Private 6 Hour Offshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour offshore fishing targeting Mahi, Sailfish, and Wahoo speciesBottom and reef fishing options for Grouper and SnapperExpert guides provide equipment for all skill levels
Looking for a serious fishing day in the heart of the Florida Keys? This 6-hour offshore charter out of Islamorada puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking deep blue water, serious pelagic action, and the kind of fishing that makes anglers cancel their plans to come back next week. Captain and crew know these waters like their own backyard, and they'll put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's been chasing billfish for decades. Early morning departure at 7 AM means we're fishing prime time when the bite is hot and the Gulf Stream is alive with activity.
This isn't your typical inshore grind – we're heading out to where the continental shelf drops off and the real action happens. You'll be fishing in 100 to 800 feet of water where the current brings bait and the predators follow. The boat's rigged with outriggers, downriggers, and all the heavy tackle you need to handle whatever decides to eat your bait. We'll start with some high-speed trolling for pelagics, then depending on what's biting, we might switch it up with some deep dropping or work the edges of wrecks and ledges. Six people max means everyone gets plenty of rod time and the captain can actually coach you through the fight instead of managing a crowd. Weather permitting, we'll cover serious water and hit multiple spots to find where the fish are staging.
Offshore fishing here is all about covering water and presenting baits at the right depth and speed. We'll be pulling a spread of lures – think big swimming plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and skirted baits that mimic the flying fish and squid these pelagics feed on. The boat runs four to six lines at different depths using outriggers and planer boards to keep everything spread out. When something big hits, it's game on – you'll be strapped into a fighting belt with 50 to 80-pound tackle that can handle the initial run of a sailfish or the bulldogging power of a big tuna. The captain will work the boat to help you gain line, but you'll be doing the heavy lifting. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over structure with electric reels and heavy jigs to get down fast in the current. All tackle, bait, and gear is included – just bring yourself and maybe some Dramamine if you're not used to the offshore swells.
The Swordfish bite has been absolutely lights-out lately, especially during the daytime sword trips. These prehistoric-looking beasts cruise at depths of 300 to 600 feet during the day, and when you hook one, you're in for a serious workout. They'll make multiple runs, jump clean out of the water, and test every knot on your rig. A typical sword runs 50 to 150 pounds, but the big females can push 200-plus. Best time to target them is late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding on the squid that migrate up from the deep. What makes swordfish so special is their fighting style – it's not just power, it's intelligence. They'll sound deep, then rocket to the surface, and their bill can do serious damage to anything in the way.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of offshore fishing here, and they're absolute dynamite on lighter tackle. These fish school up in massive numbers, especially around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. They average 10 to 25 pounds but fight like they're twice that size, making blistering runs and diving deep when they feel the hook. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when the water cools down and bait concentrations draw them in close to shore. What anglers love about blackfins is their willingness to bite and the fact that they make excellent table fare. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to boat a dozen or more before they wise up and move on.
Atlantic Sailfish are the poster child of South Florida offshore fishing, and Islamorada sits right in their migration highway. These fish are pure speed and acrobatics – when a sail hits your bait, get ready for a show. They'll tail-walk across the surface, make greyhounding jumps, and strip line like it's going out of style. Most sails here run 25 to 50 pounds, but it's not about the weight – it's about the fight. Peak season is typically December through March when the winter migration brings them through in big numbers. Many anglers practice catch and release with sailfish since they're not great table fare, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights are worth their weight in gold. The bite usually happens in 100 to 300 feet of water along current edges and color changes.
Blue Marlin fishing is what legends are made of, and the deep water off Islamorada holds some genuine giants. These fish are the apex predators of the offshore world, with adults commonly exceeding 200 pounds and true granders (1000+ pounds) always a possibility. Blue marlin are most active during the warmer months from May through October when the Gulf Stream is strongest and baitfish are abundant. What makes them so sought after is their size, power, and the fact that they're relatively rare – you might fish for years before getting a legitimate blue marlin bite. When it happens though, everything else becomes secondary. They'll make runs that strip hundreds of yards of line, jump completely out of the water despite their size, and fight for hours. Most serious offshore anglers consider a blue marlin the ultimate prize in sportfishing.
Six hours on the water with a full-service crew, top-shelf tackle, and access to some of the best offshore fishing on the planet – this is what you came to the Keys for. The boat books up fast, especially during peak season, and the best
Captain Michael's 34' SeaHunter is built for serious offshore action in the deep waters around Islamorada. This fishing machine comfortably handles 6 anglers and comes rigged with outriggers, quality rods, reels, and lures to chase down Mahi, Sailfish, and Wahoo. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting fish and birds working baitfish below. Modern fish finder and GPS keep you on the productive waters while radar ensures safe navigation in any conditions. Keep your catch fresh in the onboard icebox, stay comfortable with the head facilities, and enjoy tunes on the multimedia system between bites. Live bait is available when the fish demand the real deal. This boat gets you to where the big fish live and brings you back with a cooler full of fillets.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are Florida's signature gamefish and pure adrenaline on the line. These beauties average 7 feet and 50 pounds with that massive dorsal sail they flash when hunting. They cruise 30-65 feet deep in warm water, often hunting in packs to corral baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys when they move inshore. What makes them special is the aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and tail-walk like no other fish. Their blue-gray bodies change colors during the fight, which is amazing to see. They're catch-and-release fish, so it's all about the experience. Keep your boat moving slow when teasing them, and when one lights up behind the bait, be ready for an explosive strike.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the perfect action fish for our offshore trips. These smaller tunas run 20-40 pounds and pack serious fight into their compact, dark bodies with those distinctive yellow side stripes. They school up near the continental shelf edges in 68°F+ water, making them reliable targets. Peak season here is fall through spring when they move inshore. What guests love is their scrappy nature - they'll dive hard and make multiple runs on light tackle. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that deep red meat perfect for sashimi. They've got sharp eyesight, so we scale down to 30-pound fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Live pilchards for chum works magic to bring schools right to the boat.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing - true ocean giants that can exceed 1,000 pounds. Females grow much larger than males, sometimes reaching 16 feet and over 1,800 pounds. These apex predators roam deep blue water along current edges and drop-offs, following baitfish like tuna and mackerel. Here in the Gulf Stream, we see them year-round but summer brings the best action. The fight is legendary - powerful runs, jumps, and raw strength that'll push your tackle to the limit. They're built for battle with that spear-like bill and muscular body. We troll heavy tackle with big baits or lures. Key tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run initially - trying to muscle a big blue early will just break you off.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate nighttime challenge in our deep waters. These massive predators average 9 feet and 400 pounds, with that signature flat bill that sets them apart from marlins. They feed at 300 feet after dark, then drop deeper during daylight. We target them in 1,500+ foot depths using deep-drop techniques with heavy sinkers and bright lights to draw them up. The fight is legendary - pure power and endurance that'll test your limits. Their meat is top-shelf, firm and flavorful. Best months are April through September when they're spawning nearby. Pro tip: use squid for bait and be patient - once hooked, they'll make powerful runs that can last hours.
Islamorada, FL