5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day PM Kingfish Charter in Islamorada
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday afternoon charter targeting kingfish and spanish mackerelEntrylevel trip perfect for families and beginning anglersAll tackle, bait, and gear provided by licensed captain
Looking for an afternoon fishing trip that delivers both action and relaxation? This half-day charter out of Islamorada puts you right in the heart of some of the best kingfish and Spanish mackerel waters in the Florida Keys. Running from January through October, this entry-level trip is perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone wanting to get their line wet without the commitment of a full-day adventure. Your licensed captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish while keeping things fun and stress-free. All tackle, bait, and gear are provided, so you can focus on what matters most – catching fish and making memories.
This afternoon charter kicks off when the sun starts its descent, giving you that perfect late-day fishing window when mackerel species are most active. You'll spend most of your time trolling the productive waters around Islamorada, covering ground to find where the fish are holding. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility – while trolling is the main technique, your captain can switch things up with some bottom fishing if conditions and fish activity call for it. The boat accommodates up to six anglers comfortably, making it ideal for families or small groups who want personalized attention from the crew. Don't worry about experience level – the captain and crew will coach you through every hookup, from setting the drag to bringing your fish to the boat. The relaxed pace means there's time to enjoy the scenery, snap some photos, and really soak in the Keys fishing experience.
Trolling is the name of the game for this charter, and it's one of the most effective ways to cover water and locate active schools of mackerel. Your captain will deploy a spread of lines at different depths and distances behind the boat, using a combination of spoons, diving plugs, and rigged baits that mackerel can't resist. The boat moves at trolling speed – usually 6-8 knots – while you keep an eye on the rod tips for that telltale bounce that means fish on. When someone hooks up, the captain will circle back to work the school, often resulting in multiple fish in quick succession. If the trolling bite slows down or conditions favor it, the crew might anchor up over structure for some bottom fishing. This gives you a chance to target different species and adds variety to your afternoon. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are top-quality and included in your trip, so you're fishing with gear that's perfectly matched to the target species and local conditions.
"Great team, very knowledgeable, made sure we caught a lot of fish. Awesome time! Highly recommend!" - Gregg
King Mackerel, locally known as kingfish, are the crown jewel of this charter and one of the most popular game fish in the Keys. These silver bullets can range from schoolie kings around 10-15 pounds up to smoker kings pushing 40 pounds or more. Kings are ambush predators that cruise the edges of reefs and along color changes in the water, making them perfect targets for trolling. They're most active during the cooler months from January through April, but you'll find good numbers through October. When a king hits your bait, you'll know it – they make blistering runs that peel line off your reel and put up a fight that gets your heart pumping. The best part about kingfish is they're not just fun to catch, they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh.
Spanish Mackerel are the perfect fish for anglers who want consistent action and great eating. These smaller cousins of the kingfish typically run 1-4 pounds and are absolutely gorgeous fish with their silver sides and yellow spots. Spanish mackerel are schooling fish, so when you find one, you've usually found many. They're aggressive feeders that will hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with enthusiasm. What makes Spanish mackerel special is their availability – they're around from spring through fall and provide steady action when other species might be finicky. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean when prepared properly, with firm, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker. Kids especially love catching Spanish mackerel because they're the right size to handle and put up just enough fight to be exciting without being overwhelming.
This half-day afternoon charter offers everything you want in a Keys fishing experience – great fishing, expert guidance, and the flexibility to fish at your own pace. With seasonal availability from January through October, you have plenty of opportunities to get out on the water during prime mackerel season. The entry-level nature of this trip means it's perfect for building confidence on the water, while still offering the chance for some seriously impressive catches. Your licensed captain's local knowledge combined with quality gear and a relaxed atmosphere creates the perfect recipe for a successful day of fishing. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to saltwater fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just escape the daily grind with some afternoon angling, this charter delivers. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red hot.
The Jus Cuz is your ticket to productive afternoon fishing in the crystal-clear waters around Islamorada. This solid 36-foot diesel walk-around gives you plenty of room to move around while chasing kingfish and Spanish mackerel. The full air conditioning provides a cool break between bites, while the shaded stern keeps you comfortable during those hot afternoon sessions. Captain fires up the advanced electronics - GPS, radar, and fish-finder - to put you right on the fish. The spacious cabin layout works perfectly for families, with clean facilities and a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home. Whether you're trolling the blue water or dropping lines for bottom species, this boat handles beautifully and gets you to the action fast. Quality tackle and fresh bait are ready to go, so you can focus on landing your catch. The walk-around design means easy access to fighting fish from any angle, and there's plenty of deck space for multiple anglers to fish without getting tangled up.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are the speed demons of our waters here in Islamorada. These silvery rockets typically run 15-40 pounds, though we've seen some monsters push 60+ pounds. They cruise the reef line in 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. January through October gives us prime season, with spring and fall producing the hottest action when they're migrating through. What makes Kings special is that lightning-fast run when they hit your trolled bait - they'll peel line like nothing else. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky white meat. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and let them run on that first screaming take. Try to stop them too early and you'll just pull the hook.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting steady action and great table fare. These smaller cousins to the King run 1-3 pounds with distinctive yellow spots along their silver sides. They school up in huge numbers over grass flats, around structure, and along the reef edge in 15-60 feet of water. Peak season runs March through October when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What guests love is the non-stop action - when you find a school, it's fish after fish. They're also some of the best eating in these waters with mild, sweet meat that grills perfectly. Local trick: use small spoons or jigs and keep moving until you locate a school. Once you find them, work the area thoroughly - they'll often stay put for hours.
5.0 out of 5.0Great team, very knowledgeable, made sure we caught a lot of fish. Awesome time! Highly recommend!
Key Largo