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Recently Booked Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Islamorada, Fl
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Reef, Wreck, And Patch Reef Trip
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada
BEST! Sport Fishing Trips In Islamorada, Whale Harbor
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Spear The Depths: Reef & Wreck
Most Popular Types of Gag Grouper Trips in Islamorada
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More Gag Grouper Fishing Charters Near Islamorada, Fl
Captain Frank and his Charter offer world class fishing charters in the Sport Fishing Capital of the World - Islamorada! Islamorada fishing charters are unmatched! The Keys hold the largest variety of migratory game fish in the world - providing their clients the charter fishing experience of a lifetime! Whether you are an experienced angler or a novice fisherman, they can accommodate all your Florida Keys charter fishing needs. Come enjoy a fun, safe, and action-packed day of offshore fishing in the #1 fishing destination...Islamorada, Florida Keys! Just a few miles off the Florida Keys lay the largest living coral reef system in the continental United States. The reef system is huge and complex and close in proximity to the Marina... providing you more fishing options than anywhere else in the world. We have the main "Florida Reef" stretching from Key Largo to the Dry Tortuga's. Captain Frank spends many productive days fishing the edge of the reef for Sailfish, dolphin, wahoo and much more. Moreover, the Florida Keys reef system provides abundant fishing year-round due to the variety of reefs. The area has many shallow patch reefs, deeper bank reefs, and tons of natural and man-made wrecks scattered in between that hold all different kinds of fish! Patch reef fishing brings in all kinds of tasty and fun to catch fish including: Mangrove Snapper, Mutton, Yellowtail, Grouper, Mackerel, Shark and Barracuda. Patch Reef fishing is a fun option for the more laid back fishing charter. The patch reefs are generally considered nearshore, providing great fishing in calmer seas than "offshore". Your crew will have a great time whipping the Yellowtail Snapper into a frenzy around the back of the boat. Yellowtail Snapper are a local table fare favorite, and fun to catch on light rods by kids of all ages. Florida Keys bottom fishing on some of the deeper reefs and countless wrecks in Islamorada is a great way to spend the day as well. The abundance of baitfish seeking shelter along these reefs and wrecks make for an action packed Florida Keys charter fishing experience! There the bite is fast-paced and unpredictable with snapper, grouper, mackerel, African pompano, amberjack, kingfish, shark and barracuda all competing for the plethora of bait. That next bite might just be that trophy fish you’ve been looking for! All of Captain Franks's charters are complete with extensive bait, fish cleaning, tackle, Penn reels, rods, your fishing license, professional, experienced and dedicated captain and mate, who will do whatever it takes to make your Florida Keys charter fishing trip a success. Read More
Islamorada is the Florida Keys hotspot for year-round fishing, so whether you're on spring break, summer vacation, winter break, or just down for the weekend, you'll be able to fulfill your fishing dreams! On this trip, you'll be fishing for Groupers, including Scamp, Gag, and Black Grouper, plus Jacks, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, and many more! The tropical Keys are home to a diversity of species, so just let your captain know what fish you want to target. Captain Tony runs his trips on board a sleek 27' Stamas center console, which is ideal for getting out to the fishing grounds fast! This boat is also extremely comfortable, so you can fish all day with ease. Get out there and have a blast! Read More
The only operator in the Florida Keys to specialize in both Freedive and Scuba spearfishing charters. Spearfishing, when done correctly, is the most sustainable way to harvest fish. We offer spearfishing charters to all experience levels for both freedivers and scuba divers. Leave all the logistics to us! We take care of your fishing licenses, dive/spearfishing equipment, and assist you in the water to ensure you hunt the correct size of the fish in season. After your spearfishing charter, we will fillet your catch and package it for your convenience! Diver safety and the safety of the marine life we visit are our number one priorities on all charters. For this reason, you will always be accompanied by one of our professional spearfishing guides, included in your charter price. Our private spearfishing charters offer you the very best spearfishing in the upper Florida Keys! Islamorada is blessed with multiple species to hunt year-round, anytime is a good time to spearfish in the Florida Keys! Everything is included for these adventures including all the necessary equipment, tanks, weights, in-water guide, and of course your captain. Aluminum or steel tanks are available, and enriched air is included if certified. (4 hours, 2 tanks) (6 hours, 3 tanks) (8 hours, 4 tanks) Read More
Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Deep Dive Bounty: Reef & Wreck
Hop on board with Captain Steve and prepare for an action-packed day of fishing the Florida Keys! The offshore waters off of Marathon Key are perfect for chasing some big game fish in a beautiful environment! On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Steve will take a few miles off the coast where you'll be fishing for Cobia, Goliath Grouper, Hogfish, Red Grouper, and Sailfish. Depending on the fish you can choose from a variety of techniques and this boat can handle artificial lures, bottom fishing, drift fishing, heavy tackle, jigging, light tackle, live bait and trolling. Let Captain Steve know what you want to fish and he'll get you set with the technique, or ask him what he thinks is biting! You'll be aboard a 32’ Morgan sportfisher with a capacity for 6 people. Powered by a powerful inboard engine, this vessel will have no problem getting you to the prime spots offshore. On board you'll find a GPS, a Fishfinder, Outriggers, and even a bathroom. Captain Steve will also clean and filet any keepers you catch for no extra charge! Captain Steve will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to pack are any food or drinks you might need. He kindly asks that you do not bring spray sunscreen. These family-friendly trips can host up to 6 people, so make sure you bring some good company! Read More
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon
Marathon Key Offshore - 32’ Morgan
Head out with Captain Nick for an epic Florida Keys inshore/nearshore adventure aboard his 35' Contender. Enjoy reef fishing for yellowtail and mangrove snapper, mackerel, and grouper. Trolling and live baiting for wahoo, sailfish, and kingfish. Or, wreck fishing for mutton snapper, grouper, amberjack and more. All three are great options and it all depends on what you want to do! Captain Nick is all about customizing a trip to your goals and expectations, and for this reason prides himself on the number of repeat clients he has in his client base. When you fish with Captain Nick he will do everything in his power to make sure you have the best possible experience out on the water! His boat comes loaded with everything you could possibly need to catch tons of fish. Since all the gear and licenses are provided all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks and maybe some lunch for the full day trips, and Captain Nick will get straight to work for you! Read More
Head out with Captain Ben for an action-packed day of fishing in the Tavernier backcountry! Tavernier provides quick access to the productive Florida Key waters home to reefs and shipwrecks covered in brilliant bright colors of the spectrum, backcountry shallow water flats with fish made for sight fishing, gorgeous deep water Pelagics that love to feed on the surface, and much more! On this 4 to 8-hour trip, Captain Ben will take you into the beautiful Tavernier backcountry flats where you'll be fly fishing for sought-after fish including Barracuda, Snapper, Florida Pompano, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Snook, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, Tripletail, and even some elusive Bonefish and Permit. With Captain Ben, you can either use classic light tackle, or if you're looking for a challenge you can try your hand at sight-casting with a fly rod. Whatever your ideal trip is, Captain Ben will do what he can to make it happen! You'll be fishing aboard an 18' Action Craft skiff boat with capacity for 3 guests. Powered by a 115 HP Suzuki engine, this boat will have no problem taking you from one hotspot to another in the backcountry waters! She comes equipped with GPS, Fishfinder, Snorkeling Equipment, a Live Bait Well, Tuna Tubes, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Ben will provide all rods, reels, tackle and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is a Florida saltwater fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and any food or drinks you might need. Come aboard with Captain Ben and experience the awesome fishing the Keys have to offer! Read More
Everything to Know About Booking an Islamorada gag grouper fishing charter
What are the best gag grouper fishing charters in Islamorada?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 19 gag grouper trips in Islamorada, and the most popular trips in the area are Ocean Thrills with Captain Don guided by Don, Reef, Wreck, and Patch Reef Trip guided by Chris, and BEST! Sport fishing Trips in Islamorada, Whale Harbor guided by Richard.
Our guides in Islamorada are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 2568 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Other popular cities nearby for booking a Gag Grouper charter include Key Largo, Marathon and Tavernier.
