Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters 

4.9/5 (189 reviews)
 
State licensed
 85920 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States
 
State licensed
4.9/5 (189 reviews)
 angler's choice
map-thumbnail
85920 Overseas Hwy
Islamorada, FL, United States

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters invites you for some backcountry fishing in the sportfishing capital of the world! Join Captain Jon-Paul Haydocy in Islamorada, Florida and come aboard his fishing machine made specifically for the area. You will explore the flats, creeks, bridges, and mangrove islands together with the captain, who is also a former Park Ranger and current biologist. This is not just a fishing charter, as you will also learn about the ecosystem and fishery while having a shot at a catch of a lifetime.

You will fish from a new 2022 19’ Xplor boat that can accommodate 2 guests. It is powered by a 115 HP mercury engine, uses all the modern GPS, fishfinder, and radio technology to move you safely and quickly on the water, and is equipped with a livewell. Also, you will have an ice-box so you can store your fish and drinks.

Some of the species you will have the chance to target include Snapper, Great Barracuda, Bull Shark, Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Sea trout, Snook and Redfishl. You will do catching by spinning and fly fishing on light tackle. The fish you reel is yours to keep and all the kids are welcome to join aboard.

Captain Jon-Paul will supply both the regular and fly fishing gear, including live bait and lures. Also, he will clean and fillet your catch and provide fishing licenses. Yours is only to bring your favorite food and drinks.

Come to Islamorada and experience a true fishing adventure with Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters!

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Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 189 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (247)

Great trip with a great captain
Great trip with a great captain
A nice haul for dinner...and lunch
+244

Angler rating

182
5
0
1
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

98%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

95%

Showing 1 - 5 of 189 reviews
Showing: 5 of 189 reviews
David B.
David B.
5.0/5

Jul 26, 2025

6 Hour Trip (AM)

Great trip with a great captain

VERIFIED
NEW

I touched base with Jon-Paul prior to the trip to see if my son and I might be able to target a few different types of fish and he worked his tail off trying to deliver. We really wanted to get some mangrove snapper and trout to take to a restaurant and we had no problem getting that done. Snook were a challenge for us but it wasn’t due to lack of effort. We saw plenty of fish but no takers. He was also able to put us on some juvenile Goliath grouper which was a blast. My son really wanted to hook a shark and we were in the right spot with a large shark near the boat but it just wouldn’t commit. So much fun out there with a super cool and knowledgeable captain. Thanks Jon-Paul.

I touched base with Jon-Paul prior to the trip to see if my son and I might be able to target a few different types of fish and...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 David B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
 David B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

John A.
John A.
5.0/5

Jul 24, 2025

2 Hour Trip – Eco Tour Fun Fishing

My son had a blast

VERIFIED
NEW

This trip read for my son to have fun and he did. Great views, wildlife, and many fish! Capn J-Ps focus was on getting my boy fish-on. He did. Worth it. Would do again and for half day. Only issue is Capn collge FB team. Other than than he's a perfect human!

This trip read for my son to have fun and he did. Great views, wildlife, and many fish! Capn J-Ps focus was on getting my boy...  

 John A. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
 John A. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Matthew T.
Matthew T.
5.0/5

Jun 6, 2025

6 Hour Trip (AM)

Great time, beautiful place and Jon-Paul put us on the fish

VERIFIED

Our trip was on time. He had everything we needed. My wife has not fished much and she was highly successful with Jon-Paul’s help. We knocked several species off of our bucket list. From polling the flats, sneaking through the mangroves or hitting bridge’s bridges when the tide swing was perfect, he had the trip lined out beautifully! I would highly recommend! A true gentleman and interesting young man to spend the day with.

Our trip was on time. He had everything we needed. My wife has not fished much and she was highly successful with Jon-Paul’s help....  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
 Matthew T. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
 Matthew T. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Aaron B.
Aaron B.
5.0/5

Apr 24, 2025

6 Hour Trip (AM)

Excellent Captain and action

VERIFIED

My wife and I had a great time fishing with Jon-Paul. He put us on some fish. First fish was a 100+ tarpon. Made a beautiful run and jump. But we lost. Way it goes. Then we caught handful of sharks. Very fun fighting. The last fish was a Jack Caravelle and it was a dandy. Super strong fighting fish. Circled us around the boat a few times. Great day on the water. Thanks Jon-Paul

My wife and I had a great time fishing with Jon-Paul. He put us on some fish. First fish was a 100+ tarpon. Made a beautiful run...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Aaron B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
 Aaron B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Rob B.
Rob B.
5.0/5

Dec 8, 2024

6 Hour Trip (AM)

Great trip checked 4 species off my list.

VERIFIED

Fishing conditions were not ideal but Jon Paul was still able to put us on the fish!! Good quality Snook, grouper, reds, jacks, snapper and sharks! Left the dock early, came back late, 100% effort, and all of our targeted species in the boat. What else can you ask for? Even Got a spotless redfish, only spotless red fish in my life! Boat was smooth and dry in chop high quality st croix rods and gear in good condition. It was a pleasure to fish with Jon Paul, good conversations and knowledgeable on the area and ecosystem.

Fishing conditions were not ideal but Jon Paul was still able to put us on the fish!! Good quality Snook, grouper, reds, jacks,...  

