5.0(4 Reviews)Islamorada Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private charter targets marlin, sailfish, and mahi offshoreExpert captains navigate to productive reefs and open watersFully equipped boats accommodate up to six anglers
Picture this: you're heading out from Islamorada on a crisp morning, the Gulf Stream calling your name while some of the ocean's most prized gamefish are waiting just beyond the reef line. Our private offshore charters put you right in the heart of world-class deep sea fishing action in the Florida Keys. Captain Paul, Captain Steve, and our team of seasoned guides know exactly where to find the fish, whether that means working the color changes for mahi, pulling ballyhoo for marlin, or hitting structure for king mackerel. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room on deck and personal attention from crew who've been fishing these waters for decades.
Your day kicks off early with bait prep – we'll stop at productive spots to load up on live pilchards, ballyhoo, and whatever else is running thick that morning. Our mates handle the sabiki rigs and throw nets while you grab your coffee and watch the Keys wake up around you. Once we're stocked up, it's a steady run to the offshore grounds where the real action happens. We're talking 80 to 200-foot depths where the continental shelf drops off and the big pelagics cruise. The boat's rigged with top-shelf Penn and Shimano reels, outriggers for trolling spreads, and all the terminal tackle you need. Our captains read the water like a book – watching for weed lines, bird activity, and temperature breaks that hold fish. You're not just along for the ride; our crew will teach you how to spot these signs so you become a better angler every trip.
Offshore fishing here is all about versatility. We'll start the day trolling a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs behind the outriggers and flat lines. When we mark fish on the bottom machine or see birds working, we'll switch gears fast – live baits go out on circle hooks while we set up for sight casting or chunk baiting. The tackle varies by target: 30-pound class gear for mahi and smaller billfish, 50-pound setups for big kings and wahoo, and 80-pound gear when we're serious about marlin. Our Penn International reels are spooled with fresh line and matched to custom rods that can handle anything from a screaming wahoo to a stubborn grouper. The crew handles all the rigging, but they're happy to show you the tricks – like how to rig a perfect ballyhoo or set the drag for different species. Live bait fishing is huge out here, so we keep our catches healthy in aerated wells and deploy them on circle hooks when the bite gets tough.
"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 the bread and butter of Keys offshore fishing, and for good reason. These smokers average 15 to 30 pounds around Islamorada, with fish over 40 pounds showing up regularly during peak season from October through March. Kings are ambush predators that love to hang around structure – both natural reefs and artificial wrecks. They'll crush a slow-trolled live sardine or a dead ballyhoo pulled at 6 knots. The fight is pure acceleration and drag-screaming runs, often ending with spectacular jumps that'll get your heart pumping. What makes kings special is their consistency – even on tough days, our captains can usually put you on a few of these silver rockets.
Blue marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize, and the waters around Islamorada hold some genuine giants. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds, with fish over 200 pounds considered trophies by any standard. Peak marlin season runs from April through August when the Gulf Stream pushes close to shore and baitfish are thick. Blues are typically caught trolling large baits – rigged ballyhoo, horse mackerel, or artificial lures pulled at 8 to 12 knots. The bite often comes as a massive explosion behind the boat, followed by drag-melting runs and acrobatic jumps that can reach 10 feet out of the water. Landing a blue marlin is a team effort requiring proper technique and stamina, but it's an experience that'll change how you think about fishing forever.
Mahi mahi, or dolphin fish, are the most reliable excitement you'll find offshore. These colorful fighters average 5 to 20 pounds, with bull dolphin reaching 30-plus pounds during summer months. Mahi are schooling fish that love floating debris, weed lines
Meet the Key West, your ticket to serious offshore fishing in the Florida Keys. This 40-foot sport fishing boat has been working these waters since 1981, powered by a reliable 430HP Cummins engine that'll get you and 5 other anglers out to the blue water at a steady 18 knots. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect view for spotting fish and navigating to the hottest fishing grounds where marlin, sailfish, and mahi are biting. Down below, you'll find essential gear including a fish finder to locate schools, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus VHF radio to stay connected. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on finicky fish. Whether you're targeting reef species closer to shore or heading offshore for billfish, this boat's got the range and equipment to put you on the fish. With onboard facilities including a head, you can focus on what matters most - getting lines in the water and landing your next trophy catch.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the ultimate offshore trophy - females can push 400-800 pounds while males stay smaller around 150-200 pounds. These deep blue giants cruise the Gulf Stream in 100-1000+ feet of water, following temperature breaks and current edges. Peak season runs April through August when water temps hit the upper 70s. What draws anglers is the raw power and aerial displays - nothing matches a marlin greyhounding across the surface. We don't keep these magnificent fish; it's all about the fight and photos. They're usually solo hunters, unlike other billfish that school up. My best advice: when trolling, keep baits swimming naturally at different depths. Blue marlin are picky eaters and will inspect your spread before committing. Heavy tackle is essential - 50-80 pound class minimum.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the perfect blend of aggression and speed, averaging 3-4 feet long with some reaching 5+ feet. These toothy predators patrol shallow reefs, grass flats, and drop-offs from 10-100 feet year-round, though spring and fall offer the best action. What makes cuda fishing exciting is their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics - they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight. They're curious fish that often follow lures before striking. While the meat can be good, most folks target them for sport. You'll find them around coral heads, wrecks, and anywhere baitfish congregate. Here's a guide secret: use shiny spoons or tube lures and fish them erratically. Barracuda can't resist something that looks wounded. Keep a wire leader - those teeth will slice mono instantly. Watch your hands at boatside; they stay aggressive even when landed.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kingfish" as locals call them, are some of the fastest fish in these waters. These silver rockets typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds during peak season. You'll find them cruising the edge from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're chasing baitfish along the reef line. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line like nothing else and jump when hooked. The meat's decent eating when bled properly, though watch the mercury levels. Here's a local trick: use a wire leader with two hooks on live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to hit from the rear, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure fun - beautiful golden fish that average 15-30 pounds and fight like crazy. These colorful speedsters love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1000 feet of water. Best fishing runs April through September when they move through in schools. What guests love is the nonstop action once you find them - hook one and the school usually stays around. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat. Mahi change colors dramatically when hooked, flashing brilliant greens, blues, and golds. Look for frigate birds working debris piles - that's where the mahi hide. Here's the trick: once you hook the first one, leave it in the water while others cast. The hooked fish acts like a decoy and keeps the school interested. Always keep some smaller jigs ready for the smaller "chicken" mahi.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting lures at 50+ mph and making screaming runs that'll test your drag. These silver bullets average 20-40 pounds and can reach 60+ pounds during winter months. You'll find them in 80-400 feet around drop-offs, weed lines, and temperature breaks. November through March is prime time when they move through in good numbers. What makes wahoo special is that incredible initial run - nothing else accelerates like they do. The meat is outstanding too - firm, white, and perfect for the grill. They're usually solitary, so it's quality over quantity fishing. Pro tip: troll fast, 12-15 knots minimum, with wire leaders since their razor teeth cut everything else. Dark-colored lures work best, and don't slow down when you get a strike - keep that boat moving until the fish is hooked solid.
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
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