As winter releases its grip and the warm spring breezes begin to sweep across the Florida Keys, Islamorada transforms into a fly angler's paradise. For those seeking the ultimate shallow water challenge, the period from March through May represents prime time for targeting two of flats fishing's most coveted species: bonefish and permit. As a veteran Islamorada fishing guide, I've witnessed countless anglers experience the thrill of connecting with these legendary gamefish during the magical spring months.

The Spring Advantage: Why March-May Offers Prime Fly Fishing ConditionsThe spring season in Islamorada delivers the perfect combination of factors that create exceptional flats fishing opportunities. Water temperatures stabilize in the ideal 72-78°F range, triggering increased activity from both bonefish and permit. The notorious winter cold fronts become less frequent and less severe, providing more consistent fishing conditions day-to-day.

March typically kicks off the prime season, with warming trends establishing predictable fish behavior. By April, we're often experiencing the year's most stable weather patterns, with moderate winds and clear skies that create ideal sight-fishing scenarios. May brings slightly warmer water temperatures that can concentrate fish on specific flats and channel edges where cooler water flows.

The spring months also coincide with important biological cycles. Permit begin their spawning activities, often gathering in larger numbers around specific areas. Bonefish become more aggressive in their feeding patterns as metabolisms increase with warming waters. This combination of environmental factors and biological imperatives creates a perfect storm of opportunity for the skilled fly angler.

Islamorada Bonefish: The Gray Ghost of the FlatsFew fishing experiences compare to watching a tailing bonefish working a shallow flat, presenting a fly with precision, and witnessing that electric moment when the fish turns and pounces on your offering. Islamorada's bonefish population remains healthy and offers exceptional opportunities throughout the spring months.

Islamorada bonefish typically range from 4-8 pounds, with specimens exceeding 10 pounds encountered regularly by anglers who put in their time. These aren't the smaller bonefish found in some other destinations – Florida Keys bonefish have earned their reputation for both size and challenging behavior.

During spring, we target bonefish across various habitats. In March and early April, focusing on darker bottom flats that warm quickly often produces results, particularly during afternoon falling tides. As we move further into April and May, the classic marl and turtle grass flats become increasingly productive, especially during lower tide phases when fish are more concentrated and visible.

The spring season also sees bonefish becoming more willing to venture onto extremely shallow flats, sometimes in mere inches of water. These skinny water scenarios create heart-stopping sight fishing opportunities as bonefish tails and dorsal fins slice through the surface. The clear spring skies and moderate winds improve visibility, allowing for longer, more accurate casts to these wary targets.

The Permit Challenge: Islamorada's Ultimate Fly Fishing TrophyWhile bonefish represent a significant challenge, permit elevate the game to an entirely different level. These discerning, powerful fish have humbled countless anglers, but spring in Islamorada offers your best shot at success.

The permit's seasonal patterns in the Florida Keys make March through May perhaps the single best time to target them on fly. As water temperatures reach the low-to-mid 70s, permit begin their spawning rituals, often gathering in impressive numbers around specific channels, basins, and outer flats. While actual spawning occurs in deeper water, pre- and post-spawn fish frequently venture onto the flats where they become accessible to fly anglers.

During spring, we find permit in several distinct habitats. The oceanside flats of Islamorada can be particularly productive when incoming tides bring clean, clear water from the Atlantic. These ocean-facing flats often feature mixed bottom compositions with short turtle grass, scattered coral rubble, and sandy patches – prime permit territory.

Channel edges where deeper water meets the flats create another prime opportunity, particularly during the first few hours of a falling tide when permit stage along these drops. Finally, the classic basin flats of the backcountry can hold impressive numbers of permit, especially when water quality and temperatures are optimal.

What makes permit such a challenge – and such a rewarding target – is their cautious nature and selective feeding. Even when you've done everything right – located fish, made the perfect presentation, and chosen the right fly – permit may still reject your offering for reasons known only to them. This selective behavior, combined with their powerful runs and dogged fighting ability, makes landing a permit on fly one of angling's greatest achievements.

