Extended Half Day Offshore Fishing in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish, tuna, mahi mahi, and marlin offshoreExpert crew provides guidance for all skill levelsExtended halfday trips accommodate up to 6 guests
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys, Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing delivers the real deal. This extended half-day trip puts you right in the heart of some of the best blue water fishing on the planet. We're talking about targeting heavyweight species like sailfish, blackfin tuna, blue marlin, and wahoo in waters that have made Islamorada famous among anglers worldwide. With a maximum of 6 guests on board, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod before.
Your adventure starts early when you meet the crew at the dock, and trust me, the anticipation builds as soon as you see the boat loaded with top-shelf tackle and bait. We'll head out to the deep blue where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish roam. The extended half-day format gives us plenty of time to work multiple spots and adjust our strategy based on what the fish are doing that day. You might start with some high-speed trolling for wahoo and tuna, then switch to live bait presentations when we mark sailfish on the sounder. The crew handles all the heavy lifting when it comes to rigging baits and setting lines, but when that rod starts screaming, it's all yours. The crystal-clear waters off Islamorada provide the perfect backdrop for what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime, and with our skilled team guiding every move, even first-timers walk away feeling like seasoned offshore pros.
Offshore fishing in these waters is all about reading conditions and adapting your approach. We primarily use two main techniques depending on what species we're targeting and what the conditions look like. High-speed trolling with ballyhoo, small tunas, and artificial lures is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish. We'll run a spread of four to six lines at different depths and distances from the boat, looking for that telltale strike from a wahoo or the aerial acrobatics of a hooked sailfish. When we locate fish or favorable structure, we often switch to live bait fishing with goggle-eyes, pilchards, or small tunas. This technique requires more patience but often produces the biggest fish of the day. The crew uses quality Penn and Shimano reels paired with IGFA-class tackle, so you're fishing with gear that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. Circle hooks are standard for billfish conservation, and we practice proper catch-and-release techniques to keep these fisheries healthy for future generations.
Blackfin tuna are the workhorses of the offshore scene here, and for good reason. These fish typically range from 10 to 30 pounds and provide fantastic action on lighter tackle. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often feeding aggressively in the early morning and late afternoon hours. What makes them special is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system thoroughly. Peak season runs from fall through spring, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Islamorada sits right in the middle of their migration highway. These magnificent billfish average 6 to 7 feet long and 40 to 60 pounds, but their fighting ability far exceeds their weight class. When hooked, they'll jump repeatedly, trying to throw the hook with spectacular aerial displays that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Winter months from December through March offer the most consistent sailfish action, though we see them year-round. Most anglers choose to release these beautiful fish, and watching one swim away after a good fight is something you'll never forget.
Blue marlin represent the ultimate prize in offshore fishing, and the waters off Islamorada hold some real giants. These apex predators can exceed 400 pounds, though most fish we encounter range from 100 to 200 pounds. They're ambush hunters that cruise the edges of the Gulf Stream, looking for schools of baitfish or slow-trolled baits. Summer months typically provide the best marlin opportunities, and landing one requires teamwork between angler and crew. The initial run of a big blue marlin is something every serious angler should experience at least once - it's pure power that'll make your knees shake.
Greater amberjack are the bullies of the reef, averaging 30 to 60 pounds with some specimens pushing 80 pounds or more. They hang around wrecks and deep structure, using their muscle to try to cut you off on the nearest piece of coral or steel. These fish are notorious for their brute strength and their ability to sound immediately after being hooked. Spring and fall months offer the best amberjack action, and they're fantastic on the dinner table when prepared properly. Fighting an amberjack is like arm-wrestling with a freight train - they just don't quit.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth that can slice through fishing line like a hot knife through butter. They typically weigh between 20 and 50 pounds in our waters, though fish over 60 pounds are caught regularly. High-speed trolling with wire leaders is the preferred method, and when a wahoo hits, the strike is unmistakable - violent and fast. They're most active during cooler months from late fall through early spring, and their white, flaky meat is considered among the finest eating fish in the ocean.
If you're ready to experience world-class offshore fishing in one of the most productive areas in the Atlantic, this extended half-day trip with Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing is
This fully-equipped offshore fishing boat takes up to 6 anglers into Islamorada's deep waters where sailfish, tuna, and trophy gamefish cruise the blue. The vessel features a commanding flybridge for spotting action, plus GPS and fish finder tech to put you on the fish. Stay comfortable between battles with onboard A/C, a full kitchen for meal prep, and a proper head with shower. Cold drinks stay icy in the refrigerator while your catch chills in the icebox. VHF radio keeps you connected to the fleet and harbor. Whether you're targeting lightning-fast wahoo or wrestling with a bull mahi, this boat handles the offshore conditions while you focus on the fight. The crew knows these waters and where the big ones feed.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the ultimate trophy fish - averaging 7-8 feet and 50 pounds, but that massive dorsal sail makes them look even bigger. These blue-metallic speedsters cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet deep, hunting baitfish with lightning-fast strikes. Winter months bring the best action here in Islamorada when they migrate through in good numbers. What gets anglers hooked is watching them leap and tail-walk during the fight - pure spectacle on light tackle. They're built for speed, hitting 25+ mph, and their color-changing ability during the battle is something to see. My go-to tip: when you see one lit up and teasing your bait, don't set the hook too early. Let them take it and run first, then tighten up. Use bright pink and white flies or fresh ballyhoo for best results.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, usually running 20-40 pounds and up to 39 inches. These dark-bodied fish with bright yellow side bands are fierce fighters that'll test your stamina. They school up in warm offshore waters, especially during fall through spring here in the Keys. You'll find them feeding in depths from 30-200 feet, often mixed with skipjacks. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and non-stop runs - plus they're fantastic eating, with some of the best tuna meat you'll taste. Here's a local trick: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluorocarbon and use smaller 5/0 circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes and spook easily with heavy tackle. Live pilchards work magic for getting them fired up and close to the boat.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of our offshore waters - females can hit 500+ pounds while males stay smaller around 200. These cobalt-blue beasts roam deep blue water year-round in the Gulf Stream, usually 100-600 feet down. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit 78+ degrees. What draws anglers is the pure power and aerial show - nothing matches a marlin's acrobatics and bulldogging runs. It's the fish of a lifetime for most people. The meat's good eating too, though many release these magnificent fish. Since they cruise constantly, trolling large ballyhoo or artificial lures at 8-12 knots works best. Pro tip: use heavy drag early in the fight while they're green. Once they tire, back off the pressure - that's when most fish are lost. Wire leaders are essential with those razor bills.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied bruisers that average 30-50 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Look for them around structure in 80-200 feet: wrecks, reefs, and ledges where they ambush baitfish. Spring through early summer gives you the best shot before they move deeper. These fish are pure muscle with that distinctive amber stripe, and they'll test your tackle with long, powerful runs straight back to cover. The meat's excellent - firm white fillets that grill beautifully. They're not picky eaters either, hitting live baits, jigs, or plugs with equal enthusiasm. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down. They'll try to cut you off on structure every time. Heavy tackle and tight drags win the day with these fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - sleek, silver rockets that hit 50+ mph and average 20-40 pounds. These toothy predators patrol blue water from 50-300 feet, often around floating debris or drop-offs. Fall through winter brings peak action as they follow baitfish migrations. What makes them special is that blistering initial run and razor-sharp strikes - they'll smoke line off your reel faster than anything out there. Plus, they're premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works best with ballyhoo or small lures. Critical tip: use wire leaders - their serrated teeth will slice through mono or fluoro like butter. When you see birds working or debris lines, that's where you'll find them hunting.
Islamorada, FL