15 Best Fishing Charters in Islamorada, FL (Full Guide)

Islamorada, Florida is one of the best places you could possibly fish in. But what are some of the best fishing charters for the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”?

The Dauntless Fishing Charters, 95FiveFishing, and Katz Charters are just a few of the many great fishing charters you will find in Islamorada. Trips typically last from four hours to full-day, with prices ranging from $300 to over $1,000.

Depending on the type of charter you select and how long it will last makes a difference in price. As you will see, some charters are potentially better than others.

15 Featured Fishing Charters in Islamorada

With a surplus of fishing charters in Islamorada, you cannot go wrong if you were to blindly pick one. However, each one will likely cater to families or will take you to specific locations to find certain species of fish. (Note: this is a recommendation list but certainly not an exhaustive list of the best charters operating out of Islamorada. Additionally, the prices and information below are accurate as of the time I’m writing this. It can change over time.)

1. Dauntless Fishing Charters

Dauntless Fishing Charters is one of the best bang-for-buck charters you can find in Islamorada. Captain Mark Gibson has over 30 years of experience fishing in the area, especially backcountry fishing. This is a great family experience you do not want to miss.

Costs: 4hr at $600, 6hr at $725, 8hr at $850

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: Permit, Redfish, Bull shark, Snapper, Snook, Barracuda

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Dauntless Fishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Dauntless Fishing Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

2. 95FiveFishing

95FiveFishing is led by Nathan Grave, who takes you on an exciting journey. Whether you want the family along or some deep water fishing for yourself, you cannot go wrong with this option.

Costs: 2hr at $400, 3hr at $575, 4hr at $750, 6hr at $900, 8hr at $1,050

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing

Targeted Species: Bonito, Mahi-Mahi, Black grouper, Goliath grouper, Snapper

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with 95FiveFishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. 95FiveFishing (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

3. Katz Charters

Katz Charters is run by Captain Jason Katsikas and offers the ability to hunt down certain fish. It is kid-friendly, but you might want to consider leaving kids at home if you are trying out heavy-duty fishing.

Costs: 2hr at $350, 3hr at $500, 4hr at $575 to $650

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: King Mackerel, Hogfish, Tarpon, Snapper, Tuna

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Katz Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Katz Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

4. Hold Tight Charters

Hold Tight Charters is another good opportunity to catch unique fish, thanks to Captain Alexander Monteagudo. They have customizable offers so you know what you can afford.

Costs: 2hr at $475, 4hr at $600 to $775, 5hr at $875, 8hr at $975 to $1,075

This charter is recommended for:

• Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: Black drum, Black grouper, Gag grouper, Goliath grouper, Snook, Tarpon

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Hold Tight Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Hold Tight Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

5. J&F eXcursions

At J&F eXcursions, you can rest assured that you have a quality fishing experience. Led by Joseph Aiello, you will be able to catch a variety of fish that the whole family will enjoy.

Costs: 2hr at $450, 3hr at $550, 4hr at $700, 6hr at $850, 8hr at $1,000

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: Barracuda, Bonefish, Cobia, Jack crevalle, Snapper, Redfish

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with J&F eXcursions & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. J&F eXcursions – 24 (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

6. Hooligan Sportfishing

Hooligan Sportfishing is a great option for those that want a captain with experience in offshore fishing. Captain Sal Gozzo will show you excellent fishing spots and an exciting experience, as he has 30 years of quality chart fishing experience.

Costs: 2hr at $450, 3hr at $595, 4hr at $750, 6hr at $950, 8hr at $1,150

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, Cobia, Jack crevalle, Snapper, Tuna

Federally Permitted: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Hooligan Sportfishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Hooligan Sportfishing (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

7. Ivory Keys Charters

Ivory Keys Charters features two captains, Gary Skrobeck and Skip Paxton, to give you a one of a kind experience. With their ability to find the best spots and fish, you can definitely get your money’s worth. Skip has previous world records and won many fishing tournaments.

Costs: 4hr at $550, 6hr at $650, 8hr at $750

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: Bonefish, Cobia, Goliath grouper, Red grouper, Permit, Snook, Tarpon, Snapper

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Ivory Keys Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Ivory Keys Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

8. Singing Reel Charters

Singing Reel Charters has plenty of opportunities to get you on the water to find the perfect fishing spot. Captain Tony leads this experience with a large boat that can accommodate a handful of people or you can have family friendly adventures.

Costs: 3hr at $500, 4hr at $1,000, 6hr at $1,300 to $1,500, 8hr at $1,500 to $1,700

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing

Targeted Species: Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, Black grouper, Jack crevalle, Tuna, Sailfish, Snapper

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Singing Reel Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Singing Reel Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

9. Kekoa Charters

Kekoa Charters takes fishing and luxury to the next level. With this charter, you will be on a 27 foot catamaran that can accommodate plenty of people for the ride. For those that want a workout, this charter commonly searches for Goliath Grouper and Greater Amberjack.

