Hey there, fishing enthusiasts! Ready to hit the waters of the Florida Keys for some world-class angling? Native Son Charters has got you covered with our 8-hour Islamorada fishing trip. We're talking prime fishing spots, top-notch gear, and the chance to battle some of the most sought-after game fish in these parts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our trips are tailored to give you the best day on the water possible.
Picture this: You're cruising through the crystal-clear waters of Islamorada, rod in hand, with the sun on your face and the salt in the air. Our 8-hour charter gives you plenty of time to explore the best fishing grounds in the Keys. We'll hit up the flats, reefs, and channels where the big ones like to hang out. And don't sweat the small stuff – we've got all the gear, bait, and licenses sorted for you. It's just you, your crew (up to 3 guests total), and the thrill of the catch.
At Native Son Charters, we're all about matching the technique to the target. Depending on what's biting, we might be sight-casting on the flats for bonefish, live-baiting for tarpon, or dropping lines for tasty mutton snapper. We'll show you the ropes on everything from working a popping cork for sea trout to the finesse needed for a perfect bonefish presentation. And if you're up for a real adrenaline rush, we can try our hand at shark fishing – nothing gets the heart pumping like feeling a bull shark on the other end of your line!
Our trips are all about making memories and landing fish. While we don't have specific customer quotes to share, we can tell you that our guests often leave with big smiles, bigger fish stories, and plans to come back for more. From families bonding over their first catch to seasoned anglers finally landing that bucket-list fish, every trip has its own special moments.
Tarpon: These silver kings are the stuff of angling legend. Known for their acrobatic jumps and stubborn fights, tarpon can reach over 100 pounds. Spring and early summer are prime time for these giants, and hooking one is an unforgettable rush. They're catch-and-release only, but trust me, the photos and the fight are trophy enough.
Sea Trout: Don't let their name fool you – these aren't your average trout. Spotted seatrout are a staple of inshore fishing here. They're great eating and fun to catch, often found in schools over grass flats. We usually target them year-round, but the bite can be especially good in the cooler months.
Lemon Shark: These yellow-tinged predators are a favorite among our shark fishing enthusiasts. They're usually in the 5-8 foot range and put up a great fight. Lemon sharks tend to stick to shallower waters, making them perfect targets for our inshore trips. We practice catch-and-release with these beauties to keep the population healthy.
Bull Shark: If you're after a true apex predator, bull sharks fit the bill. These powerful fish can grow up to 11 feet long and are known for their aggressive nature. We often find them in the channels and around bridges. Landing a bull shark is a real test of skill and strength – definitely a bucket-list catch for many anglers.
Bonefish: Known as the "grey ghosts" of the flats, bonefish are prized for their lightning-fast runs and challenging nature. Sight-fishing for bones on the shallow flats is an art form. These fish might not be the biggest (usually 4-6 pounds), but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters out there. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for bones.
Mutton Snapper: If you're looking to put some tasty fillets in the cooler, mutton snapper are hard to beat. These beautiful red and yellow fish are found around reefs and wrecks. They're smart and can be finicky, but when you hook into a big one (they can reach 20+ pounds), you're in for a great battle and an even better dinner.
So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best fishing Islamorada has to offer? With Native Son Charters, you're not just booking a trip – you're setting yourself up for a day of top-notch angling, local knowledge, and the chance to create some epic fishing memories. Whether you're looking to check a species off your list, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Don't let the big one get away – book your charter with us and let's make some waves!
Mutton snapper are a tasty target here in Islamorada, typically running 15-20 inches and weighing up to 20 pounds. You'll find them near reefs and along mangrove edges, often in 80-200 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime seasons, especially during spawning aggregations. Muttons are prized for both their fight and their excellent table fare. They're known for their initial powerful run, so be ready when that rod bends. To land a big one, try drifting fresh cut bait in your chum slick. My secret trick is using a light knocker rig to let the bait move naturally with the current. When you see that flash of pink coming up from the deep blue, you'll know you've hooked into a quality mutton!
Bonefish, the "grey ghosts" of the flats, are a prized catch in Islamorada. These sleek, silvery fish typically run 16-24 inches and 6-8 pounds. You'll find them tailing in shallow water during incoming tides, hunting for crabs and shrimp. Bonefishing is all about stealth and accuracy - these fish spook easily. Spring and fall offer the best conditions. What makes bones special is the challenge - spotting them, making the perfect cast, and then holding on for that blistering first run. They're not for eating, but the sport is unmatched. My top tip: when you see a tailing fish, cast well ahead and let your fly or bait sink. Wait until the fish is close before giving it a twitch. Patience pays off with these wary swimmers.
Bull sharks are the bruisers of our local waters, growing up to 8-12 feet and 200-300 pounds. These thick-bodied predators hang out in shallow coastal areas and can even swim up freshwater rivers. You'll find them year-round, but summer's your best bet for hooking into one. Bulls are known for their aggression and power - once hooked, be ready for a serious battle. While we practice catch and release, the thrill of landing one is unforgettable. To target bulls, use fresh cut bait like mullet or mackerel. My secret weapon is a freshwater eel - its oily scent drives them wild. Chum helps too. When you see that wide head break the surface, hold on tight!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here in Islamorada. These silvery fish with spotted backs typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them year-round in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Sea trout love to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - that surface strike is a blast. They're also great eating, with a mild, flaky white meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temperatures are ideal. For best results, try a popping cork rig with a live shrimp. Let it drift with the current over grass beds, giving it an occasional twitch. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook and enjoy the fight!
Tarpon are the giants of Islamorada's waters, reaching up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. These silver kings migrate through our area, with peak season from April to July. You'll find them in Florida Bay's deeper channels and along the Atlantic and Gulf edges. Tarpon are famous for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs - hooking one is an experience you won't forget. They're not the best eating, but the fight is unmatched. When you see a school rolling on the surface, get ready for some of the most exciting fishing of your life. My tip: use circle hooks to improve your hookup ratio and let the fish turn away before setting. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and be ready for those jumps!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha F115
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115