Pro Anglers Charter: Islamorada's Best Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour inshore charter targeting tarpon, snook, and redfishCaptain Cory Nelson provides gear and personalized instructionAccommodates 2 guests with all skill levels welcome
Captain Cory Nelson knows these Islamorada flats like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish that'll make your trip worthwhile. This 4-hour inshore charter with Native Son Charters keeps you close to shore while targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Florida Keys. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to up your game or a first-timer wanting to learn the ropes, this small-group experience (just 2 anglers max) gives you the personalized attention that makes all the difference on the water.
You'll launch from Islamorada and head to productive shallow water spots where tarpon roll, snook lurk in mangrove shadows, and redfish cruise the grass flats. Captain Cory provides all the gear and tackle, so you can focus on reading the water and perfecting your presentation. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring a hard-fighting bonefish, while the next could hook into a tarpon that'll test your backing. These waters offer year-round action, but each season brings different opportunities and challenges that keep even seasoned anglers on their toes.
Captain Cory runs live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing depending on conditions and what the fish are telling him. You'll learn to work the structure around docks and mangroves for snook, spot cruising fish on the flats, and read the signs when tarpon are moving through. The tackle is matched to the target species – lighter spinning gear for bonefish and trout, heavier setups when tarpon are in the mix. He'll teach you proper hooksets for each species since a tarpon requires a completely different approach than a spooky permit. Wind and tide play huge roles in success here, and part of the experience is understanding how these factors influence fish behavior and your fishing strategy.
Tarpon are the kings of these waters, and Islamorada sits right in their migration path. These silver giants can reach over 100 pounds and provide heart-stopping jumps that'll have you questioning your drag settings. Peak season runs from April through July, but resident fish stick around year-round. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their intelligence and the technical skill required to hook and fight them properly. When one explodes on your bait and starts cartwheeling across the surface, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world just for this experience.
Snook are ambush predators that love structure, making them perfect targets around Islamorada's extensive mangrove systems and docks. These fish are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward cover. They're most active during warmer months and around dawn and dusk, though cold fronts can really turn them on. What keeps anglers coming back for snook is their aggressive strike and the chess match of presenting baits in tight quarters without getting cut off in the mangroves.
Redfish, or "reds," are the bread and butter of shallow water fishing in the Keys. These copper-colored fighters are found year-round and are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action. They'll eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and their powerful runs in shallow water make for exciting fights. Reds are also great eating when kept within slot limits, and they're one of the most photogenic fish you'll catch with their distinctive spotted tails.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats – incredibly spooky but absolutely electric when hooked. These silver bullets can strip line off your reel faster than almost any other fish their size. They're year-round residents but can be challenging to spot and even harder to hook. The reward is worth the effort though, as their blistering runs across shallow flats create some of the most pure fishing excitement you'll find anywhere.
Permit are considered the holy grail by many flats fishermen, and for good reason. These disc-shaped fish are notoriously difficult to fool and are known for crushing anglers' dreams at the last second. They're most commonly found over sandy areas and around wrecks, often in small schools. Landing a permit on fly or light tackle is considered a major achievement in the angling world, and Islamorada's waters hold some quality fish for those persistent enough to target them.
This top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing months when the bite is hot. Captain Cory's reputation for putting clients on fish and his patient teaching style make this a customer favorite among both locals and visiting anglers. The intimate 2-person capacity means you'll get hands-on instruction and won't be competing with a crowd for prime fishing spots. Whether you're looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or simply want a world-class day on the water learning from one of Islamorada's most knowledgeable captains, this charter delivers the goods. Book now and get ready to experience why the Florida Keys are considered one of the best inshore fishing destinations on the planet.
Your fishing platform for this Islamorada charter is the 18' Hell's Bay Marquesa, a purpose-built shallow water boat that gets you into the prime tarpon and snook spots around the flats and backcountry. This Yamaha F115-powered skiff runs clean and quiet at 40 knots, covering water fast to reach the best fishing grounds. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Cory position you silently over holding fish without spooking them. Built-in bait tank keeps your live shrimp and pilchards fresh all day, while the GPS helps navigate the maze of channels and flats that make Islamorada fishing so productive. At 18 feet, there's plenty of casting room for 2 anglers to work different techniques - sight fishing the shallows for snook or presenting baits to rolling tarpon. The low profile design cuts through choppy water and drafts skinny for those backcountry honey holes where the big fish hide.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ultimate sight-fishing challenge on the flats. These silver torpedoes average 3-6 pounds and 18-24 inches, but don't let the size fool you - they'll rip 100 yards of line off your reel before you know what hit you. Look for them tailing in 6 inches to 4 feet of water on grass and sand flats, especially on incoming tides. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. The thrill is spotting them cruising or feeding, then making that perfect cast without spooking them. They're tough to see thanks to their natural camouflage, and they spook at the slightest disturbance. We release them since they're full of bones. My tip: when you see tailers, cast to the edge of the group, not the middle. Lead them by 10 feet and strip slowly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - they'll test your patience and skill like no other fish. These tall, silvery ghosts with the sickle-shaped tail average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ pounds. They cruise the shallow flats and wrecks, using those golf-ball eyes that rotate 360 degrees to spot danger. Peak season runs April through October, but we see them year-round in South Florida. What makes them special is the challenge - they're extremely spooky and picky eaters. Most anglers consider one permit worth ten bonefish. They fight hard with powerful runs and are decent eating, though most get released. The key is live blue crabs fished on circle hooks. When you spot one, make a perfect cast well ahead of them and let the crab settle naturally. No sudden movements or you'll watch them vanish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action in shallow water. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 18-28 inches and 3-8 pounds around here. You'll find them cruising the grass flats, mangrove edges, and shallow basins in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They're year-round fish, but fall and winter offer the best chances when they school up. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, steady fight. They're also excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's the trick: when sight-fishing for them on the flats, cast your bait 10 feet ahead of where they're headed and let it sink. They spook easy if you drop it right on their heads.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese black-and-white striped convicts are some of the tastiest fish we target, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. You'll find them around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings - where they use those human-like teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-4 pounds and about 14 inches, but we see some pushing 8-10 pounds around the bigger structures. They're year-round residents, but spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. The tricky part is they're notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble and pick at your shrimp or crab until it's gone. My advice: use a sharp hook, keep your bait pinned tight, and when you feel that first tap, set the hook hard. They've got tough mouths, so don't be shy about it.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are what dreams are made of - massive fish that can hit 100+ pounds and jump clear out of the water when hooked. Around Islamorada, we find them in the deeper channels and along the flats edges, especially during their spring migration from March through July. Most fish we see run 80-150 pounds and about 5-6 feet long. They love live bait like mullet and pinfish, but the real thrill is watching one launch itself 8 feet in the air trying to shake your hook. We practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating - too many bones. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps slack in the line so they can't use that jump to throw the hook. The fight alone makes this a bucket-list fish.
Bud N' Mary's Marina, Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, USA