Nearshore Fishing in Islamorada Calm water, busy rods

4.6 on Google, 11 reviews

Calm water, light tackle and steady bites on the patch reefs and channels around Islamorada. Poppa Bay, a 25 foot Sea Hunt, takes up to 4 for 4, 6 or 8 hours from Square Grouper, 80461 Overseas Hwy.

Book this tripPlan a trip(954) 326-7360
  • Captain and mate
  • Rods, tackle and bait
  • Fishing licenses
  • Ice and fish cleaning
  • Private boat, your group only
  • No fuel surcharge
  • Duration4, 6 or 8 hours
  • BoatPoppa Bay, 25' Sea Hunt
  • GuestsUp to 4
The Poppa Bay running the flats out of Islamorada
From $1,050Departs Square Grouper dock

Calm water, close-in reefs, steady action. The patch reefs and channels around Islamorada hold snapper, grouper, mackerel, jacks and a dozen other reef regulars, and nearshore fishing on the Poppa Bay is built for them: shallow draft, quick and fishy. It is your trip if you love light tackle, have kids who need a bent rod every few minutes, or prefer the calm side.

Expect steady catching, rod after rod. You anchor on a patch, chum it up and work baits while the mate keeps everyone's turn coming. Most trips box yellowtail and mangrove snapper, with seasonal shots at mutton snapper, grouper and cero mackerel.

Is nearshore your trip?

Seasick-prone friends, young kids, a tighter budget, a windy week: nearshore handles all of them and keeps everyone fishing. When the weather is right, your captain can slide out to the main reef and upgrade the day on the spot.

Ready to book?

From $1,050 Departs Square Grouper dock

Book this trip(954) 326-7360

Good to know

Where you leave from

Poppa Bay leaves from Square Grouper, 80461 Overseas Hwy, a few minutes from the main dock. Up to 4 anglers, 4, 6 or 8 hours, from $1,050.

What bites when

Yellowtail snapper all year. Mutton snapper best around the spring moons. King mackerel and grouper in the cooler months, when grouper season is open. Every month is on the fishing calendar.

What you keep

Snapper make a great dinner. Florida sets size and bag limits for each fish, and your captain sorts them as they come aboard. Keepers are cleaned at the dock.

What to bring

  • Closed-toe shoes with grip
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • A soft cooler for drinks and your fillets
  • Your phone in a waterproof pouch

Your bay boat day

The bay boat from above
The bay boat from above
Working the edge of the flat
Working the edge of the flat
Clear water under the hull
Clear water under the hull
The Poppa Wahoo Collective logo

Want to fish offshore instead?

Feeling:
What kind of day do you want?
How many of you?

Questions first? Call or text (954) 326-7360

Quick answers

Is the nearshore trip good for kids?

Yes. It is a favorite for kids: calm water, constant action and room to move on a 25 foot bay boat. Four guests max keeps it personal.

Where does the Poppa Bay leave from?

Square Grouper at 80461 Overseas Hwy in Islamorada, a few minutes from the main dock.

What will we catch nearshore?

Yellowtail and mangrove snapper are the regulars, with mutton snapper, grouper, mackerel, and jacks in the mix by season.

Should I pick nearshore or the Hatteras?

Pick nearshore for calm water, steady bites and up to 4 people, from $1,050. Pick the Hatteras for mahi, tuna and wahoo with up to 6, from $1,475.

Keep planning