About Tavernier Creek Marina & Chris's Bait and Tackle

Tavernier Creek Marina is located at 90800 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, Florida (MM 90.8 Bayside) — strategically positioned between Key Largo and Islamorada at the northern end of Islamorada. Whether you're heading south toward Key West and Marathon or launching from the Upper Keys, Tavernier Creek Marina is the most convenient and complete fishing and boating stop in the region.

At the heart of the marina is Chris's Bait and Tackle — a full-service Florida Keys bait and tackle shop that provides everything you need for reef fishing, offshore trips for mahi-mahi and wahoo, backcountry fishing in Florida Bay, lobster hunting, and general boating. The marina offers direct water access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay through Tavernier Creek, eliminating the navigation complexity found at many other Upper Keys marinas.

Outdoor enthusiast and YouTube influencer Ryan Morie recently featured Tavernier Creek Marina, highlighting the marina's extensive selection of fishing gear, specialty bait, and dockside services.

Gore's Offshore Lures & Line-Sided Tackle — Premium Florida Keys Offshore Baits

Chris's Bait and Tackle now stocks Gore's Offshore lures — a premium offshore lure brand built specifically for wahoo, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Gore's Offshore lures are 100% made in the USA and are well known among serious offshore anglers for their quality construction and fish-catching effectiveness. If you're running an offshore spread in the Florida Keys and want a proven, durable lure from a company that fishes these same waters, Gore's Offshore belongs in your spread.

In addition to Gore's Offshore, Chris's Bait and Tackle also carries Line-Sided Tackle — another high-quality offshore fishing lure brand trusted by Keys anglers for wahoo and mahi trolling. Both brands represent exactly the kind of vetted, field-proven products that earn their place on these shelves.

Seaworx Fishing Products — Now Available at Chris's Bait and Tackle

Chris's Bait and Tackle carries the full line of Seaworx Fishing products — a comprehensive terminal tackle brand that produces some of the best fluorocarbon leaders, offshore lures, high-speed trolling lures, rod leashes, and lure storage gear available at any price point. If you've read Captain Ryan's yellowtail snapper or mahi-mahi fishing guides, you already know that Seaworx fluorocarbon is his leader material of choice for Keys fishing.

Florida Keys Bait — Live Shrimp, Shrimp Bubblers & Rigged Ballyhoo

Tavernier Creek Marina carries a comprehensive selection of fresh, high-quality Florida Keys bait. Whether you're targeting yellowtail snapper on the reef, running offshore for mahi-mahi and wahoo, or working the backcountry for snook and tarpon, Chris's Bait and Tackle has everything you need before you leave the dock — including the gear to keep your live bait alive all day.

Specialized Fishing Weights — Bridge, Reef & Wreck Fishing in the Florida Keys

Chris's Bait and Tackle stocks a full selection of specialized fishing weights designed for the unique conditions of Florida Keys bridge, reef, and wreck fishing. These are not generic bank sinkers — they are purpose-built weights for specific Florida Keys fishing scenarios where standard weights simply don't perform.

Islamorada Sandbar — The Ultimate Florida Keys Boating Destination

The Islamorada sandbar is one of the most popular and iconic boating destinations in the entire Florida Keys — a shallow-water gathering spot in the Atlantic where boaters anchor up, wade in crystal-clear water, swim, and enjoy the Keys lifestyle in one of the most beautiful settings in South Florida. It's a must-do for anyone visiting Islamorada by boat.

What Is the Islamorada Sandbar?

The Islamorada sandbar (located near the Whale Harbor Channel area on the Atlantic side of Islamorada) is a natural shallow-water sand bank where depths are typically 1–3 feet, water clarity is exceptional, and the bottom is white sand — creating the turquoise water look the Florida Keys are famous for. On weekends and holidays, dozens to hundreds of boats anchor in a loose community, and people swim, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors together. It is a quintessential Florida Keys experience.

How to Get to the Islamorada Sandbar from Tavernier Creek Marina

Tavernier Creek Marina at MM 90.8 is one of the most conveniently located marinas for accessing the Islamorada sandbar. The route is simple:

1. Exit Tavernier Creek Marina heading east through Tavernier Creek toward the Atlantic
2. Head south along the Atlantic side, running the channel outside the reef line
3. The sandbar area near Whale Harbor (MM 83.5) is approximately a 10–20 minute boat ride south from Tavernier Creek Marina depending on your vessel
4. Look for anchored boats and the distinctive turquoise shallow water — you can't miss it on a busy day

Islamorada Sandbar — What to Know Before You Go

• Tide matters: The sandbar is most enjoyable at low to mid tide when the sand is exposed and water depth is wading height. At high tide, the sand can be submerged and current can pick up — still fun, but a different experience.
• Anchoring: Use a sand anchor or mushroom anchor — do not use a Danforth hook anchor that can drag. Set adequate scope for the depth and current.
• Sun protection is critical: You are in open water with full sun exposure, often for 4–8 hours. Bring SPF 50+ water-resistant sunscreen, a full-coverage sun shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. All available at Chris's Bait and Tackle.
• Water, hydration, and snacks: Stock up at Chris's before you head out. There are no stores on the sandbar.
• Respect the environment: Do not anchor on or near the reef. Stay in the sand channels marked for recreational boating. Avoid propeller scarring in shallow seagrass beds.
• VHF Channel 16: Keep your marine radio on while at anchor — always good practice on Florida Keys waters.

