Late summer is an exciting time to experience fly fishing in Islamorada, Florida. Warm water, active bait, and productive tides create opportunities to target some of the Florida Keys’ most celebrated gamefish. With Capt. Brett Greco guiding the way, anglers can explore the shallow flats and backcountry waters in pursuit of bonefish, permit, tarpon, and other seasonal species.

Early mornings are often the best time to begin. Cooler temperatures, lighter winds, and lower sun angles can make fish more comfortable on the shallow flats. These conditions also allow anglers to watch for wakes, tails, shadows, and subtle movement across the water. As the sun rises, improved visibility can make sight fishing even more exciting.

Bonefish are a major late-summer target around Islamorada. Known for their speed and powerful runs, they require quiet approaches, accurate casts, and natural fly presentations. Bonefish can be found traveling alone, moving in small groups, or gathering in schools throughout the backcountry. September through November is considered a prime period for Keys bonefishing, making late summer an excellent time to get a trip on the calendar.

Permit may also be encountered cruising flats, traveling along banks, or feeding around rays. They are among the most challenging fish to catch on fly, but that difficulty is exactly what makes them so rewarding. A successful presentation often comes down to patience, timing, and placing the fly accurately before the fish moves out of range.

Although the major spring tarpon migration has slowed, resident and juvenile tarpon remain possible targets during late summer. These fish may be found around channels, mangrove shorelines, basins, and protected backcountry areas. Even a smaller tarpon can deliver explosive strikes, powerful runs, and impressive jumps on fly tackle.

Afternoon thunderstorms and changing weather are common during this part of the year, which is another reason to fish with an experienced local guide. Capt. Brett carefully considers tides, wind, cloud cover, and water temperature when planning each charter. Starting early can provide productive fishing while helping anglers avoid the strongest afternoon heat and storms.

A guided trip is also a great opportunity to improve your saltwater fly fishing skills. Capt. Brett works with anglers of different experience levels, helping with casting, presentations, fish spotting, and fighting techniques. Whether you are pursuing your first bonefish or hoping to land a permit on fly, each trip can be tailored to your goals.

Late summer offers beautiful mornings, fewer crowds, and the chance to sight cast to some of the most respected gamefish in the Florida Keys. Book an Islamorada fly fishing charter with Capt. Brett Greco and experience the challenge and excitement of fishing these legendary waters.

As we move closer to summer in the Florida Keys, the fishing opportunities around Islamorada continue to reach another level. This is one of the most exciting times of year for anglers looking to experience world-class fly fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, and redfish. The warmer water temperatures, consistent weather patterns, and increased bait activity all combine to create some of the best sight fishing conditions of the year throughout the backcountry and flats of the Florida Keys.

Tarpon fishing in Islamorada is front and center this time of year. The annual migration is in full swing, and large schools of fish are moving through the oceanside channels, bridges, and flats. Early mornings often provide calm conditions that make spotting rolling tarpon easier, while the evening hours can produce incredible opportunities as fish feed aggressively before sunset. Live bait schools continue to gather along the coastlines and channels, keeping migratory tarpon active and feeding consistently. For anglers booking Florida Keys fly fishing charters, this is one of the premier seasons to target trophy tarpon on fly tackle. Watching a hundred-pound fish track a well-placed fly in shallow water is something that never gets old in Islamorada.

Bonefish activity also becomes more reliable as we transition into summer. The warmer water temperatures push fish onto the shallow flats where they spend more time actively feeding throughout the day. Calm mornings with lighter winds create ideal conditions for sight fishing bonefish across the hard sand and turtle grass flats that make the Florida Keys famous. Many of these fish are traveling in small groups, and anglers can expect plenty of shots when conditions line up. Bonefishing in Islamorada during late spring and early summer offers some of the best opportunities of the year for anglers looking to experience technical shallow water fly fishing.

Permit fishing remains one of the biggest draws for serious flats anglers visiting the Florida Keys. As water temperatures stabilize, permit continue cruising the oceanside flats and basins looking for crabs and other forage. This time of year often provides excellent sight fishing opportunities when tides, sunlight, and wind conditions cooperate. Permit are known for testing even experienced fly anglers, but late spring and early summer can produce some of the best shots of the season around Islamorada. Whether targeting single fish or small groups tailing across shallow flats, the anticipation and challenge of permit fishing is hard to match anywhere else in the world.

