Expert Kite Fishing Adventures in Islamorada Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday kite fishing charter targeting sailfish in Islamorada watersSeasonal availability November through April with live bait includedAccommodates up to six guests for surface strike fishing action
Picture this: you're standing on deck watching a massive sailfish come charging across the surface, dorsal fin cutting through the water like a knife, headed straight for your goggle eye dancing just below a bright kite 100 feet above. That's kite fishing in Islamorada, and it's hands down one of the most visual and adrenaline-pumping ways to target sailfish during their peak season. From November through April, First Choice Charters runs these specialized 8-hour trips designed specifically for anglers who want to experience this legendary technique in the heart of the Florida Keys.
This isn't your typical bottom fishing trip or trolling adventure. Kite fishing is a precision game that requires perfect conditions, skilled crew work, and a lot of patience - but when it all comes together, you'll witness some of the most spectacular strikes in all of sportfishing. We head out to the blue water off Islamorada where the Gulf Stream brings in baitfish and the predators that follow them. The trip accommodates up to 6 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work and rotate on the rods when the action heats up. We provide all the fresh bait you'll need, including those prized goggle eyes that sailfish absolutely crush, plus backup baits like pilchards and threadfin herring. Weather plays a huge role in kite fishing success - we need steady winds between 8-15 knots and manageable seas to keep those kites flying properly and baits positioned just right.
Here's how the magic happens: we deploy specialized fishing kites that carry your line out and away from the boat, positioning live baits right at the surface or just underneath. The kite keeps tension on the line while allowing the bait to swim naturally, creating an irresistible target for sailfish, kings, and mahi cruising the area. We typically run 2-3 kites simultaneously, spreading baits across different depths and distances from the boat. When a fish strikes, the kite releases the line tension, and you're fighting the fish directly - no kite interference. The crew handles all the kite management, wind adjustments, and bait rigging, so you can focus on being ready when that telltale splash erupts near your bait. We use circle hooks for conservation and proper release techniques, plus heavy enough tackle to handle the occasional monster king mackerel or shark that might crash the party.
The Atlantic Sailfish is the undisputed star of kite fishing season in Islamorada. These incredible gamefish average 6-8 feet long and put on aerial displays that'll have you reaching for your phone to capture the moment. Peak season runs December through March when cooler water temperatures bring them close to shore. What makes sailfish special isn't just their size or acrobatics - it's their intelligence and the visual nature of their strikes. You'll actually see them approaching your bait, sometimes circling or following before committing to the attack.
King Mackerel are year-round residents that absolutely demolish kite-presented baits. These speed demons can reach 40+ pounds in our waters and make blistering runs that'll test your drag settings and endurance. Kings are less predictable than sailfish but equally exciting, often showing up in schools that can turn a slow morning into non-stop action. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep a legal-sized fish for dinner.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, are the wild cards of kite fishing trips. These colorful fighters travel in schools and provide some of the best action when you find them. Bulls can exceed 30 pounds and cows typically run 10-20 pounds, both offering incredible fights with lots of jumps and direction changes. Mahi season peaks in spring and fall, but scattered fish show up throughout the kite fishing window.
Skipjack Tuna might seem like an odd target for kite fishing, but these smaller tunas often cruise with sailfish and provide fantastic light tackle action. They're perfect for keeping the energy up between sailfish encounters and are phenomenal bait for the occasional monster lurking below. Don't underestimate a skipjack's fight - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean.
Blacktip Sharks add an element of surprise to any kite fishing trip. These aggressive predators often follow hooked fish or simply grab baits meant for other species. While not the primary target, blacktips provide powerful fights and are important apex predators in our local ecosystem. Most run 3-6 feet long and offer a completely different fight than the other target species.
Kite fishing season in Islamorada books up fast, especially during the prime December through March window when sailfish numbers peak. This specialized technique requires specific weather conditions and experienced crew work - exactly what you'll get with First Choice Charters. The 8-hour format gives us time to find the right water, set up properly, and maximize your chances at multiple species throughout the day. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or a group wanting to experience one of Florida's most renowned fishing techniques, this trip delivers the kind of visual excitement and heart-pumping action that makes for legendary fishing stories. Don't wait - prime dates fill up months in advance, and Mother Nature only gives us so many perfect kite fishing days each season.
Captain Larry's beautifully restored 1958 37' Merritt puts you right where the sailfish are during kite fishing season. This classic offshore sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2011 and runs smooth with twin 355HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. The wide open deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work, while the flybridge lets you spot those kites and watch the action unfold. She's loaded with GPS, fish finder, and VHF radio to keep you on the fish and connected. With a head onboard for longer trips, you'll stay comfortable while waiting for those explosive surface strikes that make kite fishing so addictive. The boat handles offshore waters like a champ, giving you a stable platform when those sails come up hot on your live bait.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our kite fishing season from November through April. These magnificent fish average 50-80 pounds and stretch 7-8 feet, with that iconic sail dorsal fin. They cruise the warm surface waters around 30-65 feet deep, following baitfish along current edges and temperature breaks. What makes them special is watching that electric blue and silver fish light up as it attacks your kite bait right on top - pure visual excitement. They're built for speed and acrobatics, jumping repeatedly and changing colors during the fight. The meat's excellent eating too, firm and mild. Here's the key: when you see that sail coming up behind your bait, resist pulling it away from them. Let them get a good look and eat it naturally before setting the hook.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are exciting fighters known for their impressive jumps and aggressive strikes. These sleek predators typically run 4-6 feet and 50-100 pounds, with those distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. They patrol shallow waters around 30-100 feet, often cruising reefs, flats edges, and areas with good bait concentrations. Warmer months bring them into our area consistently, especially when baitfish are thick. What guests enjoy is their acrobatic fight - they'll leap completely out of the water multiple times, spinning and thrashing. They're strong pullers that make solid runs too. While most are released, they do make decent table fare. The key to success is using oily baits like mackerel or sardines, and don't be shy with the chum to draw them in. Heavy tackle is a must because they're powerful and those teeth are razor sharp.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag system and make screaming runs that get your heart pumping. Most fish we catch run 15-30 pounds, though big females can push 40-50 pounds during peak season. They patrol the 40-150 foot depths around structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where baitfish gather. Fall through spring gives us the best action when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. What guests love is their blistering initial run and razor-sharp teeth that demand wire leaders. The white, flaky meat is outstanding on the grill. King mackerel are opportunistic feeders that love live bait, but here's my trick: use a stinger hook rig with two hooks because they often grab the tail end of your bait first before turning it around to swallow.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, with those electric gold and green colors that flash like neon underwater. They typically run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we see bigger bulls occasionally. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in that deep blue water. They're surface dwellers that love structure - anything floating becomes a mahi magnet. Spring through fall gives us consistent action when water temps warm up. What makes them popular is their strong fight, spectacular jumps, and some of the best eating fish in the sea - firm, white, and mild. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and lures hard. My go-to technique: once you hook one, keep the others around by leaving it in the water while you get another bait out there fast.
Katsuwonus PelamisThese smaller tuna pack serious speed and fight hard for their size. Most skipjack run 20-30 pounds and about 2-3 feet long, with that classic torpedo shape built for open water. You'll find them in schools out in deep blue water, usually mixed with juvenile yellowfin. They love the surface during feeding times but can dive to 800+ feet when not active. The warmer months bring better action here in Islamorada's offshore waters. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes on trolled baits and the way they pull drag in long runs. The meat's great for sashimi if you keep it iced right away. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around - keep a second line ready because they school tight and get competitive when feeding.
Islamorada, FL