5.0(2 Reviews)Afternoon Fishing Charter: Kingfish, Snapper & Tuna
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Five-hour afternoon charter combines trolling and reef fishing techniquesTarget kingfish, tuna, snapper, and amberjack in Islamorada watersAll tackle, bait, and gear provided for up to six anglers
When you're looking to make the most of an afternoon on the water around Islamorada, this 5-hour fishing charter with Just One More Charters hits all the right notes. Captain Conan and his crew know exactly where to find the fish, whether you're after the hard-pulling pelagics or tasty reef dwellers. You'll get the best of both worlds – starting with a solid troll offshore, then switching gears to work the reef structure where the snappers and amberjacks hang out. It's the kind of trip that keeps both seasoned anglers and first-timers happy, with enough variety to keep your rod bent and cooler full.
This charter kicks off with a 12-mile run to where the kings and blackfins cruise the blue water. You'll spend the first half trolling with quality tackle, covering water and hunting for those aggressive pelagic species that love to smash a well-presented bait. The crew handles all the rigging and boat positioning – your job is just to hang on when something hits. After working the offshore bite, you'll head to productive reef spots where the bottom fishing really shines. The transition from trolling to drift fishing gives you two completely different fishing experiences in one trip. Captain Conan's local knowledge means you're hitting spots that consistently produce, not just burning fuel hoping for the best. With only 6 anglers max, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without feeling crowded.
The trolling portion uses a spread of lures and rigged baits designed to trigger strikes from kings, Spanish mackerel, and blackfin tuna. You'll be working depths from 60 to 120 feet, covering structure and current breaks where these species patrol. The crew adjusts trolling speed based on conditions and target species – faster for kings and Spanish, slower when blackfins are the focus. Once you reach the reef, the approach shifts to drift fishing with live and cut bait. Circle hooks and appropriate sinkers keep your offering in the strike zone while drifting over coral heads and ledges. Bottom fishing here means using enough weight to stay down but not so much that you're constantly hung up. The crew provides all tackle, bait, and gear, so you don't need to worry about rigging or what to bring. They know what works in these waters and when to switch tactics based on what the fish are telling you.
"Captain Conan and Alyssa were absolutely amazing and just what we were looking for! We hit the reef today and brought in a variety of awesome fish, some that put up a pretty good fight. We are looking forward to all the yummy dinners ahead! We will be back for sure do fish Mahi!!!" - Melissa
"Capt Conan has X-ray vision super power and really isn't a fair fight for the fish!!! First mate Alyssa was beyond helpful and smiles the entire time and never stopped helping. Highly recommend this boat who puts you on fish quickly and we were the only afternoon charter which was incredible." - Mike
Spanish Mackerel are one of the most reliable catches on this charter, especially during the cooler months from October through March. These silver speedsters typically run 2-4 pounds and are absolute fighters for their size. They love small spoons and rigged ballyhoo trolled at moderate speeds. What makes Spanish mackerel so popular is their willingness to bite and the way they jump when hooked. Plus, they make outstanding table fare when prepared fresh. You'll often find them in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more action.
Blackfin Tuna bring serious pulling power to your afternoon, typically weighing 8-20 pounds in these waters. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, but you can find resident fish year-round. Blackfins prefer slightly deeper water and respond well to small lures trolled at higher speeds. When one hits, you'll know immediately – they make blistering runs and fight hard all the way to the boat. The dark red meat is prized for sashimi and searing, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate quality eating fish.
King Mackerel are the apex predator on this trip, with fish ranging from 15-40 pounds common in Islamorada waters. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, when larger fish move through on their migration. Kings are ambush predators that love structure edges and current breaks. They'll absolutely destroy a live bait or well-presented lure, often jumping multiple times during the fight. The key is keeping steady pressure without over-fighting them – their sharp teeth and powerful runs can easily part your line if you're not careful.
