Bug Sportfishing 

4.9/5 (69 reviews)
 Overseas Highway 84001, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

Bug Sportfishing 

Islamorada, FL, United States
32 ft
6
4.9/5 (69 reviews)

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Bug Sportfishing welcomes you aboard!

  Growing up fishing all over the United States has introduced Captain James to lots of different techniques. The best way to describe his fishing style is somewhere in-between south Florida light tackle with a heavy dose of northeast influence. Whether you're fishing for tarpon in the pass or sailfish on the reef, Capt. James always tries to make the most of every opportunity.

  You'll be fishing aboard the BUG, a 31' Contender Fisharound. The Bug is fast, comfortable, and fuel-efficient with twin 300 horsepower Yamaha Outboards. The Bug features a fully open cockpit offering 360-degree fishability and outfitted with the latest gear. With a single level deck, marlin tower and all the newest Garmin electronics, as well as FLIR night-vision you are prepared for anything that swims.

  Whenever you're fishing for your target species, the crew is always ready for the chance to encounter something special. Capt. James thoroughly enjoys fishing artificials for inshore species and slow pitch jigging is one of his favorite techniques.

  Beginners are always welcome and the crew will make sure your trip suits your skill level. While they carry all the tackle you may need, the crew prefers to use tackle on the lighter side of things to increase the fun factor

For Bug Sportfishing, catching fish is about having fun and making memories. See you at the dock!

Bug Sportfishing welcomes you aboard!

  Growing up fishing all over the United States has introduced Captain James to lots of different techniques. The best way to describe his fishing style is somewhere in-between south Florida light tackle with a heavy dose of northeast influence. Whether you're fishing for tarpon in the pass or sailfish on the reef, Capt. James always tries to make the most of every opportunity.

  You'll be fishing aboard the BUG, a 31' Contender Fisharound. The Bug is fast, comfortable, and fuel-efficient with twin 300 horsepower Yamaha Outboards. The Bug features a fully open cockpit offering 360-degree fishability and outfitted with the latest gear. With a single level deck, marlin tower and all the newest Garmin electronics, as well as FLIR night-vision you are prepared for anything that swims.

  Whenever you're fishing for your target species, the crew is always ready for the chance to encounter something special. Capt. James thoroughly enjoys fishing artificials for inshore species and slow pitch jigging is one of his favorite techniques.

  Beginners are always welcome and the crew will make sure your trip suits your skill level. While they carry all the tackle you may need, the crew prefers to use tackle on the lighter side of things to increase the fun factor

For Bug Sportfishing, catching fish is about having fun and making memories. See you at the dock!

James Duncan III
Captain
James Duncan III
10 years of experience

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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4 Hour inshore Shark Trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 3:00 PM
Snapper (Mangrove)
Shark (Hammerhead)
Ladyfish
Shark (Blacktip)
+4
US $700
Entire boat: up to 4 people
snappers (4hr)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (7:00 AM, 12:30 PM)
Barracuda (Great)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Spanish Mackerel
+4
US $1,100
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Half Day Reef (6HR)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
+7
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Full Day Reef (8HR)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Sailfish
+7
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
69 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (72)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
96%
Family friendly
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
87%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (69)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 70 reviews
Kristina Ermers
Kristina Ermers
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
The captain canceled
July 2, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on July 2, 2026

The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.

Christine Kirchhoff
Christine Kirchhoff
us
Michigan, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Professional, Relaxed and Fun
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on March 12, 20262 adults1 child

Capt. James and first mate Daniel were a great fit for us. We had a perfect afternoon that included patient, friendly guidance for my grandson to learn to fish. He caught lots of yellowtail, plus we had the thrill of hooking a HUGE shark that my daughter in law had the excitement of reeling up to the side of the boat. Would highly recommend choosing Bug for your charter excursion!

Andrew Partridge
Andrew Partridge
us
Chicago, IL, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fantastic, friendly, hard-working crew
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on March 29, 20261 adult2 children

Beautiful boat and really great guys. Gorgeous scenery. Caught 100+ lb nurse shark, yellowtail, big blue runners and others. Crew was great with my 10 and 12 yrs old boys. Crew knows their stuff and area and worked tirelessly to make sure we made some memories!

Reported catch:
Nurse Shark
Kamal Daraiseh
Kamal Daraiseh
us
Arizona, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing trip
Half Day Reef (6HR) on June 19, 20264 adults

Danny and James are stellar people and even better fisherman. We were able to both snorkel, and fish out in the deep sea. Would absolutely come back and do it again!

Reported catch:
Blackfin Tuna
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
James Duncan III
Response from Captain

thank you Kamal! had a great time with yall! come back soon!!!!

Ronald Van Den Houten
Ronald Van Den Houten
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2020
4 trips
5.0
Verified
Great crew and fiahing combination!
Full Day Reef (8HR) on April 18, 20262 adults

We highly recommend this energetic and knowledgeable crew, on a boat that was a pleasure to fish on! Multi species and exciting strategies! Genuine commitment to deliver maximum value and fun.

Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Little Tunny (False Albacore)
Blackfin Tuna

FAQs about Bug Sportfishing

Bug Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 Hour inshore Shark Trip (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - snappers (4hr) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - snappers (4hr) - 12:30 PM (4 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Half Day Reef (6HR) (6 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Full Day Reef (8HR) (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Bug Sportfishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Full enclosed Bathroom with toilet and sink
  • Air conditioning Fully air conditioned cabin, bathroom, and helm
  • GPS All new Garmin electronics Suite, XM WEATHER
  • Fishfinder Airmar 3KW Transducer- Networked to all screens
  • Bed 2 person bunk in bow of boat
  • Flybridge Marlin tower for spotting fish/trolling
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Live bait well 2X 40 Gallon wells in transom
  • Kitchen Offshore trips have outdoor grill, refrigerator
  • Refrigerator Electric fridge in cabin (not large)
  • Multimedia system XM radio/Weather, Full stereo throughout
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box 2 Large boxes in cockpit (1 under seat,1 YETI)
  • Radar Garmin 24XHD Radar, FLIR NIGHTVISION CAMERA
Trips booked with Bug Sportfishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (**will take 1 hour**)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Included in price of trip)
  • Drinks (Some Waters/ Gatorade- personal drinks ENCOURAGED)
  • First mate (Available for longer trips. 20% gratuity standard)
  • Fishing license (License Included with trip)
Bug Sportfishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (Offshore (tuna) trips can range from 20-60 miles)
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
Bug Sportfishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Drift fishing
  • Kite fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Bug Sportfishing include:
  • Amberjack
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Permit
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tarpon
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

James Duncan III
James Duncan III
James Duncan III

Islamorada, Florida, United States

1 Fishing Report
70 Customer reviews
Typical response within 4 hours
Member since March 2021

Being born into a fishing family, I have been on the water and around boats for my entire life. As soon as I was able to walk, my father taught me how to cast and I would spend hours casting behind my house in Point Pleasant, NJ. My family moved to South Florida when I was still young, which opened up a whole new world to me, where I was able to spend every second I could either on or near the water. As a teenager, I started working at a marina on the fuel dock which eventually branched into working as a mate for private boats and on charters. After that, I spent several years as the captain running a corporate sportfishing program competing in Marlin tournaments up and down the east coast of the US. After operating a successful sportfishing charter in New Jersey for several years, I came to realize Islamorada is truly where I call home. I have always been passionate about being a fisherman and have known from a very young age that this is what I was meant to do.

1 Fishing Report
70 Customer reviews
Typical response within 4 hours
Member since March 2021

Being born into a fishing family, I have been on the water and around boats for my entire life. As soon as I was able to walk, my father taught me how to cast and I would spend hours casting behind my house in Point Pleasant, NJ. My family moved to South Florida when I was still young, which opened up a whole new world to me, where I was able to spend every second I could either on or near the water. As a teenager, I started working at a marina on the fuel dock which eventually branched into working as a mate for private boats and on charters. After that, I spent several years as the captain running a corporate sportfishing program competing in Marlin tournaments up and down the east coast of the US. After operating a successful sportfishing charter in New Jersey for several years, I came to realize Islamorada is truly where I call home. I have always been passionate about being a fisherman and have known from a very young age that this is what I was meant to do.

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Permit
Permit
Sailfish
Sailfish
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Tarpon
Tarpon
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Amberjack
Amberjack
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
32 ft
Year built
2007
Boat manufacturer
CONTENDER
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
YAMAHA
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Offshore (tuna) trips can range from 20-60 miles
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Full enclosed Bathroom with toilet and sink
Air conditioning
Fully air conditioned cabin, bathroom, and helm
GPS
All new Garmin electronics Suite, XM WEATHER
Fishfinder
Airmar 3KW Transducer- Networked to all screens
Bed
2 person bunk in bow of boat
Flybridge
Marlin tower for spotting fish/trolling
Snorkeling equipment
Live bait well
2X 40 Gallon wells in transom
Kitchen
Offshore trips have outdoor grill, refrigerator
Refrigerator
Electric fridge in cabin (not large)
Multimedia system
XM radio/Weather, Full stereo throughout
Outriggers
Ice box
2 Large boxes in cockpit (1 under seat,1 YETI)
Radar
Garmin 24XHD Radar, FLIR NIGHTVISION CAMERA

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
**will take 1 hour**
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Included in price of trip
Drinks
Some Waters/ Gatorade- personal drinks ENCOURAGED
First mate
Available for longer trips. 20% gratuity standard
Fishing license
License Included with trip

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
No age limits, safety equipment for all ages is on board.
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Islamorada right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
PermitPermit
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
TarponTarpon
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
WahooWahoo

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