Backcountry fishing for snook and redfish also improves as summer approaches in the Florida Keys. Snook become increasingly active around mangrove shorelines, creek mouths, and current edges as baitfish populations grow throughout the region. These fish feed aggressively during moving tides and can provide explosive strikes on both flies and artificial lures. Redfish continue to cruise shallow mud flats and mangrove edges in the backcountry, especially during lower tides where sight fishing opportunities become more consistent. While Islamorada is best known for tarpon, bonefish, and permit, the addition of quality snook and redfish fishing gives anglers the opportunity for a true inshore slam during this time of year.

For anglers planning Florida Keys fishing charters, late spring leading into summer is one of the most productive and versatile seasons to fish Islamorada. From migratory tarpon to technical flats fishing for bonefish and permit, along with exciting backcountry action for snook and redfish, the variety of opportunities this time of year is hard to beat. Every day on the water offers something different, and changing conditions often create new possibilities throughout the trip. Whether you are an experienced fly angler or looking to experience shallow water fishing in the Florida Keys for the first time, this season consistently delivers some of the best fishing of the year in Islamorada.

The bonefish fishing has been outstanding in Key Largo and Biscayne Bay. I’m seeing what appears to be an extremely healthy population of bonefish working just about every flat we fish. There have been some larger fish showing up again as well. Bonefish are by far one of my favorite species to target. The flats we pursue them in are shallow, beautiful, and often teaming with life. The bonefish are very responsive to fly, jig, or bait. Almost never refusing a well placed presentation. There have been plenty of permit and barracuda on the flats as well making for some really action packed days.

So far March has provided some amazing bonefish and permit fishing in Key Largo and Biscayne Bay! Large schools of both species can be found on the Atlantic Ocean side flats of the upper Keys as well as Biscayne Bay. The speed of these fish once hooked is unforgettable. 

The redfish remain strong throughout the backcountry in Florida Bay. We have mainly been targeting these species with fly rod but they are excellent targets for the light tackle angler as well.

The fishing around Key Largo and nearby Islamorada has been excellent! Water temperatures across the Atlantic Ocean side and Florida Bay have warmed back up significantly, and the fish are happy and hungry. It’s shaping up to be prime conditions for anglers booking Islamorada fishing charters or planning a trip with experienced Florida Keys fishing charters this season.

On the Atlantic side of Key Largo, I’ve been finding solid numbers of tarpon, bonefish, and barracuda — a true dream lineup for anglers looking to experience classic Florida Keys backcountry fishing. Both the incoming and falling tides are creating ideal opportunities for sight fishing with fly or light tackle, making this an outstanding time for those interested in Islamorada fly fishing charters or technical flats fishing.

A brand-new angler to the Florida Keys, Marisol, was able to land her first two tarpon ever! Watching someone experience their first tarpon eat on a well-presented fly is exactly why so many anglers travel here to fish with professional fly fishing guides in Islamorada and throughout the Upper Keys.

Over on the Florida Bay side of Key Largo, inside Everglades National Park, we’re seeing steady sight fishing action for redfish and snook. The shallow water clarity has been great for anglers booking Florida Keys fly fishing charters and Islamorada backcountry fishing charters, especially those wanting technical shots at cruising redfish in skinny water.

If you’re considering booking a fishing charter in Islamorada or anywhere in the Upper Florida Keys, now is an excellent time to target tarpon, bonefish, redfish, and snook on the flats.

Florida Keys Fishing Charters: Recent Conditions & What's BitingWe've had some major ups and downs in the weather the past couple weeks here in South Florida, and it's been affecting fishing conditions across our favorite Florida Keys fishing charters destinations. Understanding how these weather patterns impact fish behavior is key to planning your next fishing trip to Islamorada and the surrounding keys.

