5.0(1 Reviews)Islamorada Snapper & Mahi Charter Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour afternoon charter targeting snapper, amberjack, and mahi.Combines trolling for mackerel and tuna with bottom fishing.All tackle, bait, and equipment provided for six guests.
Want to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Florida Keys has to offer? This 6-hour afternoon charter out of Islamorada puts you right in the action, targeting prime species like snapper, amberjack, and mahi while you enjoy the legendary fishing waters that make the Keys a world-class destination. Captain Conan and his crew at Just One More Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a solid 6-hour charter that gives you plenty of time to find and fight fish. The adventure starts with heavy tackle trolling as we make our way offshore, where you might hook into king mackerel, spanish mackerel, blackfin tuna, or cobia depending on what's running. Once we reach the reef structure, the real fun begins with drift fishing and bottom fishing techniques that consistently produce snapper, amberjack, triggerfish, and skipjack. During red snapper season, these beautiful fish become a prime target that every angler dreams about landing. The afternoon timing is perfect for catching that legendary "evening bite" when fish are most active and aggressive. All your gear is provided – quality rods, reels, fresh bait, and tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your line.
We start the trip with some serious trolling action, pulling heavy tackle rigs behind the boat as we head to the fishing grounds. This technique covers water fast and often produces some of the trip's most exciting strikes from pelagic species cruising the blue water. Once we hit the reef structure, we switch gears to drift fishing and bottom fishing – two proven methods that consistently put fish in the boat. Drift fishing lets us cover productive bottom structure naturally, presenting baits in the strike zone where amberjack and snapper love to hunt. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy sinkers gets your bait down to where the big red snapper and grouper live. The captain reads the current, wind, and structure to position the boat perfectly, while the first mate keeps everyone rigged up with fresh bait and sharp hooks. You'll learn proper techniques for fighting fish on heavy tackle, how to work a drift, and the right way to present baits for maximum success.
"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 are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in Islamorada, and these brilliant gold and green fighters put on a show like no other fish in the ocean. Also called dolphinfish or dorado, mahi are fast-growing pelagic fish that can reach 30-50 pounds, with bulls showing that distinctive blunt forehead that makes them instantly recognizable. They're most active during warmer months from spring through fall, often found around floating debris, weedlines, or current breaks where they ambush smaller baitfish. What makes mahi so special is their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics – these fish will jump, tail-walk, and run like nothing else, making every hookup a memorable battle. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Red snapper are the holy grail of bottom fishing, and when the season is open, there's nothing quite like the thrill of hooking into a genuine red snapper on the reef. These beautiful fish with their bright red coloration and distinctive profile can live over 50 years and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds being common in these waters. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and ledges where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. Red snapper are notorious for their hard initial run and dogged fighting ability – they'll use every bit of structure to try and cut your line. The best part? They're considered one of the finest eating fish in the Gulf, making them a true trophy catch.
Blackfin tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but don't let that fool you – these torpedo-shaped speedsters pack serious punch and provide some of the most exciting light tackle action you'll find offshore. Typically ranging from 10-25 pounds, blackfin are perfect trolling targets that hit fast and fight hard with blistering runs and stubborn deep fights. They're year-round residents in these waters but are most abundant during cooler months when they move closer to shore to feed on abundant baitfish. Blackfin make excellent sashimi and are prized by anglers who appreciate quality over quantity.
Cobia are one of the most unique fish you'll encounter on this charter – these brown sharks look-alikes are actually curious, intelligent fish that often approach the boat and can be sight-fished when conditions are right. Growing to impressive sizes of 30-50 pounds or more, cobia are strong fighters that make powerful runs and test your drag system. They're most active during warmer months and are often found around structure, floating debris, or even following rays and sharks. What makes cobia special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and their excellent table fare – they're considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean
The Jus Cuz is a solid 36-foot diesel walk-around that's built for serious fishing in Islamorada waters. This charter boat features full air conditioning to keep you cool between fish, plus all the electronics you need - GPS, radar, and fish-finder to locate the best spots. The shaded stern gives you comfort while fighting fish, and the spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers without feeling cramped. Captain provides top-quality rods, reels, and tackle for targeting snapper, amberjack, and mahi during this 6-hour afternoon trip. You'll troll heavy tackle on the way out for kings, spanish mackerel, blackfin tuna, and cobia, then work the reefs with drift lines and bottom rigs. The boat's walk-around design lets you follow big fish around the boat, and the clean, family-friendly setup works for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfins are the smallest of our local tunas but don't let that fool you - they're fierce fighters that'll give you a real workout on medium tackle. Most run up to 39 inches and 40+ pounds, with that distinctive black back and bronze-colored fins. They stick close to the continental shelf in warmer water, especially productive from fall through spring here in the Keys. Anglers love them because they fight way above their weight class and the meat is outstanding - some say it's the best eating tuna. They school up with skipjacks sometimes, but they're much more line-shy with excellent eyesight. Scale down your leader to 30-pound fluorocarbon and use smaller 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging works great, and if you can get some live pilchards for chum, that'll bring them right to the boat where you can sight-cast to them.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are real bruisers that'll test your tackle - these brown, shark-looking fish average around 6 feet and can push 100 pounds. They're loners most of the year, cruising around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet, though we find them deeper on offshore rigs too. Spring migration and spawning season from June through August is prime time, when they move into shallower water and get aggressive. What guests love is the visual fishing - you'll often spot them just under the surface before casting. They fight like freight trains and make some of the best table fare you'll find. Here's the key: when you see one, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead them by a few feet with a bucktail jig and let it sink naturally in front of their path. They'll usually eat it on the drop if you don't spook them first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here, with brilliant golden sides and electric blues and greens that put on a real light show when they come to the boat. Most fish we catch run 15-29 pounds, but they can get up to 39 inches. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in the warmer months, especially spring through fall when they're most active. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and give you everything they've got. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-notch with that firm, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you see one, there's usually more around, so get another line in the water fast. They travel in small groups and once you find them, you can often catch several before they move on.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the kings of our bottom fishing, growing up to 35 pounds with that classic bright red color and white belly. These guys live on structure in deeper water - reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet around here. During open season (usually summer months), they're our main target on the bottom rigs. What makes them so popular is they're absolute warriors when hooked, diving straight for cover to try cutting your line, plus they're hands down one of the best eating fish in these waters. That mild, nutty flavor is why restaurants pay top dollar for them. The trick is getting your bait to the bottom fast and keeping it there - use a heavy sinker and fresh squid or cigar minnows. Soon as you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start cranking before they reach the rocks.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjacks are the bread and butter of our tuna fishing - smaller but scrappy members of the tuna family that usually run 2-3 feet and around 20 pounds. These guys travel in big schools in the open water, mixing with other tunas and staying active near the surface during feeding times. They're around most of the year in our warm waters, but really light up when baitfish are thick. What's great about them is they're perfect for beginners who want to feel what a real tuna fight is like without needing tournament tackle. They're also excellent table fare and what you'll find in most canned tuna. The secret is trolling pink feathers or small spoons at 4-6 knots - not too fast. When you find a school, circle wide and let your baits drift through them. They spook easily, so keep the boat moving and don't get too close too quick.
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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