Islamorada Fishing Charters
Islamorada fishing charters put anglers right in the middle of the Florida Keys’ best backcountry, reef, and offshore action—just a short run from the dock in any direction.
Top Rated Charters in Islamorada
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Islamorada, FL Fishing Guide
Islamorada is often called the “Sportfishing Capital of the World” for good reason. Sitting between the Florida Bay and the Atlantic, it offers easy access to shallow backcountry waters, nearshore patch reefs, and the deep blue of the Gulf Stream. Most charters here are half-day or 6-hour trips, with full-day options common for offshore or mixed-bag days.
Inshore and backcountry fishing out of Islamorada focuses on the vast flats and mangrove islands of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park. Redfish, snook, sea trout, and tarpon are staples here, with most captains using live bait (pinfish, mullet, shrimp) or soft plastics on spinning gear. Sight-fishing on the flats is especially popular in the spring and early summer, when clear water and calm winds dominate.
Head east, and within a few miles of the cut you’ll find a network of coral patches, rock piles, and edge reef structure in 15–60 feet of water. These nearshore zones are loaded with yellowtail snapper, mutton, porgies, and the occasional grouper. Local guides often anchor and chum hard, freelining cut bait or dropping jigs just above the bottom.
Farther out—usually a 10–25 mile run—offshore charters chase mahi, tuna, sailfish, and wahoo along the color change and weedlines. Trolling ballyhoo or lures is the go-to method here, especially in summer. Winter brings prime kite fishing for sailfish along the reef edge in 120–200 feet.
Islamorada’s access to both the Gulf and Atlantic gives it year-round productivity and a unique mix of species you won’t find anywhere else in the Keys.
Fishing Seasons in Islamorada
Spring
Spring kicks off tarpon season in the backcountry, with big fish staging around bridges and channels. Permit show up on the flats, while offshore waters heat up with mahi and early tuna. Half-day reef trips are also solid for yellowtail snapper and muttons.
Summer
Summer is peak time for offshore charters chasing dolphin (mahi) out deep. The Gulf Stream comes in close, making it a short ride to productive weedlines. Back in the bay, snook and redfish are active early and late. Flat calm mornings offer excellent sight-fishing for bonefish and permit.
Fall
Fall offers a great mixed-bag opportunity. Water temps cool slightly, triggering strong bites on the patch reefs and around the bridges. Mutton snapper and grouper pick up, while offshore action includes blackfin tuna and the tail end of the mahi run. Storms can disrupt plans but also flush bait into the system.
Winter
Winter fishing in Islamorada is all about the reef and sailfish. Kite fishing along the dropoffs is at its best from December through February. Inshore, colder temps push snook deep into the mangroves and bring sea trout into the open bays. It’s a great time for bottom fishing as well.
Gamefish in Islamorada
- Tarpon – 40–150 lbs Found around bridges and channels in spring and early summer. Best on live mullet, crabs, or big swimbaits on heavy spinning gear.
- Snook – 5–20 lbs Backcountry creeks and mangroves, especially during summer. Target with live pilchards, jerkbaits, or soft plastics on jigheads.
- Redfish – 3–12 lbs Caught in the flats and bays of Florida Bay. Use shrimp under popping corks or sight-cast with jigs and scented plastics.
- Bonefish – 3–8 lbs Poling the flats on calm mornings. Target with live shrimp, small flies, or crab-pattern soft plastics.
- Sailfish – 40–70 lbs Wintertime offshore favorite. Kite fishing with goggle-eyes or threadfin herring along the reef edge.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–30 lbs Peak summer offshore target. Troll rigged ballyhoo or cast jigs around weedlines 10–25 miles out.
- Yellowtail Snapper – 1–4 lbs Anchor and chum over patch reefs and drop cut bait on light tackle. Good year-round, best in summer.
- Mutton Snapper – 5–15 lbs Found on deeper reefs and wrecks, often caught on live pinfish or dead bait near the bottom.
- Blackfin Tuna – 10–30 lbs Fall through early spring offshore. Troll small feathers or drift live bait near rips and color changes.
Islamorada Fishing FAQs
Do Islamorada fishing charters include a fishing license?
Yes, all licensed charter boats in Islamorada provide fishing licenses for everyone on board. You won’t need to purchase anything separately.
What types of trips do Islamorada guides offer?
You’ll find everything from 4-hour backcountry runs to full-day offshore adventures. Half-day reef and bay trips are especially popular for families.
Where do most charters in Islamorada leave from?
Most guides depart from marinas along the Overseas Highway, including Bud N’ Mary’s, Whale Harbor, and World Wide Sportsman. Launch points give quick access to both the Atlantic and Florida Bay.
When is the best time to catch tarpon in Islamorada?
Tarpon fishing is best from March through June. Look for evening outgoing tides around the bridges and channels, especially near sunset.
Are there kid-friendly fishing trips in Islamorada?
Yes. Many captains offer short inshore or reef trips ideal for beginners, with calm waters and steady action for snapper, jacks, or small sharks.
How far offshore do you go for mahi or tuna?
Most offshore runs are 10–25 miles, depending on conditions. Captains look for weedlines, birds, and blue water breaks near the Gulf Stream.
What should I bring on an Islamorada charter?
Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, snacks, drinks, and a hat. Tackle, bait, and ice are typically included—check with your captain beforehand.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, in most cases. Many captains will clean your catch, and local restaurants often offer “cook your catch” options. Just be aware of size and bag limits.
What’s the best season overall for Islamorada fishing?
Islamorada produces year-round, but April through July is often considered peak season with both offshore and inshore fishing firing at once.
