Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Islamorada, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore fishing targeting cobia and amberjack speciesExpert guides provide techniques for all skill levelsSixperson capacity trips in famous Islamorada waters
Welcome to the fishing capital of the world! Islamorada's crystal-clear waters and abundant reefs make it one of Florida's hottest fishing destinations, and our full-day charters put you right in the heart of the action. When you book with On The Reel Charters, you're getting access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Keys, where monster Cobia, hard-fighting Amberjack, and lightning-fast Mahi patrol year-round. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you've been angling for decades or just picked up your first rod. We keep our groups small at six anglers max, so you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your full-day adventure kicks off early when we meet at the dock in Islamorada, where our crew will get you set up with everything you need for a successful day of fishing. We'll head out to our proven spots along the reef line and deeper waters where the big fish hang out, adjusting our strategy based on current conditions, weather patterns, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of a full-day trip is the flexibility – we can hit multiple spots, try different techniques, and really dial in what's working that day. Our boat is equipped with top-notch electronics to locate fish and structure, plus all the tackle and gear you'll need to land whatever we hook up with. The pace is relaxed but focused, giving everyone plenty of time to get comfortable with the techniques and enjoy the stunning scenery that makes the Florida Keys so special. Between the fishing action, you'll have time to soak up the sun, spot dolphins and sea turtles, and experience the laid-back vibe that keeps people coming back to these waters year after year.
We fish a variety of methods depending on what species we're targeting and where the fish are holding. For Cobia and Amberjack around the wrecks and structure, we'll often use heavy tackle with live bait like pinfish or blue runners, dropping them down to where these bruisers like to hang out in the shadows. When we're after Mahi, we'll switch to trolling with colorful lures and rigged ballyhoo, covering water until we find those floating weed lines and debris where Mahi love to feed. Wahoo fishing calls for high-speed trolling with wire leaders and flashy spoons or deep-diving plugs that can handle their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs. Our rods range from medium-heavy spinning setups for the smaller species up to heavy conventional gear for the big boys, and we'll match you with the right equipment based on your experience level and what we're targeting. Live bait is king in these waters, so we'll often start the day by catching fresh bait at productive spots before heading to the main fishing areas. Our crew will be right there to help with everything from rigging hooks to fighting fish, making sure you get the most out of every hookup while learning techniques you can use on your own future fishing adventures.
The waters around Islamorada are loaded with Skipjack Tuna that provide non-stop action when you find a school. These smaller members of the tuna family are incredibly fast and aggressive, often weighing 8-15 pounds and putting up fights that'll surprise you with their intensity. They're most active during the warmer months from May through October, and when you hook into a feeding school, it's common to catch them back-to-back until your arms are tired. What makes Skipjack so exciting is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures, plus they make excellent bait for bigger predators lurking in the area.
Mahi Mahi are the poster fish of Florida Keys fishing, and for good reason – they're beautiful, delicious, and fight like crazy. These fish love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where they can ambush smaller baitfish. Peak season runs from April through July, but we catch them year-round in these waters. Most of our Mahi range from 10-25 pounds, though we see some real bulls that can push 40-50 pounds. They're famous for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs, and once you find one, there are usually more in the area since they often travel in small schools.
Greater Amberjack are the heavy hitters of the wreck and reef fishing world, with most fish running 25-50 pounds and some real monsters exceeding 70 pounds. These fish are all muscle and attitude, making powerful runs straight down toward the structure where they live. Fall and winter months are prime time for Amberjack fishing, when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them so challenging and rewarding is their strength – they'll test your tackle and your technique, making every successful catch feel like a real achievement.
Wahoo fishing is all about speed and precision, targeting these torpedo-shaped predators that can hit 60 mph when they want to. They're most common from November through March in our area, preferring deeper water along drop-offs and current edges. Most Wahoo we catch are in the 20-40 pound range, though larger fish over 60 pounds show up regularly. Their initial run when hooked is absolutely explosive, and their razor-sharp teeth mean you need wire leaders and sharp hooks to connect successfully.
Cobia are one of the most sought-after species in these waters, known for their size, fight, and excellent table fare. These brown sharks (as they're sometimes called due to their appearance) can reach impressive sizes, with fish from 30-60 pounds being common and some exceeding 80 pounds. Spring migration from March through May is peak time, but we catch them throughout the year around wrecks, reefs, and following rays in shallow water. What makes Cobia fishing
Get ready to chase cobia and amberjack aboard this proven 35-foot SeaVee center console! Built for serious fishing in Islamorada's legendary waters, this twin 400HP Mercury-powered beast hits 44 knots when you need to cover water fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, while the fish finder keeps you on the schools and radar cuts through morning fog. Whether you're bottom fishing the reefs or sight-casting to cruising cobia, you've got everything needed - GPS to mark hot spots, an icebox for cold drinks and fresh catch, plus onboard facilities for those long fishing days. The multimedia system keeps the crew entertained during travel time. This rig handles both backcountry shallows and deeper offshore structure, making it perfect for targeting whatever's biting in the Florida Keys.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are unique fish that often get mistaken for sharks with that single dorsal fin and dark brown color. They typically run 20-50 pounds and up to 4 feet, cruising alone or in small groups around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they move through our waters heading north. What makes cobia special is they're sight fishers - you actually see them swimming near the surface, which adds a whole different element to the hunt. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. These fish are curious and will often approach the boat, making for exciting visual fishing. Best approach is bucktail jigs around structure, and don't be afraid to cast right at them when you spot one cruising.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied fish that'll average 30-40 pounds and test your arms on heavy tackle. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water, where they patrol looking for an easy meal. Best fishing happens spring through early summer, especially April and May. These fish are popular because they give you that deep, powerful fight that really makes you work for it. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, so both live bait and jigs work well. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them a chance to get back to the structure, or they'll wrap you up and break you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands down one of the most beautiful fish we target, with that brilliant gold and electric blue coloring that puts on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet, but we see some real bulls pushing 40+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in open water. Peak season here runs spring through fall when they're most active. What guests love about mahi is the combination - they fight hard with lots of jumps, they're stunning to look at, and the meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive feeders. My go-to trick is to always have a second rod ready because where there's one mahi, there's usually more nearby.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjacks are the most common tuna you'll encounter out here, typically running 2-3 feet and around 20 pounds. These torpedo-shaped fish with dark vertical stripes live in the upper water column, usually within 850 feet of the surface. They travel in large schools and often mix with juvenile yellowfin, making for exciting action when you find them. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hookups when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes them fun is the sheer numbers - when you find a school, everyone on the boat gets busy fast. They're also the perfect live bait for bigger pelagics like marlin. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your speed between 4-6 knots with hoochie rigs, and don't spook the school by getting too close too quick.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph and averaging 3-4 feet with that distinctive torpedo shape and blue tiger stripes. They cruise the blue water column, usually in the top 60 feet, often around drop-offs and current breaks. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. What makes wahoo special is that blazing speed - they'll smoke a trolled lure so fast it'll surprise you, then put on an aerial show. The meat is premium table fare, white and flaky like a mild tuna. They're tough to target specifically since they're mostly solitary, but when conditions are right, they're around. Key tip: use wire leaders because those razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat, and troll fast - 12-15 knots with diving lures or ballyhoo.
Islamorada