Ivory Keys Charters offers exclusive fishing adventures with two amazingly successful captains on the waters of Islamorada, Florida. Captains Gary Skrobeck and Skip Paxton offer a wide variety of saltwater fishing from the nearshore flats to the ocean side reefs to the far reaches of the Everglades National Park.
Fishing is done aboard their 19’ Angler center console originally built in 1972 and restored in 2016. Powered by a 90 HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 30 knots, the vessel transports up to three anglers and the captain to the fishing destination with ease. It features a T-top for shade but you are advised to still bring along a long-sleeved t-shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
On board the boat, you will find life jackets for safety, a GPS and a fishfinder to locate the best fishing spots, a livewell to store the live bait, and fly fishing equipment.
Islamorada fishing is excellent as it offers very shallow water fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout, Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon. If you would like to venture further out to the reefs, you can target a variety of Grouper and Snapper that populate these underwater structures.
Ivory Keys Charters will include all the fishing gear needed to make a trip productive. They carry conventional rods and reels as well as fly fishing equipment, ice, a variety of tackle, and bait. Your fishing license is included, too, and if you wish to take some fish home, your captain can clean and fillet the catch so you get to enjoy it for dinner!
Summer months can get very buggy so this is something that should also be taken into consideration. Be smart, dress appropriate, plan to be out in the sun and in the outdoors for the day. Hats, sunglasses with polarized lenses, light long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable shoes are preferred.
Captain
Gary Skrobeck & Skip Paxton
Highlights
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (263)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
87%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Recommend this charter
97%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip on June 30, 2025
If you’re looking for the real deal in Islamorada, your search ends here. Captain Gary and his son deliver exactly what you’d hope for—and more. As the owner of a booking platform myself, I’ve seen it all, and this father-and-son duo is exactly the kind of team I’d be proud to have representing our brand. Gary is the definition of a true guide. He’s not just a guy with a boat and a rod—he’s friendly, real, deeply knowledgeable, and fully committed to giving you the best experience possible. From the moment we stepped aboard, it was clear we were in expert hands. Islamorada is known as the Sportfishing Capital of the World, and Gary lives up to that legacy. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the water, he brings the right energy, insight, and work ethic to make your trip unforgettable. If you’re dreaming of landing a Florida Keys Grand Slam, this is your guy. Don’t settle for just a boat ride—fish with someone who truly cares. Book your trip. You’ll leave with a full cooler, a bigger smile, and zero regrets.
If you’re looking for the real deal in Islamorada, your search ends here. Captain Gary and his son deliver exactly what you’d hope for—and more. As the owner of a booking platform myself, I’ve seen it all, and this father-and-son duo is exactly the kind of team I’d be proud to have representing our brand. Gary is the definition of a true guide. He’s not just a guy with a boat and a rod—he’s friendly, real, deeply knowledgeable, and fully committed to giving you the best experience possible....
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip on June 25, 2025
Capt. SKIP brings incredible experience to your backcountry fishing charter, he was very patient with my son and two newbies and helped teach and coach them and caught some nice fish on a windy day. He also had a good sense of humor and wit that added to the trip. I’ve been fishing and coming to the keys for 35 years and lived here for 20, Capt. Skip is a real pro. Thank you!
Capt. SKIP brings incredible experience to your backcountry fishing charter, he was very patient with my son and two newbies and helped teach and coach them and caught some nice fish on a windy day. He also had a good sense of humor and wit that added to the trip. I’ve been fishing and coming to the keys for 35 years and lived here for 20, Capt. Skip is a real pro. Thank you!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Half Day Trip on June 28, 2025
My son and I had a great time. We had to work at it, but the Capt put us in places to catch snook, tarpon and redfish.
My son and I had a great time. We had to work at it, but the Capt put us in places to catch snook, tarpon and redfish.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on April 19, 2025
Fished with Captain Skip on Saturday, April 19th. Windy as heck so we couldn't get everywhere we wanted to. Found a few spots and hit a nice speckled trout hole and limited out while also catching alot of fish. Recommend fishing with these guys
Fished with Captain Skip on Saturday, April 19th. Windy as heck so we couldn't get everywhere we wanted to. Found a few spots and hit a nice speckled trout hole and limited out while also catching alot of fish. Recommend fishing with these guys
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
3/4 Day Trip on June 7, 2025
We fished hard. Captain put us in some great spots. Ended the day slaying trout. Gary is very knowledgeable and a master of his craft. We will be back for another day on the water.
We fished hard. Captain put us in some great spots. Ended the day slaying trout. Gary is very knowledgeable and a master of his craft. We will be back for another day on the water.
Ivory Keys Charters offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Ivory Keys Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Ivory Keys Charters include:
Ivory Keys Charters offers the following types of fishing:
Ivory Keys Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Ivory Keys Charters include:
Islamorada, Florida, United States
Captain Skip has over 40 years of fishing experience, numerous tournament wins, and previously held world records. He is a well-known backcountry guide who loves shallow water fishing. Captain Gary is a native of Islamorada. He has fished these water his whole life and is extremely dedicated to providing a memorable Everglades experience.
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Fly Fishing
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment
Deposit non-refundable
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Catch and Release Mandatory
Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% 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
Checks