Grey Triggerfish add some serious bottom fishing excitement, especially around reef structure where they feed on crabs and small fish. These tough fighters typically weigh 2-8 pounds and are notorious for their strong runs back toward cover. Triggers have a unique fighting style – they turn sideways and use their broad body to create maximum resistance. They're excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. The trick is getting them away from the reef before they can cut you off on the coral.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish represent the wild card species that can show up during warmer months, particularly around floating debris or weed lines. These spectacular fish are known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. Mahi typically range from 10-30 pounds in these waters and are considered one of the finest eating fish in the ocean. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit both trolled lures and live baits, making them a possibility throughout the trip.
The Jus Cuz is a 36-foot diesel-powered walk-around that's built for serious fishing in the Florida Keys. This charter boat comes fully loaded with A/C to keep you cool between bites, plus all the electronics you need – GPS, radar, and fish-finder to locate the hot spots. The shaded stern gives you plenty of room to work fish without getting fried by the sun. Captain runs a clean, family-friendly operation that's perfect for experienced anglers and first-timers alike. You'll start with a 12-mile troll hunting kings, blackfin tuna, and cobia, then shift to drift and bottom fishing over the reef for snapper, amberjack, and whatever else is biting. Quality tackle and bait are provided, so just bring your fishing license and get ready to put some fish in the box during this 5-hour afternoon trip.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest member of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size. Most run 10-25 pounds and about 2 feet long around here. We target them during our offshore trolling, typically in 100-300 feet of water near the continental shelf. Fall through spring are your best shots when water temps drop into the mid-70s. They're fierce fighters with that classic tuna stamina - expect multiple runs and a real workout. The meat is outstanding for sushi or seared, with that rich tuna flavor. Pro tip: scale down your tackle when we find them. Use 30-pound fluoro leaders and smaller hooks - these fish are spooky with excellent eyesight, so finesse beats brute force.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are tough, scrappy bottom dwellers that average 12-17 inches and fight way above their weight class. We target them on the reef portion of our trips around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 60-180 feet. They're year-round residents but bite best in warmer months when they're more active. What makes them fun is their stubborn, bulldogging fight - they'll use every bit of structure to try breaking you off. The meat is excellent, firm and sweet when filleted properly. Here's my trick: use squid chunks about an inch wide on a small circle hook. Drop it to the bottom then reel up fast to keep tension. These guys are notorious bait stealers, so set the hook quick when you feel that first tap.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the prize of our trolling spread - true speed demons that can hit 30+ pounds and stretch over 40 inches. We find them in 40-150 feet of water along drop-offs and structure during our offshore runs. Peak season runs October through March when cooler water brings the big fish close. They're famous for that first screaming run that'll peel line faster than almost any fish in the ocean. The fight is explosive but the reward is a cooler full of great eating fish. Here's the secret: rig your baits with a stinger hook about 6 inches back from the nose hook. Kings love to bite the tail end of live bait, and that second hook will save you from a lot of cut-offs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are probably the most colorful fish you'll see on our trips - brilliant gold and green sides that light up like a neon sign when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds and grow fast, maturing in just a few months. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks during the trolling portion. Spring through early fall brings the best action when water temps are warmest. They're acrobatic fighters that jump repeatedly and change colors during the fight. The white, flaky meat is top-shelf eating - mild and sweet. Look for birds working over floating sargassum or debris - that's where we'll usually find them. Once you hook one, keep other lines in since they travel in schools.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, schooling fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds around Islamorada. You'll find them near the surface during our trolling runs, especially around temperature breaks and structure. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Spring through fall are prime months when they're most active in our waters. What makes them special is their combination of speed and table fare - they're excellent grilled or blackened with that firm, flaky meat. The key to landing more Spanish is using a wire leader since those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Small spoons and live pilchards work great when we locate the schools.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Conan and Alyssa were absolutely amazing and just what we were looking for! We hit the reef today and brought in a variety...
Capt Conan has X-ray vision super power and really isn’t a fair fight for the fish!!! First mate Alyssa was beyond helpful and smi...
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