5.0(2 Reviews)Islamorada Reef and Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
5-hour morning charter combining trolling and reef fishing techniquesTarget kingfish, tuna, snapper, and amberjack in Islamorada watersAll tackle, bait, and gear provided for up to 6 anglers
Picture this: you're heading out of Islamorada at first light, coffee in hand, watching the sun paint the horizon while Captain Yates fires up the engines. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking five solid hours of some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer. Just One More Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're about to show you why Islamorada is called the sportfishing capital of the world. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this morning charter delivers the kind of action that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your morning starts with a run offshore – we're talking up to 12 miles out where the blue water holds some serious fish. The first half of your trip focuses on trolling, which means we'll be pulling lures behind the boat at different depths and speeds to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. King mackerel love to slam a well-presented bait out here, and when a blackfin tuna decides to eat, you'll know it immediately. The captain and crew handle all the rigging and positioning – your job is simple: hold on tight when that rod tip goes down. After working the offshore waters, we head back to the reef structure where the fishing switches gears completely. Here it's all about precision drop shots and drift fishing over coral heads and ledges where snapper, amberjack, and triggerfish make their living. The crew provides all the tackle, bait, and know-how you need, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks for the ride.
Offshore trolling is an art form, and these guys have it dialed in. We'll be running a spread of lures – ballyhoo rigs, diving plugs, and spoons – at various distances behind the boat. The key is covering water efficiently while presenting baits that look natural in the current. When we hit the reef, the game changes to bottom fishing and drift work. You'll be dropping baits down to structure anywhere from 40 to 120 feet, depending on what we're targeting. The crew uses quality circle hooks and appropriate weights to get your bait down fast before the current sweeps it away. Pinfish, sardines, and cut bait work magic down there, and the first mate will show you exactly how to work your bait to get the most bites. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – everything from the rods and reels to the tackle box is covered, and it's all top-shelf stuff that can handle whatever decides to eat.
"My husband Ed and I booked our charter with Captain Yates as a last minute plan B. It was my first time trying to fish and it was a great experience. The first mate Angel was great at showing me the ropes. Would highly recommend Just One More Charters, you won't regret it." - Christine
"Conan and Alyssa are awesome ! They worked hard to keep us in fish all day . Great with kids👍 We had a good catch despite bad weather . The BEST TRIP!! Totally recommend 🌟" - S
Grey Triggerfish are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters. These guys might look goofy with their big teeth and attitude, but don't let that fool you – they're scrappy as hell and absolutely delicious on the dinner table. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're thick around the reef structure. They've got this habit of picking at your bait instead of crushing it, so you need to be ready for that subtle tap-tap before setting the hook. What makes triggerfish so fun is their personality – they're curious and aggressive, often following hooked fish right up to the boat. Plus, they're one of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and snapper.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and when a big one grabs your bait, you'll swear you hooked the bottom until it starts peeling drag. These fish can push 50-60 pounds out here and they fight dirty – diving straight down into the structure trying to break you off. Spring and early summer bring the best action when they're spawning around the deeper reefs and wrecks. The thing about amberjack is they're incredibly strong but also smart. They'll use every piece of structure they can find to their advantage, so you need to muscle them away from the reef quickly. The meat is fantastic when prepared right – it's got a rich, meaty texture that's perfect for the grill or blackened in a pan.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but these silver bullets are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. They school up in big numbers around the reefs and when you find them, it's game on. These fish are built for speed and endurance – they'll make screaming runs that test your drag system and your arm strength. Summer months bring the best jack action when they're chasing baitfish around the reef edges. What's cool about jacks is they're opportunistic feeders, so they'll eat everything from live bait to artificials. They're catch-and-release fish for most anglers since they're not great table fare, but man, they're fun to catch.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise these waters like underwater submarines. These chocolate-colored fish can reach impressive sizes – 30 to 50 pounders aren't uncommon – and they've got this laid-back way of swimming that's almost hypnotic to watch. Peak season runs from March through June when they're migrating and feeding heavily. What makes cobia special is their curiosity; they'll often swim right up to the boat to check things out, giving you multiple shot opportunities. They're also
