5.0(1 Reviews)Islamorada Fishing Charter for Snapper, Amberjack, and Mahi
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour afternoon charter targeting snapper, amberjack, and mahi offshoreHeavy tackle trolling produces king mackerel, tuna, and cobiaBottom fishing and drift techniques at productive reef locations
When you're looking for a solid afternoon of offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, this 6-hour charter with Just One More Charters delivers exactly what you're after. Based out of Islamorada, we're perfectly positioned to hit some of the most productive fishing grounds in South Florida. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to experience the real deal with a crew that knows these waters inside and out. We'll be targeting everything from hard-fighting amberjack to tasty snappers, with plenty of opportunities for mahi mahi and other pelagics along the way. The afternoon bite can be absolutely phenomenal here, especially when the conditions line up right.
This charter is all about maximizing your time on the water and putting you on fish. We start by heading offshore with heavy tackle trolling, which gives us shot at kings, spanish mackerel, blackfin tuna, cobia, and mahi depending on what's moving through. The ride out isn't wasted time – we're actively fishing and covering water to find where the action is. Once we reach the reef systems, we shift gears to drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques. These spots hold incredible numbers of snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, and skipjack tuna. During red snapper season, these fish become a major target and can really make your day. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your line next. We've got you covered with quality rods, reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle you'll need. The departure time gets coordinated with the captain based on conditions, tides, and when the fish are most likely to be feeding.
We run a mix of fishing styles to keep things productive throughout the entire charter. The heavy tackle trolling on the way out uses larger baits and lures designed to attract pelagic species that are cruising the blue water. We're talking ballyhoo, mullet, and artificial lures that mimic the baitfish these predators are hunting. Once we're on the reef, we switch to drift fishing techniques where we let the boat move naturally with the current while presenting baits at different depths. This is incredibly effective for amberjack and larger snappers that relate to structure. The bottom fishing component involves dropping baits right to the reef where snappers, triggerfish, and other species are holding. We use circle hooks and appropriate weights to get down quickly and stay in the strike zone. The key is reading the current, understanding how the fish are positioned, and adjusting your technique accordingly. Our crew will walk you through everything, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time.
"I had the chance to fish with Conan on the Just One More SeaVee this past weekend. What an absolutely awesome experience!! We targeted dolphin and swordfish and he produced! Dolphin were hard to come by. Very few and far between. But Conan manned the tower for hour after hour dedicated to finding the fish we were targeting. The following day, we attacked the swords. Caught a beautiful sword and left with more swordfish steaks than I know what to do with!! John, his first mate, is top notch. He and Conan are both attentive, knowledgeable, and dedicated. I cannot recommend Just One More highly enough! We will definitely be back to fish with Conan in the near future!" - Laki
Mahi mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are absolute blast to catch and one of the top targets on this charter. These fish are incredibly acrobatic, often jumping multiple times when hooked, and they're known for their brilliant golden-yellow coloration. In Islamorada waters, mahi typically show up in spring through fall, with peak action often occurring during the warmer months. They school around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, which is why our trolling approach is so effective. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – they're as good to eat as they are fun to catch.
Cobia are another prize species that can really make your trip memorable. These fish are curious and aggressive, often approaching the boat and giving you multiple opportunities. They can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon in these waters. Cobia are most active during the spring and fall migrations, but resident fish can be found year-round. They're excellent fighters that make long, powerful runs and are considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean. When you hook a cobia, be prepared for a battle – they don't give up easily.
Red snapper remain one of the most sought-after bottom fish species, and during open season, they're a primary target on this charter. These fish have incredible table quality and put up a respectable fight for their size. Red snapper in this area typically range from 15 to 25 pounds, with larger specimens always possible. They're structure-oriented fish that hold tight to the reef, making precise boat positioning and bait presentation crucial. The excitement of red snapper fishing comes from both the anticipation of the bite and knowing you're targeting one of the most prized fish in the Gulf.
Skipjack tuna are speed demons that provide non-stop action when you find a school. These smaller tunas are incredibly fast and aggressive, often creating feeding frenzies that result in multiple hookups. While they may not be the largest fish you'll catch, skipjack make up for it with their energy and willingness to bite. They're most active during the cooler months and can be found both trolling and around structure. The fun factor with skipjack is off the charts – they keep the rods bent and the action constant.
Blackfin tuna are the perfect combination of size and fight, typically ranging from 10 to
The Jus Cuz is your ticket to some serious fishing action off Islamorada's legendary waters. This 36-foot diesel walk-around gives you plenty of room to work the rods 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 whether you're trolling for mahi and kings or dropping lines on the reef for snapper and amberjack. The shaded stern keeps you cool while you're fighting fish, and there's space for up to 6 anglers to spread out without getting tangled up. Everything's provided – quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to make the most of your 6-hour adventure. Perfect for families or groups looking to get into some solid offshore action without the hardcore early morning departure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighters you'll encounter. They average around 20-30 pounds with beautiful dark backs and that signature gold stripe along their sides. These fish prefer warmer waters near the continental shelf and are at their best here during fall, winter, and spring months. They school up and feed aggressively, making for fast action when you find them. The meat is outstanding - rich and flavorful, perfect for sashimi or seared. Vertical jigging and chunking work great, but scale down your tackle - they have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy leaders. Use 30-pound fluorocarbon and 5/0 circle hooks. Live pilchards for chum will bring them right to the boat.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are solitary fish that average around 6 feet and can hit 100 pounds, making them a serious trophy target. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and structure in 30-70 feet of water, though they can go much deeper. Their dark brown color and single dorsal fin make them look like sharks at first glance. Best fishing is during spring migration and spawning season when they're moving through our waters. Anglers love cobia because they're powerful fighters and make excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, and even topwater lures. My advice: when you see one, cast ahead of where it's swimming, not right at it. These fish spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a battle you won't forget.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when brought to the boat. We typically find them around 15-29 pounds, though they can get much bigger. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and structure in the blue water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps are warm. What makes mahi so popular is their aggressive strikes on trolled baits and the acrobatic fight they put up - lots of jumps and long runs. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more fish - mahi often travel in small schools, and where there's one, there's usually others nearby.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing when the season's open. These deep red beauties average 1-2 feet but can grow to 35 pounds or more. You'll find them holding tight to structure and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water. They're true warriors once hooked - they'll run straight for cover trying to cut your line on the reef. The meat is absolutely top-shelf with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for any preparation. We fish for them using heavy tackle with multiple hooks, dropping fresh squid, cigar minnows, or live pinfish right to the bottom. Key tip: once you hook one, get it up and away from the structure fast. They know every rock and crevice down there and will use it against you if you give them the chance.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are smaller tunas that run around 20 pounds and 2-3 feet, but don't let their size fool you - they pack serious speed and fight. These schooling fish live in the open ocean and love to feed near the surface, especially early morning and late afternoon. You'll recognize them by the dark vertical stripes on their silver sides. They travel in big schools, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. Trolling works best at 4-6 knots with hoochie rigs, feathers, or small spoons. What's great about skipjack is they're abundant, fight hard, and make decent eating fresh or in the can. When you find a school, work it carefully - they spook easily. Circle around wide and let your baits drift through the feeding fish rather than driving straight through them.
5.0 out of 5.0I had the chance to fish with Conan on the Just One More SeaVee this past weekend. What an absolutely awesome experience!! We targ...
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