Full Day Islamorada Tarpon and Redfish Charter
Private Trip
Fishing
Eight-hour charter targets tarpon, redfish, and offshore species17-foot Hoog flats boat accommodates up to four passengersAll gear, bait, licensing, and fish cleaning services included
When you're serious about fishing the legendary flats of Islamorada, Captain Jonathan's eight-hour full day charter aboard his 17' Hoog flats boat is exactly what you need. Starting at first light (7:00 AM), this world-class fishing experience gives you the extended time to reach those prime fishing grounds where the big tarpon roll and redfish cruise the shallows. With space for up to four anglers, all your gear, bait, and licensing sorted, plus professional fish cleaning at the end – this is how you fish the Keys properly.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. Eight hours on the water means Captain Jonathan can take you to the spots that produce, whether that's working the backcountry flats for redfish or positioning for tarpon migrations. The 17' Hoog is built for these waters – shallow draft, stable platform, and quiet enough not to spook fish in skinny water. You'll have everything you need onboard: rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and all the lures that work in these waters. Captain Jonathan knows when to switch from live shrimp to cut bait, when to throw artificials, and exactly where to position the boat for your best shot. Water and ice are provided, but smart anglers pack a cooler with lunch and plenty of snacks – eight hours fishing hard will work up an appetite.
Islamorada fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. On the flats, you'll sight-fish to tailing redfish and cruising tarpon – Captain Jonathan will pole the boat into position while you get ready for that perfect cast. Early morning often means working the grass beds and channels where snook ambush baitfish, using live pilchards or perfectly placed topwater plugs. As the tide changes, you might move to deeper structure for mutton snapper and grey snapper, switching to bottom rigs with fresh cut bait. The extended trip time means you can fish multiple tide changes – crucial when targeting species like tarpon that are heavily influenced by tidal movement. Captain Jonathan provides all the terminal tackle, from circle hooks for the snappers to the heavy leaders needed when a 100-pound tarpon decides to test your drag system.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Islamorada, and for good reason. These silver giants can exceed 100 pounds and put on aerial shows that'll have you shaking with adrenaline. Peak season runs from April through July when massive schools migrate through the area, but resident fish are around year-round. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their fighting ability. When a tarpon takes your bait and goes airborne, everything else stops. The sound of a screaming drag, the sight of six feet of silver fish dancing on its tail – there's nothing quite like it in fishing.
Redfish are the bread and butter of flats fishing, and Islamorada's backcountry holds some true giants. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 pounds in these waters, though 40-pounders aren't uncommon. Spring and fall offer the best action when schools of reds work the flats looking for crabs and shrimp. What anglers love about redfish is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll use every oyster bar and mangrove root to try breaking you off. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within regulations.
Snook are the ultimate ambush predators, lurking around structure waiting to crush unsuspecting baitfish. These fish are highly seasonal – summer months offer the most consistent action when they're spawning around the bridges and channels. A good Islamorada snook runs 25-35 inches and fights with surprising power for their size. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and their ability to cut you off on structure, which is why Captain Jonathan uses heavy fluorocarbon leaders in snook territory.
Mutton snapper are the prize of the reef fishing, beautiful fish that can exceed 20 pounds in these waters. They're structure-oriented, hanging around ledges and rocky bottom where they feed on small fish and crustaceans. What makes muttens special is their wariness – they're smart fish that require finesse and the right bait presentation. When you hook one, expect a strong initial run followed by a methodical fight back to the boat.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as they're known locally, are abundant year-round and provide consistent action when the bigger species aren't cooperating. Don't let their smaller size fool you – these fish are aggressive feeders and excellent eating. They're perfect for beginners to learn proper technique while still providing sport for experienced anglers. In Islamorada waters, greys often run larger than elsewhere, with fish over five pounds not uncommon around the right structure.
This top-rated full day charter fills up fast, especially during peak tarpon season and winter months when northern anglers escape south. Captain Jonathan's reputation for putting clients on fish, combined with his professional fish cleaning service and 17' Hoog's fishing capabilities, makes this a customer favorite among serious anglers. The 14-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility, but don't wait too long to secure your dates. Eight hours fishing Islamorada's world-class waters with all gear included and professional guidance – this is exactly how you want to experience the fishing capital of the world.
Captain Jonathan's 17' Hoog flats boat is built for serious fishing in Islamorada's shallow waters and backcountry. This stable platform gets you into those tight spots where tarpon roll and redfish tail in skinny water. The boat's shallow draft lets us slip through mangrove cuts and work the flats without spooking fish. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of casting space on the deck. The live bait well keeps your bait frisky, while the icebox handles your catch and cold drinks. GPS navigation helps us find productive water fast, whether we're hunting tarpon in the backcountry or working structure for reds. The boat runs smooth and quiet, perfect for sneaking up on wary fish in crystal-clear Keys water.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, or mangrove snappers, are smart opportunistic feeders that hang around docks, mangroves, and grass flats in 10-40 feet of water. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-2 pounds, but we catch some nice 3-4 pounders. They're active year-round in our warm waters, though they feed heavier at night and during cooler months. What makes them fun is they're always willing to bite, but they can be picky about presentation. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. They're perfect for kids and beginners because they're abundant and fight well for their size. The secret is keeping your bait still once it hits bottom. They like to study their food before committing. Use a 4/0 hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, drop it down, and just wait. Too much movement will spook them, but patience pays off with steady action.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are solid fighters that typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, though they can reach 20+ pounds in deeper water. You'll find them around structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 80-200 feet, but they also cruise mangrove edges and grass flats. They've got that distinctive olive color with blue streaks behind the eyes and pointed fins. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What makes them special is the combination of a good scrap and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's the key: use the freshest bait you can get and keep your weight light. Let it drift naturally in the current instead of jigging it around. When they grab it, they'll head straight for structure, so be ready to turn them quick.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are sight-fishing favorites that cruise our shallow flats and backcountry in 1-4 feet of water. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, with bigger bulls offshore. You can spot them by their copper-red backs and that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months and moving tides. What guests love is watching them tail in skinny water and that powerful fight when hooked - they make long runs and use their broad tail for leverage. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. They eat almost anything - shrimp, crabs, small fish. The trick is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Lead them by 3-4 feet and let your bait settle naturally. Once you hook up, keep them away from oyster bars where they'll try to cut you off.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - docks, mangroves, bridge pilings, and creek mouths where tide flows. Most fish run 18-30 inches, but we see plenty in the 35+ inch range around here. They're temperature sensitive, so late spring through early fall is prime time when water stays warm. What guests love about snook is that explosive strike and their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs toward cover. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. They feed heavily around new and full moons, especially on moving water. The trick is getting your bait right to structure without spooking them. Use a quiet approach and let your live shrimp or pilchard drift naturally with the current. Don't horse them - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook if you get too aggressive.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings - most fish we see run 80-150 pounds and 4-6 feet, but giants over 200 exist. They migrate through our waters May through September, with peak season in late spring and early summer. You'll find them rolling in channels, on flats in 3-15 feet, and around structure. What makes tarpon special is pure athleticism - they jump 8-10 feet out of the water and can swim 35 mph. It's catch and release only since the meat isn't great, but landing one is a lifetime memory. We fish live bait like crabs and pilchards, plus flies on the flats. The key is keeping steady pressure without overpowering them. When they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip at them - it keeps slack out of the line so they can't throw the hook. Most fights last 30-45 minutes, so pace yourself.
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