5.0(5 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Islamorada
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday inshore fishing targeting cobia, amberjack, and snapperExpert guides provide techniques for all skill levelsSixperson capacity with On The Reel Charters crew
Welcome to the fishing capital of the world! Islamorada's crystal-clear waters hold some of the most sought-after game fish on the planet, and Captain Richie and his crew at On The Reel Charters know exactly where to find them. This half-day adventure puts you right in the action, targeting heavyweight fighters like cobia, amberjack, skipjack tuna, mahi mahi, and wahoo. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods or a seasoned angler chasing personal bests, this top-rated charter delivers the goods every single time.
Your fishing day starts early when you meet Captain Richie and first mate Wyatt at the dock. These guys live and breathe fishing – they're out here checking conditions, marking bait schools, and dialing in the bite patterns before most people have their morning coffee. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to fight fish without getting tangled up. No meals are provided, so pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up during the action. The crew's approach is simple: find the fish, put you on them, and teach you something new along the way. They're constantly moving, switching techniques, and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. This isn't a sit-and-wait operation – it's active, engaging fishing that keeps you learning and catching from the moment you leave the dock until you're heading back in.
The fishing style here is all about versatility and reading the water. Captain Richie runs a mix of trolling patterns to cover water and locate active fish, then switches to live bait presentations when the action heats up. The boat carries everything you need – quality rods, reels spooled with appropriate line weights, and a variety of lures and baits to match the conditions. When targeting cobia and amberjack around structure, expect to use heavier tackle with circle hooks and live pinfish or blue runners. For mahi mahi and wahoo in open water, the crew deploys a spread of trolling lures at different depths and speeds. Skipjack tuna often show up in feeding frenzies, where lighter spinning gear with small jigs or live bait creates non-stop action. The guides excel at reading fish behavior and water conditions, constantly adjusting the game plan based on what they're seeing. They'll teach you how to work different baits, read your rod tip for subtle bites, and fight fish efficiently to maximize your chances of landing trophy catches.
"Had an amazing trip with on the reel. First mate and captain were both extremely personal and professional. Had lots of bad luck and bad charters everywhere else in the keys but on the reel did an amazing job. We limited out on tuna and caught plenty of mahi and grouper to throw in the fridge. Richie and Wyatt know exactly what they are doing and we definitely will not be going back to anyone else. Thank you fellas!" - Hayden
"Definitely one of the most fun fishing experiences I have had. Thanks Captain Richie your passion for the water is unmatched, see you on the next run!!!!!!!" - Sean
"Great day of fishing with Rich. My wife and I took our 2 teenage kids on a 4 hour trip. Rich worked super hard to find some fish on a slow day. We ended up catching our fill of blackfin tuna. Awesome! Highly recommend booking a charter with Rich." - Jake
Skipjack tuna are the bread and butter of Islamorada fishing, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These scrappy fighters typically run 8-15 pounds and school up in massive numbers when conditions are right. What makes them special is their willingness to bite almost anything when they're feeding – small jigs, live pilchards, even bare hooks work when the frenzy is on. They fight way above their weight class, making screaming runs and testing your drag system. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when handled properly.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. Peak season runs from April through September, though scattered fish show up year-round around floating debris and weed lines. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds, while smaller "schoolies" provide non-stop action in the 5-15 pound range. These fish are pure athletes – jumping, tail-walking, and changing colors as they fight. Their electric blues, greens, and golds make for incredible photos, and the white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, and Islamorada's ledges and wrecks hold some genuine monsters. These fish can exceed 50 pounds and will test every knot in your tackle box. They're most active from March through June, though smaller fish are caught year-round. When you hook an AJ near structure, it's an immediate battle – they'll head straight for the rocks trying to cut you off. The fight is all power and endurance, with multiple runs that can take you well into your backing. Landing a quality amberjack is a real accomplishment that separates the rookies from the seasoned anglers.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs exceeding 40 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators show up best from November through February, often appearing as single fish mixed in with other species. A wahoo strike is unmistakable – the rod nearly gets ripped from your hands as they scream off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. They rarely jump, but their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth make them a prized catch. Most fish here run 20-40 pounds, though
Get ready to chase cobia and amberjack aboard this 35' SeaVee center console! Twin 400HP Mercury engines push this fishing machine to 44 knots, getting you to the productive waters around Islamorada fast. Built tough in 2005, she handles both shallow backcountry flats and deeper offshore structure with ease. The spacious deck gives all 6 anglers room to fight fish without tangling lines. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools, while GPS and radar keep you on the fish even when conditions get sketchy. Ice-cold drinks stay fresh in the onboard icebox during those hot Florida Keys sessions. Complete with head facilities and sound system for the ride between spots. Perfect for targeting everything from snappers on the reef to big amberjacks over wrecks.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - these brown, solitary cruisers average 20-50 pounds and can reach 100+. You'll spot them near buoys, wrecks, and structures in 20-80 feet, often just under the surface. Spring migration from March to May is peak time, though we see them year-round. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight-fishing aspect - spotting them cruising and making accurate casts. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, mild meat. We usually sight-fish with bucktail jigs or live crabs. The key is a quiet approach and precise cast ahead of the fish. Don't cast right on top of them or they'll spook. Lead them by 10 feet and work the jig back naturally.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied bruisers that average 20-40 pounds but regularly top 60. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structures in 60-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall fishing is best when they're most active. What draws people to amberjack is their raw power - they'll test your tackle and your back with long, hard runs straight for the bottom. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. We target them with live bait like blue runners or heavy jigs bounced near structure. My advice: use at least 50-pound tackle and crank hard right after the hookup. If you let them get their head down and reach the reef, you're probably done.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands down one of the most beautiful fish we catch - brilliant gold and blue colors that change right before your eyes. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Best fishing runs April through October when they're thick offshore. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strikes, acrobatic jumps, and fantastic table fare - sweet, firm white meat that's hard to beat. We typically troll ballyhoo or hit them with jigs when we find schools. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep the other lines in because mahi travel in pods and the hooked fish will often bring the whole school right to the boat.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the most common tuna around here, running 15-25 pounds on average though they can hit 40+ if you're lucky. You'll find them in schools offshore in 100-300 feet of water, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps warm up. These torpedo-shaped fighters put up a solid scrap and make excellent eating - they're actually what goes into most canned tuna. We usually troll hoochie rigs at 4-6 knots to find them. Pro tip: when you spot birds working over a school, get your baits close but don't drive right through the school or you'll spook them. Circle around and let the lures drift into the action.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed - these silver bullets can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes. They typically run 20-50 pounds with that classic torpedo shape and razor-sharp teeth. Find them in blue water from 100-400 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. July through November is prime season here in the Keys. What makes wahoo special is their blistering runs and top-shelf eating quality - firm, white, flaky meat that's restaurant-grade. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their teeth will slice through anything else. The trick is to cover water fast until you find them, then work that area hard. Once you hook up, hold on tight because that first run will be something to remember.
5.0 out of 5.0Had an amazing trip with on the reel. First mate and captain were both extremely personal and professional. Had lots of bad luck a...
Great captain and first mate, both knew exactly what they were doing and got us tons of fish. Awesome boat as well
Definitely one of the most fun fishing experiences I have had. Thanks Captain Richie your passion for the water is unmatched, see ...
Full-day trip in Key Largo and it was absolutely worth it. We went pretty far offshore, and the weather was chilly—we were definit...
Great day of fishing with Rich. My wife and I took our 2 teenage kids on a 4 hour trip. Rich worked super hard to find some fish o...
Islamorada