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!
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (267)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
96%
Jul 26, 2025
6 Hour Trip (AM)
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...
Sep 16, 2025
Special 2 hour trip for Henry Ayer
This was absolutely the fish theme trip of a lifetime. It was a quick trip, but you don’t need to take a lot of time when you catch some of the best targeted species in the fishing capital of the world. Captain Jon-Paul put me on fish within 20 minutes of hitting the water. Fish in the mangroves for a bit caught a nice grouper, then moved out to the flats targeting bonefish, but were pleasantly surprised when we got hit and landed a big Permit fish. Once again, fishing trip of a lifetime. I will be back with family members.
This was absolutely the fish theme trip of a lifetime. It was a quick trip, but you don’t need to take a lot of time when you...
Jun 6, 2025
6 Hour Trip (AM)
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....
Oct 9, 2025
Half Day Trip (AM)
John Paul is incredibly knowlegable and we had a great day of fishing with him! Within the first hour, we had brought in four different species of fish. He is easy going and dedicated to making the experience authentic and fulfilling.
John Paul is incredibly knowlegable and we had a great day of fishing with him! Within the first hour, we had brought in four...
Sep 22, 2025
6 Hour Trip (AM)
Fished a variety of structure and caught a variety of fish from Snook, Goliath Grouper, Trout and other species. Super nice guy who worked hard to make it an enjoyable day on the water for my wife and I. Highly recommended!!
Fished a variety of structure and caught a variety of fish from Snook, Goliath Grouper, Trout and other species. Super nice guy...
Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (267)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish
96%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Special 2 hour trip for Henry Ayer on September 16, 2025
This was absolutely the fish theme trip of a lifetime. It was a quick trip, but you don’t need to take a lot of time when you catch some of the best targeted species in the fishing capital of the world. Captain Jon-Paul put me on fish within 20 minutes of hitting the water. Fish in the mangroves for a bit caught a nice grouper, then moved out to the flats targeting bonefish, but were pleasantly surprised when we got hit and landed a big Permit fish. Once again, fishing trip of a lifetime. I will be back with family members.
This was absolutely the fish theme trip of a lifetime. It was a quick trip, but you don’t need to take a lot of time when you catch some of the best targeted species in the fishing capital of the world. Captain Jon-Paul put me on fish within 20 minutes of hitting the water. Fish in the mangroves for a bit caught a nice grouper, then moved out to the flats targeting bonefish, but were pleasantly surprised when we got hit and landed a big Permit fish. Once again, fishing trip of a lifetime. I...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip (AM) on October 9, 2025
John Paul is incredibly knowlegable and we had a great day of fishing with him! Within the first hour, we had brought in four different species of fish. He is easy going and dedicated to making the experience authentic and fulfilling.
John Paul is incredibly knowlegable and we had a great day of fishing with him! Within the first hour, we had brought in four different species of fish. He is easy going and dedicated to making the experience authentic and fulfilling.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
6 Hour Trip (AM) on September 22, 2025
Fished a variety of structure and caught a variety of fish from Snook, Goliath Grouper, Trout and other species. Super nice guy who worked hard to make it an enjoyable day on the water for my wife and I. Highly recommended!!
Fished a variety of structure and caught a variety of fish from Snook, Goliath Grouper, Trout and other species. Super nice guy who worked hard to make it an enjoyable day on the water for my wife and I. Highly recommended!!