8-Hour Offshore Charter in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore fishing charter with Captain Tony in Islamorada32ft fullyequipped boat targets prized Florida Keys catchesProfessional charter accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Captain Tony knows these waters like the back of his hand, and after eight hours on his 32-foot rig, you'll see why Islamorada sits at the heart of some of Florida's hottest offshore action. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking sunrise to sunset fishing in the deep blue, chasing everything from screaming sailfish to bucket-list blue marlin. With room for up to six anglers, you've got plenty of space to work the cockpit without bumping elbows, and Captain Tony's got the gear and know-how to put you on fish that'll have you talking for years.
You'll meet Captain Tony at first light, coffee in hand and anticipation building as the boat fires up. The 32-footer handles the offshore swells like a dream, and once we clear the reef and hit that gorgeous blue water, the real fun begins. This is big-game country, where the Gulf Stream brings in pelagic species that most anglers only dream about. Captain Tony runs a clean operation with top-shelf tackle, plenty of ice for your catch, and all the rigging knowledge you need to turn follows into hookups. The eight-hour window gives us time to work different depths and structures, adjusting our game plan based on what the fish are telling us. Some days we'll troll the weed lines for mahi, other times we'll drop baits deep for mutton snapper, and when conditions are right, we'll chase those trophy billfish that make Islamorada famous.
Captain Tony's got this boat rigged for serious offshore work. We're talking outriggers, downriggers, and a spread of lures that'll make any pelagic species take notice. The trolling game here revolves around reading the water - finding those temperature breaks, weed lines, and color changes where baitfish stack up and predators follow. You'll learn to work circle hooks on the big baits, proper fighting technique in the chair, and how to read a fish during those heart-pounding runs. The tackle selection covers everything from 30-pound class for mahi and wahoo up to heavy conventional gear when we're hunting marlin. Captain Tony handles the wire leaders and rigging, but you'll get hands-on experience with everything from setting the drag to working a fish boat-side. The GPS and fish finder help us locate structure and bait, but it's Captain Tony's experience that puts us on the right spots at the right times.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada's offshore scene, and these acrobatic fighters show up in good numbers from November through March. These fish average 6-8 feet and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. They're sight feeders that love trolled ballyhoo and goggle-eyes, and when you hook one, get ready for multiple jumps and blistering runs. Captain Tony knows exactly where to find them along the reef edge and deeper waters.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate prize in these waters, with fish ranging from 200 pounds to true giants over 500. Summer months bring the best shot at these apex predators, though they can show up year-round when conditions align. These fish require serious tackle and technique - they're smart, powerful, and will test every knot and connection on your rig. The excitement of seeing one come up behind a lure is something every offshore angler needs to experience.
Mahi Mahi, or common dolphinfish, provide consistent action and incredible table fare. These colorful speedsters love floating weed and debris, making them perfect targets for our trolling spread. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from school-size dolphins to bull mahi pushing 40-50 pounds. They're aggressive feeders and acrobatic fighters that often travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups are common.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs that'll smoke your reel in seconds. These toothy predators love high-speed trolling with wire leaders, and they show up around structure and temperature breaks. Fall and winter months are prime time, and their excellent eating quality makes them a favorite target for serious anglers.
Mutton Snapper round out the target list with some of the best eating you'll find anywhere. These bottom dwellers hang around reefs and wrecks in 60-200 feet of water, and they require different techniques than our pelagic targets. Live bait and bottom rigs are the ticket, and these fish are notorious for their fighting ability and wariness. Captain Tony knows the productive spots and proper techniques to consistently connect with quality muttons.
Eight hours with Captain Tony means you're getting the full offshore experience that makes Islamorada a world-class fishing destination. This isn't a rushed trip where you're watching the clock - it's a proper day on the water where we can adapt to conditions and chase whatever's biting best. The variety of species, quality of the fishing, and Captain Tony's local knowledge combine for a charter that delivers whether you're chasing your first sailfish or hunting for a grail fish. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your date. Bring your appetite for adventure, and let Captain Tony show you why Islamorada's offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Captain Tony's restored 32-ft SeaVee center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Islamorada's legendary waters. This sleek boat cuts through the waves at up to 40 knots thanks to twin Yamaha 300HP engines, getting you to the best fishing spots fast. The spacious center console design gives all 6 anglers plenty of room to work, whether you're battling a monster mahi or reeling in yellowtail snapper. You'll have everything needed for a productive day - advanced fish finder to locate schools, GPS to hit those secret honey holes, plus a flybridge for spotting birds and bait activity. The onboard multimedia system keeps the crew connected while you're hunting trophy fish from dawn to dusk. Built for Florida Keys fishing, this boat handles offshore swells with ease while providing the stability you need when that big one hits your line.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speedsters of our waters, hitting 30+ mph with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. We typically find them in 30-65 feet, but they'll hunt deeper when chasing baitfish. Around Islamorada, winter months are prime time - they follow the warm water and concentrate along our reef edges. Most fish run 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, though we've seen bigger. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a show that'll wear you out. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks. My tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. They love chasing flying fish, so make your ballyhoo dance like it's trying to take flight.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world - females can push 1,000+ pounds while males stay around 300. We find them in the deep blue water, usually following the Gulf Stream edge where water temperatures hit 75-80°F. Spring through fall gives us our best shots, especially when we're working the current breaks and weed lines. These fish are pure power - they'll sound deep, then come up greyhounding across the surface. The fight can last hours on a big one. Female blues live longer and grow much larger than males. Here's what I've learned: when you see that electric blue color light up behind your spread, get ready. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to - trying to muscle a big blue will just break your gear.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing - beautiful golden fish with electric colors that put on a light show when you bring them up. We typically find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100-400 feet of water. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+. Spring through fall is prime time here in Islamorada when the water warms up. What guests love is the action - where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and they're aggressive feeders. The meat is fantastic too, sweet and firm. These fish are fast growers and don't live long, so the population stays healthy. My local trick: once you hook one, keep the school around by leaving it in the water while others cast to the free-swimming fish.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are one of our most prized reef fish - pinkish bodies with those distinctive blue lines around the head. They average 15-20 inches but can grow to 30+ and weigh over 20 pounds. We find them around coral heads, ledges, and sandy areas near structure in 80-250 feet, though bigger fish tend to stay deeper. They're present year-round but bite best during cooler months when they're more aggressive. What anglers love is they're strong fighters that'll head straight for the rocks once hooked, and the meat is outstanding - sweet and firm. These fish are smart and leader-shy. My local tip: use the freshest bait you can find on a light knocker rig, and let it drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through the clear water, you'll know you've got one.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. We find them along the reef edges and drop-offs, usually in 60-200 feet of water. They're loners most of the time, unlike other pelagic species. July through November is our best window here in the Keys when they move through following baitfish. What makes them special is that lightning-fast strike - one second your lure is there, next second it's gone. The meat is excellent, white and flaky like premium tuna. Those razor-sharp teeth will cut through regular leader in a heartbeat. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - wahoo love fast-moving baits, and you need that wire to handle their bite.
IslaMarina, Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL, USA