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World-Class Inshore Fishing in Islamorada, FL

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Islamorada
  • $650 - $850 price range
  • Updated Date: September 8, 2025

Summary

Ready for a real Florida fishing adventure? Join Captain Steve for a full day on the water in beautiful Islamorada. We'll head out to prime spots known for snapper, grouper, and permit. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, you'll love the thrill of feeling that tug on your line. The crystal-clear waters and endless blue skies create the perfect backdrop for a day of casting, reeling, and hopefully landing some impressive catches. With room for two guests, this trip offers a personalized experience tailored to your skill level. Captain Steve knows these waters inside and out, so you're in for some of the best fishing the Florida Keys have to offer. Remember, a good day of fishing isn't just about what you catch – it's about the memories you make out on the water. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of sun, salt air, and the excitement of not knowing what might be on the end of your line next.
World-Class Inshore Fishing in Islamorada, FL

Reels and Keels

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Crevalle Jack, a 23-inch fish, caught while fishing in Islamorada

Permit catching in Islamorada fishing charters!

Snook fish caught while fishing in Islamorada

Great weather, great Snook in Florida!

7 fish caught while fishing in FL

Islamorada fishing hauls lots of Snappers!

Fishing trip in FL

Barracuda reeled in Islamorada, FL!

Fishing in Florida with the Best, great catch

Snapper Fishing In Islamorada

6 grey snapper fish caught in FL

Get hooked up on our Islamorada Fishing Charters

Angler fishing in Florida waters

Backcountry fishing at its finest!

10 grey snapper fish caught in FL

if it swims we will catch it! Islamorada Fishing

Five grey snapper caught fishing in FL

Islamorada inshore fish species

A black grouper fish caught in Islamorada

Black Grouper reeled in Islamorada, Florida!

Crevalle Jack, a 23-inch fish, caught while fishing in Islamorada

Permit catching in Islamorada fishing charters!

Snook fish caught while fishing in Islamorada

Great weather, great Snook in Florida!

7 fish caught while fishing in FL

Islamorada fishing hauls lots of Snappers!

Fishing trip in FL

Barracuda reeled in Islamorada, FL!

Fishing in Florida with the Best, great catch

Snapper Fishing In Islamorada

6 grey snapper fish caught in FL

Get hooked up on our Islamorada Fishing Charters

Angler fishing in Florida waters

Backcountry fishing at its finest!

10 grey snapper fish caught in FL

if it swims we will catch it! Islamorada Fishing

Five grey snapper caught fishing in FL

Islamorada inshore fish species

A black grouper fish caught in Islamorada

Black Grouper reeled in Islamorada, Florida!

Crevalle Jack, a 23-inch fish, caught while fishing in Islamorada

Permit catching in Islamorada fishing charters!

Snook fish caught while fishing in Islamorada

Great weather, great Snook in Florida!

7 fish caught while fishing in FL

Islamorada fishing hauls lots of Snappers!

Fishing trip in FL

Barracuda reeled in Islamorada, FL!

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Full Day Fishing in Islamorada's Hotspots

Ready to ditch the daily grind and hit the water? Captain Steve's got you covered with a full day of fishing that'll knock your socks off. We're talking crystal-clear waters, blue skies for days, and the kind of fishing that'll have you telling stories for years. Whether you're after that monster grouper or a crafty snapper, we've got the spots and the know-how to make it happen. So grab your hat and let's get after it – the fish are waiting!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Islamorada, the self-proclaimed "Sportfishing Capital of the World," with Captain Steve at the helm. He's not just any captain; he's the guy who knows these waters like the back of his hand. You'll be hitting up some of the sweetest fishing spots in the Florida Keys, where the big boys like to hang out. We're talking about a full day of action, from sunup to sundown if that's what it takes to land your dream catch. With room for two anglers, it's the perfect setup for you and your fishing buddy to go head-to-head for the biggest catch of the day.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

Alright, let's talk shop. On this trip, we're not messing around with any one-trick pony stuff. Captain Steve's got a whole playbook of techniques to make sure you're hooking up all day long. We might start off bottom fishing for those grouper and snapper, using live bait to entice the big ones out of their hidey-holes. If the permit are running, we'll switch gears and sight cast with crabs or jigs – it's like hunting, but on the water. And for those barracuda? Hold onto your hats, 'cause we'll be trolling with tube lures that'll have them hitting like freight trains. Whatever the fish are biting on, we've got the gear and the game plan to make it happen.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the all-stars you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, we've got the permit – these guys are like the ninjas of the flats. They're smart, they're strong, and landing one is a badge of honor for any angler. They love hanging around structures and can weigh up to 30 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime times to catch these bad boys.

Next, the great barracuda. These toothy critters are the speedsters of the sea. They'll hit your lure like a freight train and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. They're around all year, but the winter months are when they really show up in force. Watching a 'cuda streak across the surface to smash your lure is a sight you won't forget.

Cubera snapper – now we're talking about some serious muscle. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 100 pounds. They love hanging around reefs and wrecks, and when they bite, you better hold on tight. Late summer to early fall is your best bet for tangling with these giants.

