5.0(1 Reviews)Bluewater Pursuit of Marlin and Tuna
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna, and gamefishCaptain Joe Snyder guides all experience levels from IslamoradaAll gear, licenses, and water included for up to six anglers
Captain Joe Snyder's 6-hour offshore charter from Islamorada puts you right where the action is – the deep blue waters off the Florida Keys where pelagic giants roam. This isn't your typical half-day inshore trip; we're talking serious bluewater fishing where marlin, tuna, and other top-tier gamefish cruise the current breaks and temperature edges. Departing from Whale Harbor Marina, you'll cover serious ground to reach those productive offshore waters where the continental shelf drops off and the real fishing begins. With all gear, bait, licenses, and water included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Captain Joe keeps groups small – max six anglers – so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
This charter hits the sweet spot between serious offshore fishing and a manageable day on the water. Captain Joe runs a well-equipped boat that can handle the offshore conditions while keeping you comfortable during the 6-hour trip. You'll head out to depths where the water changes from that shallow Keys green to deep cobalt blue – that's where the magic happens. The trip focuses on trolling the offshore waters, working structure, and reading the signs that indicate where fish are holding. Don't expect to just sit back and wait for bites; Captain Joe encourages hands-on participation, teaching you to read the water, spot birds working baitfish, and understand why certain areas hold more fish than others. The pace stays active with frequent moves to stay on productive water, and the captain's local knowledge of seasonal patterns and current conditions keeps you in the strike zone.
Offshore fishing in the Keys is all about trolling, and Captain Joe runs a spread of baits designed to attract everything from fast-moving wahoo to acrobatic sailfish. The boat carries top-quality rods and reels matched to handle different species – lighter tackle for mahi-mahi and cobia, heavier gear when marlin or large tuna are the target. You'll learn about different trolling speeds, how to work ballyhoo and artificial lures, and why certain baits produce better in specific conditions. The captain uses outriggers to spread baits wide and keep them in the clean water, while downriggers help get baits to specific depths where fish are marking on the electronics. Circle hooks and proper release techniques are standard practice, especially for billfish, ensuring healthy releases when you're not keeping fish for dinner. The boat's fish finder and GPS help locate structure, temperature breaks, and baitfish concentrations that indicate where gamefish are likely feeding.
"Captain Joe and his First Mate Jay were truly amazing. We got the full offshore fishing experience during our trip, and would happily come back and go out again. They will also keep you laughing the whole time!" - Billy Harper
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Keys offshore fishing, and these spectacular billfish put on a show like no other species. Averaging 6-8 feet long and 60-80 pounds, sailfish are known for their lightning-fast runs and aerial displays when hooked. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them close to the reef line. What makes sailfish special is their fighting style – they'll jump repeatedly, often clearing the water completely while shaking their heads violently to throw the hook. Captain Joe practices catch-and-release for sailfish, using circle hooks and proper handling techniques to ensure these magnificent fish swim away healthy. The sight of that distinctive sail fully extended during the fight is something every angler remembers forever.
Tarpon earn their nickname "Silver King" for good reason – these prehistoric giants can reach 8 feet long and exceed 200 pounds in local waters. May through August marks prime tarpon season when schools of these massive fish migrate through the Keys. What sets tarpon apart is their incredible jumping ability; a hooked tarpon will often launch completely out of the water multiple times, creating heart-stopping moments as they try to throw the hook. These fish are pure muscle, capable of long, powerful runs that test your endurance as much as your tackle. Tarpon have extremely hard mouths, making hook-setting crucial, and their gill plates are razor-sharp, requiring careful handling. Most tarpon are released due to their poor eating quality and important role in the ecosystem.
Sea Trout might not have the size of tarpon or the acrobatics of sailfish, but they make up for it with aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. These spotted beauties typically run 2-5 pounds in offshore waters, though larger specimens over 8 pounds occasionally show up around structure. Sea trout are most active during dawn and dusk periods, making them perfect targets during the early and late portions of your charter. They respond well to both live bait and artificials, often hitting with surprising force for their size. What anglers love about sea trout is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish dinner. They're also great confidence builders for newer anglers since they're typically easier to hook and land than larger gamefish.
