Expert-Guided 8hr Islamorada Fishing Charter

Bonefish

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 Shark

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!

Lemon Shark

The Lemon Shark is a powerful and fascinating predator commonly found in shallow tropical and subtropical waters, including the Florida Keys. Named for its yellow-brown coloration, this species can grow up to 10 feet long and is known for its impressive strength and distinctive blunt snout. Lemon Sharks are often spotted in mangroves, coral reefs, and sandy flats, where they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of local marine ecosystems. They are schooling sharks, frequently traveling in groups, which makes them a captivating sight for anglers, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Lemon Sharks are a popular target for sport fishing due to their strong, determined fight when hooked. Anglers in Islamorada often encounter them during backcountry and inshore trips, especially in the warmer months when these sharks are more active. While they are aggressive hunters, Lemon Sharks are generally not dangerous to humans if approached responsibly, making them ideal for educational encounters or catch-and-release fishing. With proper guidance from experienced captains like those at Native Son Charters, you can safely observe and learn about these incredible predators while enjoying a thrilling and memorable fishing experience.

Mutton Snapper

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!

Sea Trout

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

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!