In this video, we’ll head down to the Florida Keys to check out Islamorada, the “Sportfishing
Capital Of the World!”
We’ll talk to some of our local captains about what makes fishing in Islamorada so
unique and why it’s become a top destination over the years.
After watching this video, you’ll be ready to explore the Keys and create lasting memories
in the “Village of Islands!”
Islamorada’s landscape has enchanted visitors for centuries.
When Spanish explorers first set foot here, they couldn’t help but notice the purple
sunset in the sky above.
This gave way to its name, “Isla Morada,” which in Spanish means “purple island.”
The town occupies just over six square miles of land – a thin stretch of islands separating
the Atlantic Ocean from the Florida Bay.
Its unique geographical location provides some of the most diverse fishing grounds in the world.
What I love about fishing in the Keys is that you can do 12 months of fishing.
You don’t have to worry about cold weather or anything crazy like that.
We have...they call it the sportfishing capital of the world because you can catch more species
than anywhere else.
What’s really cool about Islamorada is you can go backcountry fishing for Snook in the
morning and go out on the Swordfish in the evening.
We have all types of game fish here – the big estuary system of Florida Bay for Bonefish,
Permit, Pompano, Tarpon, Cobia.
And then we have, right out our front door, three miles out, is an ocean full of ocean fish.
Just 15 miles offshore you can fish the Islamorada Hump, an underwater seamount located right
in the middle of the Gulf Stream.
This area hosts a wide range of bait and game fish, making it an ideal feeding ground for
large predators such as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Marlin, and various Shark species.
On the Atlantic side, you can hit some amazing reefs for an exciting bottom fishing trip
that will reap lots of delicious rewards.
Pickles, Conch, and Alligator Reefs are popular areas where you can reel in lots of Grouper
and Snapper species, as well as Triggerfish, Blackfin Tuna, and Hogfish.
There are lots of shipwrecks scattered along the coast as well.
These underwater structures contain loads of game fish just waiting to put up a fight!
Locations such as Eagle Wreck and Spiegel Grove hold large amounts of Barracuda, Wahoo,
Mahi, and many other species.
You can’t talk about fishing in Islamorada without mentioning
its amazing flats fishing opportunities.
With easy access to the Key Largo flats in the north and Marathon flats to the south,
Islamorada is smack dab in the middle of some of Florida’s best inshore action.
My heart is in Snook fishing when it comes to the backcountry fishing.
I just love Snook.
It comes naturally.
My dad was a Snook-a-holic and I guess I have a little bit of it too.
I love the pursuit of going up against mangroves and stuff and having to work to get them out
and everything and then the reward of such a beautiful fish that we only have here
in South Florida.
They’re not anywhere else in the continental United States.
So to here, they’re our treasure.
Favorite type of fish is probably going to be Dolphin and Tuna fishing during the summertime.
I do love the bottom fishing though.
So there’s bottom fishing which is Mutton Snappers and Yellowtails, and then we have
Groupers and Snappers.
And then we go to the deeper waters and drop to 400 feet for other types of Snappers.
But what I really like to do is run out and catch Dolphin and fill the coolers up.
The best part about planning a fishing trip in Islamorada is that no matter when you visit,
you’ll have a good shot at catching lots of fish.
The winter months are excellent for bottom fishing over reefs and wrecks.
The best time probably is wintertime, right now.
This time of year, we have all the migratory fish like Cobia.
From January 1 to December 30, there’s always something to catch.
Throughout the year, you can catch something or more of lots of things.
It truly is a wonderful, wonderful place for sportfishing.
Islamorada fishing charters usually provide bait and tackle on board.
Many captains will also offer to clean and fillet your fish for you, so you can head
straight to the Lazy Days Diner and have your catch cooked fresh for an enjoyable dinner
with the family.
There’s no need to purchase a fishing license on your own.
Just come straight to the marina with any essential items you may need like sunscreen,
sunglasses, a hat, and a cooler for your catch.
Islamorada is full of adventure and great for the whole family.
Whether you plan to go fishing, diving, or just relaxing on the beach, this town’s
got a little something for everyone.
So get ready for an exciting journey, visit FishingBooker.com, and get ready for a fun
day of fishing in Islamorada.
We want to hear about your experiences fishing in Islamorada!
Drop us a comment and tell us about your favorite fish to target, your go-to spots, and which
techniques you use, and let us know which destination you’d like to see next!