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Expert-Guided Shark & Tarpon Fishing in Islamorada
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- Updated Date: November 29, 2025
Summary
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Reeling in the Giants
Shark & Tarpon Fishing: Islamorada's Top Catch
Ready to tangle with some of the ocean's toughest fighters? Our half-day shark and tarpon trip in Islamorada is where the real action happens. We're talking about hooking into silver kings that'll make your reel scream and sharks that'll test every bit of your angling skills. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain George and the Kekoa Charters crew will put you on the fish and show you the ropes. We've got the hottest spots dialed in, from wrecks teeming with life to offshore honey holes where the big boys play. Grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to make some fishing memories!
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't your average boat ride, folks. Our 4-hour trip kicks off bright and early when the bite is hot. We'll cruise out to some prime fishing grounds that most tourists never see. The beauty of Islamorada's waters? You can be battling a 100-pound tarpon one minute and wrestling a toothy shark the next. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll have you on the fish in no time. Don't sweat the gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a snack to keep your energy up. Trust me, you'll need it when that reel starts singing!
Fishin' the Wrecks & Beyond
Alright, let's talk strategy. We've got a few tricks up our sleeve to get those big boys biting. For tarpon, we might be live-baiting around bridges or sight-casting to rolling fish. It's a rush when you see that massive silver flash and your line goes tight! When it comes to sharks, we often hit the wrecks or chum up some action offshore. We'll set up a spread of baits and wait for that telltale run. Blacktips, bulls, even the occasional hammerhead - you never know what's gonna show up. And hey, if you're new to this, no worries. We'll walk you through everything from setting the hook to playing the fish. By the end of the day, you'll be working that rod like a pro.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"My husband, brother, and sister-in-law been coming to islandmorada for some time now. We highly recommend you go with Captain George. He, and his son Georgie know how, and where to catch fish. You will not be disappointed. Thanks again for an awesome day. Oh yes almost forgot, you were right Captain the shoulder of the bonita was tasty." - Nancy
"Went out with Doc and his first mate George last week. What a trip! These 2 are the real deal. I have been on alot of charters through out the keys and have never done as well as this day. George was a maniac in the back of the boat. He was more excited to catch fish than we were. That is exactly what you want in a first mate. They had us worn out by noon! Great day. Great people." - John
"We had a last minute fishing trip a few days ago and Captain George and his son was able to accomodate us! Our family of 4 had a blast! My husband caught a Grouper and the Captain cleaned it and let us store it on his boat for the day until we were ready to have it cooked for us at a local resturant. We had a great time, they were very knowledgable and fun. I highly, highly recommend them!!" - Tina
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down the heavy-hitters you're after on this trip. First up, the mighty tarpon. These silver kings are the stuff of fishing legend, growing up to 8 feet long and tipping the scales at 280 pounds. They're famous for their acrobatic leaps and bull-dogging runs that'll have your arms burning. Spring through early summer is prime time for tarpon in Islamorada, but we see them year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a 100-pounder go airborne with your lure in its mouth!
Now, onto the sharks. Blacktip sharks are like the sports cars of the shark world - fast, agile, and always ready to put on a show. They average around 5 feet but can grow larger. These guys are known for their explosive strikes and will often jump clear out of the water when hooked. Bull sharks, on the other hand, are the bruisers. They're stocky, powerful, and can grow up to 11 feet long. When a bull takes your bait, hang on tight - it's gonna be a battle! We see bulls year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
Last but not least, blue sharks. These sleek predators are a bit of a bonus catch around here. They prefer cooler waters, so we don't see them as often, but when we do, it's a real treat. Blues can grow up to 12 feet and are known for their curious nature. They might come right up to the boat to check us out before taking a bait. Landing a blue shark is definitely something to brag about back at the dock!
