Pro Angler's Paradise: Islamorada Fishing Charter

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Bud N' Mary's Marina, Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, USA
$600 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action in Islamorada? Captain Cory Nelson of Native Son Charters has you covered with this 4-hour inshore trip. You'll be targeting the big names like tarpon and snook, plus redfish, trout, and even bonefish. It's a hands-on experience, so expect to be in the thick of it. Don't worry if you're new to this - the captain provides all the gear and know-how to get you catching fish like a pro. We'll stick close to shore, which means more time fishing and less time traveling. It's perfect if you want to pack a lot of fishing into a half-day. With room for two anglers, you'll get plenty of personal attention and tips from the captain. Whether you're looking to land your first tarpon or just want to experience the rich fishing grounds of the Florida Keys, this trip delivers a solid slice of what makes Islamorada a fishing mecca.

Pro Angler's Paradise: Islamorada Fishing Charter

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Two anglers holding fishing rods on the shore in FL

Hooked in Islamorada waters

Top Islamorada sport fishing

Islamorada saltwater fishing

Successful fishing trip in FL with 2 people

Reel excitement in Islamorada

Florida Keys Fishing: Pro Angler's Paradise

Ready to test your skills against some of the toughest fighters in the Florida Keys? Captain Cory Nelson's 4-hour inshore charter with Native Son Charters is your ticket to hooking into tarpon, snook, and more. We're talking prime fishing grounds right off Islamorada, where the action is hot and the fish are always biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is all about putting you on fish and helping you land the big one.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising the flats and mangrove shorelines of Islamorada, rod in hand, with Capt. Cory at the helm. He knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's got one goal – to put you on fish. We're talking tarpon rolling on the surface, snook busting bait under the mangroves, and maybe even a tailing bonefish if the conditions are right. This isn't some lazy day on the water; it's four hours of non-stop action, casting, and battling some of the hardest-fighting fish in the Keys. Capt. Cory's got all the gear you need, from light tackle to heavy-duty stuff for those big tarpon. He'll show you the ropes, help you perfect your technique, and make sure you're in the right spot at the right time.

Techniques That Land Giants

On this trip, we're not messing around with basic bobber fishing. You'll be using pro-level techniques that the local guides swear by. We're talking sight casting to rolling tarpon, flipping soft plastics under mangroves for snook, and maybe even doing some fly fishing if that's your thing. Capt. Cory will teach you how to read the water, spot fish, and make those precision casts that get results. You might be tossing live bait one minute and working a topwater lure the next. It's all about adapting to what the fish want and using the right tools for the job. And don't worry if you're new to this – Capt. Cory's got the patience of a saint and he'll have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Top Catches This Season

Let me tell you, the fishing has been on fire lately. We've had anglers hooking into 100+ pound tarpon, battling them for over an hour before getting that dream photo. Snook fishing has been ridiculous too, with some real bruisers coming out from under the mangroves. One guy last week caught his personal best – a 40-inch snook that put up one hell of a fight. And don't even get me started on the redfish – they've been tailing on the flats like crazy, giving fly fishermen the sight-fishing experience of a lifetime. Whether you're after your first tarpon or looking to add a trophy bonefish to your list, now's the time to get out there.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the crown jewel of Florida Keys fishing. These prehistoric beasts can grow over 150 pounds and are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Spring and early summer are prime time for tarpon, but you can find them year-round in the Keys. They're not the best eating, but the fight of your life is guaranteed.

Snook: These ambush predators are the ultimate inshore gamefish. They love to hang out around structure, especially mangroves, and they hit lures and live bait with explosive strikes. Snook can grow over 40 inches and put up a stubborn fight, often trying to wrap you around roots or pilings. They're most active in the warmer months and are catch-and-release only in many areas due to their popularity.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among light tackle and fly anglers. They're famous for "tailing" – feeding in shallow water with their tails sticking out of the surface. Redfish are around all year but really shine in the fall when they school up. They're great eating too, if you're looking to take home dinner.

Permit: These elusive, disc-shaped fish are the holy grail for many flats anglers. They're incredibly spooky and have fantastic eyesight, making them a true challenge to catch. Spring and summer are the best times to target permit on the flats, where they hunt for crabs. Landing a permit is a real feather in any angler's cap.

