5.0(3 Reviews)6 Hour Reef & Offshore Fishing in Islamorada
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore fishing charter targeting reef and deep water speciesExpert-equipped vessel accommodates up to six guests maximum capacityTarget prized catches including Queen Snapper and Snowy Grouper
Welcome to Islamorada, where some of the best fishing in the Florida Keys happens every single day. This six-hour adventure with Makaira Fish Company takes you from the productive reef zones to deeper offshore waters where the big pelagics roam. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped vessel with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand, targeting everything from colorful reef fish to hard-fighting offshore species. With space for up to six anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough room to fish comfortably and keeping the group small enough for personalized attention.
Your day starts early when you meet the crew at the dock in Islamorada. The boat is a 33-foot Sea Hunter that's built for these waters - stable, fast, and loaded with the gear you need for both reef and offshore fishing. Captain Mike and his crew know exactly where the fish are holding, and they'll adjust the game plan based on current conditions, wind direction, and what's been biting lately. The first few hours typically focus on the reef structure where you'll target snappers and groupers before heading further offshore to hunt for mahi, tuna, and other pelagic species. Don't worry about bringing tackle - everything's provided, from heavy spinning gear for the reef work to trolling outfits for the blue water action.
The fishing strategy changes throughout the day as you move between different zones. On the reef, you'll be bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait, dropping down to depths of 40 to 120 feet where the structure holds plenty of snappers and groupers. The crew sets you up with the right weight and rig for the current, and they'll coach you through fighting fish in heavy cover. Once you've loaded up on some good eating fish, it's time to head offshore where the real excitement begins. Trolling is the name of the game out here, running multiple lines with ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificial lures. When something hits, the crew springs into action - clearing lines and getting you hooked up properly. The fights can be epic, especially when you hook into a nice mahi or yellowfin that wants to make long runs and jump all over the place.
"We had a great morning with Captain Mike and first mate, Chris. They are both very knowledgeable about the Keys and provided a chill and fun setting for my 12 and 9 year old boys. We really got into some yellow tails and mutton snapper…the boys arms were sore! Thank you guys for a wonderful experience. I highly recommend Captain Mike. His boat is awesome as well! The 33 foot Sea Hunter! Wow!" - Jeremy
"Bill's professionalism and expertise made our fishing trip unforgettable! He knew all the best spots and guided us with patience and skill. Can't wait to book another trip with him!" - Vincent
Mahi mahi are absolutely electric when they hit your trolled bait. These common dolphinfish are known for their brilliant colors and acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times before you get them to the boat. In Islamorada waters, mahi typically run from 10 to 30 pounds, though bigger bulls show up regularly. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, and they love structure - whether it's floating sargassum, debris lines, or even other hooked fish. When you find one mahi, there are usually more around, which makes for some fast-paced action when the bite is on.
Snowy grouper are one of the more challenging deep water targets, typically found in 300 to 600 feet of water around hard bottom and ledges. These fish can grow massive - 20 to 40 pounds is common, with some pushing 50 pounds or more. They're strong fighters that immediately head for the bottom when hooked, testing your tackle and technique. Snowies are available year-round but tend to bite best during cooler months. The meat is outstanding, making them a prized catch for anglers who don't mind the deep water grind and heavy tackle required to pull them up from the depths.
Yellowfin tuna represent some of the hardest fighting fish in these waters. When a yellowfin takes your trolled lure or bait, you know it immediately - the reel starts screaming and doesn't stop. These fish are built for speed and endurance, capable of long runs that will test your stamina and drag settings. Yellowfins in the Islamorada area typically range from 20 to 80 pounds, with larger fish showing up during winter months. They're often found around temperature breaks and current edges where baitfish concentrate, making them a prime target during blue water trolling.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of reef fishing in these waters. These beautiful fish with their bright red coloration and excellent table fare are found around virtually every piece of structure from 60 to 200 feet deep. Reds typically run 3 to 15 pounds in this area, and they're aggressive feeders that will hit both live and dead baits. They're available year-round but bite best during summer months when they're spawning. Red snapper require quick reflexes - they'll pick up your bait and head straight for the rocks, so you need to get them up and away from structure fast.
