Best Fly Fishing Charters in Islamorada

Florida Backcountry Fishing

Florida Backcountry Fishing

66 reviews
 Islamorada  •  20 ft  • 6 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Fly fishing charters in Islamorada

You will be spending the day aboard a 20’ Carolina Skiff DLV, capable of hitting 30 knots and carrying 6 guests (up to 4 adults) out in search of big fish and great times! She has a livewell to keep your bait fresh, a full range of marine electronics to track down the best fish, and quality tackle to bring them in.

Ivory Keys Charters

Ivory Keys Charters

38 reviews
 Islamorada  •  19 ft  • 3 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Fly fishing charters in Islamorada

On board the boat, you will find life jackets for safety, a GPS and 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.

Eric Scoble Blackwater Charters

Eric Scoble Blackwater Charters

78 reviews
 Islamorada  •  18 ft  • 2 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Fly fishing charters in Islamorada

Captain Eric Scoble commandeers an 18’ Hewes that can accommodate up to two anglers, and which he custom built for shallow water fishing. She is powered by a 115 HP Suzuki engine.

Singing Reel Charters

Singing Reel Charters

59 reviews
 Islamorada  •  42 ft  • 6 persons
Popular with anglers looking for Fly fishing charters in Islamorada

Singing Reel Charters runs year-round fishing trips out of Whale Harbor Marina, in the sportfishing capital of the world — Islamorada. Whether you’re looking for juicy table fare around the reefs and rocky bottoms or want to go further offshore, this charter service will help you get a catch to remember.

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Top Fly Fishing Charters in Islamorada

Captain Rich Hastings

Captain Rich Hastings

2 reviews
Islamorada  • 18 ft  • 2 persons
2 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $450
Zoned In Charters

Zoned In Charters

49 reviews
Islamorada  • 18 ft  • 2 persons
5 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $500
Fintastic Fishing Charters – 18'

Fintastic Fishing Charters – 18'

7 reviews
Islamorada  • 19 ft  • 3 persons
trips from $600
Fintastic Fishing Charters – 22'

Fintastic Fishing Charters – 22'

Islamorada  • 22 ft  • 5 persons
4 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $600
Seaya Fishing

Seaya Fishing

1 review
Islamorada  • 18 ft  • 3 persons
trips from $500
Capt. Larry Sydnor

Capt. Larry Sydnor

12 reviews
Islamorada  • 18 ft  • 3 persons
1 person is looking at this charter.
trips from $500
BallieWho Sport Fishing Charters

BallieWho Sport Fishing Charters

19 reviews
Islamorada  • 46 ft  • 6 persons
2 people are looking at this charter.
trips from $1,250
Fun Florida Keys Fishing

Fun Florida Keys Fishing

10 reviews
Islamorada  • 22 ft  • 4 persons
trips from $600
View all Fly Fishing Charters in Islamorada

Fly Fishing in Islamorada

Blessed with the plentiful waters of the Florida Bay, the Atlantic, and the Gulf at its doorstep, Islamorada is a place where the wildest angling dreams come true. Anglers from all over the globe flock there every year, and Islamorada fly fishing is one of the major reasons. The area is known as one of the birthplaces of saltwater and backcountry fly fishing, and this sport is a huge part of the local fishermen's heritage. If you want to master your cast and learn new techniques, this is exactly what you'll get if you put your trust in an experienced Islamorada fly fishing guide.
 

What to Catch

 
Fly fishing in Islamorada is all about catching huge fish in skinny waters – this was the place of the Bonefish fly fishing world record for many years. Bonefish, also known as the “Gray Ghost,” average 6–12 pounds, although Bones bigger than 14 pounds are not a rare thing. Large, strong, quick, and clever, Bonefish are just one of the superstars of the Florida Grand Slam, along with Tarpon and Permit. 
 
Juvenile Tarpon are usually 6–15 pounds, while adult specimens can grow to be over 200 pounds. Islamorada "Silver Kings" are famed for their airborne acrobatics, power, and stamina – there's nothing more challenging and rewarding than battling them. Ranging from 12–40 pounds, Permit are known as “The most difficult flats fish to catch on a fly,” thanks to their smarts, speed, pickiness, and strength. 
 
