5.0(1 Reviews)World Class Sailfish & Marlin Fishing in Islamorada
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 8hour offshore charter targeting sailfish and marlinAll fishing gear and tackle provided by experienced captainsAccommodates up to 6 guests in Florida Keys waters
When you're looking for the real deal in offshore fishing, Kekoa Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers dream about. This 8-hour private charter puts you right in the heart of Islamorada's legendary blue water, where Atlantic Sailfish and Blue Marlin cruise the deep currents just offshore. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without stepping on each other's lines. The boat comes fully rigged with top-shelf gear, fresh bait, and everything you need to tangle with some of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Your day starts early, meeting the crew at the dock before sunrise to maximize your time on the prime fishing grounds. The ride out takes you past the shallow flats and into the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off dramatically. This is where the magic happens – where warm Gulf Stream waters create the perfect hunting grounds for billfish and pelagic species. The atmosphere on deck is relaxed but focused, with your captain constantly reading the water, watching for bird activity, weed lines, and temperature breaks that signal fish. You'll spend the day working different depths and structures, adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling you. The crew stays busy keeping baits fresh, adjusting spreads, and coaching you through every hookup to make sure you land the fish of a lifetime.
This charter runs a serious trolling spread designed specifically for billfish and big pelagics. The boat carries high-end Penn and Shimano reels spooled with heavy braid, paired with tournament-grade rods that can handle the punishment these fish dish out. Your spread typically includes a mix of ballyhoo, skip baits, and teasers positioned at different distances behind the boat. The captain adjusts trolling speed based on conditions and target species – slower for sailfish, faster when mahi are in the area. Circle hooks are standard for billfish, increasing your chances of a successful release while keeping the fish healthy. The crew handles all the technical stuff like setting the drag, adjusting leader length, and reading the outriggers, so you can focus on fighting the fish when it counts.
"They know where the fish are and how to hook em! I've never seen a captain or a mate work so hard to ensure that we got fish! You can tell these guys are locals as they know exactly where to go and what's needed to get fish in the box, I'd absolutely recommend these guys if you want results!" - Ben
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of these waters, and Islamorada sits right in their migration highway. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have your heart pounding. Peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them in close to the reef line. What makes sailfish so special is their unpredictability – they might come up hot on a bait or follow for miles before deciding to eat. When they do commit, the fight is pure adrenaline with multiple jumps and long runs that test your endurance as much as your equipment.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize for any offshore angler, and the waters off Islamorada hold some genuine giants. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and are built for power rather than acrobatics. Unlike their sailfish cousins, blue marlin tend to make deep, powerful runs when hooked, using their incredible strength to try to break you off on the bottom. They're most active during the warmer months from May through September, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature changes. Landing a blue marlin is a team effort that can take over an hour, requiring constant communication between angler and crew.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, add color and excitement to any offshore trip with their brilliant gold and green sides. These fast-growing fish are aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, meaning when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Mahi typically range from 10-30 pounds in these waters, though bull males can push 50 pounds or more. They're year-round residents but peak during summer months when they're most abundant around floating sargassum weed or debris. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to eat almost anything and their habit of staying near the boat after you hook the first one, often allowing multiple hookups from the same school.
This isn't your average half-day fishing trip – it's a full commitment to chasing the biggest fish that swim in Florida waters. With Kekoa Charters, you're getting local knowledge that can't be bought, gear that won't let you down when it matters, and the kind of fishing memories that last forever. The boat books up quickly during peak season, especially when conditions are prime for billfish. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to check a blue marlin off your bucket list or a newcomer ready to experience world-class sportfishing, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait around hoping for an opening – these fish don't take days off, and neither should you.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, typically running 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds. You'll find them in the top 30-65 feet of water column where they hunt baitfish like sardines and mackerel. That famous dorsal sail isn't just for show - they use it to herd schools of bait. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they migrate through following warmer waters. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on an aerial show that'll test your endurance. The blue-to-silver color changes they flash when hunting are something to see. Pro tip: when trolling, let that bait swim naturally and don't set the hook too early. Wait for them to take a solid run first, or they'll shake that hook in a heartbeat.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world. Females can hit 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds - we call those "granders." Males stay smaller, rarely over 350 pounds, but both pack serious power. They cruise the deeper blue water beyond the reef, following warm currents and baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best shot here in South Florida when water temps climb above 75°F. These fish are pure adrenaline - they'll go airborne, make smoking runs, and test every piece of your tackle. The fight can last hours with a big one. Most anglers target them for the thrill since the meat has high mercury levels. My advice: use circle hooks and don't skimp on your drag system. When one hits, tighten up gradual-like and settle in for the long haul.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll encounter - brilliant gold sides with electric blues and greens that light up like a disco when they're fired up. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ in good years. Look for them around any floating debris, weedlines, or current breaks in 100-1,000 feet of water. Spring through fall is peak season when they follow the Gulf Stream north. What guests love is they're aggressive feeders, great fighters, and absolutely delicious on the table - firm white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. They often travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. Here's the trick: when you hook up, keep one in the water while you work the others with light tackle. They'll stick around as long as their buddy is there.
5.0 out of 5.0They know where the fish are and how to hook em! I've never seen a captain or a mate work so hard to ensure that we got fish! You ...
Islamorada, FL