Bug Sportfishing 

4.9
(71 reviews)
 Overseas Highway 84001, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States–

Bug Sportfishing 

Islamorada, FL, United States
–
32 ft
6
4.9
(71 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

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
October 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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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 $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
snappers (4hr)
In high demand Last booked: 5 days ago
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)
In high demand Last booked: 1 day ago
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 5 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (79)

What anglers say

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

Reviews (71)

  • Joshua Tenney
    Joshua Tenney
    us
    Maryland, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome experience all around

    4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on September 2, 2026 • 5 adults • 3 children

    Took my family of 5 including a 12,10 and 8 year old. We caught lots of fish. He put us on one spot and never had to leave. We caught plenty of fish with the lite rigs and tied into a lot where we needed the chair. Crew was great and knowledgeable. Great experience. Highly recommend this charter

  • Kamal Daraiseh
    Kamal Daraiseh
    us
    Arizona, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip

    Half Day Reef (6HR) on June 19, 2026 • 4 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!

  • Andrew Partridge
    Andrew Partridge
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastic, friendly, hard-working crew

    4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on March 29, 2026 • 3 adults • 2 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!

  • Ronald Van Den Houten
    Ronald Van Den Houten
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2020
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great crew and fiahing combination!

    Full Day Reef (8HR) on April 18, 2026 • 2 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.

  • Ryan Ksobiech
    Ryan Ksobiech
    Repeat angler
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    Member since 2025
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Awesome captain

    4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on October 23, 2025 • 2 adults

    Bloat was great. Definitely had the right equipment. The exact kinda laid back but serious fisherman you wanna be with. Caught some cool sharks. Would absolutely recommend.

  • Randall Lawson
    Randall Lawson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with James

    Full Day Reef (8HR) on February 4, 2026 • 2 adults
  • Robert Pardue
    Robert Pardue
    Repeat angler
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Guaranteed Great Time With Bug!

    4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on July 29, 2025 • 4 adults

    James is an excellent captain! He’s very personable and made the day memorable for my son (13yo) and daughter (20yo), who caught an awesome shark and a mackerel! James has excellent, well-maintained equipment, works hard to get you on fish and does a nice job communicating with clients leading up to the trip. You can’t find a better captain than “Bug” (James). If you’re thinking of a charter call him!

  • Pete Liberatore
    Pete Liberatore
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing experience!!!!

    snappers (4hr) on August 16, 2023 • 5 adults • 1 child

    Was looking to step up our family fishing experience from the big group boat experience to a personal charter this year and so happy we did. Captain James was knowledgeable, personable, a great teacher, and absolutely fantastic with the boys (ages 10, 15, 17 and 20). My family had basic experience at the beginning of the trip and by the end are all so much more confident in our fishing abilities. James was patient and kind, allowing the kids to do it all ‘themselves’ while giving helpful pointers along the way and always providing a watchful eye in case of issues. Technology on the boat was top notch, equipment was new and well maintained, and the boat was pristine. Plenty of bait - the live procured by the captain himself - and we caught a ton of fish! Massive keepers and plenty of fun catches we released. I can’t say enough about this great experience. We will definitely be back next year!!!!

  • Gary Zeidman
    Gary Zeidman
    Repeat angler
    us
    New York, US
    Member since 2021
    9 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Charter on FB.

    4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on July 3, 2025 • 2 adults

    Capt James is the perfect balance of brilliant fishing knowledge, humor, personality and just spot on A1 technique. This guy is a gem and if you are lucky enough to book with him he may be the last Captain you ever seek out. Can’t wait to do it again. Thanks James!

  • Simon Gillett
    Simon Gillett
    gb
    United Kingdom
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    What a great afternoon with James

    4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on April 23, 2025 • 4 adults • 1 child

    James was a great captain, and the boat was very well driven and equipped. James knew exactly where to go to find the fish and was great with our 2 kids, letting them both land some amazing fish. Thanks James - and hopefully be back soon to do it all again.

Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (79)

What anglers say

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

All reviews (71)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 71 reviews
Joshua Tenney
Joshua Tenney
us
Maryland, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Awesome experience all around
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on September 2, 2026 • 2 adults • 3 children

Took my family of 5 including a 12,10 and 8 year old. We caught lots of fish. He put us on one spot and never had to leave. We caught plenty of fish with the lite rigs and tied into a lot where we needed the chair. Crew was great and knowledgeable. Great experience. Highly recommend this charter

Reported catch:
Ladyfish
Nurse Shark
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, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 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!

Kamal Daraiseh
Kamal Daraiseh
us
Arizona, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing trip
Half Day Reef (6HR) on June 19, 2026 • 4 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!!!!

Andrew Partridge
Andrew Partridge
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Fantastic, friendly, hard-working crew
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on March 29, 2026 • 1 adult • 2 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
Kristina Ermers
Kristina Ermers
Repeat angler
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
2 trips
The captain canceled
July 2, 2026

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

FAQs about Bug Sportfishing

Bug Sportfishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 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
Islamorada, Florida, United States
1 Fishing Report
71 Customer reviews
Typical response within 3 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.
James Duncan III
James Duncan III
1
reports
71
reviews
2021
member since
~3h
response
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)

Real catches by this captain

  • Awesome experience all around
    Joshua T.
    Joshua T.
  • Amazing trip
    Kamal D.
    Kamal D.
  • Great crew and fiahing combination!
    Ronald V.
    Ronald V.
  • Fantastic, friendly, hard-working crew
    Andrew P.
    Andrew P.
  • Guaranteed Great Time With Bug!
    Robert P.
    Robert P.
  • Great team effort nice day fishing with family
    Jose Luis D.
    Jose Luis D.
  • Best Charter on FB.
    Gary Z.
    Gary Z.
  • What a great afternoon with James
    Simon G.
    Simon G.
  • Great trip!!
    Brett P.
    Brett P.
  • Great experience
    Stacy W.
    Stacy W.

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
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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