5.0(2 Reviews)Charter Fishing Islamorada Florida | 6 Guests
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing charter accommodating up to six guestsSeasonal targeting of tuna, mahi, wahoo, marlin, and snapperEighthour trips include trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait
When you're looking for a world-class offshore fishing adventure in the Florida Keys, Captain Troy and the Miller Time Sportfishing crew deliver exactly what serious anglers are after. This full-day charter launches at 6:30 AM from Islamorada, giving you eight solid hours to work the best fishing grounds from the reef out to the blue water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or looking to step up your game, this top-rated charter puts you on fish while teaching you techniques that'll make you a better fisherman. With room for up to six guests, it's perfect for families, friend groups, or solo anglers who want personalized attention on the water.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active. During summer months, Captain Troy reads the conditions and decides whether to start working the reef for snapper or head straight to the blue water for pelagics like blackfin tuna, mahi, wahoo, and marlin. Winter fishing takes a different approach – you'll likely spend more time around the reef structure targeting sailfish, king mackerel, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and yellowtail snapper. The boat is fully equipped with everything you need, from high-quality rods and reels to a full spread of lures and live bait options. First Mate George works the cockpit like a pro, rigging lines, gaffing fish, and making sure your tackle stays in the water where it belongs. The crew handles all the technical stuff so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying your time on the water.
Miller Time Sportfishing runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding active pelagics – they'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers at different depths to target everything from surface-feeding mahi to deeper-running wahoo. When conditions are right, they'll stop to work structure with bottom rigs for grouper and snapper, or switch to live bait fishing when the bite calls for it. The crew knows when to deploy the kites for sailfish, when to drop deep for swordfish in 1,500 feet of water, and how to work the mahi piles that show up on the finder. You'll learn about reading water temperature breaks, working the current edges, and understanding how bait movements trigger strikes. The captain and mate are always teaching, so even experienced anglers pick up new tricks that make them more effective on future trips.
"Very enjoyable full day trip with Captain Troy & First Mate George. Stopped at the teef on the way out and caught our limit of yellowtail snapper & bait before heading out for a full day of trolling for pelagics. Caught our limit of Mahi Mahi and a couple black fin tuna before continuing out to 25 miles and dropping a squid to ~1500 fy to try for a swordfish. After about an hour of swordfishing and watching the big ships (no luck), headed back and hit a few more piles of mahi. As a single fisherman, the crew worked their butts off for me to put me on the fish and make it a productive and enjoyable day. Had a blast and learned some new techniques that I will be better at next time. Captain cut up my fish quickly and I had enough hook and cook for the rest of the trip. All-in-all a great day of fishing and enjoying the ocean." - Scott Robinson
"Great full day trip with Capt Troy & First Mate George. Stopped at the reef on the way out and caught our limit of yellowtail snapper and a bunch of bait before heading out for a day of trolling. Mahi & blackfin were the bite of the day. Caught a few blackfin & our limit on Mahi and head out to 25 miles to try a drop for swordfish. No luck there, but hit several mahi piles on the way back. Crew was friendly and extremely helpful for me as a single fisherman. Had a blast. Highly recommended." - Scott Robinson
Blackfin Tuna are one of the most reliable species you'll encounter on this charter, especially during cooler months when they school up around the reef and temperature breaks. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds and fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and stubborn deep fights. They're excellent table fare and respond well to both trolled ballyhoo and live bait presentations. The blackfins often mix with other species, so when you find them, you're usually in for steady action throughout the day.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing in these waters. While they're never guaranteed, the deep waters off Islamorada hold some impressive fish, particularly during summer months when bait is thick offshore. These magnificent billfish can range from 100-pound schoolies to massive fish over 400 pounds. When a blue marlin eats your spread, everything else stops – the fight is intense, the jumps are spectacular, and the memories last a lifetime. Most blues are released to fight another day, making your encounter with one of the ocean's apex predators even more special.
Mahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers that make every trip memorable. These colorful fighters show up throughout the year but peak during warmer months when they gather around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks. Ranging from small schoolies to bull dolphins over 30 pounds, mahi are aggressive feeders that hit everything from trolled lures to live pilchards. They're known for their acrobatic fights and brilliant colors that flash gold and green when brought to the boat. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Wahoo are the spee
Hit the waters of Islamorada aboard this fully restored 2001 44' Jefferson Yacht, powered by twin 450HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 25 knots. This sportfishing machine is built for serious anglers targeting everything from reef snapper to blue water billfish. Summer trips focus on offshore trolling for mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and marlin, while winter charters work the reefs for sailfish, kings, and yellowtail. The flybridge gives you prime spotting position, while the fish finder helps locate the action. Stay comfortable with onboard facilities including toilet, icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus full electronics suite with GPS, radar, and VHF radio. Whether you're bottom fishing the reef or running offshore for big game, this Jefferson handles rough seas with ease and gives your crew of 6 plenty of room to fight fish.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 10-30 pounds with the occasional 50+ pounder. These olive-colored bruisers with dark blotches live around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 30-300 feet. Winter brings them shallow, while summer finds them deeper. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey whole - no nibbling here. Once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight into the structure, making for an arm-burning fight. The reward is some of the finest eating fish around - mild, firm white meat that's hard to beat. They're not picky eaters, taking live or dead bait. Pro tip: when you feel that thump, don't hesitate. Crank hard immediately to get their head up before they reach the rocks. Heavy tackle is a must - 80lb braid with 100lb leader minimum.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tunas, blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds around here, though we've seen them push 40+. These beautiful fish show off gold bands along their sides that fade fast once out of the water. We find them year-round in our waters, but they're most active during fall, winter, and spring months. They school up offshore in blue water, usually 15-30 miles out. What makes blackfins special is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll test your drag and make multiple runs. The meat is top-notch, perfect for sashimi or searing. Here's a local trick: scale down your tackle when you see them. Use 30lb fluoro leaders and smaller circle hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear. Vertical jigging works great when you find the schools.
Makaira NigricansThe king of billfish, blue marlin are what offshore dreams are made of. Females can reach over 1000 pounds (we call those "granders"), while males rarely exceed 350. Summer's prime time here - we'll run 20+ miles offshore to the edge where the deep blue water holds them. These fish are pure power and acrobatics when hooked. The fight can last hours, with spectacular jumps and long runs that'll test every piece of your tackle. They're not great table fare due to mercury levels, so most folks release them. What sets marlin apart is the anticipation - you might troll all day for one shot at a fish of a lifetime. Pro tip: when one shows up behind the spread, don't change anything. Let the fish decide which bait it wants rather than trying to steer it to a specific lure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean, flashing gold, green, and blue when they light up. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds. We target them summer through fall when they're thick offshore under floating debris, weedlines, and around our FADs. These fish are pure fun - fast runs, aerial shows, and they often travel in schools so you might catch several. The meat is outstanding, firm and mild, perfect for the dinner table. Look for frigate birds working debris piles - that's usually where we'll find them. They're aggressive feeders that love a commotion on the surface. Local tip: once you hook one, keep a second rod ready with a small jig or bait. Where there's one mahi, there's usually more, and the hooked fish will often call in the school.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed, hitting 60+ mph and averaging 20-40 pounds in our waters. These torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes. We catch them year-round, but July through November is peak season. They roam the offshore blue water, often around structure or temperature breaks. What makes wahoo special is that screaming first run - they'll peel line like nothing else. The fight is intense but usually doesn't last as long as other pelagics. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. These fish are nicknamed "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious. Here's the key: troll fast, 12-15 knots minimum. Use wire leaders because they'll cut through anything else with those teeth. High-speed lures work best.
5.0 out of 5.0Very enjoyable full day trip with Captain Troy & First Mate George. Stopped at the teef on the way out and caught our limit of ye...
Great full day trip with Capt Troy & First Mate George. Stopped at the reef on the way out and caught our limit of yellowtail sna...
Islamorada