Bonefish: Known as the "ghost of the flats," bonefish are prized for their blistering runs and the challenge of sight-fishing for them in shallow water. They're not big – usually 3-5 pounds – but they're lightning fast and will test your drag system. Winter and spring are prime bonefish seasons in the Keys. These fish are always catch-and-release, ensuring the fishery stays healthy for future anglers.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and I can tell you there's something special about fishing the Florida Keys. It's not just the variety of fish or the year-round action – it's the whole package. One minute you're sight-casting to a school of permit, the next you're battling a 100-pound tarpon that's jumping six feet out of the water. And all this happens in some of the most beautiful surroundings you can imagine. Crystal clear water, palm-lined shores, and that laid-back Keys vibe that just can't be beat. Plus, with Capt. Cory at the helm, you're not just going fishing – you're getting an education in what makes these waters so incredible. He's got the local knowledge, the passion, and the skills to make sure every trip is one for the books.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're serious about your fishing and want to experience the best the Florida Keys has to offer, this is the trip for you. Four hours might not seem like a long time, but trust me, it's plenty to get your fill of heart-pounding action and maybe even land that fish of a lifetime. Capt. Cory's got the spots, the gear, and the know-how to put you on fish – all you need to bring is your A-game and a camera to capture the memories. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Native Son Charters a call and lock in your date. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this trip is guaranteed to scratch that fishing itch and leave you planning your next visit before you even get back to the dock. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your next big catch is out there waiting. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the animals

Bonefish

Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silver torpedoes that can hit 30 mph when spooked. Most run 4-6 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them tailing on shallow mud flats, especially on incoming tides. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Anglers love bones for their blistering runs and the challenge of sight-fishing for them. They're not good eating, so it's all catch-and-release. Small shrimp or crab patterns work well for flies. My top tip: when you spot a bonefish, don't cast directly at it. Lead it by a few feet and let the fly or bait sink. Give it a tiny twitch as the fish approaches. Be ready to strip-set and hold on - that first run is something else!

Permit

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing. They're shaped like a hub cap with a deeply forked tail, usually 10-30 pounds. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or hanging around wrecks offshore. Spring and fall are best as they move onto the flats to feed. Anglers go crazy for permit because they're so darn picky and challenging to catch. When you do hook one, it's an intense fight. They're not great eating, so we always release them. Live crabs are the top bait, but fly fishermen use crab patterns. My best tip: when you see a permit, make a long cast well ahead of it. Let the crab sink, then give it tiny twitches. Be patient - permit will often inspect a bait for ages before committing.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They love shallow water, often tailing in just a foot or two deep. Look for them around oyster bars, mangroves, and grass flats. Most run 5-15 pounds, but big bulls can top 40. Fall and winter are prime times as they school up. Anglers love 'em for their strong fights and that distinctive tail spot. They're also great eating. For best results, use live shrimp or small crabs. Artificial lures work too - I like gold spoons or soft plastics. My top tip: when you see a school of reds, cast well ahead of them and slowly retrieve. These fish spook easy, so a stealthy approach is key. Once hooked, be ready for some drag-screaming runs!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are those weird-looking fish with human-like teeth and black stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, but the big ones hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles to munch on. They're tricky to catch, known for stealing bait, but put up a good fight on light tackle. Spring is spawning time, so that's when they really bunch up. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and their sweet, white meat. My go-to trick is using fiddler crabs for bait. Get it right next to a piling and wait for that telltale nibble. Set the hook hard - sheepshead have tough mouths! Just watch out for those spines when you're handling them. These fish make for some tasty eating if you can get past all the bones.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. Most you'll see are 4-5 feet and 80-100 pounds - still impressive! They love shallow waters around Islamorada, hanging out in channels and along the edges of flats. Spring and summer are prime time, when they migrate through on their way north. Anglers go nuts for their acrobatic fights - these fish can leap 10 feet in the air! They're not great eating, but the thrill of the catch is unbeatable. For best results, use live bait like pinfish or crabs. Fly fishing with big streamers works too. My top tip: when a tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to give it slack. That'll keep it from throwing the hook. Just be ready for a long, exhausting battle - these fish don't give up easy!

About the 18' Hell’s Bay Marquesa Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha F115

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Hop aboard with Native Son Charters for a focused 4-hour fishing trip in the beautiful waters of Islamorada. Captain Cory Nelson knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the hottest spots for tarpon, snook, redfish, and more. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this inshore adventure is perfect for honing your skills and landing some impressive catches. With all the gear provided and expert guidance at your fingertips, you'll be reeling in Florida Keys favorites in no time. The shallow waters around Islamorada are teeming with fish, so get ready for plenty of action. It's a great way to spend half a day on the water, learning new techniques and experiencing the thrill of Florida Keys fishing without venturing too far from shore. Grab a friend and come see why Islamorada is known as the sportfishing capital of the world!

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