Islamorada Offshore Fishing for Big Game
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.
What to Expect on the Water
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.
Trolling Tactics & Offshore Gear
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.
Customer Stories
"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.
Species You'll Want to Hook
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