5.0(2 Reviews)Full Day Offshore Charter in Islamorada
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day 8-hour offshore fishing charter for 6 guestsTarget tuna, mahi, wahoo, marlin and sailfish year-roundProfessional trolling and live bait techniques included
When you're ready to get serious about fishing the waters around Islamorada, this 8-hour charter with Miller Time Sportfishing puts you right where the action is. Captain Troy and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. Starting at 6:30 AM, you'll have the full day to work everything from the reef to the deep blue, targeting whatever's biting best that day. Whether it's summer and we're chasing mahi and tuna offshore, or winter when the sailfish are fired up on the reef, this trip adapts to the seasons and the fish.
Your day kicks off early for good reason – that's when the fish are most active and you'll beat the afternoon heat. The game plan changes with the season, which keeps things interesting trip after trip. During summer months, you might start with some snapper fishing on the reef to get your arms warmed up, then head straight offshore where the real pelagic action happens. We're talking blackfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, and if you're lucky, a blue marlin that'll test your drag system. Winter fishing takes a different approach – we typically stay closer to the reef structure where sailfish, king mackerel, and yellowtail snapper are holding. The crew reads the conditions and adjusts accordingly, so you're always fishing the most productive water available.
This isn't a one-trick operation. Captain Troy runs a mix of trolling, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques depending on what the fish want that day. Trolling is bread and butter for the pelagics – we'll pull a spread of lures and baits at different depths to cover water and find the schools. When we locate structure or weed lines, that's where the live bait shines. You'll often start the day catching yellowtails and other baitfish on the reef, then use those for the bigger predators offshore. Bottom fishing comes into play when we're working the reef for grouper and snapper. The boat carries quality tackle suited for everything from 20-pound yellowtails to triple-digit billfish, so you're covered no matter what shows up.
"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 pelagics in these waters, and they fight way above their weight class. These speedsters typically run 10-25 pounds and they'll test your tackle with blistering runs and stubborn deep fights. Best fishing is usually early morning or late afternoon when they're feeding on the surface. What makes blackfins special is their consistency – when other species are finicky, blackfins are often willing to bite. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that deep red meat that's perfect for sashimi.
Blue Marlin represent the holy grail of offshore fishing around Islamorada. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds and provide the fight of a lifetime. Summer months offer the best shot at blues when the warm Gulf Stream water pushes close to shore. When a marlin eats your bait, everything changes – the boat becomes electric with excitement as everyone knows they're witnessing something special. The combination of aerial displays, screaming runs, and sheer power makes blue marlin the fish that anglers dream about long after the trip ends.
Mahi Mahi, or dorado as some call them, bring both beauty and action to your fishing day. These brilliant gold and green fish are incredibly acrobatic, launching themselves clear of the water when hooked. They school around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks, often in good numbers. Spring through fall offers the best mahi fishing, with fish ranging from small schoolies to bull dolphins over 40 pounds. Their willingness to bite and spectacular jumps make them a crowd favorite, especially for families or newer anglers.
Wahoo earn respect as one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they want to. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and hit trolled baits with devastating speed. They're notorious for long, sizzling runs that can empty half your reel before you know what happened. Wahoo fishing peaks during winter months when cooler water brings them closer to shore. Their
This beautifully restored 2001 44' Jefferson Yacht is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in Islamorada's legendary waters. Twin 450HP Caterpillar engines push this sportfisher to 25 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back to the dock with your catch. The flybridge gives you commanding views while you're working the lines, and the fish finder helps locate schools of tuna and mahi hiding in the blue water. Summer trips target blackfin tuna, wahoo, and marlin in the deep, while winter fishing focuses closer to the reef for sailfish, kings, and yellowtail snapper. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox, stay connected with VHF radio, and rely on GPS and radar when the weather gets sketchy. Whether you're trolling for pelagics or bottom fishing the reef, this yacht handles whatever these Florida Keys waters throw at you.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - averaging 10-30 pounds of pure muscle that'll test your tackle. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 50-200 feet of water. Winter months bring them shallower where they're easier to target. What makes them exciting is the initial hookup followed by their bulldog fight straight down to the rocks. The white, mild meat is restaurant-quality and perfect for grilling. We bottom fish with heavy tackle since once hooked, they'll try to cut you off in the structure. Key tip: when you feel that thump, crank hard and fast to get their head up - give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest rock and break you off.
Thunnus AtlanticusThese smaller tunas average 15-25 pounds but pack serious fight for their size. You'll find them in open water around here, especially during fall through spring when they're most active. They school up with other tunas and love to chase bait near the surface. What makes blackfin special is their beautiful golden stripe that fades after you land them - plus they're fantastic eating with that rich, red meat. We target them by trolling offshore or live bait fishing when we find the schools. Pro tip: scale down your tackle with lighter leaders since these fish have sharp eyes and will spook easily from heavy gear.
Makaira NigricansThe king of offshore fishing - females can reach over 500 pounds while males stay smaller around 150. We target them during summer months when they're cruising the blue water hunting tuna and mahi. These fish are pure power and will test your endurance with long runs and aerial jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Finding one is special since they're solitary hunters in deep water. The meat's good eating too, though most folks prefer the bragging rights. When we hook up, I always tell guests to keep steady pressure but let the fish run when it wants - trying to horse a marlin in will just result in a broken line and a lost fish of a lifetime.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch out here, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when they're hooked. They typically run 10-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, or anything that creates shade. Summer through fall is prime time when they move through our waters. What guests love most is watching their colors change during the fight - it's like a light show. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find offshore. When we spot birds working or floating sargassum, that's where we'll find them. Here's the key: once you hook one, leave your lines out because mahi travel in schools and you'll often get multiple hookups.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - hitting 60 mph when they strike your lure. They average 20-40 pounds with that distinctive torpedo shape and razor-sharp teeth. We find them year-round but they're most active in winter months around drop-offs and current edges. The initial run is what gets everyone excited - pure burning drag and screaming reels. Their white, flaky meat rivals any fish for the dinner table. We troll fast with wire leaders since they'll cut through anything else with those teeth. My tip: keep your drag tight when one hits because if you give them slack, they'll throw the hook with their head-shaking jumps. Speed and steady pressure wins the day with wahoo.
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