5.0(2 Reviews)Private 6 Hour Offshore Charter - Islamorada
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targeting sailfish, kingfish, and wahooVentures 10-20 miles offshore with all gear and licenses includedCaptain Larry accommodates up to six guests with safety focus
Picture this: you're 15 miles out in the deep blue waters off Islamorada, lines are screaming, and the fish are biting faster than you can get them in the boat. That's what you get with Captain Larry's 6-hour offshore charter – the sweet spot between a quick morning trip and an all-day marathon. Starting at 7:00 AM, you'll have plenty of time to work the productive waters where the big pelagics roam, without burning your whole day. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're talking serious offshore action where sailfish, wahoo, and swordfish patrol the blue water beyond the reef.
Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about running 10 to 20 miles offshore to find where the fish are holding. The beauty of a 6-hour charter is that you get the prime morning bite plus enough time to relocate if the action slows down. You'll be fishing the edge of the Gulf Stream where the water turns that perfect cobalt blue and the temperature breaks hold baitfish – and where baitfish go, the predators follow. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are all covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks, plenty of water, and get ready to put some serious bend in those rods. If anyone in your group has special needs, just give Captain Larry a heads up when you book.
Out here, trolling is king. We're talking about pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits at different depths and distances to cover water and trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Captain Larry runs a mix of surface lures, diving plugs, and rigged ballyhoo to target different species at various levels in the water column. When we mark bait on the fish finder or spot birds working, that's when we might switch to live bait fishing or start working jigs. The key to offshore success is reading the water – looking for color changes, current lines, floating debris, and bird activity that signals where gamefish are feeding. Don't be surprised if we're constantly adjusting our spread, changing lures, or moving to new spots based on what the fish are telling us.
"Capt Larry and first mate Eric worked tirelessly to make sure my sons, sons-law and brothers-in-law (total of 5 of us) had a great experience! We had a blast bringing in fish as fast as we could on a couple of spots. These spots were found by the captain by knowing where to look for fish. Those two (Larry and Eric) seemed to be having as much fun as we were and worked hard to help us fish as much as possible. They cleaned / fillet our fish and recommended a place to take them for dinner. I highly recommend First Choice ." - Hamby
"Fantastic and truly memorable experience!" - Katerina
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada's offshore waters, and for good reason. These acrobatic fighters put on a show like no other gamefish – launching themselves clear out of the water, gill rattling and tail walking across the surface. Peak sailfish season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. They typically range from 30 to 60 pounds, though bigger fish over 80 pounds show up every season. What makes sailfish special isn't just their aerial display – it's their speed and stamina. They'll make long runs, change direction without warning, and test every bit of your tackle and technique.
Barracuda are the opportunists of the offshore world, and they're always ready to crash a trolling spread. These toothy predators are built for speed, with their torpedo-shaped bodies and razor-sharp teeth designed for ambush attacks. Most barracuda we catch range from 10 to 30 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they fight with surprising intensity and make blistering runs when hooked. They're year-round residents in these waters, though they're most active during warmer months. What anglers love about barracuda is their aggressive nature – they'll hit lures with reckless abandon and provide non-stop action when other species are being finicky.
Wahoo are pure speed demons, capable of reaching over 60 mph when they decide to run. These streamlined predators are built like underwater missiles, with their distinctive blue and silver stripes and razor-sharp teeth. Most wahoo in our waters run between 20 to 50 pounds, though monsters over 80 pounds cruise these waters. Fall and winter months are prime time for wahoo, when they move closer to shore following bait schools. What makes wahoo fishing so exciting is the violence of their strikes – they'll absolutely destroy a trolled lure and make screaming runs that test your drag system and your nerves.
Swordfish might be the ultimate offshore trophy, and Islamorada sits in prime swordfish territory. These prehistoric-looking predators are most active during winter months, particularly at night or in deep water during the day. Swordfish can exceed 100 pounds and provide battles that can last hours. Their distinctive bill and broad tail make them unmistakable, and their fighting ability is legendary among offshore anglers. What sets swordfish apart is their unpredictability – they might sound deep, run hard, or jump unexpectedly. Landing a swordfish is a team effort that requires patience, skill, and a little bit of luck.
Six hours offshore with Captain Larry gives you the perfect balance of serious fishing time without the commitment of a full-day trip. You'll target world-class gamefish in some of the most productive waters in the Florida Keys, with all the
Step aboard Capt. Larry's beautifully restored 37' Merritt sportfisher, a classic 1958 vessel that's been given new life with twin 355HP Cummins engines. This vintage beauty runs smooth and steady as she cuts through the waters 10-20 miles offshore from Islamorada. Her wide, open deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're battling a sailfish or bringing in kingfish and wahoo. The flybridge offers great visibility for spotting fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best action. With a comfortable head onboard and VHF radio for safety, you're set for a solid 6-hour trip targeting the bigger fish that cruise the deeper waters. Capt. Larry knows these offshore grounds well and keeps his classic Merritt in top shape for serious fishing.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here in Islamorada. These blue-gray beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, usually following baitfish schools. Winter months through spring give us the best action when they migrate through our warm waters. What makes sailfish special is their fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Plus, they change colors when they're hunting, flashing blues and blacks. My tip: when you see one lit up and following your bait, let it eat before setting the hook. They'll mouth it first, so patience pays off.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive predators that love the shallow flats and reef edges around Islamorada. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-4 feet but can hit 6 feet, with razor-sharp teeth and lightning speed up to 35 mph. You'll find them stalking baitfish in 10-30 feet of water around coral heads, wrecks, and grass beds year-round. They hunt by sight, so they're suckers for anything shiny or fast-moving. What guests love is how hard they hit lures and their wild jumps when hooked. The meat's actually pretty good too - white and flaky when cooked right. Here's my trick: cast past them and retrieve fast with erratic jerks. They can't resist chasing something that looks like it's trying to escape.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate challenge for serious anglers looking to test their skills in deep water. These massive fish average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with that distinctive flat bill they use to stun prey. We target them in 800-1500 feet of water, usually night fishing when they come up to feed around 300 feet deep. Peak season runs April through September when they're spawning. What draws people to swordfish is the pure strength and endurance - these fish will fight for hours. The meat's firm and meaty, perfect for grilling. We use heavy tackle with 24-32 ounce sinkers and bright lights to draw them up. My tip: be patient and keep your bait moving slowly in the water column. When they hit, don't rush the hookset.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag. These sleek fish average 3-5 feet and can hit 60 mph when they want to. We target them 10-20 miles offshore in blue water, usually trolling fast around 12-15 knots. They're here year-round but peak from July through November when the water's warm. What makes wahoo special is that lightning strike - one second your line's out, next second it's screaming off the reel. The meat is top-shelf too, white and mild, perfect for the dinner table. They've got razor teeth that'll cut right through mono, so we always use wire leaders. My advice: keep your drag tight but not locked down, and be ready for that initial run because they don't ease into it.
5.0 out of 5.0Capt Larry and first mate Eric worked tirelessly to make sure my sons, sons-law and brothers-in-law (total of 5 of us) had a great...
Fantastic and truly memorable experience!
Islamorada, FL