Black grouper are another heavyweight reef species that provides both great fights and excellent eating. These fish are ambush predators that sit in holes and under ledges, waiting for baitfish to swim by. When hooked, they immediately dive for cover, using their powerful bodies and broad tails to try to break you off in the rocks. Black grouper in Islamorada waters range from 5 to 40 pounds, with the bigger fish found in deeper water
Set sail on the 33' Tournament Sea Hunter, a serious fishing machine built for Islamorada's challenging offshore waters. This center console boat handles the open ocean with confidence, giving you and 5 fellow anglers plenty of room to fight big fish without getting tangled up. The flybridge puts you eye-level with the action, while the fish finder does the heavy lifting to locate schools of snapper and grouper hiding along the reef drops. When the Florida sun gets intense, the icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold. GPS and radar keep you on the productive spots even when weather moves in. After hours of battling fish, the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting Queen Snapper on the reef or heading further out for Snowy Grouper, this boat's multimedia system keeps spirits high between bites. Built for the serious angler who wants comfort without sacrificing fishing capability.
Mycteroperca BonaciPowerful ambush predators that lurk around reefs, wrecks, and ledges from 30 feet to 300 feet deep. These bruisers average over 2 feet long but can reach 5 feet and 100+ pounds. They're most active during cooler months when they move shallower to feed. What guests love is the pure strength - black grouper will test every ounce of your drag and try to break you off in the rocks. The meat is excellent, firm and mild with great texture. They're not picky eaters and will hit live or dead bait. The key is heavy tackle - I recommend at least 80-pound braid with 100-pound leader. When you get a bite, it's usually a hard thump, not a nibble. Crank fast and keep steady pressure to pull them away from structure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are absolute crowd-pleasers with their stunning colors and acrobatic fights. Most run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in open water. Peak season here runs spring through fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes mahi special is the complete package - they jump like tarpon, change colors like a light show when hooked, and make some of the best eating fish in the ocean. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for the school underneath - where there's one mahi, there's usually more.
Lutjanus CampechanusClassic bottom dwellers that hang around structure in 60-200 feet of water. Most run 3-8 pounds, but 15+ pounders aren't uncommon around the deeper reefs. They're year-round residents, though summer months typically produce the best action when they're most active. Red snapper are scrappy fighters that'll make runs for cover and test your drag. The meat is exceptional - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect for any preparation. They're smart fish that can be line-shy, so lighter leaders often get more bites. Here's what works: drop your bait to the bottom, then reel up a couple cranks. Keep it moving slightly - snapper like a bait that looks alive, and once you feel that tap-tap bite, set the hook hard.
Epinephelus Deep water heavyweights that live in 300-600 feet around rocky bottom and structure. These brownies average 30 pounds but can hit 70+, with that distinctive coppery color and white spots. Season runs May through August with a one-fish-per-boat limit, so every shot counts. What guests love about snowies is the mystery - you never know what size is coming up from the depths, and the fight gets tougher as they rise and their swim bladders expand. The meat is outstanding, firm and sweet. Since they're territorial and aggressive, they'll usually slam your bait hard. My advice: once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately and don't give them a chance to head back to the rocks and cut you off.
Thunnus AlbacaresPure speed demons that can hit 50 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies and bright yellow fins. Most yellowfins we catch run 40-80 pounds, though giants over 200 are possible. They cruise the upper water column in blue water, often around current breaks and temperature changes. Best fishing is typically late spring through fall when water temps warm up. What makes yellowfin special is the raw power - they'll strip line like nothing else and the meat is sushi-grade quality. Nothing beats the rush of watching one explode on a surface plug. These fish are constantly moving, so when we find them, we work fast. Key tip: when trolling, vary your speeds and watch for birds working bait schools - that's where you'll find feeding tuna.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a great morning with Captain Mike and first mate, Chris. They are both very knowledgeable about the Keys and provided a ch...
Bill's professionalism and expertise made our fishing trip unforgettable! He knew all the best spots and guided us with patience a...
Islamorada