5.0(3 Reviews)Full Day Islamorada Offshore Fishing Adventure
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore charter targeting sailfish, wahoo, and kingfishFish productive waters 3-40 miles offshore in IslamoradaAll equipment and licenses included with Captain Larry
Looking for some serious offshore action in the Florida Keys? Captain Larry's full-day charter out of Islamorada puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive fishing grounds in South Florida. We're talking about heading anywhere from 3 to 40 miles offshore, depending on where the fish are biting that day. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we've got the time to really explore different areas and give you the best shot at multiple species. With sailfish, wahoo, kingfish, barracuda, and mahi lighting up the lines, you'll have plenty of chances to fill the fish box and create some great memories on the water.
This full-day charter is built for anglers who want to cover some serious ground and fish multiple spots throughout the day. Captain Larry knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not afraid to run to where the action is hottest. We'll start early to make the most of our time, and depending on conditions and what's biting, we might hit the edge in 80-120 feet of water for kingfish and barracuda, then push further out to the blue water for sailfish and mahi. The boat is comfortable enough for the long haul, and with a maximum of 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time. All your tackle, licenses, and gear are covered – just bring yourself, some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen for the day.
We run a spread of high-speed trolling lures and live bait to cover all the bases out there. For the pelagic species like wahoo and kingfish, we'll pull wire line with Yo-Zuri plugs, spoons, and feathers at 8-12 knots to trigger those reaction strikes. When we're targeting sailfish and mahi, we'll slow it down and work with ballyhoo, goggle eyes, and skipjack on the outriggers. Captain Larry's got all the right gear – from wire leaders for the toothy critters to circle hooks for clean releases. The depth finder and GPS help us locate structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools that hold fish. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing – the captain and mate will coach you through everything from setting the drag to fighting technique.
"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 Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These acrobatic billfish average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water pushes bait closer to shore, but we see them year-round in the deeper water. They're notorious for their lightning-fast runs and multiple jumps, testing both your drag system and fighting skills. Most anglers choose to release these magnificent fish after a quick photo, making them a sustainable target that keeps giving back to the fishery.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as we call the big ones, are one of the most reliable offshore targets around Islamorada. These silver bullets range from schoolie-sized fish around 10 pounds up to genuine bragging-rights fish pushing 40-50 pounds. They're year-round residents but really turn on during the fall and winter months when Spanish sardines and ballyhoo are thick. Kings are aggressive trolling fish that'll smoke drag and make long runs, especially the bigger females. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who want to take dinner home.
Barracuda might not be everyone's first choice, but these toothy predators are pure fun on light tackle. The Florida Keys are famous for producing giant barracuda, with fish over 20 pounds common around the reef and structure. They're ambush predators that explode on trolled lures and live bait, often jumping clear of the water on the initial strike. While their reputation for being tough to eat keeps many anglers releasing them, cuda are an important part of the ecosystem and provide fast action when other species are being picky.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish, are probably the most colorful and exciting fish we target offshore. These brilliant yellow, green, and blue speedsters travel in schools and provide non-stop action when you find them. They're structure-oriented fish, often found under floating sargassum, debris, or around FADs. Mahi are incredible jumpers and fighters, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Spring through fall is prime time, but we catch them year-round when conditions are right. Finding a school of mahi often means multiple hookups and coolers full of dinner.
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Step aboard Captain Larry's beautifully restored 1958 37' Merritt sportfisher and get ready to chase serious gamefish in the deep waters off Islamorada. This classic offshore boat was given new life in 2011 and still turns heads at the dock. Twin 355HP Cummins engines push her smoothly through the swells as you head anywhere from 3 to 40 miles out to target sailfish, wahoo, kingfish, and barracuda. The wide-open deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the flybridge offers Captain Larry a perfect vantage point to spot birds and bait. Modern electronics including GPS and fish finder help locate the action, and the onboard head keeps everyone comfortable during long days on the water. With VHF radio for safety and communication, this vintage Merritt combines old-school fishing boat charm with the reliability you need for serious offshore adventures in the Florida Keys.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the kings of offshore fishing here in the Keys. These beautiful fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin and brilliant blue coloration. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water, often cruising near the surface where they hunt baitfish like sardines and mackerel. Winter months are prime time - they migrate through our waters chasing warm currents. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks during the battle. My tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface and use a wire leader - their bills are sharp enough to cut through regular line in seconds.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the opportunistic hunters that'll keep you on your toes all day. These torpedo-shaped predators usually run 3-4 feet long with mouths full of needle-sharp teeth. You'll find them around coral reefs, grass beds, and any structure in 10-60 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but really turn on during spring and fall when baitfish are thick. What makes them fun is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, spin, and thrash like crazy. They're also incredibly fast, hitting 35 mph when chasing prey. The meat is actually quite good if prepared right, firm and white. Pro tip: they hunt by sight and love shiny lures, but once hooked, keep steady pressure - they'll throw the hook if you give them any slack. Light spinning gear makes it even more exciting.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll hook in these waters. They typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see plenty over 40. These silver rockets with razor-sharp teeth prefer depths of 40-150 feet, hanging around structure and temperature breaks. Fall and winter are your best bet when they're moving through on their migration routes. What guests love is the blistering runs - Kings will scream line off your reel faster than almost anything else out here. They're also great eating with firm, white meat that grills up perfectly. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks when live baiting. Kings hit from behind, so that trailing hook will save you from a lot of heartbreak when they bite the tail off your bait.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure gold when we find them - literally. These beautiful fish light up in brilliant yellows and greens, changing colors as they fight. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we catch plenty of bulls over 40. They're surface dwellers, usually found around floating debris, weed lines, or current edges in blue water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water warms up and sargassum starts floating. What guests love is the spectacular jumping and the fact that they travel in schools - where there's one, there's usually more. The meat is outstanding too, firm and mild with no fishy taste. Look for birds working over debris - that's usually your best sign. Once you hook one, get another bait back out fast because the rest of the school will stay around for a few minutes.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these fish hit 60 mph and will test every piece of gear you've got. They average 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, with razor teeth and a torpedo body built for speed. We find them in 60-200 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Fall through spring is your best shot when they're most active in our area. The thrill is in that initial run - nothing screams line off a reel like a wahoo, and they'll make multiple blistering runs before giving up. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for fish tacos. Key trick: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is essential - their teeth will slice through anything else. When you get that wahoo bite, just hold on and enjoy the 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