Full Day Offshore Fishing in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing adventure targeting Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo.Beginnerfriendly trip with experienced crew providing handson guidance.Eighthour charter accommodates up to six guests with equipment included.
Captain Richard knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Islamorada is called the sport fishing capital of the world. This 8-hour offshore adventure is perfect for anyone who's been curious about deep sea fishing but wasn't sure where to start. You'll head out into the Gulf Stream where the big fish live, armed with professional gear and a patient crew who genuinely want to see you succeed. Whether you've never held a fishing rod or just haven't tackled offshore species before, this trip removes all the guesswork and lets you focus on the pure excitement of hooking into something special.
Your day starts early at the Islamorada marina, where you'll meet Captain Richard and get familiar with the boat. The ride out to the fishing grounds takes about 30-45 minutes, giving you time to settle in and watch the shallow turquoise waters gradually deepen into that brilliant cobalt blue that signals serious fishing territory. The boat is set up with everything you need – quality rods, reels spooled with fresh line, a variety of lures, and all the tackle. Captain Richard keeps things relaxed but focused, explaining the game plan as you cruise out and pointing out landmarks that help him navigate to the hottest spots. The atmosphere is friendly and encouraging, designed to build your confidence rather than overwhelm you with technical details you don't need yet.
Offshore fishing here is primarily trolling, which means you'll be moving at a steady pace while dragging lures behind the boat at different depths and distances. This technique is perfect for beginners because it doesn't require casting skills – the boat does most of the work positioning your bait where the fish are hunting. Captain Richard runs a spread of four to six lines, using a mix of ballyhoo, artificial lures, and occasionally live bait depending on conditions. When a fish hits, you'll know it immediately – the rod bends hard and the reel starts singing. The crew will coach you through the fight, teaching you how to pump and wind, when to ease up on the drag, and how to work the fish toward the boat. The tackle is sized appropriately for the target species, meaning you won't be overpowered by heavy gear, but you'll have enough backbone to handle anything that might grab your bait.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of these waters, typically running 15-25 pounds and known for their blistering initial runs. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, often feeding aggressively in the early morning and late afternoon. What makes blackfins so popular with beginners is their predictable behavior – they fight hard but fair, giving you a real workout without the crazy acrobatics that can snap your line. Peak season runs from fall through spring, and they're excellent table fare if you want to take some fish home.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Islamorada fishing, and hooking one is a rite of passage for any offshore angler. These fish are pure athletes, jumping repeatedly when hooked and putting on a show that'll have you grinning for days. Most sailfish here run 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, and they're caught year-round with peak action from December through April. The majority are released after a quick photo, making this a sustainable fishery that your kids will be able to enjoy too. Captain Richard has a great eye for sail conditions – when the wind lays down and the current is right, these fish light up the spread.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize, and while they're not as common as the other species, Islamorada's position along the continental shelf makes encounters possible on any trip. These fish start at about 100 pounds and can exceed 400, turning a routine fishing day into a legendary battle. Summer months offer the best marlin opportunities when the water temperature climbs into the low 80s. Even experienced anglers get shaky when a blue marlin crashes the spread – it's a bucket list fish that changes how you think about offshore fishing.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef, typically found in 80-200 feet of water around wrecks and rocky bottom. These fish pull straight down when hooked, testing your back muscles and your drag system. Most amberjacks here run 25-50 pounds, though bigger fish over 60 pounds show up regularly. They're available year-round but bite best during the cooler months when they move up from deeper water to feed. Amberjacks are aggressive feeders that often hit live bait hard, giving beginners a great chance to experience a serious fight without the complications of a jumping fish.
Wahoo Fish are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of stripping line off your reel faster than almost any other species. They typically weigh 20-40 pounds in these waters and are distinguished by their razor-sharp teeth and torpedo-shaped bodies. Wahoo are somewhat unpredictable, often showing up when you least expect them and disappearing just as quickly. They're most active during the winter months and are prized for their white, flaky meat that's considered some of the best eating in the ocean. When a wahoo hits your lure at full speed, there's no mistaking it – the rod nearly gets ripped from your hands.