Looking for kid friendly gag grouper guides / fishing lessons in Islamorada? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides in Islamorada.
What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common in Islamorada?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for gag grouper in Islamorada as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in Islamorada are bottom fishing, heavy tackle fishing, and trolling but live bait fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.
How much do Islamorada gag grouper fishing charters cost?
for gag grouper in Islamorada prices can range anywhere from about $700 to $1,700, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper in Islamorada is $899. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper in Islamorada is $1,385.
What month is best for gag grouper fishing in Islamorada?
The most popular season for gag grouper fishing in Islamorada is spring, and most anglers book their trips 39 days in advance.
Do I need a Islamorada fishing license for gag grouper and what are the bag limits for gag grouper in Islamorada?
You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Islamorada don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season regulations in Islamorada.
What is gag grouper fishing in Islamorada all about?
In Islamorada, gag grouper are a highly sought-after species among anglers, known for their delicious flavor and challenging fights. These large, predatory fish inhabit the reefs, wrecks, and ledges surrounding Islamorada, offering anglers opportunities for both inshore and offshore fishing adventures. Gag grouper are characterized by their mottled gray coloration and large mouths equipped with sharp teeth, which they use to ambush prey. Anglers are drawn to targeting gag grouper for the thrill of hooking into these powerful fish and the satisfaction of landing a prized catch.
One effective method for targeting gag grouper in Islamorada is bottom fishing near offshore structures such as reefs, wrecks, and rock piles. Anglers use heavy tackle setups and live or cut bait to entice strikes from these voracious predators. Gag grouper are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often striking bait with gusto and putting up a fierce fight once hooked. Anglers must be prepared to battle these strong fish and navigate them away from the structure to avoid break-offs, making for an exciting and challenging fishing experience.
Another productive technique for targeting gag grouper in Islamorada is trolling with deep-diving plugs or live bait rigs along the edges of reefs and ledges. Anglers cruise along the reef line, covering a large area of water while presenting baits or lures at varying depths to entice strikes from gag grouper. Trolling allows anglers to locate productive fishing spots and target active fish, making it an effective method for anglers seeking to hook into these prized predators. With their large size and formidable fighting ability, gag grouper offer anglers in Islamorada thrilling opportunities for memorable fishing adventures in the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.
What are the most popular months to fish for gag grouper fishing in Islamorada?
In Islamorada, the gag grouper season typically aligns with federal regulations set by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, which establishes specific dates for recreational fishing seasons based on stock assessments and population management goals. These seasons often vary from year to year and are subject to change, so anglers should stay updated on the latest regulations before planning their fishing trips. Typically, the gag grouper season in the Gulf of Mexico, including the waters surrounding Islamorada, opens in the spring and remains open through the summer months, with a closure period during the fall and winter to protect spawning aggregations.
During the open season for gag grouper in Islamorada, anglers can enjoy productive fishing opportunities for these prized predators in the rich offshore waters of the Florida Keys. Gag grouper are commonly found near reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where they feed on baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers target gag grouper using a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, trolling with deep-diving plugs, and jigging over structure-rich areas. With their aggressive feeding behavior and formidable fighting ability, gag grouper provide anglers with thrilling battles and the chance to reel in some impressive catches.
As the gag grouper season in Islamorada progresses into the summer months, anglers can expect continued opportunities for successful fishing trips targeting these prized predators. During this time, gag grouper are often found in shallower waters near the reef line, providing anglers with accessible fishing opportunities both inshore and offshore. Anglers can capitalize on the productive summer season by targeting gag grouper using a variety of techniques and adapting their strategies to changing conditions. With proper planning and adherence to regulations, anglers can enjoy memorable fishing experiences targeting gag grouper in the beautiful waters of Islamorada throughout the open season.
What techniques are popular for catching gag grouper in Islamorada?