Before the recent cold fronts moved through, we had excellent fishing for tarpon and bonefish in Key Largo—prime territory for Florida Keys fishing charters. Both species were plentiful on both the incoming and falling tide, making for consistent action throughout the day. This is the kind of reliable fishing that keeps our anglers coming back and why Islamorada and Key Largo remain top destinations for serious tarpon and bonefish hunters.

The shallow flats and clear water conditions during this period were ideal for sight-fishing these species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or booking your first Islamorada fishing charter, these species offer exciting opportunities and unforgettable memories.

Right before the major cold front we experienced some solid snook fishing in Florida Bay. The colder water temperatures had the snook stacked up in pockets of the deeper channels and creeks found throughout the backcountry of Everglades National Park—an area accessible from our Florida Keys fishing charters out of Islamorada.

When water temperatures drop, snook behave predictably, and knowing where to find them makes all the difference. A heavily weighted fly fished slow and low on a sinking line did the trick and kept our lines tight throughout the bite.

Plan Your Florida Keys Fishing AdventureWeather volatility in South Florida is just part of fishing here, and it's what makes each trip to the keys unique. Whether you're targeting tarpon in Key Largo, bonefish on the flats near Islamorada, or snook in the backcountry, our Islamorada fishing charters are here to help you make the most of every condition.

Book your Florida Keys fishing charters experience today and discover why anglers from around the world choose the Islamorada area for world-class saltwater fishing.

A Week of Challenges and Victories in South Florida and the Florida Keys

This past week in South Florida and the Florida Keys, Mother Nature served up some cold, cloudy, and rain-filled days that tested both angler and guide. The sight fishing conditions in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, and the Florida Keys were less than ideal, with heavy cloud cover and choppy waters making it difficult to spot cruising fish on the flats. Despite these weather challenges, our fishing trips proved that persistence and skill can overcome even the toughest conditions.

Both old friends and new clients were able to connect with some impressive bonefish, snook, and jacks throughout the week. The cooler water temperatures actually worked in our favor, concentrating fish in deeper holes and along channel edges where they were actively feeding. We adjusted our approach, focusing on areas where these species seek refuge from the cold, and the results spoke for themselves. The bonefish were particularly cooperative on the incoming tides, while the snook provided some heart-pounding battles on light tackle around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars.

What this week reinforced is that great fishing in South Florida and the Florida Keys isn't about perfect weather—it's about experience, local knowledge, and adaptability. Even when the skies are gray and the visibility is limited, there are still opportunities to hook into world-class species and create unforgettable memories on the water.

If you've been thinking about booking a fishing trip to South Florida or the Florida Keys, now is the perfect time to plan your adventure. There are still several open days in January, February, and March to fill my schedule, and I'd love to customize a fishing experience tailored to your skill level and target species. Whether you're chasing bonefish on the shallow flats of Florida Bay, stalking snook in the mangrove channels of the Everglades, or battling jacks in the deeper waters of the Keys, I'm here to put you on fish.

Give me a call and let's plan an unforgettable fishing trip to South Florida and the Florida Keys! Captain Brett Greco is ready to show you why these waters remain some of the most exciting and rewarding fishing destinations in the world.

The winter fishing in Florida Bay has been action packed! There has been great sight fishing opportunity for snook, redfish, and tarpon. Winter in the Florida Keys can serve up beautiful, blue bird skies, with temperatures well into the 70’s. This is one of my favorite times of year to target big snook in the Everglades.

Cooler night time temps force the big fish out of their hiding spots and on to the open flats to warm themselves in the sun. A well placed fly or bait on these fish will almost always be pounced on.

I still have some availability for fishing charters in January, February, and March. Reach out to me and let’s plan an unforgettable fishing trip in the Florida Keys.

Ready to experience some of the best fly fishing the water has to offer? January is calling, and there's no better time to get on the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park with me, Capt. Brett Greco.

The cooler weather of January brings a unique advantage for saltwater anglers. While temperatures average in the comfortable mid-70s, the water conditions are absolutely prime. The slight cooling drives redfish, permit, juvenile tarpon, snook, and bonefish into shallow feeding zones where they're actively hunting. Cold fronts cycle through, and between those systems comes warming that has these species eager to eat—it's the perfect recipe for consistent action on the bow.