Costs: 2hr at $450, 4hr at $795 to $800, 6hr at $950 to $1,150, 8hr at $1,350

This charter is recommended for: Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing

Targeted Species: Amberjack, Great barracuda, Mahi-Mahi, Black grouper, Tuna, Sailfish, Snapper

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Kekoa Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Kekoa Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

10. Miller Time Sportfishing

Miller Time Sportfishing is led by Captain Troy Warren, who has 50 years experience catching everything under the sun. In this charter, you can find a variety of options to fit your budget and you can bring a few extra people with you to make it a memorable experience.

Costs: 3hr at $600, 4hr at $900, 6hr at $1,200, 8hr at $1,500

This charter is recommended for: Offshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing

Targeted Species: Amberjack, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Gag grouper, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin

Federally Permitted: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Miller Time Sportfishing & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Miller Time Sportfishing (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

11. Size Matters Charters

Size Matters Charters has various fishing accommodations for a relaxing day at sea or some fast action fishing. In addition, these are family friendly for small children to get their feet wet without breaking the bank on the longer trips.

Costs: 4hr at $700, 6hr at $850

This charter is recommended for: Offshore Fishing, Inshore Fishing, Reef Fishing

Targeted Species: Great barracuda, Mangrove snapper, Mahi-Mahi, Gag grouper, Tuna, Wahoo

Federally Permitted: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Size Matters Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Size Matters Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

12. Fishin’Pole Sportfishing

Fishin’Pole Sportfishing has a crew that has accolades in South Florida, Bahamas, and even the Gulf of Mexico. With their 33 foot Albemarle sportfishing boat, there is plenty of room to cast several lines or have a group together for fun.

Costs: 3hr at $500, 4hr at $950, 6hr at $1,200, 8hr at $1,400, 10hr at $1,900

This charter is recommended for: Offshore Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Reef Fishing

Targeted Species: Great barracuda, Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, Black grouper, Sailfish, Swordfish, Marlin

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Fishin’Pole Sportfishing & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Fishin’Pole Sportfishing (Islamorada) – Updated 2022 Prices – FishingBooker

13. Bank & Bight Backcountry Charters

Bank & Bight Backcountry Charters specializes in backcountry fishing to find select species within an oasis. Jon-Paul Haydocy is a fish whisperer, who happens to be a current biologist and former park ranger that can help you find the best spots to fish.

In addition, these are some of the best deals you can find. 

Costs: 2hr at $300, 4hr at $500, 6hr at $650, 8hr at $750, 12hr at $900

This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing

Targeted Species: Great barracuda, Bonefish, Jack crevalle, Permit, Tarpon, Bull Sharks

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Bank & Bight Backcountry Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

14. Chelsea Charters

Captain Frank Drudi runs Chelsea Charters and has experience over the last two decades with charters. With his knowledge of the area and fishing experience, anyone can have the same success on the day they join along.

Costs: 4hr at $1,000, 6hr at $1300, 8hr at $1,600, 10hr at $2,000

This charter is recommended for: Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Offshore Fishing

Targeted Species: Mahi-Mahi, Gag grouper, Black grouper, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Snapper, Wahoo

State Licensed: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Chelsea Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Chelsea Charters – 48′ Willis Craft (Islamorada) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker

To book a charter with Bank & Bight Backcountry Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link.

15. Snap Em Up Fishing

Will Coffin makes a fun and exciting experience at Snap Em Up Fishing. You will be on a 25 foot Stamas Yacht center console boat, which is great for a few people to get together. Prices seem to be affordable for these experiences.

Costs: 2hr at $450, 4hr at $700, 6hr at $850, 8hr at $1,000

This charter is recommended for: Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing

Targeted Species: Amberjack, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Black grouper, Wahoo, Sailfish, Tuna, King Mackerel

Federally Permitted: Yes

Private Trips Offered: Yes

To book a charter with Snap Em Up Fishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Snap Em Up Fishing (Islamorada) – Updated 2022 Prices – FishingBooker

Best Times to Find Certain Fish in Islamorada

In addition to booking your charter, there are certain times of the year when specific species of fish are present. There are also times where species are forbidden to fish, so it is important to keep an eye on this.

January through April

January through April are the best for catching bluefish, cobia, jack crevalle, king mackerel, redfish, sailfish, snapper, Spanish mackerel and spotted sea trout, barracuda, amberjack, wahoo, tuna, triple tail, tarpon, swordfish, snook, snapper, marlin, grouper and mahi mahi. You are not allowed to fish for black or red grouper and hogfish. 

May through October

May through October are the best times to fish due to good weather and you can catch anything you want. The fish that show up the most are bluefish, blue marlin, and snapper.

November and December

November and December are also great times, as they are a bit slower in the year to fish. You can catch just about any fish you want, but you are not allowed to fish for hogfish. Most popular species you will see are grouper, redfish, and triple tail.

For a complete guide to the best times to fish in Islamorada, check out this article. For a complete guide to the average charters costs in Islamorada, check out this article. To learn if Islamorada has good fishing, check out this article.