5.0(4 Reviews)Target Marlin and Sailfish on Islamorada's Best Waters
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private offshore charter targets marlin, sailfish, and mahi mahiExpert captains navigate to productive reefs and open ocean spotsFully equipped boats accommodate up to six guests comfortably
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Islamorada is where you want to drop lines. We're talking about some of the most consistent blue water action in the Florida Keys, where the Gulf Stream runs close to shore and the fish are hungry year-round. Our private charter puts you right in the middle of it all, with room for up to 6 anglers and captains who know exactly where to find the big ones. Whether you're after your first marlin or looking to load the cooler with mahi, we've got the gear, the knowledge, and the spots to make it happen.
Your day starts early, because that's when the fish are most active. We'll head out to depths ranging from 150 to over 1,000 feet, depending on what's biting and where the current is running. The ride out takes about 30-45 minutes, giving you time to rig up and get your game face on. Our boats come fully loaded with everything you need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and bait. We'll start by catching fresh bait if needed, which is always a good warm-up and gets everyone loose before the main event. The water out here is that deep blue you dream about, and on a clear day, you can see forever. Once we reach our first spot, it's game on.
We primarily troll for the pelagics out here, running a spread of baits and lures at different depths and distances. You'll see us deploy outriggers with ballyhoo, strip baits, and high-speed lures that drive wahoo and mahi absolutely crazy. For the bigger billfish, we'll pull larger baits and sometimes switch to live bait if the conditions are right. The captains read the water constantly - watching for color changes, temperature breaks, birds, and floating debris that holds fish. When something hits, you'll know it immediately. The drag starts screaming, and it's your time to shine. We use 30-50 pound class tackle for most species, though we'll bump up to heavier gear if we're specifically targeting large marlin. Circle hooks are standard to ensure good hookups and fish survival for catch and release.
"We had a shared charter with Capt. Paul. We tried going for mahi, but unsuccessful...no fault of Capt. Paul...he and the first mate tried everything, but they were not biting...that why it's called fishing. We stopped on the way in and caught 4 King Mackerel (3 that were between 15-20 pound range) and some sharks. We stopped on the way out to catch bait fish, only a thirty minute stop, enjoyed catching on sabikl rig and watching the mate use the throw net. All in all great experience, Capt is very knowledgeable and friendly. Would use him again in a heartbeat. Thanks Capt Paul and Cody for making our Florida Keys fishing trip a wonderful experience." - Hannah. "Caught 11 mahi and 1 barracuda. And to top it off. WE GOT A 350 PLUS POUND BLUE MARLIN. Couldn't have asked for a better time. They know how to put you on the fish. Thanks to captain Steve and Mate Evan." - Garrett. "after being diagnosed with a terminal illness the top of my list was to return to the keys and take a deep sea fishing trip , Cpt Paul was the charter I chose and I was truly not disappointed" - Steven.
King Mackerel are one of the most reliable fighters you'll find in these waters. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds and are absolute rockets when they hit. They love to make long runs and jump, putting on a real show. Spring through fall is prime time, though we catch them year-round. Kings are excellent table fare too, so don't hesitate to keep a few for dinner. They often hunt in schools, so where you find one, there are usually more.
