Species of Fish

Scientific name: Megalops Atlantica
Best time to fish: Late April through July

The hunt: Several strategies are successful for catching the prized silver king: Sight fish the shallows for the famous daisy chain formation; Drift bait in deeper waters. Whatever the plan, once one of these giants takes your line you’ll be rewarded with gravity-defying acrobatics. These colossal fish fight back by jumping out of the water, head thrashing in an effort to throw the hook. Listen to your captain for tips on how to keep him on!

Bonefish Scientific name: Albula Vulpes, Albula Garcia
Best time to fish bonefish in Islamorada: The summer months through October, but can be found year round.

The hunt for bonefish: Sight fishing. The elusive “grey ghost” is one of the smartest and most rewarding flats fish to catch. You stand alert on the bow. Your captain polls silently over mere inches of still, crystal-clear water. On board, all eyes remain alert for “tailing” or feeding bonefish, whose transparent caudal fin pokes above the waterline as they troll nose-down for shrimp.

Once you convince a bone to eat, you’ll never forget the sound of your line screaming off the reel as he makes a long run for it – and the heart-pounding prized fight begins.

Best time to fish for Permit in Islamorada: March through October

The hunt for Permit:
Silent stalking while sight fishing. Wrestling catches off of wrecks. Anglers beam with pride when recounting permit tales. That’s because like bonefish, permit are smart, wary, and known for leaving now and asking questions later. No matter how you hook up, a permit on the line is a battle to remember—they fight with the determination of a jack crevalle but the power of a whole school.

Redfish, snook, trout, snapper, shark and more await anglers of all abilities in the breathtaking beauty of Florida Bay’s backcountry.

Redfish await anglers of all abilities in the breathtaking beauty of Florida Bay’s backcountry and the flats of Islamorada. Famous for the black spot on their tails, these species make excellent targets for less experienced anglers, as well as the expert.

With their trademark black dorsal stripe, Snook sit face into the current, waiting for the right fish or crustacean to float by. Once hooked up, hang on for an aggressive burst of energy as they run for cover. Your captain will give you pointers on how to keep them from getting tangled and lost in the mangrove roots.