In Islamorada, anglers employ various effective techniques to target gag grouper, leveraging their predatory behavior and habitat preferences in the offshore waters of the Florida Keys. One common method for catching gag grouper is bottom fishing near structure-rich areas such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Anglers use heavy tackle setups and live or cut bait to entice strikes from these formidable predators. Gag grouper are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, often striking bait with gusto and putting up a fierce fight once hooked. Anglers must be prepared to battle these strong fish and navigate them away from the structure to avoid break-offs, making for an exciting and challenging fishing experience.
Trolling is another effective technique for targeting gag grouper in Islamorada. Anglers troll with deep-diving plugs or live bait rigs along the edges of reefs and ledges, covering a large area of water while presenting baits or lures at varying depths. Trolling allows anglers to locate productive fishing spots and target active fish, making it an efficient method for anglers seeking to hook into these prized predators. With their large size and formidable fighting ability, gag grouper offer anglers in Islamorada thrilling opportunities for memorable fishing adventures in the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys.
Jigging is also a productive technique for targeting gag grouper in Islamorada. Anglers drop heavy jigs equipped with assist hooks or stinger rigs to the depths where gag grouper are holding near offshore structures. By jigging the lure up and down in a rhythmic motion, anglers mimic the movement of injured or distressed baitfish, enticing strikes from predatory gag grouper. This method requires skill and precision, as anglers must maintain control of the jig and be ready to set the hook when a fish strikes. Jigging for gag grouper can be highly productive, especially when targeting larger specimens, and offers anglers the opportunity to hook into some impressive catches in the waters of Islamorada.
What other species are popular in Islamorada?
In addition to targeting gag grouper, anglers visiting Islamorada have a plethora of other species to pursue, ensuring a diverse and exciting fishing experience. One highly sought-after species is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin or dorado. These colorful and acrobatic fish inhabit the offshore waters surrounding Islamorada, particularly near weed lines, floating debris, and offshore structures. Mahi-mahi are prized for their delicious flesh and are known for their aggressive strikes and aerial displays, making them a favorite among anglers. Anglers can target mahi-mahi using a variety of techniques, including trolling with artificial lures or natural baits, as well as casting to schools of fish found around floating objects.
Another popular species to target in Islamorada is the sailfish, known for its impressive size, speed, and acrobatic jumps. Sailfish migrate through the offshore waters of Islamorada during the winter months, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for catch-and-release fishing. These majestic fish are prized among sport fishermen for their challenging fights and are considered one of the most prestigious game fish to catch in Islamorada. Anglers target sailfish by trolling with rigged baits or artificial lures along the edge of the Gulf Stream and offshore reefs, as well as by live bait fishing near surface-feeding fish or structure-rich areas.
In addition to mahi-mahi and sailfish, anglers in Islamorada can pursue a variety of other species, including wahoo, tuna, marlin, grouper, snapper, and tarpon, among others. Wahoo are fast-swimming predators found in the offshore waters of Islamorada, offering anglers exciting opportunities for high-speed trolling. Tuna are also abundant in the offshore waters, with blackfin and yellowfin tuna being the most commonly targeted species. Marlin, including blue marlin and white marlin, are prized game fish known for their size and strength, providing anglers with thrilling battles offshore. Inshore, anglers can target species such as tarpon, snook, bonefish, permit, and mangrove snapper, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences in the rich and bountiful waters of Islamorada.
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Other Fishing Species in Islamorada
- African Pompano
- Almaco Jack
- Amberjack
- Barracuda
- Black Drum
- Black Grouper
- Blackbelly Rosefish
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blacktip Shark
- Blue Marlin
- Bonefish
- Bonito
- Bonnethead Shark
- Bull Shark
- Cero Mackerel
- Cobia
- Florida Pompano
- Goliath Grouper
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hogfish
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Ladyfish
- Lane Snapper
- Largemouth Bass
- Lemon Shark
- Lionfish
- Lobster
- Mahi Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Mutton Snapper
- Nurse Shark
- Peacock Bass
- Permit
- Queen Snapper
- Red Grouper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Scamp Grouper
- Sheepshead
- Skipjack Tuna
- Snook
- Snowy Grouper
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Swordfish
- Tarpon
- Tilefish
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Vermillion Snapper
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
- Yellowtail Snapper
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What's biting in Islamorada?
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