4-Hour Offshore Prime Fishing - Islamorada, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore charter targets sailfish, mahi mahi, and wahooProfessional guides provide toptier gear and local reef knowledgeSixperson capacity ensures personalized attention and ample space
Ready to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish? This 4-hour offshore charter puts you right in the heart of the action, targeting the legendary fishing grounds off Islamorada. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone looking to graduate from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. We're talking about pulling in sailfish that'll test your drag system, king mackerel that'll scream line off your reel, and wahoo that hit like freight trains. With SaltWalter Sportfishing Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for the kind of day on the water that becomes the story you tell for years.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're rushed from spot to spot. Four hours gives us real time to work the water properly and put you on fish. We'll start by heading out to the reef structure where the action happens, usually anywhere from 3 to 8 miles offshore depending on where the fish are holding. The beauty of fishing Islamorada is that we don't have to run 20 miles to find blue water – the Gulf Stream influence keeps productive water close to shore. You'll be fishing in that gorgeous blue-green water where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish patrol. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, which means everyone gets plenty of room to work without feeling crowded. We keep the group size reasonable so you're not fighting for deck space when multiple fish hit simultaneously – and trust me, that happens more often than you'd think out here.
We fish multiple techniques during these 4-hour trips because different species respond to different presentations. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and targeting pelagics like sailfish, wahoo, and mahi. We'll have a spread of baits out – typically a mix of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures that imitate flying fish and squid. The trolling speed varies depending on what we're targeting, but generally we're pulling baits at 6-8 knots to trigger strikes from fast-moving predators. When we mark good bottom structure or find a productive piece of reef, we'll switch gears and drop down with bottom rigs for mutton snapper and yellowtail. The chumming game really comes into play here – we'll set up a slick and bring the fish right to the boat. Live bait fishing is another deadly technique we employ, especially when we find schools of pilchards or ballyhoo. Nothing beats a frisky live bait for getting the attention of big kingfish or cobia cruising the reef.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are pure athletes – typically running 6 to 8 feet long and weighing 30 to 60 pounds. Peak season runs from December through April when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. What makes sailfish so special isn't just their size, it's their fight. When one takes your trolled ballyhoo, you'll know it immediately. They'll come completely out of the water, walking on their tails and shaking their heads trying to throw the hook. The runs are blistering fast, and they'll jump multiple times during the fight. Most anglers are shaking with adrenaline by the time we get one boatside.
King Mackerel, or "kingfish" as we call them locally, are another top target that gets anglers fired up. These fish average 15 to 30 pounds in our waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 40 pounds or better. They're incredibly aggressive and will absolutely demolish a live bait or trolled dead bait. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and make screaming runs that'll test your drag settings. They're also excellent eating, which makes them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home for dinner. Spring and fall are prime times, but we catch kings year-round in Islamorada waters.
Atlantic Bonito might not be the biggest fish we target, but they're pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in the ocean. These 3 to 8 pound speedsters are built like torpedoes and fight like fish twice their size. They school up in good numbers during their peak months from October through February. Bonito are fantastic on light tackle – they'll bend a rod in half and make multiple runs before you get them to the boat. They respond well to small lures, feathers, and live bait. Many anglers underestimate bonito until they hook into one.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60+ mph when they strike a trolled bait. These fish typically run 15 to 40 pounds in our area, with their torpedo-shaped bodies designed for pure speed. They have a mouth full of sharp teeth and hit trolled baits with authority – often cutting right through wire leaders if you're not using heavy enough tackle. Wahoo are somewhat unpredictable but when conditions are right, particularly during winter months, they can provide some of the most exciting fishing Islamorada has to offer.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will give you a workout. These fish range from 5 to 20 pounds typically, with broad shoulders and incredible stamina. They're year-round residents that respond well to live bait, particularly when we're chumming for other species. Jacks will often show up in the slick and provide bonus action between target species. They're also great fish for less experienced anglers to cut their teeth on – they fight hard but aren't as unpredictable as some of the other species we target.
Meet the Custom-Buddy Harris, your ticket to serious offshore action in the Florida Keys! This restored 1969 classic packs a serious punch with her 670HP Cummins engine, built to handle anything the Atlantic throws at you while chasing trophy fish. She's got everything you need for a full day on the water - AC to beat the heat, full kitchen and refrigerator to keep the crew fed, plus a comfortable bed if someone needs a break from the action. The real magic happens with her fish-finding arsenal - GPS, radar, and sonar to track down those prime fishing spots where the big ones are hiding. Whether you're trolling for sailfish and mahi, dropping lines for mutton snapper on the reef, or battling wahoo in blue water, this boat puts you right where the action is hottest. The spacious flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility to spot birds working and baitfish schools. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple rods without getting tangled up. The large icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long runs back to port. This classic sportfisher has been putting anglers on fish in Islamorada waters for decades - she knows these reefs like the back of her hand.
Sarda SardaBonito are the perfect action fish when you want steady bites and fun fights. They average 8-12 pounds and school up in huge numbers, making for fast fishing when we find them. Look for their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks - that's how you spot a feeding school. They stay in the upper water column, rarely going deeper than 100 feet. Spring through fall are best, especially when water temps hit the 60s and 70s. These fish are pure adrenaline - they hit hard, fight strong, and there's usually plenty more where the first one came from. While they're not great table fare here, they make fantastic live bait for bigger fish. Best tip: when you see birds working over breaking fish, get there fast and throw anything small and shiny. They're not picky when they're feeding.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the fish that make offshore trips legendary. Sailfish typically run 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that massive dorsal fin they raise when hunting or fighting. We find them in 30-150 feet, usually cruising the surface waters where they can flash those blue and silver colors to communicate while herding baitfish. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys - that's when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes them special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and strip line like nothing else out here. They change colors during the battle too, which is something to see. Pro tip: when we get one on, don't try to horse it in. Let it run first, then work it steady. The key is keeping steady pressure without overdoing it, especially on that first run when they go airborne.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the flats - all muscle and attitude packed into a golden, hard-fighting package. They run anywhere from 5-20 pounds typically, with that distinctive brassy color and yellow tail. You'll find them around grass beds, wrecks, and shallow reefs, usually in 10-50 feet. They're here year-round, but spring and summer fishing is exceptional when they school up to feed. What makes them popular is the pure fight - pound for pound, nothing pulls harder or longer. They're not great table fare, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. Watch for birds diving on baitfish - that's where the jacks are pushing food to the surface. Once you find a school, cast fast-moving spoons or jigs and hold on. They love the chase, so keep that bait moving quick and aggressive.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons that'll test your arms and your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds around here, though we've seen plenty push 50-plus. They cruise anywhere from 40 to 150 feet, often following the thermocline where baitfish stack up. Fall and winter are your best bet when water temps drop into the 70s. What makes them popular is pure speed - they'll make blistering runs that can empty a reel if you're not ready. Plus they're excellent eating when prepared right. The trick with kings is always using wire leader because those razor teeth will slice through anything else in a heartbeat. When trolling, we rig with two hooks - one in the nose of the bait, one trailing behind, since kings love to hit the tail end first.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the reef - built for speed and hitting 40-60 mph when they want to. Most run 3-4 feet and 30-50 pounds, with that distinctive blue striped pattern and beak-like snout. We typically find them around structure in 30-200 feet, especially near wrecks and drop-offs where they ambush prey. July through November is peak season here, when they move through in good numbers. What guests love is the initial strike - it's like getting hit by lightning. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. The secret is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their teeth will cut anything else. When one hits, hang on tight because that first run is going to be a screamer.
Islamorda