Full-Day Offshore Fishing in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targets Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and TunaAll gear, tackle, live bait, and fishing license includedCaptain Tj guides up to 6 guests around Islamorada reefs
There's nothing quite like a full-day offshore trip in Islamorada with Captain Tj aboard the 'Bout Time Sportfishing vessel. You're looking at 8+ hours of serious fishing time in some of Florida's most productive waters, where the Gulf Stream pushes bait close to shore and big pelagics follow. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a legitimate blue water adventure that gives you the time to hit multiple spots, work different depths, and really dial in on what's biting. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew or join a smaller group for a more personalized experience. All your gear, tackle, live bait, and fishing license are covered, which means you can focus on what matters most – getting tight to some quality fish.
Your day kicks off early – we're talking first light departure to maximize fishing time and beat the afternoon wind that can pick up later. Captain Tj knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the nearshore reefs holding snapper and grouper to the deeper offshore grounds where the mahi and tuna patrol. The beauty of a full-day trip is flexibility – if the bite's hot on one spot, we can stay put and load the boat. If it's slow, we've got time to move around and find the action. You'll experience different fishing styles throughout the day, from bottom fishing the reefs to trolling the blue water. The Gulf Stream's influence here creates incredible structure and temperature breaks that concentrate baitfish, and where there's bait, there's gamefish. Don't be surprised if you see flying fish breaking the surface, dolphin pods hunting cooperatively, or birds working a feeding frenzy – it's all part of the Islamorada offshore experience.
Captain Tj runs a well-equipped sportfishing boat with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle that can handle everything from 5-pound mahi to 50-pound king mackerel. The trolling spread typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and spoons rigged to cover different depths and attract various species. When we're working the reefs, expect bottom rigs with circle hooks and enough weight to get your bait down in the current. Live bait fishing is a big part of the program here – fresh pilchards, sardines, or whatever we can catch in the wells will often outproduce artificials when the fish are finicky. The electronics on board help locate structure, bait schools, and temperature breaks that hold fish. GPS coordinates of productive spots built up over years of fishing these waters give us starting points, but reading conditions and adapting throughout the day is what separates good trips from great ones. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, making catch-and-release more effective while still providing solid hooksets on keepers.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada offshore fishing, and while they're present year-round, the winter months from December through March offer the most consistent action. These acrobatic billfish average 6-7 feet and put on spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Sailfish here typically feed on small baitfish like pilchards and ballyhoo, making them perfect targets for both live bait and trolled baits. The fight is all about those jumps – watching a sailfish greyhound across the surface is pure fishing poetry. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with sails, and Captain Tj is skilled at quick, safe releases that keep these magnificent fish healthy.
King Mackerel patrol these offshore waters in impressive numbers, especially during their fall and winter migrations from October through March. Kings here range from school-sized fish around 10-15 pounds up to smoker kings pushing 40+ pounds. They're speed demons with razor-sharp teeth, known for blistering runs that test your drag system. Kings respond well to both trolled baits and live bait fishing, particularly when we locate schools of sardines or pilchards. The meat quality on kings is excellent when handled properly, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Their aggressive nature and hard-fighting characteristics make them perfect for anglers who want consistent action with good eating potential.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are probably the most exciting offshore species you'll encounter in Islamorada waters. These stunning fish with their brilliant gold, green, and blue colors are found around floating debris, sargassum lines, and temperature breaks year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall. School-sized mahi run 5-15 pounds while adult bulls can exceed 30 pounds with distinctive square heads. What makes mahi special is their willingness to feed aggressively – when you hook one, others in the school often stay around, creating opportunities for multiple hookups. They're also phenomenal table fare with white, flaky meat that's incredibly versatile. Mahi fight with a combination of speed and aerial acrobatics that keeps things interesting from hookup to boat.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the offshore reef system, and Islamorada's deep reefs and wrecks hold some true giants. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their bulldogging fights that test both angler and equipment. AJs are structure-oriented, typically found around reefs, wrecks, and ledges where they ambush passing baitfish. They're most active during cooler months and respond well to live bait fishing with larger baits like blue runners or pinfish. The fight is all about power – amberjack use their broad shoulders and stamina to try to get back to the bottom, making for arm-burning battles. Regulations on amberjack change frequently, so Captain Tj stays current on size and bag limits to ensure compliance.
Great Barracuda add excitement to any offshore trip with their explosive strikes and impressive size. Islamorada's cuda can reach 4
Get ready to chase down some serious fish aboard this beautifully restored 42' Hatteras sportfisher! This classic boat was given new life in 2016 and packs twin 450HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the hotspots at a steady 20 knots. Captain Tj knows exactly where to find the Mahi, Snapper, Grouper, and Tuna that make Islamorada waters legendary. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and radar keep you on course, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. There's an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a head for convenience during those long offshore runs. All your gear, tackle, live bait, and fishing license are included, so just bring yourself and up to 5 friends for an epic day targeting both reef species and pelagics. Whether you're working the patch reefs or heading out to deeper blue water, this Hatteras has the range and comfort to make it happen.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the real deal when it comes to sport fishing. These stunning fish average around 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and brilliant blue colors that shift when they're excited. We typically find them in 30-65 feet of water near the surface, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. Winter months here in the Keys are prime time - that's when they migrate through our warmer waters following baitfish. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a show that'll wear you out fast. They're built for speed, possibly the fastest fish in the ocean. My tip: when teasing one up, wait for that sailfish to fully commit to the bait before setting the hook. They'll often tap it first, so patience pays off big time.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the silver bullets of the flats and reefs - sleek, fast predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long, but we see plenty of 5-footers that'll give you a real workout. They hang around coral reefs, grass flats, and mangroves in 10-40 feet of water, often cruising alone near the surface. Year-round fishing here, but spring spawning brings the biggest fish together. What's wild about cuda is their attitude - they're curious and aggressive, often following lures right to the boat. The fight is explosive but short, with jumping and thrashing that'll test your nerves. Here's my advice: use a wire leader because those razor teeth will cut mono in a heartbeat, and when landing one, use a net and gloves. Even tired ones can still bite, and trust me, you don't want those teeth anywhere near your hands.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are the bulldozers of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 20-50 pounds but can push 80+ when you find the big ones. They live around structure like wrecks, reefs, and ledges, typically in 60-200 feet of water. Spring spawning season brings the biggest fish, but they bite year-round here in South Florida. What guests love is that initial dive when you hook one - they'll head straight for the bottom trying to break you off in the rocks. It's a real arm-burner that tests your drag and your endurance. The meat's excellent too, with firm white fillets. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line and don't try to horse them up. Let your drag do the work and pump-and-wind them up slowly, because they'll use every bit of structure down there against you.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and your arms. These fish typically run 20-40 pounds, but we see plenty of 50+ pounders that'll really make you work. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is prime time here - they follow the bait migrations and the cooler water temps. What guests love about kings is that explosive initial run when they take off with 100+ yards of line in seconds. The meat's great too, though we recommend smaller fish for the table. They're not picky eaters, but here's my trick: use a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Kings love to bite the tail end of baitfish, so that trailing treble hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs and missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - brilliant gold sides with electric blues and greens that light up like a neon sign when they're fired up. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, but we get some bulls pushing 50+ pounds. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall is best here, especially when the water's warm and clean. What makes mahi special is they're aggressive feeders and fight hard with lots of jumps and runs. Plus, they're hands down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water and keep trolling around the area. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will often keep the others fired up nearby for multiple hookups.
Islamorada