Target Trophy Tarpon on Islamorada's Premier Inshore Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday charter targets tarpon, snook, redfish, and bonefish.All gear, tackle, bait, and licenses included with trip.Expert Captain Cory Nelson guides beginners and experienced anglers.
Captain Cory Nelson knows these Islamorada waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer. This half-day charter aboard his 26' Pathfinder TRS is built for anglers who want to experience the real deal – whether you're chasing silver kings in the backcountry or working the flats for bones and reds. With four hours of guided fishing, all gear included, and licenses covered, you'll spend your time doing what you came here for: hooking up with some serious Florida Keys fish.
Your morning starts at the dock where Captain Cory will have everything rigged and ready to go. The Pathfinder TRS is a perfect platform for this kind of fishing – shallow enough draft to get you into those skinny water spots where the big fish hunt, but stable enough to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. You'll cover a lot of ground in four hours, moving between the crystal-clear flats and deeper backcountry channels depending on the tide, weather, and where the fish are biting that day. Captain Cory reads these waters constantly, adjusting the game plan based on wind direction, water temperature, and seasonal patterns that only come from years of local experience. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been wetting lines for decades, he'll match the approach to your skill level while keeping everyone engaged and learning something new.
The beauty of Islamorada fishing lies in its variety, and Captain Cory comes prepared for whatever the day demands. You'll work with both live bait and artificials, depending on what's working best. For tarpon, expect to throw live crabs, pilchards, or mullet on circle hooks with just enough weight to get down to where those fish are rolling. When targeting bones and reds on the flats, it's all about sight fishing with lightweight jigs, small flies, or live shrimp presented quietly in shallow water. The boat carries spinning tackle in various weights, from light setups for bonefish to heavier gear that can handle a 100-pound tarpon when one decides to eat your bait. Captain Cory handles all the rigging, re-baiting, and tackle adjustments, so you can focus on making good casts and fighting fish. He'll coach you through proper casting techniques, help you read the water for signs of fish, and make sure your drag settings are dialed in before that next big hookup.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Islamorada, and for good reason. These prehistoric silver giants can reach well over 100 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique when hooked. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, with peak season hitting in late spring and early summer when massive schools migrate through the area. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their aerial acrobatics. When a big silver king eats your bait, you'd better hold on because they'll launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular fashion, gill plates rattling and trying to throw your hook. The fight can last 30 minutes or more, and landing one is a badge of honor that every angler should experience at least once.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and catching one in Islamorada's clear shallow waters is pure sight-fishing magic. These spooky fish average 3-8 pounds but punch way above their weight class when it comes to fighting ability. They cruise the turtle grass beds and sand flats looking for crabs and shrimp, often in water so shallow their backs are out of the water. The challenge is getting close enough for a good cast without spooking them – one wrong move and they'll streak off across the flat like silver bullets. Peak bonefish action happens during the cooler months from November through April when they're feeding more actively in the shallows. Captain Cory will position the boat perfectly and talk you through each cast, helping you spot those subtle shadows and nervous water that gives away their location.
Redfish are the bruisers of the backcountry, and Islamorada's mangrove shorelines hold some serious bulls. These copper-colored fighters average 5-15 pounds in this area, with the occasional oversized fish pushing 20-plus pounds. They're year-round residents but feed most aggressively during the fall and winter months when baitfish are abundant. Reds love structure – think mangrove roots, oyster bars, and shallow grass beds where they can ambush prey. They'll eat live shrimp, crabs, and a variety of artificials, and when hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward whatever cover they can find. Unlike their more finicky cousins, redfish are generally willing biters, making them perfect for newer anglers looking to get their first taste of serious inshore action.
Snook are the ultimate ambush predators, hanging out in the shadows of docks, mangroves, and channel edges waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These silver-sided gamefish with their distinctive black lateral line are incredibly popular with local anglers because they fight hard and taste even better. They're most active during warmer months and around structure where they can use their explosive speed to corner baitfish. Snook have a quirky feeding behavior – they'll often follow a lure or bait for several feet before deciding to eat it, which makes for some heart-pounding moments when you can see them tracking your presentation. Captain Cory knows exactly which mangrove cuts and dock lines hold the biggest fish, and he'll put you in position to make those precise casts that trigger strikes.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience world-class angling in one of Florida's most renowned fishing destinations with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Captain
Bud N' Mary's Marina, Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, USA