When you're casting to tailing permit over white sand flats or poling toward a school of bonefish cruising the clear shallows, you'll understand why this month stands out. The visibility is exceptional, the water clarity lets you spot fish at distance, and these species are concentrated and hungry. Juvenile tarpon stack in the backcountry creeks and shallow bays of Everglades National Park, offering explosive strikes that'll test your fly gear. Add in the redfish and snook prowling the mangrove edges, and every cast carries the possibility of something special.

January also means fewer boats on the water. You get the pristine backcountry largely to yourself—those narrow mangrove tunnels, remote bays, and skinny water where only serious sight-fishing anglers venture. That's where the real magic happens. That's where you feel like you're experiencing the Everglades as it was generations ago.

The weather is cooperative too. Yes, a cold front can kick up some conditions, but you'll rarely see the oppressive heat of summer, and the skies between systems are crystal clear. 

Whether you're a fly fisher chasing permit for the first time, a seasoned angler looking to tangle with juvenile tarpon, or someone ready to earn a bonefish on a fly rod, January is your window. Let's make it happen. Book your charter with Greco's on the Fly and let's get you bent on something special in the Florida Keys backcountry.

As we approach the end of the year, many anglers are thinking about their holiday plans—and if you love fly fishing, December in South Florida is calling your name. Whether you're a seasoned fly caster or looking to try something new, I invite you to join me for a charter this December.

December ushers in some of the most pleasant weather South Florida has to offer. The oppressive heat and humidity of summer have finally passed, making for comfortable days on the water. You'll experience mild temperatures, typically ranging from the high 60s to low 70s—ideal for a full day of focused fishing without exhaustion. Lighter winds and clearer water visibility create excellent conditions for our inshore and backcountry fishing. The cooling water temperatures actually concentrate fish along the flats and backcountry areas, making them more predictable and easier to locate. The water clarity often improves significantly, giving us better sight-casting opportunities where you'll spot fish before making your presentation.

December is an exceptional time for fly fishing in South Florida because baitfish patterns shift, and our target species become highly active. The cooler water temperatures trigger feeding behavior as fish prepare for the winter months ahead. Permit become more aggressive, bonefish work the shallows with consistent enthusiasm, and redfish and snook move predictably through their seasonal haunts.

Bonefish are one of the most exciting targets on the flats. Their speed, power, and take-no-prisoners attitude make them the perfect quarry for fly fishermen. December's clear water and calm conditions create ideal sight-casting scenarios where you'll see fish cruising before you cast. Permit are the holy grail for many fly anglers—notoriously selective and powerful. December's feeding patterns make them more cooperative, and there's nothing quite like the heart-pounding strike of a permit on the fly. Targeting these fish requires precision, patience, and skill—all elements that make the eventual hookup incredibly rewarding.

Juvenile tarpon offer a thrilling challenge with their acrobatic jumps and raw strength. December is an excellent time to find these young silver kings in the backcountry around Everglades National Park, where they're active and hungry. Redfish are consistent performers that hit hard and fight harder. These aggressive stripers are abundant in the shallows and backcountry, making them reliable targets for both experienced anglers and beginners looking to build confidence. Snook are powerful ambush predators that hold in structure around mangrove shorelines and deeper channels. Their aggressive strikes and violent runs make them an unforgettable target, and December's water temperatures put them in an active feeding mode.

December typically brings visiting anglers and dedicated locals looking to capitalize on prime conditions. Early morning starts reward us with the calmest water and the best light for sight-casting. I strongly recommend booking your charter soon to secure your preferred dates. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, taking a well-deserved break, or simply chasing world-class fly fishing, a charter with me in December delivers all three. The combination of perfect weather, excellent water conditions, and aggressive fish creates an unforgettable experience.

If you're interested in experiencing December fly fishing in Islamorada or Everglades National Park, I'd love to work with you to create the perfect charter experience. Contact me today to book your dates and prepare for the best fishing trip of your year.

Tight lines,
Capt. Brett Greco
Islamorada & Everglades National Park
Fishing Charters