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Florida Keys Inshore Fishing | Billfish Sportfishing
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon, FL
- $300 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: September 8, 2025
Summary
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Florida Keys Catch of the Day
OUT HERE FISHING!
Fishing Trip in Islamorada: Best Experience Ever!
Key West Fishing: Big Catches Awaits
Unleash your inner angler with Islamorada Fishing
Fishing Marathon Florida: Reeling the Big Ones!
Key West Fishing: Fun and Excitement Awaits!
Florida Fishing: Where Memories are Made
Hop Aboard Islamorada Fishing Charters!
Great Day Of Permit Fishing!
Fishing Marathon Florida: Your Best Fishing Time!
OUT HERE FISHING!
Fishing Trip in Islamorada: Best Experience Ever!
Key West Fishing: Big Catches Awaits
Unleash your inner angler with Islamorada Fishing
Fishing Marathon Florida: Reeling the Big Ones!
Key West Fishing: Fun and Excitement Awaits!
Florida Fishing: Where Memories are Made
Hop Aboard Islamorada Fishing Charters!
Great Day Of Permit Fishing!
Fishing Marathon Florida: Your Best Fishing Time!
OUT HERE FISHING!
Fishing Trip in Islamorada: Best Experience Ever!
Key West Fishing: Big Catches Awaits
Unleash your inner angler with Islamorada Fishing
Reel in the Big Ones: Islamorada's Best Fishing
Looking to get your line wet in the Florida Keys? You've come to the right place. Captain Bill Brown's half-day and full-day charters out of Islamorada are the real deal. With over four decades of experience, Bill knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're after hard-fighting tarpon, elusive bonefish, or toothy sharks, this trip's got you covered. Grab your hat and sunscreen – we're heading out!
What to Expect on the Water
Climb aboard Captain Bill's well-equipped vessel for a 5 to 8-hour adventure in the fish-rich waters around Islamorada. This isn't some cookie-cutter tourist trap – it's hands-on fishing with a local pro. Bill's boat comfortably fits up to 4 anglers, so bring the family or a few buddies. He'll provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Whether you're a first-timer or an old salt, Bill tailors the trip to your skill level. Expect personal attention, expert advice, and plenty of fish-catching action.
Techniques & Hotspots
Captain Bill's got a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to putting you on fish. Depending on the season and what's biting, you might find yourself sight-fishing for bonefish on the flats, live-baiting for tarpon in the channels, or bottom-fishing near the reefs for tasty snapper. Bill's a master at reading the water and adjusting tactics on the fly. He'll have you jigging, casting, or trolling – whatever it takes to get those reels screaming. And don't worry if you're new to this – Bill's a patient teacher who'll have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the crown jewel of Florida Keys fishing. These prehistoric monsters can top 150 pounds and put on an aerial show like no other. Spring and early summer are prime time, but you can find resident tarpon year-round. Hooking one is exciting – landing one is an accomplishment you'll never forget.
Permit: These wary, disc-shaped speedsters are the holy grail for many anglers. They're notoriously picky eaters, making them a true challenge to catch. Bill knows their favorite haunts on the flats and wrecks. Land a permit, and you've earned some serious bragging rights.
Cobia: Also known as "ling" or "lemonfish," cobia are hard-fighting bruisers that can push 100 pounds. They love structure and often hang around wrecks or buoys. Cobia put up a stubborn fight and make excellent table fare – the perfect combo for a memorable day on the water.
Bull Shark: For pure adrenaline, it's hard to beat hooking into one of these powerful predators. Bull sharks in the 100 to 200-pound range are common in the Keys, and they'll test both your gear and your stamina. Captain Bill practices catch-and-release with sharks, ensuring a sustainable fishery for years to come.
Bonefish: Known as "grey ghosts" for their ability to seemingly vanish on the flats, bonefish are the ultimate light-tackle challenge. They're spooky, fast, and pull like freight trains when hooked. Bill's expert eyes can spot these silver bullets from a mile away, giving you the best shot at a successful cast.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's about the whole experience. The way the sun paints the Keys in golden light as you cruise out in the morning. The heart-stopping moment when a big tarpon crashes your bait. The satisfaction of learning new skills from a true master of the craft. And let's not forget the stories – because every trip with Captain Bill is guaranteed to give you a few good ones to tell back home.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're dreaming of your first tarpon, looking to cross permit off your bucket list, or just want a fun day on the water with the family, Captain Bill's got you covered. His trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Remember, deposits are non-refundable – but trust us, this is one fishing trip you won't want to miss. Get ready to make some memories (and hopefully fill the cooler) in the sportfishing capital of the world. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Bonefish
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silver torpedoes that are tough to spot and even tougher to catch. They average 4-6 pounds but can hit 10+. Look for them tailing in super shallow water, often just inches deep. Spring through fall is prime time. Bonefish are spooky, so a stealthy approach is key. Use light tackle and small flies or jigs that mimic shrimp or crabs. Once hooked, they make blistering runs that'll have your reel smoking. It's all catch-and-release, focused on the sport. The challenge of stalking and presenting to these wary fish keeps anglers coming back. My local tip: Watch for "nervous water" - subtle ripples or flashes that give away a school of bones. Move into position slowly and you might get multiple shots at the school.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are the bruisers of the shallows, growing up to 11 feet and 500 pounds. Most we catch run 6-8 feet. They're common in coastal waters, bays, and even up into freshwater rivers. Summer's prime time, but we catch them year-round here. Bulls are aggressive feeders, which makes for exciting fishing. Use heavy tackle and wire leaders - these sharks have serious teeth. Fresh cut bait like mullet or ladyfish works well. Chum to bring them in close. The fight is powerful, with fast runs and head shakes. It's catch-and-release only, but the thrill of landing a big shark is hard to beat. One tip: When you're ready to release, keep the shark in the water and use pliers to remove the hook. Safety first with these big boys.
Cobia
Cobia are bruisers, growing up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. Most we catch run 30-50 pounds. They show up in spring, hanging around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia are curious fish - they'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out. That makes them fun to sight fish. Use live bait like eels or mullet, or try bucktail jigs. Once hooked, cobia put up a heck of a fight with long, powerful runs. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat. The bite is best from April through October. One local trick: Chum with cut bait to bring them to the surface, then cast a live bait or lure into the frenzy. Cobia aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different offerings until you find what they want that day.
Permit
Permit are one of the toughest fish to catch on the flats. They're wary, with great eyesight, and spook easily. Adults average 20-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them tailing in shallow water, especially on incoming tides. Spring through fall is best, with peak action in summer. Permit cruise the flats hunting for crabs, which is what we use to catch 'em. Live crabs are ideal, but crab flies work too if you can make an accurate cast. These fish will test your skills and patience, but landing one is a real accomplishment. The fight is strong, with long runs. Permit aren't known for eating quality, it's all about the challenge. My tip: When you spot one, take your time to set up a good cast. Rush it and you'll spook them every time.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the giants of the flats, growing up to 8 feet long and 280 pounds. Most run 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds - still a handful on light tackle. You'll find them in Florida Bay, around the Keys, and along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Spring and summer are prime time as they migrate through. Tarpon are famous for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. Anglers come from all over to tangle with the "silver king." They're not great eating, so it's all about the thrill of the fight. To hook one, we'll drift live bait like pinfish or crabs over likely spots. The key is a smooth, controlled hookset - these guys have bony mouths. Once hooked, hang on tight and enjoy the ride. There's nothing quite like seeing a 100-pounder go airborne right next to the boat.
About the Billfish
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