Fly Selection: Matching the Hatch for Keys Bonefish and Permit

Success when targeting these species on fly requires attention to detail, with fly selection representing a critical component. For Islamorada bonefish during spring months, my fly box contains:

1. Gotcha: This classic bonefish pattern in sizes 4-6 remains my go-to fly in a variety of color combinations. The original pink/white version is essential, but tan/white and cream/tan variations also produce consistently.
2. Mantis Shrimp Patterns: As spring progresses, mantis shrimp become more active and represent a significant food source. Flies that mimic their distinct profile and coloration can be devastatingly effective, particularly for larger bonefish.
3. Spawning Shrimp: These patterns with pearl or UV flash elements suggest a mating shrimp, triggering aggressive responses from bonefish. Most productive during the strong spring tides of March and April.
4. Bonefish Scampi: When fishing deeper flats or channel edges, this slightly heavier pattern gets down quickly and creates an enticing profile against lighter bottom.

For permit, the fly selection narrows significantly. While these fish feed on various crustaceans and small baitfish, when fly fishing, crab patterns dominate my selection:

1. Merkin Crab: This venerable permit fly remains effective decades after its creation. In sizes 2-4 with various weight options to match water depth.
2. Bauer Crab: My personal favorite during spring, particularly the lighter tan and olive variations that suggest the small crabs permit target on the flats.
3. EP Spawning Crab: During peak permit spawning activity in April and May, these patterns with slight orange or pink highlights can trigger competitive feeding responses.
4. Flexo Crab: For deeper presentations or windier conditions, this compact, heavy pattern drops quickly into the strike zone and maintains a realistic profile.

The presentation matters as much as pattern selection. For bonefish, I typically instruct anglers to land their fly with a slight plop about 1-2 feet in front of the fish's path, then execute a slow, deliberate strip to suggest a fleeing prey item. For permit, the strategy changes to a softer presentation with the fly landing beyond the fish, then a series of short, measured strips that mimic a crab's defensive movements across the bottom.

Conservation Considerations on the Flats

As we enjoy the world-class fishery that Islamorada offers, it's crucial to approach these fragile ecosystems and pressured fish populations with conservation in mind. Both bonefish and permit are catch-and-release species in Florida, and proper handling techniques ensure these fish continue to thrive.

When releasing bonefish or permit, minimize air exposure, keep the fish horizontal when removing the hook, and allow sufficient revival time before release. During the warmer spring months, elevated water temperatures can increase stress on caught fish, making proper handling even more important.

Respectful flats etiquette also preserves the quality of fishing for everyone. This means poling rather than motoring across shallow flats, giving space to other anglers working a productive area, and taking care not to create unnecessary wakes that disturb shallow water environments.

Booking Your Spring Islamorada Fly Fishing Adventure

The prime spring months of March through May represent the pinnacle of flats fishing in Islamorada, with both bonefish and permit opportunities at their peak. For visiting anglers, securing your dates well in advance is essential, as this period represents the most in-demand time on many guides' calendars.

A full-day charter offers the best opportunity to encounter both species, allowing time to change locations and tactics as conditions evolve throughout the day. The most productive periods often coincide with prime tidal movements, which vary throughout the spring months. An experienced guide can align your fishing days with optimal tide and weather patterns to maximize success.

Whether you're a seasoned flats veteran or looking to experience the thrill of sight fishing for these legendary species for the first time, Islamorada in spring delivers unparalleled opportunities. The combination of improving weather, optimal water conditions, and heightened fish activity creates the perfect scenario for unforgettable days on the water.

Ready to experience the ultimate spring flats fishing adventure in the Florida Keys? Contact Captain Brett Greco to secure your dates for the coming season and chase your bonefish and permit dreams on the legendary flats of Islamorada.

The spring months of March through May mark the most anticipated season for fly fishing enthusiasts in Islamorada, often called the "Sportfishing Capital of the World." As an Islamorada fly fishing guide with years of experience poling these pristine flats, I've witnessed firsthand how these months transform our waters into a fly angler's paradise. Water temperatures stabilize into the ideal range of 75-85°F, creating perfect conditions for the legendary "big three" species that draw anglers from around the globe to book Islamorada fishing charters.

March begins with bonefish becoming increasingly active on the flats as water temperatures rise. These "gray ghosts" venture onto shallow flats in greater numbers, tailing and creating those distinctive mud plumes that signal their feeding activity. During this time, my fly fishing charters often encounter larger schools on the ocean-side flats during incoming tides, where precise presentations with small shrimp patterns or Gotchas in sizes 4-6 can result in multiple hookups. The afternoon falling tides concentrate bonefish along deeper edges where they're more likely to aggressively take well-placed flies.

