Fly Fish Islamorada For Bonefish

Islamorada and the Upper Keys are known in the fishing world as one of the premiere locations to fly fish for big bonefish.

Bonefish have long been one of the signature species of the Upper Keys. Islamorada was once known for producing some of the largest bonefish found anywhere in the world, and while those fish became less common for a number of years, the fishery has been showing encouraging signs of recovery. Today, anglers have opportunities to target a healthy population of small and medium-sized bonefish while increasingly encountering the larger fish that helped establish Islamorada's reputation as one of Florida's premier bonefish destinations.

Fly fish for bonefish in the Upper Keys (Islamorada, Tavernier, and Key Largo with full time fly fishing guide Capt. Chandler Williams.

Bonefish Fly Fishing In Islamorada, FL

Bonefishing with a fly rod is like fine champagne. It is classy. Days are spent quietly poling across shallow banks or flats while looking for wakes, tails, nervous water, or the faint outline of a fish moving across the bottom. Bonefish can be found all around the Oceanside, Downtown, and well into Florida Bay as singles or small groups, or as larger schools when up shallow.

Shots at bonefish can come at any distance. Bonefish can be spotted at distance when there is full sun. As visibility declines, they become very difficult to see and shots can be very close. Quick accurate presentations increase chances. The general rule when presenting a fly to bonefish is the deeper the water, the closer you can land the fly. Unlike permit, bonefish are generally willing to eat a good presentation. Some days they will make you feel like you are a better fly angler than you actually are, and we love them for that.. That doesn't mean they're easy. A poor cast, a fly placed too close, or any number of mistakes will usually send them racing away across the flat.

One of the best things about bonefishing around Islamorada is that it is rarely the only option for the day. If conditions are right, it isn't uncommon to spend part of the day looking for bonefish before moving on to target tarpon, permit, snook, or redfish. Few places in the world offer that kind of variety within such a short boat ride.

Payments And Deposits

  • Cash, Check or Venmo.

  • Credit cards through Venmo (additional service charges may occur)

  • $150 per day per guide deposit for all trips

  • Venmo or mail deposits to:
    Chandler Williams
    17A 12th Ave
    Key West, FL 33040

Islamorada Bonefish Fly Fishing Charter Details

Capt. Chandler Williams offers full day and half day Islamorada bonefish trips and multiple boats are available for groups of more than 2 people. Contact us for current rates and availability. All trips include tackle/flies, fuel costs, launch fees, and a cooler with water and ice.

What To Bring

  • Polarized sunglasses (amber, copper, and green lenses preferred)

  • Hat and any needed sun protection

  • 9, 10, & 12 wt. rods (if own gear is preferred)

  • Quick drying clothing

  • Rain gear, jackets and pants

  • Shoes with non-marking soles

  • A positive attitude (most important part of having a successful trip)

Capt. Chandler Williams

Capt. Chandler is a full-time Florida fly fishing guide and a tarpon nomad. He fishes different areas of the state year-round to provide his clients the best possible opportunity to catch the fish of their dreams.