Top Islamorada Shark & Tarpon Charter | 3 Hours

Published Date: July 3, 2025
Fishing

Islamorada, FL
$700 - $1,600 price range
Updated Date: September 13, 2025

Summary

Picture yourself on a 38-foot charter boat, cruising the scenic waters off Islamorada in the Florida Keys. This 3-hour private fishing trip with Captain Joe is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned pro or trying your hand at fishing for the first time. You'll be targeting some impressive inshore species, including Blacktip and Lemon sharks, as well as the mighty tarpon. With room for up to six people, it's a great outing for friends or family. All the gear you need is provided, along with fishing licenses and cold water to keep you hydrated under the Florida sun. Captain Joe's expertise means you'll get personalized guidance throughout the trip, maximizing your chances of landing a trophy shark or tarpon. It's a structured half-day adventure that combines the thrill of fishing with the beauty of the Keys, all in a safe and engaging environment.

Top Islamorada Shark & Tarpon Charter | 3 Hours

Sharks and Tarpon Action

Exciting deep sea light tackle action at Whale Harbor Marina! Best fishing adventure with quality catches on deck.

Nice Great Barracuda on deep sea light tackle! Partly cloudy conditions made for an exciting adventure.

Shark & Tarpon Action in the Florida Keys

Ready to tangle with some toothy critters in the shallows? This private inshore charter out of Islamorada puts you right in the heart of shark and tarpon country. Captain Joe knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be cruising the flats and channels in a sweet 38' Harris, hunting for blacktips, lemons, and those high-flying silver kings. It's three hours of non-stop action, and trust me, once you hook into one of these bruisers, you'll be hooked for life.

What's the Deal?

Here's the lowdown: we're talking a half-day, private charter for up to six people. That means it's just you, your crew, and the fish. No sharing the boat with strangers, no rushing to someone else's schedule. Captain Joe's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Heck, he even throws in the fishing licenses and ice-cold water to keep you hydrated under that Florida sun. The beauty of inshore fishing is you're never far from land, so it's perfect if you're worried about seasickness or just want to soak in those gorgeous Keys views while you fish.

Rods, Reels, and Shark Stealth

Alright, let's talk tactics. When we're after sharks, we're usually using heavy spinning gear or conventional setups. We'll be tossing out big chunks of bait and letting them soak. It's all about patience and reading the water. For tarpon, we might switch it up and do some sight fishing if conditions are right. That means scanning the water for rolling fish and making precise casts. Captain Joe's a pro at spotting these silver ghosts, and he'll have you dialed in on the right technique in no time. Don't worry if you're new to this – Joe's got a knack for teaching, and he'll have you casting like a pro before you know it.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Joe and Tommy were fantastic!" - Nicholas

The Big Three: Sharks and Silver Kings

Blacktip sharks are the bread and butter of Florida Keys inshore fishing. These guys are like the greyhounds of the shark world – fast, agile, and boy, do they know how to put on a show. Expect blistering runs and some serious acrobatics when you hook up. They typically range from 3 to 6 feet long, which is the perfect size for a great fight without being too overwhelming. Spring and summer are prime time for blacktips, but you can catch them year-round in the Keys.

Lemon sharks are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. Don't let that "gentle" fool you though – these guys can grow up to 10 feet long and will test your arms and your drag. They're a bit more methodical in their fight, using their bulk to their advantage. Lemons love hanging around sandy flats and mangrove areas, which makes them perfect targets for our style of fishing. Winter and early spring are your best bets for hooking into one of these bruisers.

And then there's the tarpon – the silver king, the mac daddy of inshore game fish. These prehistoric beasts can top 150 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and endurance-testing fights. Hooking a tarpon is one thing, landing one is a whole different ball game. They've got mouths like concrete, so setting the hook takes some skill. But man, when you see one of these giants clear the water by 6 feet, you'll understand why anglers come from all over the world to tangle with them. April through June is peak tarpon season, but we get shots at them year-round in the Keys.

Lock In Your Lines

Listen, if you're looking for a fishing trip that combines the thrill of big game with the comfort of inshore waters, this is it. Captain Joe's got the know-how, the boat's dialed in, and the fish are waiting. Whether you're after that shark selfie or dreaming of jumping a tarpon, this charter's got you covered. Don't let another season slip by – get out there and make some memories on the water. The only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. So what are you waiting for? Let's get those lines wet!

Customer Review

Dynamic Duo Delight

Captain Joe and Tommy were fantastic!

Nicholas Lucchesi

April 22, 2025

Learn more about the animals

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip sharks are a real treat to catch around Islamorada. These sleek predators typically run 4-5 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them cruising the shallows, especially near artificial reefs where baitfish gather. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we see 'em year-round. Blacktips are known for their acrobatics - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. That's what makes targeting them so exciting. They're pretty timid, though, so we use chum to draw them in. My go-to trick is using oily fish like mackerel or sardines for bait. The stronger the smell, the better. When you hook one, hang on tight and be ready for some airtime. Just remember, these sharks can get pretty feisty once they're near the boat, so we always handle them with care.

Lemon Shark

Lemon sharks are a staple around Islamorada, and they're a blast to catch. These yellowish-brown sharks usually run 6-9 feet long and can weigh up to 200 pounds. You'll find them cruising the flats and shallow bays, often in just a few feet of water. They're most active in the warmer months, but we catch them year-round. Lemons are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights - they won't quit easily. What makes them fun is how close to shore we can target them. Sometimes you'll even see their fins breaking the surface. Fresh cut bait works best, and I like to use circle hooks for easy release. Here's a local trick: look for them around mangrove islands during high tide. They follow the water in to hunt. When you hook one, be ready for a long battle. These sharks have serious stamina, but landing one is a real thrill.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of Islamorada, and for good reason. These monsters can top 6 feet and 100 pounds, with some real giants pushing 280. You'll find them rolling in the shallows, channels, and around bridge pilings. Spring and early summer are prime time when they migrate through. Watching a big tarpon clear the water by 10 feet is something you won't forget. They're pure muscle and fight like crazy, often throwing the hook with those jumps. Live bait like pinfish or crabs work well, but fly fishing for them is the ultimate challenge. My tip? When you see a school, lead them with your cast and strip fast. Patience is key - it might take a few follows before one commits. Once hooked, bow to the king when it jumps to keep tension off. These fish are catch-and-release only, but the photos and memories are worth more than any meal.

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