In addition to flats fishing for the Grand Slam, Islamorada offers excellent backcountry fly fishing opportunities. Redfish and Snook are among the most sought-after backcountry species, though Jacks, Ladyfish, and Seatrout are also interesting to catch. 
 
 

Where to Go

 
With miles of flats and the Everglades in its backyard, Islamorada will spoil you for choice when it comes to fly fishing hot spots. Tarpon are abundant on the flats, but you can also fish for juvenile Tarpon in the backcountry creeks. 
 
Permit can be found in the deeper waters of the flats and banks when the tides are low, while they'll be feeding closer to the surface during high tides. 
 
Bonefish can be found in the same areas as Permit, in addition to the Everglades National Park. Spreading over 1.5 million acres, this fly fishing paradise offers some of the best sight and fly fishing for Snook there is. Known for loving any kinds of structure, mangrove ponds and grassy flats of the Everglades are their promised land. Redfish are also abundant in these waters, as well as in both saltwater flats and freshwater creeks – when spawning, huge schools can be found in these areas.
 

How to Fish

 
  • To battle Tarpon most successfully, you'll usually need heavier tackle (at least a 10 wt rod) compared to other species. Use a 12 wt rod when catching bigger specimens and when fishing in windy conditions. Clear sink tip lines and fluorocarbon leaders are a must. When it comes to the flies, it's all about the variety of color and weight. Bait fish and toad patterns tied in a married or splayed tail are always a good choice. Go for 1/0 hooks for clear waters and 3/0 hooks when the waters are not clear enough.  
 
  • Bonefish are known for being spooky, so casting from the side rather than over them is the key. You'll be using lighter gear compared to Tarpon – an 8–9 wt rod will do the trick. Fluorocarbon leaders and floating or clear floating lines are the way to go. Bones are pretty picky when it comes to flies, so the presentation must be outstanding. Shrimp, toad, crabs, and bait fish patterns work well, in sizes #1–#4. Color and weight are also very important – make sure to have various weighted flies to match various depths these magnificent fish can be found in.
 
  • Precision and presentation are essential when it comes to Permit. A 9 wt rod with a floating or clear floating line will usually have you covered – use a 10 wt rod in windy conditions. Fluorocarbon leaders are what you need, as well as various crab, shrimp, toad, and bait fish patterns (sizes #1–#2), especially Merkins, Velcro Crabs, and Clouser Minnows.
 
  • The best gear for landing Snook is an 8–9 wt rod paired with fluorocarbon leaders and a floating or clear floating line, although a clear sink tip can sometimes be more efficient. Go for 1/0 or 2/0 hooks and toad, bait fish, and popper patterns. 
 
  • While the Grand Slam species can be a challenge even for fly fishing veterans, catching Redfish on the fly can be great for both novices and experts. Floating and clear floating lines with 7–9 wt rods are a default option, along with fluorocarbon leaders. Redfish react well to a variety of patterns, from streamers and crabs to poppers. Weedless fly patterns are sometimes a must in weedy areas.
 

When to Go

 
All of these majestic species can be caught year-round, but there are times of the year when specific fish are more abundant than others. Tarpon peak in April and May during their migration season, but can be caught anytime when the water temperatures go above 70 degrees. If you've set your mind to land the biggest of Bones, visit Islamorada in early spring and fall, though late spring and summer are when they're the most abundant. Spring and fall are the best times for Permit, while Snook fishing is the best at the beginning of fall through late spring. If you're after Reds, fall is your season.
 
Regardless of the time of the year and the targeted species, Islamorada fly fishing is bound to be a life-changing experience. Head to its rich flats and backcountry secret spots – the sky's the limit in these legendary waters.
 

Islamorada

4.64
Based on 18,305 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

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Top Targeted Fly Fishing Species in Islamorada

Tarpon

Tarpon

Permit

Permit

Snook

Snook

Snapper (Mangrove)

Snapper (Mangrove)