Top-Rated Crevalle Jack Fishing in Islamorada

Reel in Jacks on an Islamorada Backcountry Trip

Get ready for a full day of fishing action with SO FLO Charters in the stunning backcountry waters of Islamorada. This 8-hour trip is perfect whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. We'll be launching from the World Wide Sportsman marina, right in the heart of the sportfishing capital. Our main targets are hard-fighting crevalle jacks and toothy barracudas, but we'll be on the lookout for whatever's biting. The calm waters make for a smooth ride and great fishing conditions, so you can focus on landing that trophy catch.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The backcountry here is a maze of mangrove islands, shallow flats, and hidden channels – prime habitat for a variety of gamefish. Our experienced crew will get you set up with top-notch gear and show you the ropes if you're new to this style of fishing. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what the fish are responding to that day. Expect a lot of casting, some trolling, and plenty of action when those jacks decide to hit. The great thing about fishing the backcountry is there's always something biting, so get ready for a busy day on the water.

Techniques & Gear Breakdown

On this trip, we'll be using a variety of fishing techniques to target different species. For crevalle jacks, we often use topwater lures or live bait like pilchards or pinfish. These fish love to chase, so be ready for some explosive strikes on the surface. When we're after barracuda, we might switch to trolling with tube lures or casting with silver spoons. The key is to keep that lure moving fast – 'cudas love the chase. We provide all the gear you'll need, from light spinning setups for finesse fishing to heavier tackle for when those big jacks decide to put up a fight. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the gear; our crew will be right there to help you bait up, cast out, and land your catch.

Top Catches This Season

The backcountry has been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some impressive catches. Crevalle jacks in the 15-20 pound range have been common, with a few monsters pushing 30 pounds. Barracudas have been equally cooperative, with some toothy critters stretching over 4 feet long. We've also been seeing good numbers of snook around the mangroves and some hefty redfish cruising the flats. The variety is what makes fishing here so exciting – you never know what's going to hit your line next.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Crevalle Jack: These bruisers are the main event on our backcountry trips. Known for their relentless fighting spirit, crevalle jacks will test your stamina and your gear. They typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, with the bigger ones giving you a workout you won't soon forget. Jacks love to hit fast-moving lures and will often attack in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more action. They're most active in the warmer months, but you can find them year-round in Islamorada's waters.

Great Barracuda: With their long, sleek bodies and mouth full of razor-sharp teeth, barracudas are the speed demons of the backcountry. These predators can reach speeds of up to 35 mph when chasing down prey. We typically catch them in the 2-4 foot range, but larger ones are not uncommon. Barracuda fishing is all about the visual excitement – watching them streak across the flats to smash your lure is a rush like no other. They're around all year but tend to be more aggressive in the warmer months.

Snook: These wily fighters are a favorite among local anglers. Snook love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting them near mangrove roots and docks. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs, making them a blast to catch on light tackle. The backcountry is full of slot-sized snook (28-33 inches), with some bigger ones lurking in the deeper holes. Spring and fall are prime times for snook, but we catch them year-round in Islamorada.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a staple of backcountry fishing. Redfish are often found tailing on the flats, giving sight-fishing enthusiasts a real thrill. They typically range from 5 to 15 pounds in the backcountry, but we occasionally hook into larger "bull" reds. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, using their broad tails to power away from the boat. Fall is the peak season, but you can catch them any time of year in these waters.

Permit: The holy grail of flats fishing, permit are challenging to catch but well worth the effort. These silvery, disc-shaped fish have excellent eyesight and are notoriously picky eaters. We typically find them cruising the shallow flats, often in small groups. Landing a permit is a true accomplishment, as they're known for their blistering runs and tendency to break off. Spring and summer are the best times to target permit, but with our year-round warm waters, there's always a chance to hook one.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the backcountry in Islamorada that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a big jack in skinny water, or the satisfaction of perfectly presenting a lure to a tailing redfish. Or it could be the breathtaking scenery – crystal clear waters, lush mangroves, and the chance to spot wildlife like ospreys, dolphins, and even the occasional manatee. Whatever it is, our customers tell us that once they've experienced backcountry fishing here, nowhere else quite compares.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some hard-fighting fish, this Islamorada backcountry trip is calling your name. With SO FLO Charters, you're getting more than just a fishing trip – you're getting a full day of adventure, expert guidance, and the chance to create some lasting memories. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce your kids to the joys of fishing, or just want to spend a day doing what you love, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. Don't let this opportunity slip away – book your trip now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action in the backcountry!