Islamorada Offshore Charter - 6 Guest Maximum
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore charter targeting tuna, mahi, wahoo, and marlinAccommodates up to 6 guests with multiple fishing techniquesSeasonal targeting from reef fishing to deep water species
When you're looking for a serious fishing trip in the Florida Keys, Miller Time Sportfishing delivers exactly what offshore anglers dream about. This isn't your typical half-day tourist run – we're talking about a full 6-hour charter that puts you right where the big fish live. Starting at first light (0630 sharp), you'll be working prime waters when the fish are most active and the competition is still sleeping in. With a maximum of 6 anglers, you get personal attention from the crew and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Your day kicks off early for good reason – dawn patrol is when the magic happens offshore. During summer months, we might start with some reef action targeting snappers before making the run to deeper water where blackfin tuna, mahi, and wahoo patrol the blue water. Winter fishing tells a different story, with sailfish moving through in good numbers and king mackerel staging up along the reef edges. The beauty of this charter is flexibility – your captain reads the conditions, checks the latest reports, and puts you on whatever's biting best that day. Whether we're trolling ballyhoo spreads for pelagics or dropping live baits on structure for amberjacks, the crew adjusts tactics based on what the fish are telling us.
This charter covers all the bases when it comes to offshore techniques. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish – expect to see a spread of rigged baits working behind the boat as we hunt for surface action. When we mark fish or hit productive structure, we'll switch gears to live bait fishing or bottom bouncing with jigs and cut baits. The boat comes equipped with quality tackle sized right for the target species, from lighter spinning gear for mahi and blackfins up to heavy conventional setups when we're hunting wahoo or big amberjacks. Live bait is often the difference maker, especially when targeting sailfish or working the reef for snappers and grouper. Your crew handles the technical stuff – rigging baits, reading the electronics, and positioning the boat – so you can focus on fighting fish.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of the offshore scene here in Islamorada. These scrappy fighters typically run 10-25 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making long runs and testing your drag system. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, and when you find them, fast action is the norm. Best part? They're excellent table fare and available year-round, though summer months tend to produce the most consistent action. Atlantic sailfish bring the acrobatics to your fishing day, especially during winter months when they migrate through in solid numbers. These bills aren't huge – most run 6-7 feet – but watching one tail-walk across the surface never gets old. The peak season runs November through March, and catch-and-release is standard practice to keep the fishery healthy.
Mahi mahi are the poster fish for offshore excitement, with their electric colors and aggressive strikes. They love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that creates shade in open water. Most fish range 5-20 pounds, though larger bulls can push 40-plus. Summer is prime time for mahi, when they're actively feeding and showing up in good numbers. Greater amberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef, pulling straight down and testing both your tackle and technique. These bruisers commonly hit 30-50 pounds and use every bit of that weight to wrap you around structure. They're year-round residents but tend to be most active during cooler months. Wahoo fishing is all about speed and sharp teeth – these missiles can hit 40+ mph and will smoke your drag in seconds. They're less predictable than other species but make up for it with pure excitement when they show up.
A 6-hour offshore charter with Miller Time Sportfishing gives you the perfect balance of fishing time and variety. You're not rushed like shorter trips, but you're not committed to a full-day marathon either. The early start puts you on the water when conditions are typically calmest and fish most cooperative. With seasonal patterns changing throughout the year, there's always something to target, whether you're chasing summer pelagics in the blue water or working winter sailfish along the reef. The 6-guest maximum keeps things manageable while still making it affordable for groups. Remember to bring your Florida fishing license, sun protection, and plenty of water – the crew handles everything else. Book early, especially during peak seasons, because top-rated charters in Islamorada fill up fast when word gets out about good fishing.
Get ready to fish the deep waters off Islamorada aboard this restored 2001 44' Jefferson Yacht. Twin 450HP Caterpillar engines power you to the best fishing spots at 25 knots, whether you're chasing summer blackfin tuna and mahi offshore or winter sailfish and king mackerel closer to the reef. The spacious flybridge gives you perfect views of the action while the captain works the fish finder and radar to locate your targets. With an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a full multimedia system for the ride out, this yacht handles up to 6 anglers comfortably. GPS navigation gets you to the productive waters fast, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. From trolling for wahoo to bottom fishing for yellowtail snapper, this boat's equipped for whatever the Florida Keys waters throw at you. The onboard toilet means longer days on the water targeting marlin and other offshore species.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are what winter fishing dreams are made of here in the Keys. These magnificent fish average 6-7 feet long and fight like nothing else - they'll jump, run, and put on an aerial show that'll leave you speechless. We target them in 80-200 feet of water from December through April when they migrate through our area in good numbers. The distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and that brilliant blue coloration make them one of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. Most guests are after the experience more than the meat - it's all about that fight and those jumps. My tip: when a sail comes up behind your bait, don't get excited and reel fast. Let the bait drop back naturally and give the fish time to eat it properly.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the true tunas, blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and beautiful golden side stripe. We find them year-round here in Islamorada, but they're most active during fall, winter, and spring when water temps drop below 75°F. These fish school up in 100-400 feet of water around structure and current breaks. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they pull hard and don't quit easily. Plus, their meat is outstanding for sushi or seared steaks. Here's a local trick: when you hook into a school, keep one hooked fish in the water while others cast - blackfins are curious and will often stick around to investigate their buddy in trouble.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldozers of the reef - big, strong, and stubborn as they come. These bruisers commonly hit 30-50 pounds and will test your arms on every fight. We target them around wrecks and deep reefs in 80-200 feet, especially during cooler months when they're most active. What makes them popular is their sheer power and the challenge they present - it's a tug-of-war from start to finish. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right. You'll recognize them by that amber stripe and their habit of heading straight for structure when hooked. Local secret: drop a large live bait or heavy jig straight down to the bottom, then work it just off the reef. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to their hole.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect summer target - colorful, great fighters, and some of the best eating fish in the ocean. These beauties average 15-30 pounds and light up like a rainbow when hooked, flashing gold, green, and blue. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1000 feet of water. Summer months are prime time when they're most abundant offshore. What guests love is their acrobatic fight and that sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. The males have that distinctive square forehead while females are more rounded. Pro tip: when you find one mahi, there's usually more nearby. Keep some smaller baits ready because they often travel in schools and will stick around if you keep one hooked.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of offshore fishing, hitting trolled baits at 40+ mph and making blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. These sleek fish typically weigh 20-60 pounds with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body built for speed. We target them year-round in 100-400 feet of water, but July through November is prime time when they're most abundant. Guests love the explosive strikes and that initial screaming run - there's nothing subtle about a wahoo bite. The meat is fantastic too - white, flaky, and mild. They're loners mostly, so when you get one, enjoy it. Here's what works: troll fast with wire leaders and keep your baits skipping on the surface. Those sharp teeth will cut through anything but wire, so don't skimp on your terminal tackle.
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