A unique island among the Florida Keys, Islamorada has a treasure all to it’s own, called the Backcountry. A stones throw from shore lies Florida Bay which is only the beginning to the Backcountry and the Everglades National Park (ENP). The ENP encompasses approx. 900sq. miles of shallow water with roughly 100 individual islands scattered throughout. The average water depth in the Backcountry is only 3ft deep. With the deepest being 6-7 ft deep with any consistency.
Backcountry fishing is the most popular attraction in the Islamorada Charter Fishing industry. Why? The Backcountry has so much to offer anglers and families. Sight fishing, fly fishing, fun fishing, live bait, dead bait, or artifices, etc. You can use a push pole, trolling motor, or drift fish. You can catch small fish, big fish or target a specific fish. You can fish from a skiff or a bay boat depending on your desires.
The weather is not near a factor like in the offshore business. No one has ever gotten seasick in the backcountry. You don’t smell diesel fumes and you won’t get bounced around, even when it is windy in the spring. This is a great trip for families with kids because we can teach them how to fish and make sure that their first introduction to fishing is a positive one. Backcountry guides don‘t have mates that cast, hook the fish and then hand you the rod. We let you cast, fish, and catch, or not catch, it is all part of the experience. The abundant wildlife also makes for a fun day outdoors as you never know what you might see, like an Alligator or Crocodile, Flamingos, wading birds, Bald Eagles, Manatees, Dolphins, Sea Turtles etc.
What kind of fish do we have in the Backcountry? The list is endless but most common species are: Spotted Seatrout, Redfish, Snook, Mangrove Snappers, Catfish, Jacks, Ladyfish, SHARKS, Tarpon, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Goliath Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish and a few others are always a possibility. We do believe in conservation and practice catch and release.
On quality light tackle gear, all these fish can provide you with a boat load of fun. Isn’t that what fishing is all about?
Fly Fishing in the Florida Keys, especially Fly Fishing in Islamorada, is known worldwide as one of the most challenging fishing destinations on planet earth. You always hear about world records, famous anglers, toughest fish, many refusals by fish, and home to the “smartest fish that swim”!! This is all true, however as a beginning fly fisherman, no need to put yourself in that no win situation. There are many species of fish found in the Islamorada Backcountry that will readily eat a fly and give you a pleasant reward for your efforts. Again, all of our Florida Keys Fun Fishing guides are talented fly fisherman and give free instructions/lessons while you are on your trip. This gives you a chance to “earn while you learn” as they say. We even provide all the fly rods and equipment!! No need to drag your gear on a plane!! Remember that word..FUN!!
