5.0(2 Reviews)Islamorada Offshore Charter: Big Game Fishing
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish, marlin, and mahi in Florida Keys watersPrivate charter accommodates up to six guests comfortablyExpert captains provide top-tier gear and local knowledge
When you're ready to leave the shallow water behind and chase the real trophy fish, this offshore charter out of Islamorada puts you right where the action happens. We're talking about the deep blue waters where sailfish cruise the edges, marlin patrol the drop-offs, and mahi mahi school up around floating debris. Captain Paul and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have your drag screaming and your arms burning. This isn't your typical half-day reef trip – we're heading out to where the big boys live, and you better believe they're hungry.
Your day starts early at the dock in Islamorada, where you'll meet Captain Paul and his first mate before the sun comes up. We'll load up on fresh bait – usually pilchards, ballyhoo, and whatever else is running hot – then make the run out to the blue water. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might head to the Humps, work the edge in 100-200 feet of water, or push further offshore to the Stream. The boat's rigged with top-shelf tackle and outriggers, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of wrestling with gear. Expect to cover some serious water as we chase temperature breaks, current edges, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. With space for up to six anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out when multiple lines start going off.
We run a spread of four to six lines using a mix of live bait, dead bait, and artificials depending on what the fish are wanting. The captain will rig ballyhoo on circle hooks for sailfish and marlin, while mahi usually can't resist a well-presented pilchard or a flashy lure skipping across the surface. We'll adjust our trolling speed based on target species – slower for billfish, a bit faster when we're hunting mahi or kings. The boat's equipped with 30 and 50-class tackle, plus lighter spinning gear for when the mahi are going crazy on the surface. Don't worry if you've never fought a big fish before – the crew will coach you through every step, from setting the hook to working the fish to the boat. When something big eats, you'll know it immediately as line starts peeling off the reel faster than you thought possible.
"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 offshore fishing, and these acrobatic fighters show up year-round in our waters. Most fish run 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, but don't let that fool you – when a sail eats your bait and starts tail-walking across the surface, you'll understand why anglers travel from around the world to chase them. Winter months from December through March are prime time, when cooler water temperatures push baitfish closer to shore and the sails follow. They're aggressive feeders that love a slow-trolled ballyhoo, and once hooked, they'll jump, dive, and run until your arms feel like jelly. The Florida Keys are one of the most consistent sailfish destinations in the world, and there's nothing like watching one light up in full color as it dances on its tail.
Blue Marlin are the ultimate trophy fish – the fish that legends are made of. These apex predators can exceed 500 pounds and will test every piece of tackle on the boat when they decide to eat. Summer months bring the best marlin action as warmer water temperatures and abundant baitfish draw these giants closer to our fishing grounds. They're not as common as sailfish, but when you hook into a blue marlin, everything else becomes secondary. These fish fight with raw power, making long runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line before you even realize what happened. Most of our marlin come on rigged ballyhoo or large lures trolled along temperature breaks and current edges where they ambush schools of tuna and mahi.
Mahi Mahi bring the action and the dinner table value that keeps anglers coming back. These colorful fighters school up around floating debris, sargassum lines, and temperature breaks, often in groups that'll keep every rod on the boat bent. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, when water temperatures climb and schools of juvenile
Meet the Key West, your gateway to some of the best offshore fishing in the Florida Keys. This classic 40-foot sportfisher has been working these waters since 1981 and knows exactly what it takes to get you on the fish. With her reliable 430HP Cummins engine pushing you at a comfortable 18 knots, you'll reach those productive blue water fishing grounds where sailfish, marlin, and mahi roam. The boat's flybridge gives you that perfect elevated view to spot diving birds and color changes that signal feeding fish below. Down in the cockpit, there's plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to work their lines without getting tangled up. The GPS and fish finder will help locate structure and baitfish, while the radar keeps you safe when weather moves in. A wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the fish. Whether you're targeting snapper and grouper on the reefs or heading offshore for wahoo and marlin, this boat has the range and stability to get you there comfortably. The onboard facilities keep everyone happy during those long days chasing fish in the deep waters off Islamorada.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of Keys fishing. These magnificent fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin. They cruise warm waters between 30-65 feet, often following baitfish schools. Winter months are prime time here in Islamorada when they migrate through in good numbers. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and tail-walk like no other fish. Their speed and endurance make for epic battles that can last 20-30 minutes. While catch-and-release is the norm, it's the fight and photos that create lifetime memories. My tip: when teasing one up, let it get good and excited before presenting your bait, and keep steady pressure without overdoing it.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - true ocean giants that can exceed 400 pounds for males and over 1,000 for females. These apex predators roam deep blue water beyond the continental shelf, usually in 100+ feet. Summer months bring the best action when warm currents push baitfish offshore. What makes them legendary is their raw power and aerial acrobatics - watching a 300-pound fish launch itself completely out of the water is something you never forget. The fight can last hours, testing both angler and equipment. Most are released for conservation, but the experience is priceless. Key tip: when trolling for blues, use heavy tackle rated for 50-80 pound class, and don't rush the fight - let the fish tire itself with those spectacular jumps.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are serious game fish that'll test your tackle and skills. These torpedo-shaped predators average 20-30 pounds but can push 50-60 pounds out here. They patrol depths from 40-150 feet, often around structure and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Fall through spring are peak seasons when cooler water brings them closer to shore. Kings are famous for their blistering initial runs and razor-sharp teeth - they'll cut through light leaders in seconds. The meat is excellent smoked or grilled, though larger fish have higher mercury levels. Here's a key tip: always use a steel leader and rig two hooks when live-baiting because kings often grab the tail end of your bait first, then come back for the head.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are one of the most colorful and exciting fish in our waters. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on an amazing color show when hooked - flashing brilliant blues, greens, and golds. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall are peak times, especially when water temps hit the upper 70s. What anglers love is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump repeatedly and make long runs. Plus, they're absolutely delicious with firm, mild white meat. Here's my go-to technique: when you spot frigate birds working over floating sargassum or debris, get your lines out fast because mahi often school up underneath.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and weigh around 8-11 pounds. These silvery speedsters with yellowish spots love to school up near the surface, making them perfect targets for light tackle fishing. You'll find them around structures, reefs, and open water flats in 20-40 feet. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Spring through fall are prime time here in the Keys when water temps warm up. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook into a school, keep your bait in the water because where there's one, there's usually dozens more ready to bite.
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