5.0(2 Reviews)Private 6 Hour Offshore Charter - Islamorada
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting sailfish, kingfish, and wahooFishing grounds located 1020 miles offshore from IslamoradaAll gear, licenses, and safety equipment provided by Captain Larry
If you're serious about fishing but don't want to commit to a full day on the water, this 6-hour offshore charter hits that sweet spot perfectly. Captain Larry and his crew at First Choice Charters know exactly where to find the fish in Islamorada's productive offshore waters, taking you 10 to 20 miles out where the real action happens. Starting at 7:00 AM, you'll have plenty of time to work multiple spots and target some of the most sought-after pelagic species in the Florida Keys. With all gear, tackle, and licenses included, plus room for up to 6 anglers, this trip delivers serious fishing without the marathon commitment.
Your morning starts early, but trust me – it's worth every minute of lost sleep. Captain Larry runs a tight ship and knows these waters like the back of his hand, which means less time searching and more time with lines in the water. The boat heads out into the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off, creating the perfect hunting grounds for big pelagics. You'll be trolling with a spread of baits and lures designed to attract everything from speedy wahoo to acrobatic sailfish. The crew works hard to keep you on fish, constantly adjusting the spread, watching the fish finder, and reading the water for signs of life. Don't be surprised if you find yourself reeling in fish as fast as you can get them to the boat – that's just how good the fishing can be out here when conditions align.
This charter focuses primarily on trolling, the most effective method for covering water and targeting multiple species simultaneously. The boat runs a professional spread with outriggers, downriggers, and flat lines to maximize your chances. You'll be using a mix of live bait like ballyhoo and goggle eyes, along with proven lures including feathers, spoons, and diving plugs. The captain adjusts trolling speed based on target species – slower for sailfish and swordfish, faster for wahoo and kingfish. All rods are rigged with appropriate tackle, from lighter setups for smaller pelagics to heavy gear capable of handling a charging sail or a screaming wahoo. The crew handles all the technical aspects, so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the experience. When fish are located, expect quick direction on which rod to grab and how to work the fish to the boat.
"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 offshore fishing in Islamorada, and for good reason. These spectacular billfish put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering as they dance across the surface. Peak season runs from December through April, when cooler water brings them close to the reef edge. Sailfish typically range from 30 to 60 pounds and are ambush predators that cruise the edges of current breaks looking for schools of baitfish. What makes them so special isn't just their acrobatic fighting ability – it's the way they light up in brilliant colors when hooked, flashing electric blues and purples that'll take your breath away.
Barracuda might not win beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure aggression and lightning speed. These toothy predators strike lures with explosive force, often clearing the water on the initial run. Found year-round in these waters, barracuda typically range from 10 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50-plus. They're attracted to shiny lures and quick movements, making them perfect candidates for high-speed trolling. What anglers love most about barracuda is their unpredictability – you never know when one might crash the party and turn a routine retrieve into heart-pounding action.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 mph when they decide to make a run. These streamlined predators prefer deeper water and are most active during dawn and dusk hours, making your early morning departure perfect timing. Wahoo typically range from 15 to 60 pounds in these waters, with their razor-sharp teeth requiring wire leaders. They're known for their initial blistering run that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. The best part about wahoo fishing is the anticipation – you'll hear the reel screaming before you even see what hit, and that sound gets the adrenaline pumping every single time.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, typically targeted during deeper water trolling or when conditions are right for daytime sword fishing. These prehistoric-looking giants can exceed 100 pounds and are known for their stubborn, deep-diving fights that test both angler skill and equipment. While less common than other species on this list, hooking into a swordfish creates memories that last a lifetime. They're most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, though daytime catches do happen. What makes swordfish special is their mystery – they spend most of their time in the deep, making each encounter feel like discovering buried treasure.
This 6-hour charter delivers the perfect balance of serious offshore fishing without eating up your entire day in Islamorada. Captain Larry's local knowledge
Step aboard Captain Larry's beautifully restored 1958 37' Merritt sportfisher for serious offshore fishing in Islamorada's deep waters. This classic vessel was completely rebuilt in 2011 and runs smooth with twin 355HP Cummins engines that'll get you 10-20 miles out where the big fish live. The wide-open deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight sailfish, wahoo, and kingfish without getting tangled up. She's equipped with GPS, fish finder, VHF radio, and a flybridge for spotting birds and bait schools. Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand and targets whatever's biting - from lightning-fast wahoo to acrobatic sailfish. The boat handles offshore swells like a dream, so you can focus on fishing instead of holding on. All gear and licenses included for this 6-hour adventure starting at 7AM.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore trips - these magnificent fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. We find them in 30-200 feet of water, often hunting baitfish in small groups. Winter through early spring is prime time here in the Keys when they move through in good numbers. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. They're also one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds over 30 mph. My tip: when you see that sail up and the fish gets excited behind the bait, don't pull it away too fast. Let them get a good look and commit to the bite before setting the hook.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are aggressive hunters that'll hit your lure hard and fast. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 2-4 feet long around here, though the big ones can push 6 feet. You'll find them around reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs in 10-60 feet of water. They hunt by sight, so they love shiny lures and move incredibly fast when they strike. What guests enjoy most is their aggressive nature - they'll often hit multiple times if you keep the bait moving. The meat is excellent when prepared right, with firm white flesh. Year-round fishing is solid, but they're most active in warmer months. Pro tip: use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Keep your lure moving erratically to trigger their predatory instincts.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate challenge - these massive fish average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with some reaching over 1,000 pounds. We target them in deep water, usually 800-1,500 feet, where they hunt squid and other deep-water prey. They're primarily night feeders, coming up from the depths after dark. Peak season here runs April through September. What draws anglers is the combination of size, power, and the technical skill required - it's true big game fishing. The meat is outstanding, firm and meaty like a good steak. We use heavy tackle with 80-120 pound line and multiple lights to attract bait. The trick is patience and keeping your bait at the right depth. Drop your rig with a 2-3 pound weight and let it soak - swordfish take time to commit.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that can hit 50+ mph, making them one of the most exciting fish to target offshore. These sleek predators typically run 3-5 feet and 20-60 pounds, with distinctive blue stripes along silver sides. We find them in 100-600 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Peak season runs July through November when they're most abundant. What makes them special is the blistering runs and the fantastic table fare - firm, white meat that's absolutely delicious. They're solitary hunters that hit fast and hard. My go-to method is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth are razor sharp. The key is keeping your lures moving fast enough to trigger their chase instinct but not so fast you pull it away from them.
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