JohnnyJigs Slow-Pitch Jigs — Deep Drop Fishing in the Florida Keys

Tavernier Creek Marina is proud to carry JohnnyJigs — one of the most respected slow-pitch jig brands among Florida Keys bottom fishermen. JohnnyJigs imitate the movement of injured fish with a natural, fluttering action that triggers strikes from species that have seen every standard lure in the box.

The JohnnyJigs TORPEDO slow-pitch jigs are a standout choice for deep dropping on the Islamorada Hump, Florida Keys wrecks, and offshore ledges. Available in ALL UV Glow with Pink and Chartreuse perimeter, from 100g to 500g, the Torpedo's balance-weighted design causes it to fall horizontally with mild-to-moderate action under no line tension — exactly what you want in challenging current conditions.

Baitstrips — The Best Florida Keys Wahoo Lure

Baitstrips are now available at Tavernier Creek Marina and are highly recommended by Captain Ryan Van Fleet for catching wahoo, dolphin, and tuna in the Florida Keys. These reusable Mylar strips come in packs of 5 in two sizes and can be rigged under a sea witch, chugger head, or any trolling lure you'd normally run with cut strip bait. They are particularly effective for triggering aggressive school dolphin strikes and are nearly indestructible compared to natural cut strip baits.

Florida Keys Lobster Gear — Brook Crist Nets, Tickle Sticks & Top Spots Maps

If you're planning a lobster hunting trip in the Florida Keys — whether for the mini-season in late July or the regular season starting August 6th — Chris's Bait and Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina is the most complete lobster gear destination in the Upper Keys. Before you go, read Captain Ryan's 2026 Florida Keys Lobster Season Guide — everything you need to know about dates, regulations, gear, and the best spots in the Upper Keys.

• Brook Crist lobster nets — handcrafted from durable, corrosion-resistant acrylic with shallow netting designed for Keys lobster hunting conditions. One of the most trusted and well-loved lobster nets in the Florida Keys.
• Brook Crist tickle sticks — handcrafted tools designed to coax lobsters from coral heads, ledges, and structure without harm.
• Top Spots GPS Maps — lobster hunting maps highlighting proven GPS coordinates throughout the Upper Keys. An essential addition to any lobster season kit.

Best Fuel Dock in Islamorada and Key Largo — Dockside REC 90 Service

Tavernier Creek Marina operates one of the most conveniently positioned fuel docks in the Upper Florida Keys. The marina's unique location on Tavernier Creek provides direct, easy access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay — eliminating the complex navigation required at many other Upper Keys marinas. Upon arrival, a marina employee greets you dockside for a smooth, efficient refueling experience.

SPF Clothing, Sunscreen, Boat Snacks & Complete Boating Essentials

Chris's Bait and Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina is more than a fishing shop — it's your complete pre-departure stop for any day on the Florida Keys water. Whether you're heading to the Islamorada sandbar, snorkeling the reef, running offshore, or cruising the backcountry, they have everything you need to be prepared and protected all day.

BKK Hooks & Line Cutterz — Essential Terminal Tackle at Chris's Bait and Tackle

BKK Hooks

Chris's Bait and Tackle stocks BKK hooks — one of the world's most respected hook brands, known for superior sharpness, strength, and durability. Whether you're rigging for mutton snapper on the deep reef, pitching to tailing mahi-mahi, or bottom fishing for grouper, BKK hooks deliver consistent, reliable performance in saltwater conditions. Available in a wide range of sizes and styles at the shop.

Line Cutterz — As Seen on Shark Tank

Chris's Bait and Tackle also carries Line Cutterz zipper pull cutters — the innovative fishing tool featured on ABC's Shark Tank. Designed to cut mono, braid, and fluorocarbon lines instantly and safely, Line Cutterz attach to apparel, backpacks, and travel cases. The Zipper Pull model cuts 100 lb. braid like butter — a must-have for Florida Keys bridge fishing and any day on the water.

The Good Karma Tackle Standard — Proven Performance in Florida Keys Waters

At Chris's Bait and Tackle, we operate by one standard: we only stock products that we know work in the waters off Key Largo and Islamorada. Captain Ryan Van Fleet assists the tackle shop with all fishing-related product selections. Every rod, reel, lure, hook, and accessory on the shelf has a track record of performance in real Florida Keys fishing conditions — not a catalog description or trade show pitch.

This commitment to proven performance means that whether you're a veteran Keys angler or making your first offshore trip, every product you pick up at Chris's Bait and Tackle has earned its place on that shelf. We believe in equipping our clients with gear that works — gear that won't let you down when it matters most.

Book a Key Largo & Islamorada Fishing Charter with Capt. Ryan Van Fleet

Captain Ryan Van Fleet, owner and lead guide of Good Karma Sportfishing Charters, is based at Tavernier Creek Marina. With 14+ years of professional guiding experience in Key Largo and Islamorada, Captain Ryan offers some of the most highly reviewed fishing charters in the Upper Florida Keys — combining deep local knowledge with top-of-the-line equipment including the Seakeeper 2 gyroscope stabilizer for offshore comfort in any conditions.

Capt. Ryan has been featured on YouTube channels including Ryan Morie Outdoors, Landshark Outdoors, and Brook Crist Outdoors, and was featured in Florida Sportsman Magazine as one of the best yellowtail snapper fishermen in the state of Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Keys Bait Shop