Cobia are the ultimate opportunistic predators, often following rays, sharks, and even the boat itself while looking for an easy meal. These brown, shark-like fish can reach impressive sizes offshore – 30-50 pounders are common, with occasional giants over 60 pounds. Spring and fall provide the best cobia action as they migrate along the coast. What makes cobia fishing exciting is their curiosity and willingness to eat almost anything. They'll often approach the boat to investigate, giving you a shot at sight-fishing these powerful fish. Cobia fight with bulldogging strength, using their broad tails and muscular bodies to wage a straight-up tug of war. Their white, flaky meat rivals any fish in the ocean, making them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Step aboard this classic 38-foot Harris motorboat and head into the deep blue waters off Islamorada for some serious offshore action. Built in 1978 with that solid, no-nonsense construction anglers appreciate, this vessel cuts through the waves with its reliable 500 hp Caterpillar diesel engine, cruising at a steady 15 knots to get you to the fishing grounds efficiently. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work their lines while chasing marlin, tuna, mahi, and whatever else is running in these productive Atlantic waters. When nature calls or you need to rinse off the salt spray, you've got both a head and shower onboard. Captain Joe knows these waters like the back of his hand, putting you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler. This boat has that classic Florida Keys charter feel – built tough, runs smooth, and gets the job done when the fish are biting.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin and distinctive bill. They average around 50 pounds and 7 feet, though we've seen bigger ones push past 100 pounds. These fish cruise the surface waters between 30-65 feet, often in small groups hunting baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they're most active. What makes them special is their fight - they'll jump repeatedly, change colors from blue to black during the battle, and test your endurance with long runs. They're not great table fare due to their tough meat, so most anglers release them. My tip: when you see one lit up and hunting, tease it first with a bait before presenting your hook. Once it takes, keep steady pressure but let it run when it wants to jump.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are curious, brown-colored fish that often get mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin and streamlined shape. They average around 30-50 pounds and 4-5 feet, but can grow much larger - up to 100 pounds. You'll find them around structure like wrecks, reefs, and buoys in 30-100 feet of water, often cruising near the surface. Spring and fall migrations bring the best action when they move through our area. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and excellent table quality - firm, white meat that tastes similar to grouper. They're usually alone, not in schools, which makes each encounter exciting. Being naturally curious, they'll often approach the boat. The key is sight fishing - when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of it. They rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of bottom fishing - beautiful red fish that average 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones can hit 20+ pounds. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, holding tight to structure. Summer months offer the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily. Anglers love them for two reasons: they fight hard for their size and are absolutely delicious - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're also predictable once you find structure holding fish. The challenge is keeping them off the bottom during the fight since they'll try to cut your line on the reef. Use heavy tackle with 40-60 pound test and get them up quickly. Fresh cut bait like bonita or live pinfish work best, and don't be afraid to use a heavy sinker to get down there fast in the current.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are popular inshore targets that average 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. They have silvery bodies covered in distinctive black spots and prefer grass flats and shallow waters around 3-15 feet deep. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels, though they're catchable year-round. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - they have delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for a fish dinner. They're also great for beginners since they fight well but aren't overwhelming. During winter, they form large schools in deeper water up to 50 feet. My local trick: fish the grass flats at night with topwater plugs or soft plastics. The bite often turns on right at dusk when they move shallow to feed.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are what fishing dreams are made of - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and over 150 pounds, though most we catch run 80-100 pounds. They live in shallow coastal waters, bridges, and deeper channels, moving between fresh and saltwater. The peak season runs April through July when they migrate through our waters. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - they'll launch 10 feet out of the water and put on a fight that can last hours. Their prehistoric look and acrobatic jumps make every hookup memorable. Since they're not good eating due to their bony meat and high mercury, it's all about the sport. Here's the key: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward it. This keeps tension off the line and prevents the hook from getting thrown during those wild jumps.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Joe and his First Mate Jay were truly amazing. We got the full offshore fishing experience during our trip, and would happ...
Islamorada, FL