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Islamorada Fishing Charters by Keyhopper Charters

Islamorada Fishing Charters by Keyhopper Charters

Fish with Legendary Islamorada Fishing Guide - Captain Mark Cockerham

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About Captain Mark Cockerham - Family Friendly Shark Fishing Trips

Mark's History on Islamorada

Mark Cockerham's bonefishing childhood in the Florida Keys

Mark Cockerham’s parents and grandparents moved to Islamorada in the late 1950s. Mark grew up fishing and exploring the many islands, flats and channels of the Florida Keys and Florida Bay.

Mark’s mother and father were partners in the original Bud N’ Mary’s Marina development. Working with a man by the name of Jack Kurtz, Cockerham’s parents, Max and Donna, owned the Mercury dealership and service department and Sea Craft and Anna Capris boat dealerships that were housed in the barn at Bud N’ Mary’s.

In the early 1970s, the Cockerhams built Max’s Marine in Islamorada (where the Square Grouper now sits). They sold it in 2006.

Mark Cockerham has been guiding full time ever since. Cockerham’s fishing career is measured in world records and tournament victories. His fishing resume is unmatched.

Cockerham holds four light tackle world records as an angler— 2, 4, and 6 pound for bonefish and the permit 2-pound record. He has also guided clients to two other records.

Cockerham’s tournament resume is extensive. Beyond the numbers of victories, Mark has put up incredible daily catch numbers.

Max's Marine - Captain Mark Cockerham Islamorada
Contact Captain Mark Cockerham - Keyhopper Charters

The best example was the day in November 2019 when Captain Mark Cockerham led a team of two anglers to release 465 redfish in a single day… in a tournament. Cockerham is also an accomplished fly fishing guide.

Cockerham Garage - Mark Cockerham's History - Islamorada
Mark's father and grandfather in front of the family garage in Islamorada
Cockerham Garage in Islamorada Florida Keys
Mark drove this wrecker as a teenager working for his father.
Cockerham Garage after 1960 Hurricane Donna
Damage done to the garage after hurricane Donna in 1960
Cockerham Garage after Hurricane Donna in 1960
Damage done to the garage after hurricane Donna in 1960. You can see Mark’s grandparents house just above to the right.
Holiday Isle Marina - Islamorada, Florida
Captain Mark Cockerham at Holiday Isle Marina
Captain Mark Cockerham Champion Fisherman - Holiday Isle Marina
Alan Cockerham with 14.1 pound bonefish record
Alan, Mark's son with his 14.1 pound bonefish catch, eclipsing the old Junior IGFA record of 13 pounds.
12 pound World Record bonefish Mark Cockerham
Mark and his 12-pound Bonefish world-record catch.
World Record Mark Cockerham and Rick Moeller with Huge Bonefish
Mark and Captain Rick Moeller with a hefty bonefish catch.
Max's Marine Florida - Mark Cockerham, Champion Angler
Max’s Marine, Mark's family's marina before it sold in 2006.
Asher and Mark Cockerham, champion fisherman
Captain Mark and his son Asher.
Mark Cockerham and Craig Brewer Swamp Guides Ball winners
Craig Brewer and Mark Cockerham after their Swamp Guides Ball win.
Mark Cockerham and his son Asher - Islamorada Spring Classic Fishing Tournament
Mark and his son, Asher after winning the Islamorada Spring Classic Fishing Tournament.
Grand Champion Rick Moeller and Mark Cockerham Award Winning Angler Permit Fishing
Rick Moeller and Mark Cockerham

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Contact Captain Mark
(305) 393-0920

81191 Old Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036

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