Florida Bay ~ Flamingo, Sandy Key, Cape Sable and the Wilderness Waterway. All within Everglades National Park! This area is best for the eco-fisherman. Combining fishing with wildlife watching. Anywhere from 5 feet down to a few inches in water depth!

• Fishing for Spotted Sea Trout, Redfish, Tarpon, Snook, Sharks and More.

• Bird Enthusiasts can enjoy many South Florida bird Species in their natural habitat. Ospreys, Eagles, Pelicans, Roseate Spoonbills, Herons, Egrets and many more.

• There are many marine mammals to see in this area. We regularly see Manatees, Porpoises, and Turtles

Gulf Of Mexico ~ Enjoy fishing the open waters of the Gulf. From 6 to 26 feet of water.

• Wreck fishing for Cobia, Permit, Jewfish, Tarpon, Grouper and more.

• We always have our tackle at the ready for sight fishing for Tripletail and any other fish that might happen along.

• Casting and chumming for Spanish Mackerel, Blacktip Sharks, Cobia and Snapper.

Island Channels ~ The channels between the many Keys and Islands of the backcountry usually have a nice current flowing and hold many species of fish.

• These passes can hold Tarpon, Permit, Sharks, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper, and Snook

• This is a very popular half-day trip because of the combination of short running time, productive fishing and calm water. The moon phase must be observed with this trip.

What's Captain Russ' Favorite Fishing?
Tarpon!

Tarpon are present year-round and thus is our most popular fishing trip. Many small to medium size Tarpon are caught in the wintertime while fishing in the backcountry, usually around Flamingo and Cape Sable. In Islamorada, spring and summer are best for tarpon with the giant fish (over 100 pounds!) beginning to migrate into the area starting in February, but do not get "predictable" until the winter fronts subside. I usually start tarpon fishing in Ernest in April with May, June and July being the most productive for the big guys. I am always ready to change strategies with the current conditions. Methods, tackle, bait and locations are all variable from day to day. Live bait fishing is most popular, although dead bait fishing can often be just as rewarding, and the Silver King will also inhale a variety of artificial baits.

Tarpon are always released and are one of the Florida Keys most popular gamefish. Tarpon are most likely the largest fish most anglers will ever catch!

Patches and Reef Fishing ~ Exciting year-round bottom action

• Among the many reef species are: Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, Sailfish, Bonito, Sharks, Amberjack and More.

• Fish are caught by bottom fishing, drifting, or slow trolling

Offshore ~ Calm seas only ~ Spring, Summer, and Fall are best.

• Targeted Species: Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Skipjack and more.

• Fishing method offshore is trolling live and dead baits and artificial lures.

Your Captain: I have been fishing for a living in Islamorada in the Florida Keys since 1978 and I still very much enjoy fishing myself and I thoroughly enjoy the excitement of seeing the thrill on an anglers face after a great fishing day! From Parents with children to experienced light tackle anglers, I can accommodate your needs.

Rates for the Rusty IV

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