This trip delivers exactly what it promises – a genuine offshore fishing experience without the pressure or complexity that can intimidate newcomers. Captain Richard's patient teaching style and these world-class fishing grounds create the perfect environment to discover whether offshore angling might become your new passion. With only six spots available, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to get on the rod. The 8-hour format gives you enough time to try different techniques, target various species, an
Step aboard our well-equipped sportfishing boat for your Islamorada offshore adventure. This spacious motorboat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with a flybridge that gives Captain Richard excellent visibility for spotting fish and navigating to the best fishing grounds. The air conditioning keeps everyone cool between hookups, while the full kitchen and refrigerator mean you can store your catch fresh and prepare meals if you get hungry out there. When nature calls, there's a private head with shower onboard. The fish finder and GPS help locate schools of Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo in the deep blue waters off the Keys. With an ice box for your beverages and VHF radio for safety communication, this boat has everything needed for a successful day targeting pelagic species. The stable platform makes it perfect for beginners learning to fight fish in offshore conditions.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of our waters, averaging 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds. These speed demons cruise the surface down to about 60 feet, hunting in our blue water just offshore. Winter is prime time here in the Keys - December through March brings the best action. What hooks anglers is their aerial show - they'll leap and tail-walk like nothing else out there, putting on a display you'll never forget. They're built for speed with that massive dorsal sail and sword-like bill. The fight is all about endurance and acrobatics rather than just raw power. My tip for landing one: when they take the bait, let them run initially before setting the hook firm. Use bright colors like pink and white flies or ballyhoo on the troll. Keep your drag smooth because they'll test every inch of line you've got.
Thunnus AtlanticusThese smaller tunas usually run 20-40 pounds and are absolute bulldogs on the line. You'll find them in our warm offshore waters year-round, but they're most active during fall, winter, and spring months here in the Keys. They love hunting around 30-100 feet deep, often mixed in with skipjacks. What makes them special is their fierce fight - they'll dive hard and make powerful runs that'll test your arms. Plus, the meat is top-notch for sashimi or grilling. Here's a local trick: scale down your tackle and use lighter fluorocarbon leaders since these fish have sharp eyes. Live pilchards for chum work great, and try vertical jigging or chunking when you mark them on the finder. Their beautiful golden stripe fades fast once landed, so get your photos quick.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - females can reach 1000+ pounds while males stay around 300. These powerful apex predators patrol our deep blue water, preferring temps above 75°F. We see them best during summer months when the Gulf Stream is strongest. What draws anglers is the combination of size, strength, and their famous jumping ability when hooked. The fight can last hours with these giants. They hunt tuna, mackerel, and other large pelagic species in the water column. Here's what works: use industrial-grade tackle because they will break lighter gear. Troll large baits or lures at decent speed - they like prey that fights back. The key is staying patient during the fight and not rushing them to the boat. Fresh ballyhoo or large artificials work well when trolling the deep water edges.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are bruising fighters that average 30-50 pounds, though they can push 80+. Look for them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents but fish best during spring and fall when they're most active. These silvery bulldogs with their distinctive amber stripe will test your back and shoulders - they dive straight down and fight all the way to the boat. The meat is excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, hitting both live bait and jigs readily. My advice: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure because they'll head straight for the structure to break you off. Live sardines or goggle-eyes work great, but don't overlook vertical jigging with large bucktails or metals when you mark schools.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are rockets of the sea, hitting 50+ mph and averaging 20-40 pounds. These torpedo-shaped fish patrol our offshore waters from summer through fall, cruising the blue water and around floating debris. What makes them special is their blistering initial run - when one hits your trolled bait, it's like hooking a missile. The meat is absolutely premium, white and flaky like mahi but firmer. They've got razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono instantly. You'll find them scattered in open water, often near temperature breaks. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is the go-to method here. My tip: use a short section of wire leader because their teeth are like knives. Ballyhoo with small heads or high-speed lures work well. Don't horse them too hard on the initial run or they'll throw the hook.
Islamorada, FL