The
Original Papa Joe's Marina...
Papa Joe’s Backcountry Marina is back… while
currently under construction to bring her back to her former glory, we
now offer a full booking service with a contingent of Islamorada's hardest
working fishing guides. We now have drinks, Ice, shirts, hats; and will
be offering live bait soon. Stay tuned for more information on the many
amenities and services that Papa Joe’s Backcountry Marina will be
offering in the near future.
For over half a century the original Papa Joe's has been
a renowned sportfishing marina located on Upper Matecumbe Key in the Village
of Islamorada. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice you have
come to the right place. We can help you have the fishing adventure of your
life whether you are fishing alone or a corporate group. We're now in the
process of a complete renovation so Papa Joe’s Backcountry Marina will
continue to be one the premiere angling destination marinas in Islamorada... "the Sportfishing
Capital of the World." 
Built two years after the devastating hurricane of 1935, the marina housed the first Florida Keys' fishing tournament. For many years, Papa Joe's was one of the few stops on the Overseas Highway. It served also as a bar, restaurant, community gathering place and hurricane shelter. Hurricane Donna, A category 4 hurricane took its toll throughout the Middle and Upper Keys in 1960. At the left is depicted the damaged Papa Joe's (formerly Ev Fowler's Place) and across the highway Bud and Mary's the morning after Islamorada experienced it second disastrous hurricane.
Our Captains and the Fishing...
Over
20 of the Florida Keys finest backcountry fishing guides call
Papa Joe's Marina home. Many of the guides have been fishing out of the
marina for over fifteen years and they have earned their reputation one
day at a time taking out anglers like you to share their passion for
fishing the flats and bactcountry of the Florida Keys and the Everglades
National Park. Papa Joe's fishing guides utilize both traditional and "technical" skiffs
and bay boats, making it possible to get you to the most productive areas
at the right time of day (or night) under just about any weather conditions.
With our fleet of highly-skilled fishing captains,
Papa Joe’s Backcountry Marina in Islamorada's
reputation is well earned.
Photo:
Former President George H. W. Bush caught
this big tarpon in April 2008 while fishing with Papa Joe's Capt George
Wood, off Islamorada, Fl more
According to the International Game Fish Association, more saltwater world records have been established in the Florida Keys than any other angling destination on the globe.
Bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and redfish are favored inshore species, but jacks, trout, Spanish mackerel, sharks and barracuda are also available, especially in the winter months. Grouper and snapper haunt the reef areas, dolphin (mahi-mahi), billfish, tuna, kingfish and wahoo cruise the offshore waters.
Hiring a flats’ or offshore guide at Papa Joe’s Backcountry is easy, just give us a call or email. Not only do our captains offer local expertise and full equipment, but we have all the necessary fishing licenses.
