5.0(3 Reviews)Private Full Day Islamorada Offshore Fishing
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter fishing 340 miles from IslamoradaTarget Sailfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, and Barracuda speciesAll equipment and fishing licenses included with Captain Larry
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys, this full-day charter with Captain Larry puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive fishing grounds around Islamorada. You'll be running anywhere from 3 to 40 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are biting, and trust me – that flexibility makes all the difference when you're chasing pelagic species in these waters. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're watching the clock. With a full day ahead of you, there's time to move around, try different techniques, and really dial in on what's working. Captain Larry provides all your licenses and tackle, so you can focus on what matters most – getting tight to some quality fish.
This charter is built for anglers who want to cover water and fish where the big boys roam. You'll be targeting everything from high-speed Wahoo and acrobatic Sailfish to the always-reliable Kingfish and aggressive Barracuda. The beauty of fishing Islamorada's offshore waters is the incredible diversity – one minute you're trolling for Kings along a color change, the next you're working a weed line for Mahi or setting up on a sailfish that's lit up in the spread. Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to make moves when the action slows down. The boat handles the big water beautifully, so even when you're running 30-plus miles offshore, you'll stay comfortable while you're focused on the fishing. With room for up to six anglers, there's plenty of space to work without getting tangled up, whether you're fighting fish or just enjoying the ride between spots.
Most of your day will be spent trolling, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and locate fish in the deep blue. Captain Larry runs a spread of outriggers with a mix of ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures designed to trigger strikes from whatever's in the area. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle everything from screaming Wahoo runs to long Sailfish fights, and the mate will be right there to help you work the fish properly. When you hook up, you'll be fighting fish from a comfortable fighting chair or standing up – your choice. The key to success out there is reading the water and staying flexible. Some days the fish are holding tight to structure, other days they're scattered along temperature breaks or current edges. That's where Captain Larry's local knowledge really pays off, and why having a full day gives you such an advantage over shorter trips.
"Captain Larry and our mate Travis were awesome! They put us on fish and helped us catch. We had a great day on the water catching a variety of fish, including some big Mahi and a number of nice black fin tuna for the dinner table! The boat was super comfortable, too! They did everything to make sure we had a great time. Thanks guys!" - Frank
"We just had an awesome fishing experience with Captain Larry today! We have chartered boats all over the world and this ranks as definitely one of the very best! I don't agree at all with the one star review! Capt. Larry was super friendly and knowledgeable and his mate, Colby was awesome and worked nonstop. We caught a sailfish and 6 other kinds of fish and both guys were great! It was a great day, we already recommended Capt. Larry to family who are coming down In a couple months and will be booking with him our next trip to the keys." - Joe
"Capt. Larry Wren was the best! We caught fish all day. Thank you Capt. Larry for a great time! We will be back. Cal Smith" - Calvin
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada offshore fishing, and for good reason. These spectacular billfish typically range from 30 to 60 pounds in these waters, and when one comes up hot on a bait, the show is just getting started. Peak sailfish season runs from December through April, when cooler water temperatures push baitfish closer to shore and the sails follow. What makes catching a sailfish so special isn't just the initial strike – it's watching them dance across the surface, throwing spray and showing off those incredible dorsal fins. Captain Larry knows how to work sailfish properly, keeping steady pressure while giving them room to jump, which keeps more fish buttoned up all the way to the boat.
