Afternoon Offshore Fishing in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour afternoon offshore trips departing at 1:00pm dailyTarget species include snapper, wahoo, grouper, and seasonal sailfishAccommodates up to six guests with Miller Time Sportfishing
When you're looking for world-class offshore action in the fishing capital of the world, Miller Time Sportfishing delivers exactly what serious anglers dream about. This 4-hour afternoon charter kicks off at 1:00 PM, giving you the perfect window to target some of the most sought-after species swimming off the Florida Keys. Captain Miller knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with space for up to 6 anglers, you'll get personalized attention whether you're a seasoned pro or picking up a rod for the first time.
The afternoon bite in Islamorada can be absolutely electric, especially when the wind lays down and the fish start moving. You'll head out into the deep blue where the Gulf Stream brings in pelagics and the reef structure holds resident species year-round. Summer trips focus heavily on the snapper bite - yellowtail, mutton, and gray snapper are the bread and butter, but don't be surprised when wahoo come screaming through the spread or a school of mahi lights up the outriggers. Winter fishing shifts gears toward the glamour species like sailfish and king mackerel, with blackfin tuna mixing in when conditions are right. The boat stays busy with multiple lines in the water, and Captain Miller adjusts tactics based on what's biting and where the fish are holding.
This charter runs a mix of trolling and bottom fishing depending on what's happening out there. When targeting pelagics like wahoo, kings, and sailfish, you'll be pulling a spread of ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures at different depths to cover the water column. The captain uses downriggers and planers to get baits down where the fish are cruising, and when something hits, you'll know it immediately. For the snapper bite, it's all about finding structure and dropping live bait or cut bait to the bottom. The reef edges around Islamorada hold incredible numbers of mutton snapper, and when you find a good piece of bottom, the action can be non-stop. All tackle is provided, from the heavy trolling gear down to the lighter bottom rods, and the mate will have you rigged up and ready before you even clear the harbor.
Mutton snapper are the crown jewel of Keys fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds when you find the right school. They're incredibly smart fish that require finesse - light leaders, fresh bait, and patience. Muttons are most active during the warmer months but can be caught year-round around structure. When you hook one, expect a strong initial run followed by bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. The meat is absolutely phenomenal, making them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Gray snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are abundant around the reef edges and offer steady action throughout the trip. They're aggressive feeders that'll take live bait, cut bait, and even small jigs. These fish are smart and spooky, so the captain often uses longer leaders and lighter weights to get a natural presentation. They average 1-3 pounds but the larger ones can really pull, especially around structure where they try to cut you off.
Blackfin tuna show up when the water's blue and the bait is thick, usually in the 10-25 pound range. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit trolled baits like freight trains and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're incredibly fast and jump when hooked, putting on a show that'll get everyone on the boat excited. The fishing is best when you can locate diving birds or floating sargassum that holds baitfish.
Atlantic sailfish are the ultimate prize during winter months, and Islamorada is renowned for some of the best sail fishing in the world. These acrobatic fighters average 6-7 feet and put on aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. They're typically caught trolling with live bait or rigged ballyhoo, and when one comes up behind the spread with that distinctive dorsal fin cutting the surface, your heart starts pounding. Most are released to fight another day, but the photos and memories last forever.
King mackerel are another winter staple that provides fast action and great table fare. These toothy critters average 10-30 pounds and are known for their initial screaming runs. They're caught trolling with live bait or spoons, and the key is using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Kings are excellent eating when prepared properly, and they're abundant enough that you can usually count on steady action when they're around.
The afternoon bite in Islamorada offers some of the most consistent fishing in the Keys, with species variety that keeps every trip interesting. Whether you're after snapper for the table, looking to battle a sailfish, or hoping for that trophy mutton, Captain Miller has the local knowledge and experience to put you on fish. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to try different techniques and locations without feeling rushed, and the 1:00 PM start means you can sleep in and still enjoy a full afternoon on the water. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a cooler for your catch, and your camera - you'll want to document the action when the fish start biting.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 2001 44' Jefferson Yacht and head into Islamorada's productive offshore waters. This classic sportfisher runs on twin 450HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a comfortable 25 knots. The spacious deck gives all six anglers plenty of room to fight fish, while the flybridge offers great visibility for spotting birds and bait schools. You'll have everything needed for a successful afternoon on the water - fish finder to locate the best structure, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during the ride out. Whether you're targeting yellowtail and mutton snapper on the reef or chasing wahoo and mahi in deeper water, this yacht handles offshore conditions with ease. The experienced crew knows these waters and will put you on the fish that are biting during your 4-hour afternoon trip starting at 1 PM.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our winter fishery here in Islamorada. These magnificent fish average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that iconic sail fin they flash when hunting. We find them in 100-400 feet of water, usually following bait schools along the reef edge. Winter months from December through March are prime time - that's when they migrate through our area in good numbers. What makes sailfish special isn't just their beauty, it's the fight. They'll greyhound across the surface, dive deep, and put on an aerial show you'll never forget. Most of our fish are released, making this a true sportfishing experience. The secret is getting your bait in the right zone - usually 30-60 feet down. I like to run baits behind the boat at trolling speed, and when one lights up, be ready. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy fighters of the tuna family. Most of our fish run 10-25 pounds, but we've had some push 35+ pounds. They're gorgeous fish with that classic tuna shape and distinctive yellow markings along their sides. We find them in blue water from 100-400 feet, usually around temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season here is fall through spring when cooler water brings them closer to shore. What makes blackfins special is their aggressive fight - pound for pound, they're tough as nails and make great practice for bigger tuna species. Plus, they're fantastic eating, especially as sashimi. The key to catching them is scaling down your tackle since they have sharp eyes. I use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders with 5/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging works great, but don't overlook chunking with pilchards - that's often the ticket when they're being picky.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are smart fish that keep anglers on their toes. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but we catch some nice 8-10 pounders around deeper structures. They love hanging around docks, bridges, and reef edges where they can ambush prey. These guys are active both day and night, but seem more aggressive in low light. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower waters. What guests love about grey snapper is they're excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They're also great for kids since they bite readily. Here's a local trick: use a small 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, not the head. Drop it to the bottom, then reel up just a foot or two. Let it sit still - these fish are opportunistic and patient movement gets more bites than constant jigging.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and your drag system. Most of our fish run 15-30 pounds, but we regularly see 40+ pounders, especially during winter months. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water along reef edges and drop-offs, following bait schools. Peak season is October through March when cooler water brings the big fish close to shore. Kings are popular because they're fast, aggressive, and excellent eating - that rich, flaky meat is perfect smoked or grilled. The fight is all about speed; they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any other fish. Here's the key to landing them: use a wire leader with two hooks - one through the nose of your bait, another trailing behind. Kings typically bite the tail end of live bait, so that second hook saves a lot of fish. Slow-troll live goggle-eyes or blue runners for best results.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of our most prized catches here in Islamorada. These beautiful fish typically run 15-20 inches, though we've seen some push 25+ inches and weigh over 15 pounds. You'll recognize them by their olive coloring and distinctive blue lines around the eyes. They hang around reef structures in 80-200 feet, often in sandy areas between coral heads. We target them year-round, but they're especially active during summer months. What makes muttons special is their strong fight - they'll try to dive straight back to the bottom once hooked. The meat is excellent eating too, white and flaky. Pro tip: use the freshest bait you can get and fish it light on a knocker rig. Let it drift naturally in the current, and when that pink flash appears underwater, you'll know you've got a good one coming up.
Islamorada