5.0(2 Reviews)Islamorada Offshore: Big Game Fish Await
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private charter targets sailfish, marlin, and mahi offshoreExpert captains navigate to prime deepsea fishing locationsToptier equipment provided for up to six guests
The Florida Keys offer some of the most productive offshore waters in the world, and Islamorada sits right in the sweet spot where Gulf Stream currents bring pelagic species within striking distance. Captain Paul and the Reef Runner team know these waters like the back of their hand, putting you on sailfish, marlin, and mahi that cruise the deep blue just miles from shore. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about heading out to the edge where the real monsters live, armed with top-shelf tackle and decades of local knowledge.
Your day starts early – typically around 6:45 AM when the bite is hot and the seas are calm. We'll motor out to productive bait spots first, loading up on live pilchards, ballyhoo, and whatever else the fish are keying on that day. The ride out to the offshore grounds gives you time to rig up and get your head in the game while Captain Paul breaks down the day's strategy. Once we hit the productive water, it's all about reading the signs – bird activity, current breaks, temperature changes, and structure that holds baitfish. The boat comes equipped with everything you need: Penn and Shimano reels, custom rods, outriggers, and a full spread of lures that have been putting fish in the boat for years. Your job is simple – stay alert, follow directions, and get ready to fight some serious fish.
Offshore fishing in Islamorada is primarily a trolling game, and we run a full spread designed to cover water and target multiple species simultaneously. We'll have ballyhoo rigged on the outriggers, diving plugs down deep, and surface baits working the prop wash – all moving at the perfect speed to trigger strikes from hungry pelagics. The Gulf Stream edge is our playground, where warm blue water meets cooler green water and creates the kind of feeding zones that attract everything from mahi schools to individual marlin. Captain Paul reads the water constantly, adjusting our course based on current breaks, weed lines, and temperature changes that show up on the electronics. When a fish hits, the real work begins – these aren't pond bass, and they'll test your drag system, your back muscles, and your determination to see the leader.
"Had an absolutely amazing day out on the Reef Runner with Captain Paul and his First Mate Avery. Long story short, my father booked a fishing trip for him, my brother and myself as a Christmas gift. Little 3 day trip, with 2 different charters. 1 Wednesday, one Thursday. I'm not going to name the first, but it wasn't a great experience. The 2nd, on the Reef Runner was the opposite, it was awesome. We did a 3/4 day 6hr trip. Started at 645. We promptly took off for our bait, which we got plenty of. Soon after Captain Paul put us right on the fish. We ended up with 4 or 5 Kingfish (3 good keepers) 2 awesome Mahi Mahi also keepers, and a Bonita. Had a couple Sailfish that we didn't end up landing as well. Can't say more about Paul and Avery. Amazing day." - Torrie
"We had a wonderful time during our 1/2 day fishing with Capt. Paul. His experience got us on the fish and his first mate Ed, had us landing fish in no time. Ed told us it was almost impossible to catch Mahi on a half day trip. Maybe so but not this day. We landed a couple Mahi-Mahi, a King Fish and a Almaco Jack. Excellent time. Comfortable atmosphere, beautiful day and plenty of laughs. Thanks Capt. Paul and Ed for entertaining us. Regards, Jack" - Jack
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Keys fishing, and Islamorada's position along their migration route makes it one of the most consistent sailfish destinations in Florida. These acrobatic fighters typically run 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial show that'll have you scrambling for the camera between jumps. Winter months from December through March offer the best action when cooler water temperatures push baitfish offshore and sailfish follow in serious numbers. The fight is pure adrenaline – long screaming runs followed by gill-rattling jumps that can launch them completely clear of the water. Most anglers practice catch and release with sails, making for great photos and conservation-minded fishing.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize, with fish ranging from smaller "granders" around 200 pounds to true giants exceeding 500 pounds. These apex predators patrol the Gulf Stream edge year-round but show up in better numbers during the warmer months from April through October. Marlin fishing requires patience and preparation – when one finally commits to your spread, you're looking at a battle that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the fish's size and attitude. The initial run often peels off hundreds of yards of line, and the subsequent fight combines raw power with surprising intelligence as the fish tries every trick to throw the hook.
