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.
January 24, 2026
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I used Bud N Marry's marina to get on the Miss Islamorada Charter to do some reef fishing recently. It was a rainy day when we got there. I was excited we were still going to departure and be all day out. The rain shortly stopped. The ocean was calm and the fish were rambunctious. Captain Ben was true gentleman, so courteous, so nice and extremely caring. He was making sure that everyone hooked at least one good sized fish for dinner. Even though he is the captain he worked his tail off, even making bait ball for those of us in the back of the boat catching snappers.He took us to a great spot, even encountered some bull sharks. 
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!
Trent is the Best! Absolutely best fishing guide!!! Trent was extremely patient and helpful with my son. He put us on fish all day! Great guy and great guide. I would recommend him for kids, family or just die hard fishermen.