Blue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing, and Islamorada offers some of the best marlin fishing on the East Coast. These magnificent fish can exceed 400 pounds and will test every ounce of skill and endurance you have. Summer months see the most consistent marlin action, particularly from May through September. Most anglers choose to release these incredible fish, but the fight and the photos will last a lifetime. When a marlin takes your bait, get ready for jumps, runs, and a battle you'll never forget.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish, are probably the most fun pound-for-pound fish swimming. They're gorgeous golden-green fighters that love to jump and put on acrobatics. School-size mahi run 5-15 pounds, while bulls can hit 30-50 pounds or more. They're curious fish that often travel in groups, so once you hook one, keep other lines ready. Mahi are phenomenal eating, and their colorful display when first brought to the boat is something special. Peak season runs spring through fall, with the best action often around floating debris or sargassum patches.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These sleek predators have razor-sharp teeth and hit lures with violent strikes that will wake up anyone dozing on deck. They typically run 20-60 pounds in our waters and are prized for their white, delicate meat. Wahoo prefer deeper waters and structure, making them perfect targets for our offshore runs. Winter months often produce the largest wahoo, though we catch them throughout the year.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, and the ones we encounter offshore are typically the largest specimens. These toothy predators can exceed 40 pounds and 5 feet in
Meet the Key West, your reliable fishing companion for chasing big game in the deep waters off Islamorada. This 40-foot sport fisher has been working these waters since 1981 and knows how to handle the Gulf Stream currents where marlin and sailfish roam. Her 430HP Cummins diesel will get you out to the fishing grounds at a steady 18 knots, while the flybridge gives you the perfect vantage point for spotting those telltale signs of feeding fish. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on a school of mahi, and the fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish. With radar and GPS onboard, you'll fish confidently even when afternoon storms roll in. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew for a day of serious offshore action targeting the Florida Keys' legendary gamefish.
Makaira NigricansThe ultimate billfish - females can reach 1,000+ pounds while males rarely exceed 300. These deep blue giants patrol the Gulf Stream and offshore waters, usually 20+ miles out where the water turns that cobalt blue. Summer months bring the best chances, especially when water temps hit 75-80°F. What makes them special is the fight - they'll jump, dive deep, and test every piece of your tackle. It's not about the meat with these fish; it's about the battle and bragging rights. Most anglers practice catch and release on these magnificent creatures. My advice: make sure your drag system is perfect and be ready for a long fight. When one hits, tighten down gradually - if you horse them early, they'll either throw the hook or snap your line.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the ocean's silver bullets - streamlined predators that can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long, but we see 5-6 footers that'll give you a real workout. They patrol shallow flats, reef edges, and mangroves year-round, but spring through fall gives the best action. What makes them exciting is their aggressive nature and powerful runs, though they tire quickly. They're curious fish that'll follow lures and often strike right at the boat. While some folks eat them, most anglers enjoy the sport and release them. The key is using a wire leader - those razor teeth will cut anything else. When fighting one, watch out for that last-ditch jump near the boat. Use a landing net and gloves because they can do serious damage with those teeth.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese silver torpedoes are some of the fastest fish we target, typically running 15-30 pounds with the occasional 50+ pounder. They cruise open waters from 40-150 feet deep, often following bait schools near temperature breaks and current edges. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on the surface. Kings are pure adrenaline - they'll scream drag and make blazing runs that'll test your arms. The meat's excellent grilled or blackened, though watch the mercury if you're pregnant. Here's the key: use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of their prey, so that second hook will save you from a lot of cutoffs.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold, green, and blue that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-30 pounds and love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 200+ feet of water. Best fishing runs April through October when they're thick offshore. What anglers love most is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump repeatedly and change colors as they battle. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect grilled or fried. Look for birds diving on bait - that's where you'll find mahi feeding. Once you hook one, leave your lines in because they school up. The trick is to keep that first fish in the water while you cast to the others circling around.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - they can hit 60 mph and will test your reflexes when they strike. These sleek predators average 20-50 pounds with zebra-like stripes on silver sides. We find them in 100-600 feet of water, often around drop-offs and current edges. Fall and winter months are prime time here in the Keys. The reason guests love targeting wahoo is the explosive strike and searing runs - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with delicate, flaky white meat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with diving plugs or skirted baits. Critical tip: use a wire leader - their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When one hits, hold on tight because that first run is going to be wild.
5.0 out of 5.0We had a shared charter with Capt. Paul. We tried going for mahi, but unsuccessful...no fault of Capt. Paul...he and the first mat...
Caught 11 mahi and 1 barracuda. And to top it off. WE GOT A 350 PLUS POUND BLUE MARLIN. Couldn’t have asked for a better time. The...
after being diagnosed with a terminal illness the top of my list was to return to the keys and take a deep sea fishing trip , Cpt ...
caught some great fish that we will have prepared locally for dinner tonight
Islamorada