flats edges, and deeper cuts between the islands. Most folks target them for the fight since they're full of bones and not great eating. Here's a local tip: when that tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water - it prevents them from throwing the hook on those aerial acrobatics.
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