5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Guided Fishing And Sand Bar Trip In Islamorada
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target marlin and cobia on 6hour offshore fishing adventureRelax at famous Islamorada Sandbar with drinks and swimmingAccommodates up to 6 guests with On The Reel Charters
Ready to experience the best of both worlds? This 6-hour charter combines serious offshore fishing action with the legendary party scene at Islamorada Sandbar. You'll start your day targeting trophy species like marlin, cobia, and mahi before switching gears to soak up the sun and good vibes at one of the Keys' most famous hangout spots. With Captain Rich and the crew from On The Reel Charters, you're getting local expertise that knows exactly where the fish are biting and when to make the move to the sandbar for maximum fun. Perfect for groups of up to 6 anglers who want to catch fish and make memories.
Your day kicks off early with serious fishing action in Islamorada's productive offshore waters. We're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Atlantic - blue marlin, cobia, skipjack tuna, mahi mahi, and greater amberjack. The morning hours are prime time for these fish, so you'll be working the water while conditions are perfect and the bite is hot. After you've put some quality fish in the box, we'll cruise over to the world-famous Islamorada Sandbar where the party never stops. Picture crystal-clear water, cold drinks, and that laid-back Keys atmosphere that makes everyone feel like they're living their best life. The sandbar scene is legendary for good reason - it's where locals and visitors come together to celebrate another perfect day in paradise.
We run top-quality gear designed for the big boys you'll encounter in these waters. Heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80lb test line handle the marlin and amberjack that can really test your drag system. For mahi and cobia, we'll set you up with spinning gear that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites while still having enough backbone for the fight. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish - we'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and specialty lures that have proven themselves in these waters. When we mark fish on the electronics or spot diving birds, we'll switch to live bait or pitch jigs to capitalize on the feeding activity. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing - Captain Rich has a knack for breaking down techniques so everyone on board can contribute to the action.
"Girls' trip + Marco Island fishing = SUCCESS thanks to Captain Rich! We were beginners and he made us feel like pros. Great energy, super helpful, and we caught so many fish. 10/10 !! By the end, we were pleasantly exhausted—in the best way—from the sun and a full day on the water, and we couldn't stop talking about how much fun we had. Captain Rich was professional, safe, and genuinely fun to be around. We'd absolutely book again—highly recommend!" - Natalia
Skipjack tuna are the speed demons of the offshore world, and Islamorada's waters hold some of the best schools you'll find anywhere. These fish typically run 10-15 pounds and fight way above their weight class with blistering runs that will test your arms and your drag. They're most active during the warmer months from April through September, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot around 78-82 degrees. What makes skipjack so exciting is their aggressive feeding behavior - when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish before they sound.
Blue marlin represent the ultimate trophy for any serious angler, and the waters off Islamorada consistently produce some impressive fish. These apex predators can range from 100-pound juveniles all the way up to true giants exceeding 400 pounds. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often showing up during the summer months when the Gulf Stream pushes closest to shore. The fight from a blue marlin is something you'll never forget - the initial run, the spectacular jumps, and that deep, powerful pull that reminds you why they're considered the king of gamefish.
Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, bring both incredible table fare and spectacular aerial displays to your fishing experience. These fish typically range from 10-30 pounds in our local waters, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 40-plus pounds. They're most abundant from March through June, following the floating sargassum lines where they feed on small fish and crustaceans. What anglers love about mahi is their willingness to bite and their habit of traveling in schools - find one fish and you'll often find several more in the same area.
Greater amberjack are the bruisers of the reef and wreck environment, regularly exceeding 50 pounds and providing arm-burning fights that test both angler and equipment. These fish are most active during the cooler months from October through March, when they move into shallower water to feed and spawn. They're notorious for their ability to wrap you around structure, so the fight becomes a chess match between angler and fish. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the ocean when prepared correctly.
Cobia are the chameleons of the fishing world, often mistaken for sharks when they cruise near the surface with their distinctive dark coloration and streamlined profile. These fish average 20-40 pounds but can grow much larger, with 60-pound fish not uncommon in our waters. Spring migration from March through May offers the best opportunities, when cobia move through our area in significant numbers. They're sight-fishing targets that will eat live bait, jigs, and even fly patterns when conditions are right, making them a favorite among anglers who enjoy visual fishing.
