What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Islamorada, Florida for the first time?

First, you should decide what type of fishing you want to do. There are lots of options from shore, bridges, bay, channels, near shore and deep sea. For example, I caught a 6' long 60lbs sailfish on my 60th birthday and we were only a couple of miles off shore. On that same 1/2 day trip, my group caught 21 redfish in about 20 minutes about 15 miles off shore. Mrs. Macs cooked them up for our dinner that evening! On a recent trip my group of 4 guys caught 10 nurse sharks that were from 175lbs up to 325lbs in a channel only 100' off shore.

We went out to different gods. Too tough days fishing. And from the reports seem like we were not alone. The highlight of our trip that was the lobster fishing. We caught over 40 lobsters, 13 keepers. Good times!

2nd year of fishing in Isamorada. 1st year heavy wind with 3 to 4 foot waves. Went out and did not catch much. 2nd time out. Perfect weather and perfect seas. Great day of fishing. So check the weather before you go.

I would suggest to plan for multiple days in order that you can cancel due to weather. Local fisherman of leisure will not go out if there are any whitecaps. Whitecaps generally equate to 5' seas in my experience, and fishing can be miserable. There should be some standard in which the fisherman has ability to cancel without being damaged. Captains need to make money, so leaving decision in his hands is not objective decision.

Weather is excellent. Crowds are low so easy to get around. Food everywhere is excellent. And the fishing is off the charts. One of the best places in the WORLD. Islamorada offers so many places to stay from High End Luxury hotels, to mom and pop motels to camping and RV parks. You cannot go wrong.

The fishing in Islamorada in June is great in the backcountry and average for Tarpon. The Tarpon bite is mostly for local resident tarpon with the migrating tarpon already being done. Overall an amazing fishery. The shrimp availability was low which definitely impacts the guides.

Islamorada is expensive. Tarpon fishing is hours of boredom followed by unbelievable excitement if you are lucky enough to hook one up. Listen closely to your captain. This type of fishing is different than any I've done before, and I've been fishing for 60 years. I most certainly want to try again.

Fishing in Islamorada was terrific. Plenty of areas to target. There is a great patch reef area for fishing with the smaller children. Grouper, snapper. Action was cool and within sight of the beach. Capt Paul was terrific.

Lots of options here - many boats with experienced Captains ready and able to take you out for a great day on the water. I'll be back!

the experience was great, the targeted fish, sailfish, did not cooperate, but we caught a couple other fish.

Alot of options for inshore and offshore and captains are approachable to discuss fishing techniques and options.

Look up shore fishing areas and parking before you arrive. Lots to do between charters

Catch your dinner then go for something just for the fun of it! Might even be more dinner!

Look for a Captain targeting the type of fish you want to catch. Also understand the trip your booking meaning don’t hire a flats boat if you want to go off shore.

Beautiful location and I believe, with the right crew, it would be a fantastic fishing experience. We just drew the wrong crew.

The reef is almost a sure thing. Late afternoon shark fishing works too, winds were lighter.

Be ready to adapt to the weather. Trust the captain's judgement. He fishes every day here.

Expect wind and change of plans but go anyway. A good captain will still put you on fish without beating you up or getting you sick.

Try all 3 if you can. In shore, Flats and reef to get a feel for the wide variety of fishing the Keys has to offer

If fishing in July like we did, plan a morning half day trip. A full day trip will be extremely hot and fishing becomes more difficult as the day heats up. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

You can never have a bad fishing day in Islamorada. Paradise and fishing...come on now. Highly recommend hitting the water and enjoying the sites and fishing!

Don’t forget your sunscreen before you go & always remember to be prepared for anything....it’s called “Fishing”

Do your homework. Don't settle for the cheaper price. Those boats are cheap for a reason. Found that out the hard way back in February this year.

Wear long sleeves in a breathable shirt and polarized sunglasses for those that haven't been out on the water. The sun will get you and it reflects of the water pretty heavily.

This was my first time fishing so I don’t know - but I had a great time and we caught lots of fish

Call Captain Tony with Singing Reels. That way you won't wonder if you are taking a chance or not. He is the best!

For novice fishers be prepared for the sun (hat, buff, long sleeved shirt, pants and sunscreen). Research your fish for the right bait/lures and setup. Drink plenty of water.

Call Captain Mark at Dauntless Charters and dress appropriately. The Florida sun can be brutal. Sunscreen, UV clothing, and head covering is a must.

Don’t wear flip flops, wear shoes with grip as the waves can toss you around a bit and stability is a must when reeling in the big ones!

Be open minded when fishing and listen to the locals. They know what’s in season and can be very helpful.