Islamorada is considered the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World,” and Captain Pete Rowney has been one of its most respected guides for over three decades. His operation, Islamorada on the Fly, is the go-to charter for anglers chasing the Florida Keys’ Grand Slam: bonefish, permit, and tarpon on the flats.
About Captain Pete Rowney
Captain Pete has more than 30 years of experience on the water and over a dozen years guiding anglers of all ability levels — from first-time fly casters to seasoned permit hunters. He specializes in fly fishing and light tackle angling on the shallow flats and backcountry of Islamorada, Florida Bay, and Everglades National Park. Charters depart from Plantation Yacht Harbor at Founder’s Park (Mile Marker 87 bayside).
What to Expect
Islamorada on the Fly targets the “Big Three” of Florida Keys flats fishing: Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. On a given day, you might sight-cast to tailing bonefish on a clear flat, stalk a pod of rolling tarpon in the backcountry, or wait patiently on the edge of a reef for a permit to cruise into range. Captain Pete tailors the trip to your target species and skill level — he’s equally comfortable with complete beginners learning to cast and with experienced fly fishers pursuing bucket-list permit.
- Target species: Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout
- Fishing type: Flats, backcountry, fly fishing and light tackle
- Half day (4 hrs): $375
- Three-quarter day (6 hrs): $425
- Full day (8 hrs): $500
- Sunset Tarpon trip (4 hrs): $375
- Departs: Plantation Yacht Harbor, Mile Marker 87, Islamorada
A Note on Tarpon Season
Spring (April–June) is peak tarpon season in Islamorada, with massive schools of Silver Kings rolling through the backcountry and hanging near bridges. Captain Pete’s Sunset Tarpon Trip is a unique experience during this season — an evening chase that combines the best light for sight fishing with the spectacle of tarpon rolling at dusk.
Booking
Contact Captain Pete directly at islamoradaonthefly.com or email captpeterowney@aol.com. Tarpon season books out months in advance — contact him early for April and May dates.
Our take: For experienced anglers who want to stalk the flats for permit and bonefish with a seasoned Keys guide, or fly fishers looking for a legitimate shot at tarpon, Islamorada on the Fly is as good as it gets in the Florida Keys.
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