Islamorada Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Islamorada fishing trip is US $661, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,112 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Islamorada are good for families?

Fishing charters in Islamorada that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Islamorada?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Islamorada are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Islamorada?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Islamorada are:

What are the top types of fishing in Islamorada?

The top 3 types of fishing in Islamorada are:

Do Islamorada fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Islamorada provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Islamorada?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Islamorada are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Islamorada?

Who are the top awarded captains in Islamorada?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Islamorada?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Islamorada are:

2-hour fishing trips – US $403
3-hour fishing trips – US $554
4-hour fishing trips – US $681
5-hour fishing trips – US $950
6-hour fishing trips – US $904
7-hour fishing trips – US $1,100
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,064

Fishing in Islamorada

Islamorada fishing charters have a lot to be proud of. Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” the town has access to the greatest hits of Florida’s fishing grounds. Gin-clear flats, untouched backcountry, open ocean – whatever you’re after, you’ll find it here in spades, with a skilled captain to guide you.

Anglers of any skill level will enjoy Islamorada inshore charters. Sight cast for Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit on the flats or cast baits and flies for Snook and Redfish in the backcountry. All these fish are available year-round, although they’re best in spring and summer.

Feeling hungry? Hit the reefs to bottom fish for delicious Snappers, Groupers, Hogfish, and more. Even beginners can fill the cooler here, while experienced anglers test their muscles against Amberjack and Barracuda. And with such a mix of species, there’s no bad time to go!

Snook and Snapper are fun, but the real challenge waits offshore. Spend the whole day trolling over deep sea ledges and underwater humps for Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Tuna, and Billfish. Again, there’s always something biting, whether it’s Sailfish and Wahoo in winter or Marlin and Swordfish in summer.

There are several tournaments held in the town each year. Events like the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament and Cheeca Lodge Tarpon Tournament offer serious competition, with a dozen family-friendly events held in between. There’s something for everyone, both on the water and off it. That’s what makes Islamorada the sportfishing capital of the world.

Rules & Regulations

Fishing licenses are included on all saltwater charters in Florida. Species like Grouper, Hogfish, and Permit can only be caught at certain times of the year, so talk to your captain for the most up to date info on closed seasons and limits.

Islamorada

4.9 / 5

Based on 28545 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Islamorada Fishing Seasons

January

With temperatures averaging about 70 degrees, Winter hardly puts you off getting out on the water in Islamorada. Chase Redfish and Trout in the backcountry or head offshore for Sailfish and Wahoo.

February

February is usually dryer but cooler than January in Islamorada. Towards the end of the month, Tarpon start showing up in the channels. If the weather is too cold for them, head offshore for Sailfish. Both are rewarding.

March

Spring Break sees temperatures on the rise and occasional March winds in Islamorada. Sight fish the flats for big Bonefish, watch the Tarpon bite pick up, and catch big Permit on the reefs.

April

As the Sailfish and Kingfish bites drop, Wahoo and Blue Marlin fishing picks up. Bonefish is biting well on the flats and Tarpon is getting really hot. Test your skills in the Islamorada Spring Classic Tournament.

May

Late spring is a great time for fishing in Islamorada. Expect to see Mahi Mahi and Wahoo offshore, with possibilities for Blue and White Marlin. Big Tarpon are biting aggressively on the flats, along with Bonefish and Permit.

June

Warm days make a shady boat a plus. Make the most of the great reef fishing at this time of year: Snappers and Groupers are spawning, and so are big Permits. Catch Lemon Sharks in shallow waters inshore.

July

July offers excellent inshore fishing in Islamorada, with Tarpon, Bonefish, Redfish, and Snook biting well. Permit are still spawning around the reefs, while Marlin and Swordfish hunt offshore.

August

Permit are back on the flats, joining all your other shallow-water favorites. You can also catch treats like Hogfish and Yellowtail Snapper around the reefs, or try for big Mahi Mahi offshore.

