Bug Sportfishing
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!
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (56)
+53Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
88%
Caught fish
94%
Jul 29, 2025
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip
Guaranteed Great Time With Bug!
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!
James is an excellent captain! He’s very personable and made the day memorable for my son (13yo) and daughter (20yo), who caught...
Mar 20, 2025
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip
Great Time and Lots of Action
From the moment Capt. James reached out before our trip to check in and see if we had any requests, to our final goodbye at the dock, he was kind, engaging, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a great time. He even picked us up and dropped us off at our dock at no extra charge! James gave great recommendations on what to fish for based on what was biting that day. Even though we booked a shark trip, we started with barracuda on a tide break before switching to sharks—which was perfect since I think we would’ve gotten bored with just one type of fishing. It’s clear Capt. James loves what he does, and his excitement was contagious—I’m not sure what was more fun, catching fish or hearing him cheer us on! A captain’s attitude can make or break a trip, no matter how many fish you catch, and James is top-notch. Plus, the boat was spotless and super comfortable. I can’t wait to get back to Islamorada just to fish with Capt. James again!
From the moment Capt. James reached out before our trip to check in and see if we had any requests, to our final goodbye at the...
Jun 21, 2025
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip
Great captain, excellent day!
Captain James was very personable and knowledgeable. He really knows his stuff and took the extra time to give our son and his friend lots of tips and tricks to help him in his other fishing efforts. He also directed us to a restaurant to prepare our day’s catch and they were fantastic!
Captain James was very personable and knowledgeable. He really knows his stuff and took the extra time to give our son and his...
Jul 3, 2025
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip
Best Charter on FB.
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!
Capt James is the perfect balance of brilliant fishing knowledge, humor, personality and just spot on A1 technique. This guy...
Apr 23, 2025
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip
What a great afternoon with James
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.
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...
Trip availability and prices
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Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (56)
+53Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
96%
Friendly captain
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
88%
Caught fish
94%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Guaranteed Great Time With Bug!
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on July 29, 2025
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!
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Time and Lots of Action
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on March 20, 2025
From the moment Capt. James reached out before our trip to check in and see if we had any requests, to our final goodbye at the dock, he was kind, engaging, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a great time. He even picked us up and dropped us off at our dock at no extra charge! James gave great recommendations on what to fish for based on what was biting that day. Even though we booked a shark trip, we started with barracuda on a tide break before switching to sharks—which was perfect since I think we would’ve gotten bored with just one type of fishing. It’s clear Capt. James loves what he does, and his excitement was contagious—I’m not sure what was more fun, catching fish or hearing him cheer us on! A captain’s attitude can make or break a trip, no matter how many fish you catch, and James is top-notch. Plus, the boat was spotless and super comfortable. I can’t wait to get back to Islamorada just to fish with Capt. James again!
From the moment Capt. James reached out before our trip to check in and see if we had any requests, to our final goodbye at the dock, he was kind, engaging, and genuinely invested in making sure we had a great time. He even picked us up and dropped us off at our dock at no extra charge! James gave great recommendations on what to fish for based on what was biting that day. Even though we booked a shark trip, we started with barracuda on a tide break before switching to sharks—which was perfect...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great captain, excellent day!
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on June 21, 2025
Captain James was very personable and knowledgeable. He really knows his stuff and took the extra time to give our son and his friend lots of tips and tricks to help him in his other fishing efforts. He also directed us to a restaurant to prepare our day’s catch and they were fantastic!
Captain James was very personable and knowledgeable. He really knows his stuff and took the extra time to give our son and his friend lots of tips and tricks to help him in his other fishing efforts. He also directed us to a restaurant to prepare our day’s catch and they were fantastic!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Best Charter on FB.
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on July 3, 2025
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!
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
What a great afternoon with James
4 Hour inshore Shark Trip on April 23, 2025
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.
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.
FAQs about Bug Sportfishing
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