By April, permit fishing reaches its pinnacle as pre-spawn fish gather in impressive numbers. These notoriously selective gamefish cruise the flats in pairs and small groups, often following stingrays in search of crabs disturbed by the rays' movement. When guiding fly fishing clients during this prime permit season, I position the skiff to intercept these cruising fish, allowing for the precise 60-foot casts required for success. Crab patterns like Merkin variations and EP crabs in sizes 2-4 become essential flies for Islamorada permit. The permit's lightning-fast runs and dogged fights make them the ultimate fly fishing trophy, and April through May offers the year's best opportunity to connect with these challenging adversaries that define Florida Keys flats fishing.

May heralds the arrival of the legendary tarpon migration, transforming the Islamorada backcountry and oceanside flats into a silver-scaled spectacle. These prehistoric giants, often weighing 80-150 pounds, move through our waters in impressive numbers, creating world-class sight fishing opportunities. As your fly fishing guide, I'll position the skiff along known migration routes during the early morning and late afternoon hours when tarpon are most active and visible. Successful tarpon fly patterns during this season include Tarpon Toads, Black Deaths, and Purple Bunnies in sizes 1/0-3/0. When a 100-pound tarpon engulfs your fly and launches skyward in a series of spectacular jumps, you'll understand why anglers book Islamorada fishing charters years in advance to experience the spring tarpon migration.

The true magic of spring fly fishing in Islamorada is the possibility of achieving a "grand slam" – landing a bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in a single day. While challenging, these slam opportunities are most realistic during spring when all three species are present and active in our waters. As a dedicated Florida Keys fly fishing guide, I customize each charter to match angler skill levels and target species preferences, while constantly adapting to changing tidal and weather conditions.

Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or looking to experience the thrill of saltwater fly fishing for the first time, the spring months in Islamorada offer unparalleled opportunities to connect with some of the most challenging and rewarding gamefish on the planet. Book your spring Islamorada fly fishing charter now to secure prime dates during this exceptional season.

Capt. Brett Greco
Islamorada Fishing Charters

Step onto the pristine flats of Islamorada with Captain Brett Greco, where world-class fly fishing meets decades of local expertise. Known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, Islamorada's crystal-clear waters offer anglers the coveted "Grand Slam" opportunity - targeting bonefish, permit, and tarpon.

Captain Brett's intimate knowledge of the Florida Keys' backcountry sets him apart from other guides. Having spent countless hours studying the tides, weather patterns, and fish behavior in these waters, he knows exactly where to find these elusive species throughout the seasons. Whether you're stalking tailing bonefish in skinny water, presenting flies to suspicious permit, or watching a silver king launch into the air, Brett's patient instruction and skilled positioning of the skiff maximize your chances of success.

The fishing experience begins at dawn, as you pole across gin-clear flats in search of your target species. Bonefish, often called "grey ghosts," cruise the shallows in search of crabs and shrimp. These lightning-fast fish require precise presentations and expert guidance - skills Captain Brett has mastered through years of guiding anglers of all experience levels. His ability to spot fish and clearly communicate their location to clients has earned him a reputation as one of Islamorada's most respected guides.

Permit present the ultimate challenge in flats fishing, and Captain Brett specializes in putting anglers in position to catch these notoriously selective fish. His understanding of permit behavior and feeding patterns has resulted in numerous anglers catching their first permit on fly. Meanwhile, the legendary tarpon of the Florida Keys draw fly fishermen from around the globe, and Brett's experience with these magnificent gamefish ensures you'll have the best possible shot at landing the silver king of your dreams.

Beyond technical expertise, Captain Brett creates a relaxed, educational atmosphere on his skiff. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a fly rod for the first time, his patient instruction and encouraging demeanor help you improve your skills while enjoying a memorable day on the water. His modern, fully-equipped flats skiff provides a stable, comfortable platform for sight fishing, complete with top-quality gear suited for targeting all three species.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the legendary flats fishing of Islamorada with one of its most accomplished guides. Book your trip with Captain Brett Greco today and discover why anglers return year after year to chase their fishing dreams in the sport fishing capital of the world.

