Islamorada Fishing Charters for Every Angler

From backcountry tarpon to offshore swordfish, experience world-class fishing in the Sportfishing Capital of the World with a lifelong local, tournament-proven captain.

Islamorada Fishing Charters for Every Angler

From backcountry tarpon to offshore swordfish, experience world-class fishing in the Sportfishing Capital of the World with a lifelong local, tournament-proven captain.

Our Trips

The best in islamorada

Our Islamorada fishing charters are designed to match every angler’s interests and skill level. Our backcountry fishing trips take you into the calm, scenic waters of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park, where you can target iconic species like snook, redfish, or tarpon. For those seeking the thrill of big-game action, our offshore fishing charters venture into the deep blue waters of the Atlantic to chase mahi-mahi, tuna, swordfish, and more. We specialize in daytime swordfish trips, heading far offshore to target one of the most challenging and rewarding fish in the ocean. In addition to saltwater adventures, we offer unique trips that show off the best of South Florida.

Our tarpon fishing charters focus on sight-fishing and live-bait techniques to connect you with the legendary “Silver King” during peak season. For a freshwater change of pace, our peacock bass fishing trips explore vibrant canals of South Florida for an action-packed day catching these colorful and aggressive exotics. We also run seasonal lobster bully netting charters, giving guests the chance to experience a hands-on Florida Keys tradition while harvesting fresh spiny lobster. Whatever your goals for your fishing charter in Islamorada, we provide the right boat, equipment, and local expertise to make it a reality.

Islamorada Offshore Fishing

An offshore fishing charter in Islamorada is a perfect way to experience great fishing year round.

Islamorada Backcountry Trips

A Islamorada Backcountry fishing charter offers a versatile and personalized experience, exploring the calm, protected waters of Florida Bay and Everglades National Park.

Islamorada Tarpon Charters

A tarpon fishing charter in Islamorada during the peak months of April through June offers anglers the chance to target the legendary “Silver King” at the height of its migration.

Peacock Bass Fishing

A peacock bass fishing charter in the freshwater canals near Key Largo offers a completely different experience from saltwater trips.

Islamorada Swordfishing Charters

An Islamorada swordfishing charter is the ultimate deep-sea adventure for anglers looking to target one of the ocean’s most elusive and powerful predators.

Lobster Bully Netting

A lobster bully netting charter in Islamorada is a unique, hands-on adventure that gives you the chance to experience one of the Florida Keys’ most iconic seasonal traditions.
TJ Zinkand

The Captain

Captain TJ Zinkand was born and raised in Islamorada, where his passion for fishing began at an early age. After spending several years in Miami Beach, he returned to the Florida Keys in 2008 to fully dedicate himself to a professional career on the water. Growing up, TJ spent countless days fishing alongside his grandfather and father, mastering the techniques needed to target redfish, snook, and tarpon in the backcountry.

An accomplished tournament angler and dedicated family man, Captain TJ is passionate about sharing the incredible fishery of Islamorada with anglers of all ages and skill levels. Whether guiding first-time visitors or seasoned sport fishermen, his goal is to deliver a safe, memorable, and highly rewarding day on the water.

Licenses Included
Family Friendly
Available All Year
10+ Years Experience
Up to 6 Passengers
Safety Equipment
Fish Cleaning Included
Bait & Gear Provided
Row global-shapes-topography-3 Shape Decorative svg added to top
A versatile fleet

OUR BOATS

We maintain one of the most versatile Islamorada fishing charter fleets in the Florida Keys, ensuring every trip is perfectly suited to your goals. Our lineup include a Hewes flats boat for shallow-water backcountry fishing, a Grand Slam technical poling skiff for fly fishing the flats, and a 36’ Contender with triple 300s for high-speed offshore runs. This range of vessels allows anglers to experience everything Islamorada is famous for—from stalking bonefish, tarpon, and permit on crystal-clear flats, to exploring the mangrove backcountry for snook and redfish, to running 40 miles offshore for mahi-mahi or swordfish. Whatever your target species or preferred fishing style, we have the perfect boat and local expertise to make your day on the water unforgettable.

Up to 6 Passengers
Safety Equipment
Fish Cleaning Included
Bait & Gear Provided
SPECIES WE TARGET

Our Catch

Amberjack

Nicknamed "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fight, amberjack thrive on deep wrecks and reefs. They’re a favorite for anglers looking for a tough battle.

Sailfish

Islamorada is famous for its winter sailfish bite. These billfish are spectacular jumpers and often caught by sight-fishing with live baits.

Mahi-Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

Brightly colored and fast-growing, mahi-mahi are a favorite for their acrobatics and flavor. They’re often found around weed lines and floating debris offshore.

Spanish Mackerel

Smaller cousins of kingfish, Spanish mackerel are lightning-fast and aggressive. They’re abundant in the winter and provide great light-tackle action in Florida Bay.

Grouper (Black, Red, and Gag)

Groupers are strong bottom dwellers found around reefs and wrecks. They’re ambush predators with a habit of darting back into cover once hooked.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are larger and more powerful than yellowtails, often found on deeper reefs and wrecks. They’re prized for both sport and table fare.

Yellowtail Snapper

Highly sought for their mild, flaky meat, yellowtails are plentiful on Islamorada’s reefs. They’re often caught using chum to bring them close to the boat.

Bonefish

Fast, wary, and pound-for-pound one of the toughest fighters, bonefish are a favorite of fly anglers. Islamorada’s clear flats offer some of the best bonefishing in the world.

Swordfish

Targeted in deep water during the day, swordfish are one of the most challenging and rewarding catches in the Keys. They’re known for their stamina and delicious meat.

Tarpon

Known as the "Silver King," tarpon are prized for their explosive jumps and sheer strength. Islamorada’s backcountry channels and bridges hold them year-round, with peak season from April to June.

Redfish

These bronze-colored fighters are common in the flats and mangrove shorelines. They’re often caught sight-fishing in shallow water, which makes for exciting visual strikes.

Snook

Snook are powerful, ambush predators found around mangroves, shorelines, and grassy flats. They’re known for their hard strikes and acrobatics, and are best targeted in our warmer months.

Mangrove Snapper

Also called “grey snapper,” these tasty fish hang around mangroves, channels, and reefs. They’re abundant and a great target for families or beginners.
Where to find us

Our Location

80460 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
capt.tjzinkand@gmail.com
(786)-378-1392