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about the rush of hooking into a tarpon or the thrill of seeing a shark's dorsal fin cutting through the water. But the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Our half-day trip is the perfect taste of what Islamorada fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or want to give the family an adventure they'll never forget, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water. Who knows? You might just end up with the fish story of a lifetime. See you on the boat!
Customer Reviews
Fish with the Pros
Nancy Nitowski
December 4, 2023
Manic Fishing Frenzy
Went out with Doc and his first mate George last week. What a trip! These 2 are the real deal. I have been on alot of charters through out the keys and have never done as well as this day. George was a maniac in the back of the boat. He was more excited to catch fish than we were. That is exactly what you want in a first mate. They had us worn out by noon! Great day. Great people.
John Hanson
October 21, 2024
Family Fish Feast
We had a last minute fishing trip a few days ago and Captain George and his son was able to accomodate us! Our family of 4 had a blast! My husband caught a Grouper and the Captain cleaned it and let us store it on his boat for the day until we were ready to have it cooked for us at a local resturant. We had a great time, they were very knowledgable and fun. I highly, highly recommend them!!
Tina M
August 5, 2024
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip sharks are like the excitable puppies of the shark world - they're known for jumping and even landing on boats! These streamlined predators average 5 feet long but can hit 9 feet. You'll find them patrolling artificial reefs and hanging around in about 100 feet of water. They love warm, coastal areas and really pick up in numbers during summer. Blacktips give a great fight and are a blast to catch, especially when they go airborne. To entice them, chum the water with oily fish like mackerel or herring. My go-to trick is using live sardines as bait - the oilier, the better. Just be ready for some acrobatics when you hook one. Make sure you've got a heavy braided line that can handle at least 50 pounds. These sharks might be timid by nature, but they'll give you a run for your money once they're on the line.
Blue Shark
Blue sharks are the long-distance swimmers of the shark world, growing up to 10-12 feet long. These sleek, deep blue predators prefer cooler offshore waters, usually hanging out around 1,000 feet deep. They're most active in spring and fall as they migrate. Blues are known for their curiosity and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among shark anglers. To catch one, we'll do some drift fishing with a chum slick. Use oily fish like mackerel or herring in your chum, and keep your bait about 20 feet from the boat. Blues can get pretty feisty when hooked, so make sure your gear can handle at least 200 pounds. Here's a pro tip: when you see one circling your bait, give it a little jerk to trigger their predatory instinct. Just be ready for a long, powerful fight once they're on the line.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are the heavyweights of inshore waters, packing 200-300 pounds into their 8-12 foot frames. These aggressive predators are unique - they can survive in both salt and freshwater. You'll find them cruising warm, shallow coastal areas, and they're regulars in the Mississippi River and Chesapeake Bay during summer. Bulls are prized for their powerful fights and unpredictable nature. They're most active in the warmer months, so that's prime time to target them. To hook one, try float fishing with whole fish like mullet or cut mackerel. Here's a local tip: use freshwater eel as bait. The high oil content drives bulls crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook. Just be ready for a serious battle - these sharks didn't get their name for being pushovers.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. These prehistoric fish put on an acrobatic show, leaping 10 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in Florida Bay's deeper moats and channels, or along the Atlantic and Gulf strips. Spring to late summer is prime time, especially around the full and new moons. Anglers love targeting tarpon for the thrill of the fight - it's a true bucket list catch. To land one, use live bait like shrimp, pinfish, or crabs. Stake out above tarpon-holding areas and let your bait drift down. When fly fishing the shallows, lead the school with a perfect cast and strip like mad. Just be ready for that initial jump - it often throws the hook! Remember, we practice catch and release to preserve this amazing sport fish for future generations.
About the 34' Regulator
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 43
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
My husband, brother, and sister-in-law been coming to islandmorada for some time now. We highly recommend you go with Captain George. He, and his son Georgie know how, and where to catch fish. You will not be disappointed. Thanks again for an awesome day. Oh yes almost forgot, you were right Captain the shoulder of the bonita was tasty.