Florida · Keys
REDFISH FISHING
IN ISLAMORADA
Islamorada is a solid destination for redfish fishing. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Islamorada
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Islamorada
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Islamorada, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Islamorada
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Islamorada
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Florida Bay Flats (Islamorada)
The vast grass flats of Florida Bay on the Gulf side of Islamorada are legendary for permit, bonefish, and tarpon sight-fishing on skinny water. Guides pole skiffs across the flats near Sandy Key, Buchanan Keys, and Shell Key for world-class flats fishing. Islamorada is widely recognized as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World for good reason.
Indian Key Channel
Indian Key Channel runs between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys and funnels strong tidal currents that attract tarpon, snook, barracuda, and jack crevalle. The channel is a major tarpon migration corridor during spring and summer, with fish averaging 80-120 pounds. Bridge pilings and channel edges hold mangrove snapper and yellowtail year-round.
Snake Creek (Windley Key)
Snake Creek channel at Windley Key features strong tidal flow under the bridge that attracts tarpon, snook, and barracuda during warmer months. The bridge pilings hold sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and yellowtail snapper year-round. Night fishing under the bridge lights during tarpon season produces some of the most exciting fishing in the Keys.
Lignumvitae Key Basin
The shallow basin surrounding Lignumvitae Key State Park on the bayside of Islamorada offers pristine flats fishing for bonefish, permit, and spotted seatrout. The area's turtle grass beds and sand pockets provide ideal habitat for tailing fish on calm mornings. The protected state park waters ensure healthy fish populations in a scenic setting.
Other Species in Islamorada
More fish you can target while visiting Islamorada.
Redfish Fishing in Islamorada — FAQ
Redfish fishing in Islamorada is productive during .
Redfish fishing charters in Islamorada are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Islamorada, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Islamorada, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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