This top-rated charter delivers everything you want from a Keys fishing experience - world-class angling, professional guidance, and that authentic sandbar
Hit the waters around Islamorada aboard this solid 35-foot SeaVee center console that's built for serious fishing and good times. Twin 400HP Mercury engines will get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 44 knots when you need to cover water quickly. Perfect for up to 6 anglers looking to target marlin, cobia, and whatever else is biting in these legendary Florida Keys waters. The boat's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. After you've had your fill of fishing, cruise over to the famous Islamorada Sandbar where you can drop anchor, jump in the clear water, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The onboard multimedia system keeps the party going while you soak up the sun. With a comfortable layout and onboard facilities including a head, you'll have everything covered for a full day on the water targeting trophy fish and making memories at one of the Keys' most popular hangout spots.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females reaching over 1,000 pounds while males stay under 350. These apex predators cruise deep blue water along current breaks and temperature edges. Summer months bring the best chances here off Islamorada when water temps climb above 78 degrees. What makes them special? Pure power and aerial acrobatics that'll test your gear and skills. When a marlin hits your spread, expect explosive runs and tail-walking jumps that create lifelong memories. The meat's decent eating, though most anglers prefer the catch-and-release experience. My advice: run heavy tackle with 50-80 pound class gear, and keep your baits skipping on the surface. Ballyhoo or artificial lures work great. Stay patient - these fish don't come easy, but when one shows up, it's worth the wait.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners cruising shallow water, typically 30-60 pounds and built like brown torpedoes. Spring migration brings the best action when they move through our area in 20-50 feet of water around buoys, markers, and floating debris. What makes them special? They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark. These fish are sight-fishing targets - you'll actually see them swimming just under the surface. When you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live crab ahead of where they're swimming. Don't cast directly at them or they'll spook. Work that jig with short hops off the bottom. Pro tip: look for rays on shallow flats - cobia often follow them around looking for stirred-up crabs and baitfish.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of offshore fishing, averaging 30-50 pounds with some bruisers hitting 80+. These powerful fish live around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active and feeding heavily. Guests love amberjack for their raw power - they'll test your back and drag system with deep, stubborn runs. The meat's excellent too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera, so we usually target the 20-40 pounders for the cooler. These fish aren't picky eaters, but live bait works best - pinfish, grunts, or sardines. Key technique: drop your bait to the bottom near structure, then reel up 10-15 feet. When they hit, tighten that drag and pump hard - give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the wreck every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the perfect mix of beauty and table fare, averaging 15-30 pounds with some reaching 50+. These golden-green speedsters love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100-2,000 feet of water. Peak season runs spring through fall when they migrate through our waters. What makes them favorites? Fast, acrobatic fights with colors that flash like neon underwater, plus they're hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean - sweet, firm white meat. You'll often find them in small schools, so when you hook one, keep fishing that spot. Best approach is trolling ballyhoo or diving plugs along grass lines and debris. Look for frigate birds diving - they'll lead you right to feeding mahi. Once you boat one, toss a live bait back quickly; the school usually sticks around for a few more fish.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are smaller tunas averaging 20 pounds and 2-3 feet, but they pack serious speed and fight. These torpedo-shaped fish cruise offshore waters in big schools, often mixing with juvenile yellowfin. You'll find them in the upper water column, especially when feeding near the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action here in Islamorada's warm waters. Guests love skipjack because they're scrappy fighters that bend rods and make drag scream. Plus, they're excellent eating - firm, mild flesh that's perfect grilled or seared. Pro tip: when you spot a school, troll pink feathers or small spoons at 4-6 knots right through them. Don't get too close with the boat or you'll spook the whole school. Once you hook up, keep moving - where there's one, there's usually dozens more.
5.0 out of 5.0Girls’ trip + Marco Island fishing = SUCCESS thanks to Captain Rich! We were beginners and he made us feel like pros. Great energy...
Islamorada