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.
July 15, 2026
Early Summer Fishing in the Florida Keys June & Early July: Prime Time for Anglers If there is one time of year that truly showcases everything the Florida Keys fishery has to offer, it’s early summer. June and early July bring warm water, calm seas, abundant bait, and an incredible… Read More
Captain Bill Bassett at Bud and Mary’s My husband and I are boat owners and fish out of OCNJ for the past 30+ years. We came to Islamorada to fish a full day back country through the Everglades for a new experience; catch some fish new to us and see some cool wildlife. Friends referred us to Bud and Mary’s and after chatting with us for a bit, Chrissy paired us with Capt Bill Bassett saying that it would be a great fit, and she was right. Capt Bill is a master of his craft, knows where to fish, how to catch and cater to his clients. We caught snook, bonefish, sea trout, a bunch of jacks and saw some crocs 😀. He’s also an entertaining conversationalist, the 8 hour trip passed in a blink. What a fantastic experience, thanks so much Captain Bill and Bud & Mary’s Marina!
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!
I'm still going to give Bud & Mary's party boat five stars because I love the marina, the captain and the party boat itself 100% but for the first time in 7 to 8 years that I have been going on this boat I was a little disappointed with the crew. Ive never felt like they played favorites until yesterday. There was a particular customer that is also a regular and he and his family we're treated like royalty and others not so much. One of the other guest from out of town and I had a long conversation about it. It was definitely clear to all the other guest as well. I won't stop going on that boat because as I said I really like captain and love Bud n Mary's. My son worked in the service industry for years so I believe in tipping but I'll tip according to the way I'm treated as well.