Islamorada tarpon fishing stands as the pinnacle of flats fishing in the Florida Keys. Each spring, massive schools of tarpon migrate through the crystal waters of the Upper Keys, creating world-class fishing opportunities for anglers seeking their trophy catch. As a dedicated Islamorada fishing guide, I've spent countless dawns watching these magnificent gamefish roll across our pristine flats and channels.
The legendary tarpon fishing Islamorada offers attracts fly anglers from around the globe. From March through July, our waters come alive with silver kings ranging from 60 to 150 pounds. Whether we're hunting laid-up fish in the backcountry or intercepting ocean-side migrants, Islamorada tarpon fishing provides heart-stopping action as these prehistoric predators cruise within casting range of our skiff.
Florida Keys tarpon fishing requires specialized techniques, and as your Islamorada fishing charter captain, I'll help you master the skills needed for success. The Upper Keys tarpon fishery demands precision casting and proper presentation - skills I've refined through years of guiding in these waters. We'll target rolling tarpon with proven fly patterns, focusing on the prime feeding periods that make Islamorada the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
Tarpon season in Islamorada peaks during spring and early summer when crystal clear conditions make sight fishing most productive. Our Islamorada fishing charters focus on early morning and evening hours, capitalizing on optimal light and tidal movements that trigger aggressive feeding behavior. From oceanside flats to protected backcountry waters, we'll find the most active fish based on conditions and seasonal patterns.
As an experienced Islamorada tarpon guide, I invite you to experience the ultimate challenge in flats fishing. Book your spring tarpon fishing charter in Islamorada today and prepare for the fight of a lifetime against the legendary silver king. Prime dates during peak tarpon season fill quickly, so contact me to secure your spot and join the ranks of anglers who've discovered why Islamorada tarpon fishing creates memories that last a lifetime.

The holiday season brings some of the year's best fishing opportunities to the Florida Keys. As winter settles in across the country, our waters come alive with exceptional sight fishing for the coveted shallow water species that make this region famous.

Biscayne Bay to Key Largo offers prime conditions for bonefish, with clear waters and optimal temperatures creating perfect stalking conditions. These "grey ghosts" are actively feeding on the flats, providing some of the year's most exciting sight fishing opportunities.

In Florida Bay and throughout Everglades National Park, anglers are finding consistent action with snook, redfish, and juvenile tarpon. These protected waters serve as essential winter feeding grounds, concentrating gamefish in predictable areas.

With daytime temperatures hovering in the low 70s and crystal-clear blue skies, December's weather creates ideal fishing conditions. Whether you're poling across a pristine flat or working mangrove shorelines, the mild climate makes for comfortable days on the water.

For those looking to escape the northern chill, the Florida Keys offer the perfect December fishing destination. The combination of cooperative weather, abundant targets, and stunning scenery creates an unmatched winter angling experience.

Capt. Brett Greco

Come enjoy one of the most beautiful and diverse fisheries in the world right here in South Florida! Tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, and redfish are all target species here in the waters of Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys.

With twenty years of fishing experience in the area Capt. Brett Greco will show you an amazing experience full of drag screaming fish! We are currently beginning to book for the 2025 season and still have some prime time dates available. 

Winter is a fantastic time to visit the Florida Keys, and I’m now booking trips for Winter 2024 into Spring 2025! With mild temps in the 70s and sunny skies, it’s the perfect escape for targeting incredible flats species like bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish.

In Everglades National Park, the winter season brings great action for snook, redfish, and black drum, while Biscayne Bay and Key Largo offer fantastic bonefish fishing on sunny days.

I still have some dates available in July and August. Summer is my favorite time here in the Florida Keys. Summer time offers up some of the best SLAM fishing opportunities of the year.

Tarpon, bonefish, and permit are abundant and eager to please with half the boats and anglers in the way. If you are looking for a great summer fishing vacation come on down to South Florida and enjoy some of the best fishing we have to offer.

We’ve been having some of the best winter time bonefish fishing I’ve seen in a few years. I’m finding large schools of fish traveling together all over the ocean side flats of the upper Keys and Biscayne Bay.

The cooler winter water temperatures get these south Florida bonefish bunched up in large schools which makes for some very exciting sight fishing opportunities.

This winter in South Florida has provided plenty of high winds and clouds along with some good fishing when Mother Nature permits. I’m finding a great number of snook throughout Everglades National Park and Florida Bay along with some redfish. The bonefish fishing has been strong in Key Largo and Biscayne Bay.

I still have some prime dates available in July & August. These are two of my favorite months to fish the Florida Keys with twice the fish and half the boats around. Come on down this summer and enjoy some of the best fishing the Keys has to offer with me.