5.0(3 Reviews)Reef and Offshore Fishing Charters in Islamorada
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour reef and offshore fishing adventure in Islamorada watersTarget species include Queen Snapper and Snowy Grouper catchesProfessional vessel accommodates up to six guests maximum capacity
Captain Mike and the crew at Makaira Fish Company know exactly what makes a perfect day on the water around Islamorada. This isn't your typical half-day run – we're talking six solid hours of serious fishing that takes you from the productive reef zones right out to the deeper offshore waters where the big pelagics cruise. You'll fish aboard their top-rated 33-foot Sea Hunter, a boat that's built for comfort and rigged specifically for the mixed-bag fishing that makes the Florida Keys legendary. With space for up to six anglers, you get that perfect balance of room to fish without feeling crowded when multiple lines start screaming.
Your day starts early when the conditions are prime and the fish are most active. Captain Mike has been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to find the action, whether that's targeting snapper over the reef structure or running offshore to troll for mahi and tuna. The beauty of this six-hour charter is the flexibility – you're not rushed through one fishing style or locked into a single spot. If the reef fishing is hot, you can work those productive numbers. If the offshore bite is happening, you've got time to make the run and really capitalize on it. The crew provides all the tackle you need, from light spinning gear for the reef fish to heavier trolling setups for when you're chasing pelagics in blue water.
The fishing techniques on this charter change throughout the day based on what's biting and where the fish are holding. On the reef, you'll be bottom fishing with live and cut bait, working the structure where grouper and snapper like to hang out. The crew knows how to read the fish finder and GPS to put you on productive numbers that consistently hold fish. When you move offshore, it's all about trolling – pulling a spread of lures and rigged baits at the right speed to trigger strikes from mahi, tuna, and other pelagics. Captain Mike runs quality tackle that can handle everything from 5-pound yellowtail snapper to 30-pound tuna, and first mate Chris is always there to help with rigging, netting, and making sure your drag settings are dialed in perfectly.
"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 the crowd favorites when you're fishing offshore around Islamorada, and for good reason. These fish are absolute bulldogs when hooked, making long runs and jumping clear out of the water in spectacular fashion. They typically run anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 40-plus. Spring through early fall is prime time for mahi, especially when you find floating debris or weed lines where they like to congregate. What makes them special is their aggressive nature – they'll often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's a good chance more are around.
Snowy Grouper represent the holy grail of deep-water bottom fishing in the Keys. These fish live in depths of 300 feet or more, making them a real challenge to target and even harder to bring to the boat. They're thick, powerful fish that can weigh 20 to 50 pounds, and they know how to use that reef structure to their advantage once hooked. Winter months tend to be most productive for snowies, when they move into slightly shallower water. Landing one is a real accomplishment – they're not common catches, but when you connect with a big snowy, it's the kind of fish story you'll be telling for years.
Yellowfin Tuna are the speed demons of the offshore world, and the ones that cruise through Islamorada waters are typically in that perfect 20 to 60-pound range that makes for world-class fishing action. These fish are built for speed and endurance, making blistering runs that will test your tackle and your stamina. They're most active during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring, when they move closer to shore chasing bait schools. What sets yellowfin apart is their fighting ability – pound for pound, they're among the strongest fish in the ocean, and even a 25-pounder will give you a workout you won't forget.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of reef fishing around Islamorada, and they're incredibly popular with anglers because they're both fun to catch and excellent eating. These fish typically range from 5 to 20 pounds in local waters, with the occasional monster pushing 25-plus. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around coral heads, ledges, and artificial reefs where they can ambush prey. Red snapper are notorious for their strong initial run when hooked, and they're smart – they'll try to wrap your line around the reef structure if you give them the chance. They're available year-round, but summer months often produce the most consistent action.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef scene, with fish commonly reaching 30 to 60 pounds in the deeper waters around Islamorada. These are powerful, determined fighters that will immediately try to get back to their rocky hideouts once hooked. What makes black grouper so challenging is their strength combined with their knowledge of
Step aboard our 33' Tournament Sea Hunter center console and get ready to chase fish in the deep blue waters off Islamorada. This solid fishing machine comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to move around when you're battling that trophy catch. The flybridge gives you commanding views of the water while our fish finder pinpoints schools below. Keep your bait fresh in the icebox, stay on course with GPS navigation, and let the radar guide you through morning fog. Whether you're targeting reef dwellers or heading offshore for the big ones, this boat's built for serious fishing. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, and the multimedia system keeps spirits up between bites. From Queen Snapper to Snowy Grouper, you'll have the right platform to land whatever's lurking in these rich Florida Keys waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bullies of the reef, with those dark blotchy patterns and attitudes to match. They average over 2 feet but can push 5 feet and 125 pounds - that's a fish that'll test everything you've got. Find them around wrecks, ledges, and reefs from 30 feet in winter up to 300 feet in summer. Cold weather brings them shallow, making fall through spring prime time. What makes them special is that brutal strength - they're ambush predators that'll suck down your bait whole, then try to drag you into the rocks. The meat is mild and firm, perfect for the grill. Bring 80-pound braid with a 100-pound leader and at least 20 pounds of drag. When you get bit, horse them up immediately - give them an inch and they'll take your whole rig into the structure.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll see out here. Most mahi run 15-29 pounds, but we've seen them hit 87 pounds on rare occasions. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in the upper water column. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps warm up. What makes guests love targeting mahi is that incredible color show they put on when hooked - flashing blues, greens, and golds before settling to that classic yellow. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with that firm, mild meat. Pro tip: when you spot one mahi, keep working that area - they usually travel in schools, so where there's one, there's often more waiting.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic bottom dwellers that turn from pink to deep red as they grow up. Most of what we catch runs 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can hit 35 pounds and 3 feet if you're lucky. Look for them around structure in 30-620 feet - wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom. Spawning season from May to October brings the best action. Guests love them because they're scrappy fighters that'll head straight for cover when hooked, plus the table fare is top-notch with that mild, nutty flavor. We fish them with heavy rigs, multiple hooks, and plenty of weight to get down there. Fresh squid and live pinfish work great. Here's the trick: once you feel that bite, get them up fast before they wrap you around the structure.
Epinephelus Snowy grouper are the deep-water prize that keeps anglers coming back. These copper-brown beauties with white spots average around 30 pounds but can push 70 pounds when you find the right one. They live in 300-600 feet of water around rocky bottoms and structure. Season runs May through August, and you get one fish per vessel per day, so it better count. What makes them special is that hard-earned fight from the deep - they're strong, territorial fish that'll test your gear. The meat is outstanding too, firm and sweet. Here's the key: once you hook up, crank hard and fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll head straight for the rocks and cut you off. Heavy tackle is a must down there.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 50 mph with those torpedo bodies. Around here, you're looking at 60-pounders mostly, though they can reach 440 pounds. We find them in the top 100 feet of blue water, and they're around year-round in our warm waters. What gets people hooked is the pure power - these fish are built like muscle cars and fight like it too. The sushi-grade meat doesn't hurt either, especially when it's fresh off the boat. We'll troll rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures, but nothing beats watching one explode on a surface plug. When the bite gets tough, we'll chunk with whatever baitfish are around to bring them up from the depths. Keep your drag tight and be ready for a long fight.
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