September

The fall is the best time of year to fish the flats in Islamorada, and you'll see this in September. With fewer crowds, lots of Bonefish and Permit on the flats, and Snook in the mangroves, you're in for a treat.

October

Flats fishing gets better and better in October, while Wahoo and Blackfin Tuna, bite well offshore. As the waters cool, reef fishing also picks up, with lots of delicious Grouper and Snapper.

November

Cobia start to appear, sometimes in big schools. The mullet migration brings Sailfish close to the shore, along with the last of the Blackfin Tuna. This is also a great time for Trout and Redfish in the shallows.

December

The Florida Keys high season approaches, with plenty of folks coming down south to escape the cold. Get away from the crowds on land and head offshore for Wahoo. Sailfish, and King Mackerel.

Islamorada Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Islamorada

This 18lb Mutton Snapper was caught on 10lb test.

What anglers said about fishing in Islamorada

As long as you listen to your guide you’re going to have a great time and catch a lot of fish

5.0 / 5

As long as you listen to your guide you’re going to have a great time and catch a lot of fish

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

If you're a first time fisher or even experienced, definitely consider going out. Definitely not bobber in the water fishing. Alot of casting and reeling. Would recommend 3/4 so you have plenty of time to be out there.

5.0 / 5

Reel Attack Charters

Book this trip if you want to experience the thrill of the big tug! The caption was great with my 2 sons and kept them wore out tugging big fish in all day! Highly recommended!

5.0 / 5

Book this trip if you want to experience the thrill of the big tug! The caption was great with my 2 sons and kept them wore out tugging big fish in all day! Highly recommended!

Fishin Mission Offshore Charters

Take some seasick pills. lol. Catptain Troy and mate, James are wonderful people and fun to fish with. Enjoy!

5.0 / 5

Take some seasick pills. lol. Catptain Troy and mate, James are wonderful people and fun to fish with. Enjoy!

Miller Time Sportfishing

Check reviews. Let the captain know your expectations and your skill level.

5.0 / 5

Check reviews. Let the captain know your expectations and your skill level.

Singing Reel Charters

The 2 hour trip was great if you are short on time and want to get in the highlights. It goes by fast when you are having fun, so we did wish we booked the 4 hour once we were out there.

5.0 / 5

The 2 hour trip was great if you are short on time and want to get in the highlights. It goes by fast when you are having fun, so we did wish we booked the 4 hour once we were out there.

Prime Time Charters Pathfinder

Absolutely! Captain is a first rate gentleman and great with kids. We had 2 younger teenagers who’s fishing experience was limited and after 6 hours with him were comfortable with their tackle and were catching fish Great trip for kids with the ability to cast

5.0 / 5

Billy B Charter Services

Try for different varieties of fish, having a knowledge guide as we did improves your success.

5.0 / 5

Try for different varieties of fish, having a knowledge guide as we did improves your success.

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Seasoned anglers or first timers, this is a great opportunity to build lasting memories with family or friends on a boat with a crew that is top notch. Friendly, helpful, kind, I just can’t say enough nice things about these guys. I highly recommend anyone trying this, it was an absolute blast, my kids have been talking about since we got off the boat!

5.0 / 5

Drop Back Charters

Trust the captain on what kind of fish to target. If you try to pick one species you might spend a whole day and not catch much. Be flexible

5.0 / 5

Trust the captain on what kind of fish to target. If you try to pick one species you might spend a whole day and not catch much. Be flexible

Snap Em Up Fishing

Our trip was much closer to the harbor than we thought. We had expected to go out a ways, but stayed within a few minutes of the harbor. Not that it’s bad to fish there, and we were successful, just not what we had pictured. Still great!

5.0 / 5

Singing Reel Charters

Weather was beautiful & water gorgeous. We enjoyed the smooth boat ride out to our spot in the Everglades National Park. Fished in several spots & got fish at them all.