The Jus Cuz is your ticket to some serious fishing action off Islamorada. This 36-foot diesel walk-around gives you plenty of room to work the lines while staying comfortable with full A/C when you need a break from the Florida sun. The captain's got all the electronics dialed in - GPS, radar, and fish-finder to put you right on the fish. You'll start the morning trolling the blue water up to 12 miles out, pulling lures for kings, blackfin tuna, and whatever else is running. Then it's time to hit the reefs where the snappers hang out. The stern's got good shade for those long battles, and the whole setup is built for fishing - not just looking pretty. Clean boat, quality gear, and room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and fish without getting tangled up. Perfect for families or groups who want to experience both offshore trolling and reef fishing in one solid 5-hour trip.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - solitary hunters that cruise our reefs and wrecks looking for an easy meal. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-50 pounds but can reach 6 feet and 100+ pounds. You'll spot them in 30-100 feet of water around structure, often mistaken for sharks until you see that single dorsal fin. Spring migration (March-May) brings the best action when they're moving through our waters. What makes them special is the combination of strong fights and premium eating - firm, white meat that rivals any fish in our waters. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat. The key is sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. When you see one, get your bait in front of it quickly - they don't school up, so each shot counts.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the ocean's bulldozers - pure muscle that'll leave your arms burning. These brassy-green fighters typically run 3-15 pounds around our reefs and flats, with bigger ones pushing 20+ pounds. They school up and hunt aggressively, often giving themselves away when birds start diving on the baitfish they're pushing to the surface. Spring through fall brings the best action in 20-100 feet of water around structure. Guests love them because they hit hard and fight harder - it's a tug-of-war from start to finish. While they're not great table fare, the sport is what counts. Watch for bird activity to locate schools, then cast fast-moving lures like spoons or jigs. Keep your retrieve quick and aggressive - they love the chase and won't back down from a fight.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the reef bullies that'll test your tackle and your back. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds around Islamorada's deeper reefs and wrecks, though they can hit 60+ pounds. You'll find them in 60-200 feet of water around structure where they ambush baitfish. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most aggressive. What draws anglers back is the raw power - they'll make long runs and fight hard all the way to the boat. The white, flaky meat is top-shelf eating too. My advice: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the structure. They know every crevice down there and will cut you off on the reef if you give them slack. Heavy tackle and circle hooks with live bait work best.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are smart, scrappy fighters that average 12-17 inches and hang around our reef structure in 30-180 feet of water. They've got tough, leathery skin and sharp teeth that can crack through sea urchins and crabs. What makes them fun to target is their sneaky bite - they'll nibble and test your bait before committing, unlike snapper that just slam it. The meat is excellent eating with a firm, white texture. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're most active on the reefs. Here's a local trick: if you see snapper or grouper moving toward your bait, keep it there - triggerfish are greedy and will charge in to steal food from other fish. Use squid chunks and reel fast once you feel that first tap.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of our reef fishing when they're in season. These bright red beauties typically run 2-8 pounds around Islamorada's deeper structure, living in 80-200 feet of water on hard bottom and ledges. Season timing is strictly regulated, but when it's open (usually summer months), the action can be fantastic. What makes them so popular is the combination of a good fight and outstanding table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're smart fish that will test your patience, often stealing bait before committing to the hook. My tip: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish, and keep steady pressure once hooked. They'll try to cut your line on the structure below, so don't give them any slack to run back down.
5.0 out of 5.0My husband Ed and I booked our charter with Captain Yates as a last minute plan B. It was my first time trying to fish and it was ...
Conan and Alyssa are awesome ! They worked hard to keep us in fish all day . Great with kids👍 We had a good catch despite bad wea...
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