Full-Day Offshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore charter targeting Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and TunaAll gear, tackle, live bait, and fishing license includedCaptain Tj guides up to 6 guests through Islamorada reefs
Captain TJ knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This full-day offshore charter out of Islamorada takes you beyond the reef line where the big boys live – we're talking sailfish, king mackerel, mahi mahi, amberjack, and barracuda. You'll spend the day working different depths and structure, from the edge drops to the blue water columns where pelagics cruise. With all your gear, tackle, live bait, and fishing license covered, you just need to show up ready to fish. Six anglers max means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from one of the Florida Keys' top-rated captains.
Your day starts early at the dock where Captain TJ will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and what's been biting. The boat heads out through the mangrove creeks and flats before hitting the offshore grounds 3-8 miles out. You'll be fishing multiple techniques throughout the day – live bait fishing over structure for snapper and grouper, trolling the edges for kings and mahi, and working the current breaks where sailfish and amberjack patrol. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for birds, bait schools, temperature breaks, and color changes that signal fish. This isn't a park-and-fish operation – you'll cover ground and adapt tactics as the day unfolds. The offshore grounds here drop from 40 feet to over 200 feet quickly, creating the perfect ambush points that attract both baitfish and the predators that follow them.
Captain TJ runs a mix of trolling and live bait fishing to maximize your shots at different species. The trolling spread typically includes a combination of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and skirted baits pulled at varying depths to cover the water column. When the sonar marks bait or structure, it's time to break out the live stuff – pilchards, goggle eyes, and blue runners that get the big fish fired up. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano reels matched with appropriate rods for different target species. You'll fish everything from 20-pound tackle for mahi and kings up to 50-pound gear when targeting big amberjack and sailfish. The captain provides all terminal tackle, leaders, and hooks, plus he's constantly retying rigs and adjusting presentations based on what the fish want. Live wells keep the bait frisky, and the captain knows exactly where to catch fresh bait when needed.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these offshore waters, typically showing up in good numbers from December through April when the water temps drop into the mid-70s. These acrobatic fighters average 40-60 pounds and put on an aerial display that'll get your heart pumping. They cruise the edges looking for schools of ballyhoo and sardines, often showing themselves by tailing or free-jumping before you even hook up. What makes sailfish special here is the consistency – Islamorada sits right in their migration corridor, and Captain TJ knows the specific depths and bottom contours they prefer.
King Mackerel patrol these same waters year-round but peak during the cooler months when they move in closer to shore. These speed demons can stretch the tape from 15 to 40-plus pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50. They're aggressive trolling fish that hit fast and run hard, often making multiple blistering runs before you get them to the boat. Kings love the reef edges and drop-offs where smaller fish get ambushed, making them perfect targets when you're working structure for other species.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are pure gold when you find them, and Captain TJ has a knack for locating the floating debris and weed lines where they congregate. These colorful fighters range from schoolie-size "chickens" up to bull dolphins pushing 30-40 pounds. What's awesome about mahi is they're willing biters on both trolled baits and live offerings, plus they often travel in schools so one fish can turn into a boat-load quickly. Their striking colors and aggressive fighting style make them a customer favorite, especially for families and first-time offshore anglers.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep, using their broad sides and powerful tails to test your drag system and shoulder muscles. These reef dwellers can exceed 50 pounds and fight dirty, trying to wrap you around structure or simply out-muscle you in a straight tug-of-war. They're year-round residents that respond well to live bait dropped over wrecks and hard bottom, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky. The bigger jacks provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in these waters.
Great Barracuda add an element of surprise to every offshore trip, appearing like silver missiles to slash at trolled baits or ambush live offerings near structure. These toothy predators can stretch over four feet long and provide explosive strikes followed by jumping, head-shaking battles. While they're often considered bonus fish, the bigger barracuda are legitimate gamefish that test your tackle and provide plenty of excitement. They're also excellent table fare when prepared properly, despite what some people think.
Captain TJ's full-day offshore charters book up quickly, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. This is hands-down one of the best values in the Keys – you get a full day with an experienced local captain, all your gear and bait covered, plus the chance at multiple world-class gamefish species. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to check some species off your list or a family wanting to experience the best offshore fishing the Keys has to offer, this trip delivers. The boat accommodates up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for groups who want a private charter
Step aboard this restored 42' Hatteras sportfisher and head out to some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds with Captain Tj. This classic fishing machine was completely refurbished in 2016 and runs on twin 450HP Cummins diesels that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at a smooth 20 knots. Whether you're chasing mahi in the Gulf Stream or working the reef for snapper and grouper, this boat's built for serious angling. The cockpit gives your group of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Everything's included - rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and your fishing license. The fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the long day on the water. With radar for those hazy Florida Keys mornings and a head onboard for convenience, you're set for a productive day targeting everything from tuna to grouper in Islamorada's world-class waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speedsters of our offshore waters, hitting speeds up to 35 mph with that signature sail-like dorsal fin fully extended. Most fish we catch run 6-8 feet and weigh around 50 pounds, though we've seen some push over 100. They cruise the surface waters from 30-65 feet deep, following baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Winter months here in the Keys are prime time - that's when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. Here's a local tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and use bright pink and white lures. Once you hook up, let them run first before setting the drag - they'll try to shake that hook immediately.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the ocean's missiles - all teeth and attitude in a silver torpedo package. Most fish we catch run 2-4 feet long, but the big girls can push 5-6 feet and really get your attention. They patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and mangrove edges, usually in 10-40 feet of water where they ambush prey. Year-round fishing here in the Keys, but spring and summer give us the most consistent action. What makes them fun is the explosive strike and that initial blistering run - they'll hit 35 mph when they want to. The fight's intense but short-lived since they burn out quick. Local secret: use shiny spoons or tube lures trolled fast near structure. When landing one, always use a net and keep your hands clear of those razor teeth - even tired fish can snap at you.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll test every inch of your tackle. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds but we hook plenty over 60, with some monsters pushing 80+ pounds. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water, ambushing anything that swims by. Spring spawning season from April through June gives us the hottest action when they're aggressive and feeding heavy. What clients love is the sheer power - no fancy jumps, just a straight-up brawl to the bottom. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and white when prepared right. Key tip: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line and a strong drag system. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure, or you'll be retying.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are serious fighters that'll test your gear and endurance. These silver bullets average around 30 pounds but we regularly see fish pushing 50-60 pounds on our offshore trips. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, usually around structure and temperature breaks where baitfish gather. Fall through early spring gives us the best action when water temps hit that 70-80 degree sweet spot. What guests love about kings is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's excellent too, with firm white flesh that grills perfectly. Pro tip from years of chasing them: always use a wire leader with two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail end of baits, and that back hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure gold when they light up - literally. These gorgeous fish flash brilliant yellow and green colors that'll take your breath away. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we get some bulls pushing 40+ pounds with those big square heads. They live around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temperatures stay above 75 degrees. What makes mahi special is everything - they fight hard, jump like crazy, and taste amazing on the dinner table. Their firm white meat is perfect for grilling or blackening. Here's the trick: when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Keep some live bait ready because once you boat the first fish, toss out baits quickly while the school's still fired up underneath the boat.
Islamorada