5.0 / 5

Weather was beautiful & water gorgeous. We enjoyed the smooth boat ride out to our spot in the Everglades National Park. Fished in several spots & got fish at them all.

Pirate For Hire Charters

Book a charter with Trent. Take your catch to a local restaurant after. Awesome time

5.0 / 5

Book a charter with Trent. Take your catch to a local restaurant after. Awesome time

Capt. Trentin Leary

Be sure to know what species are biting at particular times of the year if you have a specific target fish

5.0 / 5

Be sure to know what species are biting at particular times of the year if you have a specific target fish

Miller Time Sportfishing

Yes, lots of fish so long as the captain knows where to go and is mindful of what the customers need/want.

5.0 / 5

Yes, lots of fish so long as the captain knows where to go and is mindful of what the customers need/want.

Eric Scoble Blackwater Charters

Winds can turn certain bites on or off day to day. However, it’s not the sport fishing capital of the world for no reason. I doubt you’ll find a bad boat and crew in any marina fleet.

5.0 / 5

Winds can turn certain bites on or off day to day. However, it’s not the sport fishing capital of the world for no reason. I doubt you’ll find a bad boat and crew in any marina fleet.

Drop Back Charters

The inshore or flats is an awesome experience, smooth water and beautiful.

5.0 / 5

The inshore or flats is an awesome experience, smooth water and beautiful.

Hold Tight Charters

We missed the Wahoo by a couple of days, they will be short in trail of the kingfish we hooked up with today

5.0 / 5

We missed the Wahoo by a couple of days, they will be short in trail of the kingfish we hooked up with today

Drop Back Charters

Don’t call captains the day of a charter and expect them to have availability! Do your research on who is good to ensure a good time for your family. You may want to ideally catch a certain type of fish but listen to the Captain as they know best to get you fish.

5.0 / 5

Reel Attack Charters

Aside from the cold front coming through the day before and making for some choppy water, the fishing was great!!! Next to zero down time between fish.

5.0 / 5

Aside from the cold front coming through the day before and making for some choppy water, the fishing was great!!! Next to zero down time between fish.

Chelsea Charters – 48' Willis Craft

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Islamorada?

Islamorada Backcountry & Offshore
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(115 reviews)

Jeff is the man! He knew where to go and we caught fish from the first hook in the water. Entertaining, knowledgeable, professional and his boat was in great shape. He clearly takes pride in his work and did a great job.

Mark R.

Captain Sam Baker
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(21 reviews)

Super friendly,and really knows the area and how to fish it. He is the only person I would use on future trips,I would schedule my visits around his availability!

John C.

Singing Reel Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(331 reviews)

Unfortunately, our fishing excursion didn’t quite go to plan with 4 of us getting sea sick, so we had to cut it short, but Captain Tony and his first mate Travis were awesome. They really tried to help us manage the situation and we were still able to catch 5 delicious snapper fish before we called it a day and headed home. Next time we’ll be more prepared with Dramamine & maybe not go out on a windy day!!! Lesson learned! Thanks again to Tony & Travis!

Sally F.

Two Trolls Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(20 reviews)

Great guys - knowledgeable and make the trip fun! Worked hard so we could catch fish on a day with tough winds and tides

W C. M.

Reel Attack Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(175 reviews)

Had a great time, caught lunch. Captain Jon recommended a great restaurant to take it too, and it did not disappoint. It was a little windy, but captain Jon was amazing and put us on fish right way.

Burke L.

Islamorada Backcountry & Offshore
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(115 reviews)

Captain Jeff has a First Class operation. He’s very knowledgeable and did a great job for us. With the ever changing weather conditions and wind for the day he knew where to go and put us on the fish. Great Boat, very clean and comfortable for fishing.

Rudy H.

Eric Scoble Blackwater Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(223 reviews)

Captain Dylan showed us a great time on the water. Highly recommend the 3/4 day back country outing!