 Rob B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
2 persons find this review helpful
 Rob B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
2 persons find this review helpful

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2025
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
2 Hour Trip – Fun Fishing Eco Tour
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
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US $350 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
2 Hour Trip – Eco Tour Fun Fishing
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 Hour Trip, starts at 3:00 PM
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US $350 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
2 Hour – Eco Tour Fish Fun (5:30PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Aug 1
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US $350 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
2 Hour Trip – Sunset Cruise
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
2 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 PM
Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Aug 1
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US $350 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
Half Day Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $600 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
Halfday afternoon
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
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US $600 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
Half Day Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 2:30 PM
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US $600 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
6 Hour Trip (AM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $800 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
6 Hour Trip (PM)
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 12:30 PM
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US $800 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
Full Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
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US $900 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
12 Hour Trip – All Day
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
12 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $1,400 
Entire boat: up to 2 people
There are 6 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 189 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
4.9/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (247)

Great trip with a great captain
Great trip with a great captain
A nice haul for dinner...and lunch
+244

Angler rating

182
5
0
1
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

98%

Appropriate for children

95%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

98%

Caught fish

95%

Showing 1 - 5 of 189 reviews
Showing: 5 of 189 reviews
David B.
David B.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great trip with a great captain

VERIFIED
NEW

6 Hour Trip (AM) on July 26, 2025

I touched base with Jon-Paul prior to the trip to see if my son and I might be able to target a few different types of fish and he worked his tail off trying to deliver. We really wanted to get some mangrove snapper and trout to take to a restaurant and we had no problem getting that done. Snook were a challenge for us but it wasn’t due to lack of effort. We saw plenty of fish but no takers. He was also able to put us on some juvenile Goliath grouper which was a blast. My son really wanted to hook a shark and we were in the right spot with a large shark near the boat but it just wouldn’t commit. So much fun out there with a super cool and knowledgeable captain. Thanks Jon-Paul.

I touched base with Jon-Paul prior to the trip to see if my son and I might be able to target a few different types of fish and he worked his tail off trying to deliver. We really wanted to get some mangrove snapper and trout to take to a restaurant and we had no problem getting that done. Snook were a challenge for us but it wasn’t due to lack of effort. We saw plenty of fish but no takers. He was also able to put us on some juvenile Goliath grouper which was a blast. My son really wanted to...  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 David B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

John A.
John A.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

My son had a blast

VERIFIED
NEW

2 Hour Trip – Eco Tour Fun Fishing on July 24, 2025

This trip read for my son to have fun and he did. Great views, wildlife, and many fish! Capn J-Ps focus was on getting my boy fish-on. He did. Worth it. Would do again and for half day. Only issue is Capn collge FB team. Other than than he's a perfect human!

This trip read for my son to have fun and he did. Great views, wildlife, and many fish! Capn J-Ps focus was on getting my boy fish-on. He did. Worth it. Would do again and for half day. Only issue is Capn collge FB team. Other than than he's a perfect human!  

 John A. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Matthew T.
Matthew T.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great time, beautiful place and Jon-Paul put us on the fish

VERIFIED

6 Hour Trip (AM) on June 6, 2025

Our trip was on time. He had everything we needed. My wife has not fished much and she was highly successful with Jon-Paul’s help. We knocked several species off of our bucket list. From polling the flats, sneaking through the mangroves or hitting bridge’s bridges when the tide swing was perfect, he had the trip lined out beautifully! I would highly recommend! A true gentleman and interesting young man to spend the day with.

Our trip was on time. He had everything we needed. My wife has not fished much and she was highly successful with Jon-Paul’s help. We knocked several species off of our bucket list. From polling the flats, sneaking through the mangroves or hitting bridge’s bridges when the tide swing was perfect, he had the trip lined out beautifully! I would highly recommend! A true gentleman and interesting young man to spend the day with.  

Review media 0
Review media 1
Review media 2
Review media 3
 Matthew T. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Aaron B.
Aaron B.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Excellent Captain and action

VERIFIED

6 Hour Trip (AM) on April 24, 2025

My wife and I had a great time fishing with Jon-Paul. He put us on some fish. First fish was a 100+ tarpon. Made a beautiful run and jump. But we lost. Way it goes. Then we caught handful of sharks. Very fun fighting. The last fish was a Jack Caravelle and it was a dandy. Super strong fighting fish. Circled us around the boat a few times. Great day on the water. Thanks Jon-Paul

My wife and I had a great time fishing with Jon-Paul. He put us on some fish. First fish was a 100+ tarpon. Made a beautiful run and jump. But we lost. Way it goes. Then we caught handful of sharks. Very fun fighting. The last fish was a Jack Caravelle and it was a dandy. Super strong fighting fish. Circled us around the boat a few times. Great day on the water. Thanks Jon-Paul  

Review media 0
Review media 1
 Aaron B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Rob B.
Rob B.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great trip checked 4 species off my list.

VERIFIED

6 Hour Trip (AM) on December 8, 2024

Fishing conditions were not ideal but Jon Paul was still able to put us on the fish!! Good quality Snook, grouper, reds, jacks, snapper and sharks! Left the dock early, came back late, 100% effort, and all of our targeted species in the boat. What else can you ask for? Even Got a spotless redfish, only spotless red fish in my life! Boat was smooth and dry in chop high quality st croix rods and gear in good condition. It was a pleasure to fish with Jon Paul, good conversations and knowledgeable on the area and ecosystem.

Fishing conditions were not ideal but Jon Paul was still able to put us on the fish!! Good quality Snook, grouper, reds, jacks, snapper and sharks! Left the dock early, came back late, 100% effort, and all of our targeted species in the boat. What else can you ask for? Even Got a spotless redfish, only spotless red fish in my life! Boat was smooth and dry in chop high quality st croix rods and gear in good condition. It was a pleasure to fish with Jon Paul, good conversations and knowledgeable...  

 Rob B. recommends Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
2 persons find this review helpful

FAQs about Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
2 persons
Boat length
19 ft
Year built
2022
Boat manufacturer
Xplor
Boat type
Skiff

Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 115HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots
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