Mahi Mahi provide consistent action and excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for both seasoned anglers and families looking for steady fishing. These colorful fish travel in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges where they feed aggressively on flying fish and small baitfish. Spring and summer months offer the best mahi fishing, though scattered fish can be found year-round in Islamorada's offshore waters. The key with mahi is keeping one hooked near the boat – the rest of the school will often stick around, leading to multiple hookups and box-filling action. They fight hard for their size, with impressive jumps and strong runs that make them fun on lighter tackle.
King
Meet the Key West, your ride to some of the Florida Keys' hottest fishing grounds. This 40-foot sport fisher has been working these waters since 1981, and her 430HP Cummins will get you out to the blue water at a steady 18 knots. She's built for serious offshore action, whether you're chasing sailfish in the current or working the drop-offs for mahi and marlin. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting birds and bait, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools below. GPS and radar keep you on course, and the wireless trolling motor lets you work productive areas without spooking fish. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out when the bite gets hot. The VHF radio keeps you connected, and yes, there's a head onboard for those long days on the water. From shallow reefs to deep water canyons, this boat will put you where the fish are biting.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the prize of our winter season here in the Keys. These magnificent billfish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin and electric-blue coloring. We find them in 30-150 feet of water, often following baitfish schools along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months from December through April are prime time when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. Guests love them for the aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a real spectacle when hooked. The fight is pure adrenaline with their speed and acrobatics. Here's a local trick: when you see one come up on the teasers, don't rush it. Let the fish get excited and commit to the bait before setting the hook. These fish can change colors when hunting, flashing those electric blues and blacks.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate offshore prize - the fish that bucket lists are made of. These massive billfish can reach 400-1000+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. We target them in deep blue water, usually 400+ feet, where they roam following baitfish and temperature breaks. Summer months offer our best shot at these apex predators when water temps peak and bait concentrations draw them closer. The fight is legendary - pure power combined with spectacular jumps and long, punishing runs that can last hours. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish. They're built for the deep ocean, cruising the Gulf Stream and beyond. Here's what I've learned over the years: patience is everything with blues. Set up a proper spread, keep your baits swimming naturally, and be ready for the bite of a lifetime. When one shows up, everything changes on the boat.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the bigger, meaner cousins of Spanish mackerel, and they'll test your tackle. These olive-green speedsters typically run 20-40 pounds but can push past 50. We find them in 40-150 feet over structure and along drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall are prime months when water temps hit that sweet spot between 70-80 degrees. What makes kings special is their raw power and blistering runs - they'll smoke drag like few other fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The bite is often explosive, and they're notorious for cutting lines with those razor-sharp teeth. Local tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - one in the bait's nose and a stinger hook in the back. Kings love to bite the tail end of live bait, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy - bright gold and green fish that put on a color show when brought to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds and grow fast, living only about 4 years. We find them under floating debris, weed lines, and around structure in 100-600 feet of water. Spring through fall are peak seasons when they're most active in our area. What makes mahi special is their aggressive bite, strong fight, and they're absolutely delicious - firm, white meat with a mild, sweet taste that's perfect grilled or blackened. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Here's a key tip: once you hook a mahi, leave the hooked fish in the water while others cast to the school. The hooked fish acts like a teaser and keeps the school around the boat. We call it the "mahi train" - sometimes you can catch a dozen from one school.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. These silvery speedsters with distinctive yellow spots love to school up near the surface, making them perfect targets when trolling or casting spoons and jigs. You'll find them around structures in 20-60 feet of water, especially during warmer months when they move closer to shore. They hit hard and fight like crazy for their size, plus they're fantastic eating - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The bite really picks up in spring and fall when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines out because where there's one Spanish mackerel, there's usually a whole school. They travel in groups that can stretch for miles, so you might be into fish for the next hour.
5.0 out of 5.0Had an absolutely amazing day out on the Reef Runner with Captain Paul and his First Mate Avery. Long story short, my father booke...
We had a wonderful time during our 1/2 day fishing with Capt. Paul. His experience got us on the fish and his first mate Ed, had u...
Islamorada