Sunset Inshore Fishing in Islamorada | VTB Charters

Afternoon Inshore Fishing in Islamorada

Get ready for a laid-back afternoon on the water with VTB Charters in beautiful Islamorada. This 4-hour trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels looking to wet a line and maybe land that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, our experienced captains will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. We'll cruise the inshore waters, targeting everything from hard-fighting snook to acrobatic tarpon, depending on what's biting. With all gear provided and clear instruction from your guide, you can focus on the important stuff – like reeling in your next big catch!

What to Expect on the Water

Kicking off at 4 PM, this half-day charter is timed perfectly to take advantage of the productive afternoon bite. We'll head out from the dock and cruise to some of Islamorada's most fish-rich inshore spots. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will choose the best areas based on the tides, weather, and recent fishing reports. You might find yourself casting around mangrove islands for snook, drifting grass flats for sea trout, or sight-fishing for tailing redfish in the shallows. The beauty of inshore fishing is its variety – every trip is different, and you never know what might end up on the end of your line.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

On this trip, we'll use a mix of light tackle techniques to target inshore species. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be throwing soft plastics, working topwater lures, or live-baiting with pilchards or shrimp. Your guide will walk you through each technique, showing you how to work the lures or present the bait for the best chance of a hookup. We provide all the gear you'll need – quality rods and reels paired with the right line and terminal tackle for the job. If you're new to fishing, don't sweat it. Your captain will be right there to help you cast, set the hook, and land your fish. And if you're an experienced angler, feel free to bring your favorite rod along – just let us know in advance.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Snook are one of the top targets on Islamorada inshore trips, and for good reason. These hard-fighting fish love to hang around structure like mangroves and docks, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. They're known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Snook fishing is best in the warmer months, with peak action typically from April through October.

Sea trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are another inshore favorite. These speckled beauties are often found over grass flats and deeper channels. They're great fun on light tackle and are known for their delicate bite and head-shaking fights. Sea trout can be caught year-round in Islamorada, but the bite is usually hottest in the cooler months from November to March.

Redfish, with their distinctive spot near the tail, are a bucket-list fish for many anglers. In Islamorada, you might find them tailing in shallow water or cruising along mangrove shorelines. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to power away from the boat. They're available year-round, but fall and winter often see larger schools moving through the area.

Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing. These wary, powerful fish are challenging to fool and even harder to land. Sight-fishing for permit on the flats is an adrenaline-pumping experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Spring and summer are prime permit seasons in Islamorada, but you might encounter them any time of year.

Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats. What these fish lack in table fare, they more than make up for in pure fighting power. Jacks often travel in schools, creating exciting blitz-style fishing when they're busting bait on the surface. They're around all year but are especially active in the warmer months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Islamorada. Maybe it's the crystal-clear water that lets you spot fish from a distance. Or the thrill of watching a snook explode on your topwater lure as you work it past a mangrove root. Perhaps it's the variety – one cast you might hook a acrobatic tarpon, the next a hard-pulling jack. Our afternoon trips are particularly popular because they let you sleep in, enjoy a relaxed morning, and still get out on the water for prime fishing time. And with our experienced guides handling all the details, from rigging rods to finding fish, you can focus on enjoying the experience and making memories.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Islamorada's inshore gamefish, this half-day afternoon trip is the perfect choice. With a 4 PM start time, it's ideal for folks who want to sleep in or spend the morning exploring the Keys. Our seasoned captains will put you on the fish and make sure you have a great time, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. All the gear is provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for an afternoon of inshore action in one of Florida's top fishing destinations!