King Mackerel are the workhorses of the offshore fleet around Islamorada, and they're aggressive predators that'll absolutely hammer a well-presented bait. These fish typically run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds in local waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 50-plus. Kings are most active during the warmer months from April through October, when they're feeding heavily on sardines, ballyhoo, and other baitfish. What anglers love about kingfish is their reliability – when other species are being finicky, you can usually count on finding kings along the reef line or near structure. They hit hard, make strong runs, and they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Barracuda might be one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These toothy predators are ambush hunters that can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, and when they strike a bait, there's no mistaking it. Most barracuda in the Islamorada area range from 10 to 25 pounds, but the big females can push 40 pounds or more. They're present year-round, but spring and fall tend to produce the biggest fish. What makes barracuda so exciting is their unpredictability – they might follow a bait for hundreds of yards before striking, or they might come out of nowhere and absolutely destroy your offering. Their razor-sharp teeth and explosive
Step aboard Captain Larry's beautifully restored 37' Merritt sportfisher, a classic 1958 offshore fishing machine that's been given new life with a complete 2011 restoration. This vintage beauty cuts through the Keys waters with twin 355HP Cummins engines, delivering the power and stability you need when chasing sailfish, wahoo, and kingfish anywhere from 3 to 40 miles offshore. The wide open deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're fighting a screaming wahoo or waiting for that distinctive sailfish bite. From the flybridge, Captain Larry spots the action and navigates to the hottest fishing grounds using GPS and fish finder technology. The boat's equipped with everything needed for a serious day of offshore fishing - VHF radio keeps you connected, and the onboard facilities mean comfort during those long runs to the productive waters where the big fish roam.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the rockstars of offshore fishing here in the Keys. These fish average around 50 pounds and 7 feet long, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, usually near the surface where they hunt baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Winter months from December through March are prime time - that's when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. What makes sailfish special is their fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. They're also one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds around 35 mph. Here's a local tip: when we get a sailfish fired up on the teasers, let it take the bait and run before setting the hook. They like to grab prey and take off, so give them that initial run or they'll shake the hook.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the perfect fish for guests wanting non-stop action. These torpedo-shaped predators average 3-4 feet and pack serious attitude. You'll find them everywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper offshore waters around 40-60 feet, often lurking near structure or floating debris. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when baitfish are thick. What makes barracuda fun is their aggressive nature - they'll smash lures with authority and fight hard with surprising strength for their size. They're built for speed, hitting 35 mph when chasing prey. The key to success with barracuda is using shiny lures or baits that mimic their favorite food - needlefish and ballyhoo. Here's my go-to technique: cast a silver spoon or tube lure near any floating debris and retrieve it fast with an erratic action. That usually triggers an explosive strike from any barracuda in the area.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kingfish" as we call them locally, are some of the most reliable fighters you'll find offshore. These silver torpedoes typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see plenty in the 40-50 pound range during peak season. You'll find them between 40-150 feet of water, often around structure or temperature breaks. Fall through early spring is prime time when they migrate down from up north, with October through February being our best months. What guests love about kings is their speed - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will peel drag like crazy on that first run. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. One thing to remember when targeting kings: always use a wire leader. Their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat, so that 18-24 inch wire leader is essential to land these toothy critters.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are hands down one of the most beautiful and delicious fish we target offshore. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds, with males sporting that distinctive blunt forehead. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris - anything from sargassum weed to random trash becomes a mahi magnet. Spring through fall is prime season, especially May through September when water temps are warmest. What guests love most is the double payoff: mahi fight hard with lots of jumps and runs, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with mild, sweet white meat. They also travel in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. Here's a local trick: when we hook the first mahi, keep one person fighting while the rest of the boat casts to the school. The hooked fish will often keep the others around, giving everyone a shot at the action.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph and stripping line faster than almost anything else out there. These silver bullets average 20-40 pounds but can reach 80+ pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body built for speed. We find them in open water from 60-300 feet, often around drop-offs or temperature breaks. Peak season runs July through November when water temps are warmest, though we catch them year-round. What makes wahoo special is that blistering first run - they'll scream off 200 yards of line before you can blink. Plus, they're premium table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or sashimi. Here's the key to wahoo fishing: high-speed trolling at 15+ knots with wire leaders is essential. Their teeth will slice through anything else. I like to run lipped ballyhoo or high-speed lures, and when you get bit, hang on tight - it's going to be a wild ride.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Larry and our mate Travis were awesome! They put us on fish and helped us catch. We had a great day on the water catching ...
We just had an awesome fishing experience with Captain Larry today! We have chartered boats all over the world and this ranks as d...
Capt. Larry Wren was the best! We caught fish all day. Thank you Capt. Larry for a great time! We will be back. Cal Smith
Islamorada, FL