5.0(1 Reviews)Bluewater Pursuit of Marlin and Tuna
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting marlin, tuna, and Atlantic gamefishAll gear, bait, licenses, and water included for groupsCaptain Joe Snyder guides anglers of all experience levels
When you're ready to leave the shallows behind and chase the big boys in deep blue water, Captain Joe Snyder's 6-hour offshore charter from Islamorada is your ticket to world-class fishing. This top-rated Florida Keys experience puts you right in the heart of the Gulf Stream, where marlin patrol the thermoclines and yellowfin tuna cruise the current breaks. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add trophy fish to your logbook or a newcomer wanting to experience the raw power of offshore gamefish, this charter delivers the goods. We'll launch from Whale Harbor Marina and head straight for the productive waters where the continental shelf drops into the abyss – that's where the magic happens.
Your day starts early at Whale Harbor Marina, where Captain Joe and First Mate Jay will have the boat rigged and ready to roll. We're talking about a serious fishing machine equipped with outriggers, downriggers, and all the heavy tackle needed to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. The 6-hour window gives us plenty of time to reach the prime offshore grounds without feeling rushed – usually we're looking at 15-20 miles out where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and the bottom drops to over 1,000 feet. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so there's room for everyone to fight fish without getting tangled up. All your gear, bait, licenses, and water are covered, so just bring your appetite for adventure and maybe some snacks if you get hungry. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hands, reading water temperature, current breaks, and bait schools to put you on fish consistently.
Out here in the deep water, we're primarily trolling – and not the slow-poke trolling you might do inshore. We're talking 8-12 knots, pulling a spread of lures and rigged ballyhoo that mimics a school of baitfish cruising the surface. The outriggers let us cover more water with our lure spread, while the downriggers get baits down to specific depths where the fish are holding. When conditions are right, we'll also work live bait around weed lines, debris, or temperature breaks where predators ambush their prey. The tackle is heavy-duty – 50 to 80-pound class gear that can handle the blistering runs and head-shaking jumps these offshore species are famous for. Don't worry if you've never fought a fish on heavy tackle before; the crew will coach you through every step, from setting the hook to working the fish to the boat. Circle hooks and proper catch-and-release techniques ensure these magnificent fish swim away healthy to fight another day.
"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 Florida Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These spectacular billfish average 6-7 feet long and put on an aerial display that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them close to the reef line. What makes sailfish so special isn't just their beauty – it's the way they hunt, corralling baitfish with their bills and attacking with lightning speed. When you hook one, get ready for multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your tackle and your endurance. Most anglers consider landing a sailfish a bucket-list achievement, and the waters off Islamorada consistently produce some of the best sailfishing in the world.
Tarpon earn their nickname "Silver King" through sheer presence and power. These prehistoric giants can exceed 200 pounds and 8 feet in length, making them one of the most challenging gamefish in Florida waters. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, when massive schools migrate through the Keys. What sets tarpon apart is their ability to launch completely out of the water – sometimes multiple times during a single fight. They're also notorious for their stamina, often fighting for over an hour before coming to the boat. Landing a tarpon requires patience, proper technique, and a bit of luck, as these fish are masters at throwing hooks with their acrobatic displays.
Sea Trout might not have the size of tarpon or the speed of sailfish, but they're steady producers that consistently put meat in the cooler. These silver-sided fighters typically run 2-4 pounds in offshore waters and are available year-round. What makes sea trout appealing to many anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. They're often the fish that keeps the action going when the bigger species aren't cooperating, and they respond well to both live bait and artificial lures.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world – brown, powerful, and stubborn as the day is long. These fish can reach 50+ pounds and are known for their curiosity, often following boats and checking out anything unusual. Peak cobia season runs from March through June, when they're migrating north along the coast. What makes cobia special is their fight – they don't jump like billfish or run like tuna, but they pull hard and deep, testing your tackle's drag system. They're also excellent eating, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Red Snapper are the gold standard for bottom fishing in offshore waters. These ruby-colored beauties typically run 5-15 pounds in our area and are prized for their incredible table quality. Red snapper season varies year to year due to regulations, but when it's open, these fish provide consistent action around structure and hard bottom areas. What makes red snapper fishing exciting is the bite – they hit hard and fight all the way to the surface
Captain Joe Snyder's 38-foot Harris takes you straight to the prime marlin and tuna grounds off Islamorada. This classic 1978 motorboat cuts through blue water at 15 knots with her reliable 500hp Caterpillar diesel, getting your crew of six to the fishing zones efficiently. Built tough for Florida Keys offshore conditions, she's equipped with onboard head and shower for those long days chasing pelagics. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish, while her proven hull design handles the Atlantic swells with confidence. From Whale Harbor Marina, you'll have access to the deep water drop-offs where mahi, sailfish, wahoo, and big game species patrol year-round.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are pure speed and grace – these metallic blue beauties average around 50 pounds and 7 feet, but their famous sail-like dorsal fin makes them look even bigger. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, usually cruising near the surface where they hunt baitfish. Winter through early spring brings the best action here in the Keys when they're most active. What makes guests love targeting these fish? They're absolute acrobats – jumping, diving, and putting on a show that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks during the fight. Here's a local tip: when you see one, there's usually more around since they often hunt in small groups. Keep multiple baits ready and work them fast – sailfish love the chase.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the bulldogs of the offshore world – dark brown, shark-like fish that average 30-50 pounds and fight twice their size. We spot them around wrecks, buoys, and floating debris in 30-100 feet, often cruising just under the surface. Spring migration brings the best action, but they're around most of the warm months. What guests love is the visual game – seeing these curious fish approach the boat, plus they're some of the best eating in the ocean with firm, white meat. They're usually loners, so when you see one, make that cast count. Here's what works: cobia are naturally curious, so don't be afraid to get their attention with some commotion. A well-placed bucktail jig or live bait near structure usually seals the deal.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic bottom dweller that every angler wants to catch – bright red fish that typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. We target them around wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet. Summer months during their open season provide the best opportunities. Guests love them for two reasons: they fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and they're absolutely delicious with sweet, firm white meat. They're also photogenic – that bright red color makes for great trophy shots. The local secret is using the heaviest weight you can handle to get your bait down fast before smaller fish steal it. Fresh cut bait works best, and once you find them, stay put – where there's one snapper, there's usually more.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are a solid inshore favorite running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds on average. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around structure in 2-10 feet. Night fishing really turns them on, but early morning and late evening work great too. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when water temps are comfortable. Guests appreciate their scrappy fight and excellent table fare – white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also forgiving for beginners since they're aggressive biters. The key trick down here is fishing the grass edges with soft plastics or live shrimp. Work your bait slow and listen for that distinctive "speck tap" – they often mouth the bait before fully committing.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what dreams are made of – these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though some push 200+. Around Islamorada, we target them in channels, around bridges, and along the edges of flats in 10-50 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're rolling and feeding actively. What hooks guests? Pure athleticism – tarpon launch themselves 10 feet out of the water repeatedly, testing every bit of your skill and tackle. They're not great eating due to their bony flesh, so it's all about the fight and the photos. The real reward is landing a fish that's been swimming these waters since the dinosaurs. Pro tip: when you hook one, bow to the king – drop your rod tip toward the fish when it jumps to prevent the line from snapping.
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