Tim B.

Katz Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(347 reviews)

My husband and I came down here for a long weekend and it was our first time fishing the keys Jason put us on the fish and is a great teacher. He was patient and ways a wealth of knowledge. He’s easy to talk to and a lot of fun which made For a fun experience. We caught our limit, thanks, Jason!

Maureen S.

Hooligan Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(176 reviews)

Captain Sal did a great job of putting us on the fish. He was very personable and when the bite slowed he kept working to get us on the fish.

Dane F.

Prime Time Charters Pathfinder
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(55 reviews)

Outstanding Captain. Shawn knows the waters (backwater and off shore), works hard, and finds fish. Highly recommend.

Chuck R.

Hold Tight Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(216 reviews)

Captain Alex knows his craft and is patient enough to teach us how to pull large snook and grouper out of the mangroves on light tackle. Wonderful day on the water.

Steve M.

Easy Does It Islamorada
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(25 reviews)

The captain called us Wednesday afternoon to see if we wanted to do a later trip since the weather was going to be really windy. Due to plans we wasn't able to change times but the captain made the vest out of the situation. I unfortunately got seasick but the rest in my party caught fish like crazy. The Captain kept checking on me though and was very pleasant. I would 100% recommend this charter. I know we will definitely be doing it again!

Danyelle K.

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(121 reviews)

Captain Jon-Paul was great. Listened to what we wanted to do and put us in a great spot. We caught a ton of fish and had a great time. We also like birds so he took us through an area to see some really cool birds. Highly recommend!!

Nathan S.

True Island Adventures
Fishing charter in Islamorada

4.7 / 5

(22 reviews)

Took my sister and brother-in-law out for their first ocean fishing experience. Captain Brett was patient in teaching them how to fish, especially given the wind we were challenged with. I was hoping for a Tarpon to give them the ultimate lesson, and while Brett took us to a place we saw them, no luck on getting one to bite. We did catch a few nice size shark and barracuda, and plenty of action on some smaller fish to end the day. I would definitely recommend him.

Bob B.

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(121 reviews)

Patient. Calm. Attentive. Knowledgeable. Articulate. Informative. Engaged. Professional. Thank you JP...the best!

Skip W.

Pirate For Hire Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(149 reviews)

We had an enjoyable day out on the water. We caught several fish and had many hits and caught some keepers. Unfortunately the wind really picked up from the time we left the dock and that kind of hindered us a bit but not much you can do about that, just part of the great outdoors. Altogether we had a pleasant trip.

Rob B.

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(121 reviews)

Captain John Paul put us on the fish and did all the work for us! He had us ready and in the water effortlessly- ! Captain John Paul made my son feel safe and energized with positive guidance and feed back. Seeing him pull in a 45 pound shark was truly a first for him & my self . 5 Star family friendly ! This Captain was fun and a true professional.

Valerie D.

Reel Attack Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(175 reviews)

Absolutely loved this trip. Capt. Jon is awesome. He was very kind, funny and patient. We went to multiple different spots and he made sure we were catching fish. My wife was hesitant about going but ending up love it. Water was calm and Jon kept us in the fish. Im excited to come back and fish for tarpon! Thank you for the incredible experience can't wait to come back!

Brett B.

Snap Em Up Fishing
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(260 reviews)

Captain Will is nice and knowledgeable. His boat is very clean and comfortable. It’s started slow but Capt. Will found the fish and we ended up plenty of fish for everyone. I will definitely book him again.

Kevin I.

Captain Sam Baker
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(21 reviews)

Sam was a fantastic captain and covered a huge area to find tarpon and some bonefish. Most of the day the tarpon proved elusive, but preservation paid off with a take and run at the back end of the day, but it’s the story of the big one that got away. Nonetheless an awesome experience with captain who was extremely knowledgeable and provided expert guidance for someone sea fly fishing for the first time.