Reef fishing in Islamorada is a great way to spend a day on the water. We fish the reef year round in the Florida Keys, but the offshore charter boats primarily focus on it from October – April. The reef line runs parallel with the Keys and is an average distance of 4 miles off shore. The reef drops from an average depth of 60’ on top to 90’ on the bottom. We use all sorts of fishing techniques while on the reef, so don’t think it’s strictly bottom fishing! Charter boats use all sorts of fishing methods including bottom fishing, trolling, kite fishing, drift fishing, and sight fishing. Common reef fish are sailfish, snapper, grouper, barracuda, cobia, mackerel, shark, African pompano, wahoo, etc. We also catch the occasional mahi and tuna while fishing with live baits, so you have to be ready for everything! Usually they are further offshore but they can be a nice surprise. Many of the fish we catch while reef fishing make good table fare too! So whether you bring some home or just take a bag of fresh fish to a local restaurant, you’ll enjoy your catch! There’s also quite a few “wrecks” just out side the reef which we fish around too. They’re anywhere from 100′ – 200′ of water and our captains know some well known ones as well as some secret ones! Wreck fishing is grouped under our “reef fishing” category and many days fishing the wrecks are the way to go!
Most days we start out by catching live bait and then go from there. A full day is always recommended for the best fishing experience, but if a ½ day charter is all you think you can handle or have time for, give the reef a shot! The average travel time in and out is only 20 minutes each way, so you’ll have plenty of fishing time! Florida Keys Reef Fishing is a great option for the whole family! If a private charter is not in the budget our Miss Islamorada Party boat (head boat) fishes the reef too and is an affordable way to get out and catch a few fish for dinner.
Straight fishing heaven! Especially, for a couple of California Boys that don't get to fish this style on the west coast. Group of six of went out for two days and sight fished for Tarpon and Snook. Also hooked into a lemon shark, a bunch of sea trout, catfish, snapper, grouper, and some other random fish. We also stayed at "The Conch House" on property for 2 nights which was super convenient for the early am departures. There's multiple captains here from sight fishing inshore to offshore. Definitely recommend this spot to start your fishing adventures. There's a kitchen onsite for breakfast or sandwiches to go. Pretty much one stop shop. If you're wanting to eat your catch go next door to Lazy Daze and they'll prepare it for you for! Here's a few pics enjoy!
Party boat fishing at its best! I decided to go fishing on the Bud and Marys Islamorada party boat! I had a great time and caught my limit of snapper! This was only $110.0 and I caught as many fish as I would spending $1000.0 and I met a lot of very nice folks from around the country! The captain was top notch and they have a very fair system of rotating folks around to the good spots.to fish. I highly recommend this boat and Captain!
My grandson's saltwater fly-fishing triumph. Mt grandson and I did a full day charter with Capt Nate Blackburn. We targeted Salt water fly-fishing. My grandson really wanted a Shark. Capt Nate put him on at least 7 sharks and he had 2 solid takers. He also caught Barracuda, Jack Cravelle, Redfish, Snapper and a large Sheepshead, all on his fly rod. I had a blast with Spinning tackle. We caught 40 to 50 fish overall. We saw a Bald Eagle and a large saltwater crocodile! We have a Life time of memories. Capt Nate knows how to fish this area!