Black grouper are the heavyweight champs of the reef. These guys are all about power, and they're not afraid to use it. They'll try to drag you back into their rocky lairs, so you've got to be quick on the reel. Winter is prime time for grouper, but we catch 'em year-round.

Last but not least, the snook. These guys are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They're crafty, they're acrobatic, and they taste amazing (when in season). We target them around mangroves and bridges, using live bait or lures. Spring and fall are your best bets, but a good captain can put you on snook any time of year.

Top Catches This Season

Folks, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster black grouper coming up from the depths – I'm talking about fish that'll make your arms feel like noodles. The permit have been showing up in good numbers too, especially around those coral heads just off the coast. And let me tell you, the cubera snapper bite has been insane. Just last week, we hooked into one that nearly spooled us before we could turn it. That's the kind of action you can expect out here in Islamorada.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters in these waters for years, and I'll tell you why people keep coming back: It's not just about the fish. It's about the whole package. You're out here in the Florida Keys, surrounded by some of the most beautiful water you've ever seen. The sun's warming your face, there's a cold drink in the cooler, and you never know what's gonna hit your line next. Could be a permit that'll test your skills, or a barracuda that'll make your drag scream. And when you're done? You're coming back to Islamorada, where the laid-back vibe and killer sunsets are the perfect way to cap off a day on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a day of fishing that'll give you bragging rights for years to come, this is it. We've got the spots, we've got the know-how, and we've got the fish. All we need is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your sunscreen, your lucky hat, and let's hit the water. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. And that deposit? It's non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there reeling in the big ones, you'll know it was worth every penny. Don't let another season go by wishing you were out here. Book your trip now, and let's make some memories on the water. The fish are calling, and Captain Steve's ready to put you on 'em. See you on the boat!

Learn more about the animals

Black Grouper

Black grouper are hefty, hard-fighting fish that'll test your arms and your gear. These bruisers average 20-30 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in waters 30-300 feet deep. They're ambush predators, using their large mouths to inhale prey whole. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temps change. Anglers target black grouper for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. Once hooked, they'll bulldog straight for their rocky lairs, so heavy tackle is a must. Live bait like pinfish or grunts work well, but they'll hit artificial lures too. My go-to technique? Drop your bait right into structure and be ready - when a grouper hits, it's all or nothing. Set the hook hard and crank like mad to keep 'em out of the rocks.

Black Grouper

Cubera Snapper

Cubera snapper are the bruisers of the snapper family, often topping 40 pounds with some monsters pushing 100. These reef dwellers prefer rocky structures and deeper waters, typically 60-180 feet down. You'll find them lurking around wrecks, ledges, and artificial reefs. Cuberas are most active at night, which is when we target them. May through August is spawning season, offering the best shot at trophy fish. Anglers prize cubera for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. When hooked, they'll try to dive back into the rocks, so you need heavy tackle to turn them. Live bait is key - big pinfish or blue runners work well. Here's a pro tip: Let them take the bait and start to swim off before setting the hook. Cuberas have tough mouths, so a solid hookset is crucial.

Cubera Snapper

Great Barracuda

Great barracuda are the toothy terrors of the flats. These sleek predators can reach over 5 feet and 60 pounds, with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth. You'll spot them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges, ready to ambush prey. Cuda are lightning-fast, capable of short bursts up to 35 mph. They're aggressive feeders and will readily attack lures, especially shiny ones that mimic baitfish. The fight is all about blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. While they're around year-round, summer is peak season as water temps rise. Anglers love 'cuda for their savage strikes and aerial displays. Just watch those teeth when landing one! For best results, try trolling with tube lures or casting topwater plugs around structure. My local trick? Reel fast and erratically - barracuda can't resist chasing down fleeing "prey."

Great Barracuda

Permit

Permit are one of the most sought-after gamefish in the Keys. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 20-40 pounds, though monsters over 60 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around reefs and wrecks. Spring through fall is prime permit season when they gather to spawn. Anglers love permit for their spooky nature and powerful fights - hooking one is only half the battle. They've got eyes like a hawk and will bolt at the slightest suspicion. When you do connect, be ready for screaming runs and dogged battles. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but fly fishermen also have success with crab patterns. My top tip: Be stealthy on the flats and make long, accurate casts. Let that crab sink naturally and wait for the permit to pounce. It's a challenging but rewarding fish that'll test your skills and patience.

Permit

Snook

Snook are the prize of the backcountry, known for their clever tactics and explosive strikes. These sleek predators average 5-15 pounds, but trophies over 40 aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings, especially where there's moving water. Spring and summer are prime, with spawning peaks around full and new moons from May to September. Anglers love snook for their acrobatic fights and selective feeding habits. They're masters at using structure, so light tackle finesse is key. Live bait like pilchards or pinfish works great, but artificials like swimbaits and topwaters can be deadly too. Here's a local secret: Focus on points and cuts where tides create ambush spots. Cast parallel to shore and work your lure with the current. When a snook hits, hang on - they're known for gill-rattling headshakes and drag-screaming runs.

Snook
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