5.0(8 Reviews)Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Islamorada
5.0(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Half-day offshore fishing targeting sailfish, tuna, and marlinExpert crew guidance for both beginners and experienced anglersSix-person capacity trips departing from Islamorada waters
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys, Captain Rick and the Sea Horse crew know exactly where the fish are biting. This half-day charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive waters off Islamorada, where sailfish, tuna, and mahi mahi make their home year-round. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped vessel with experienced guides who've been working these waters for years, and they're not shy about sharing their local knowledge to put you on the fish. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of deep sea fishing or you're a seasoned angler chasing your next trophy, this trip delivers the goods without eating up your entire vacation day.
Your half-day adventure starts early when you meet Captain Rick and his crew at the dock in Islamorada. After a quick safety briefing and introductions, you'll head out to the deep blue where the real action happens. The crew sets you up with quality tackle and fresh bait, then puts you on productive fishing spots they've been hitting for years. You're looking at about four to five hours of actual fishing time, which gives you plenty of opportunities to hook into multiple species without the commitment of a full-day trip. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so there's room for the whole family or your fishing buddies. Captain Rick keeps things fun and educational, especially if you've got kids on board - he's got a real knack for getting young anglers hooked on the sport. When you do hook up, the crew is right there to help with the fight, offer coaching, and make sure you land your fish safely.
The Sea Horse crew runs a proven trolling spread that's designed to attract the pelagic species cruising these offshore waters. They'll have multiple lines out at different depths and distances, using a mix of ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures that have been tested in these exact conditions. The captain adjusts trolling speed based on target species and current conditions - sometimes you're pulling baits fast for wahoo and tuna, other times slowing it down when the mahi are being finicky. All the tackle is provided, from heavy spinning gear for the bigger fish to lighter setups when the bite calls for finesse. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but they're happy to show you the techniques if you're interested in learning. GPS and fish finder technology help locate structure and baitfish, but it's the captain's local knowledge that really makes the difference in putting you over productive water consistently.
"Unbelievable trip. Limited out on mahi. Captain Rick is a great guy and amazing with kids. My 14 year old met him when he was 3 and has shared the same passion ever since." - BRIAN
"This is our second year in a row with Captain Rick, and I am so excited to go next year! He is awesome, a lot to fun to talk to, and we had a great time. The first mates are fantastic and we caught a lot of fish thanks to them. My 13 year old daughter came with me, and she said I would drive 24 hours just to do this for 1 day, and that proves to me how much fun it is being on captain Rick's boat/ The Sea Horse." - Coates
"Captain Rick and his mate David were great and took good care of us. We did a half day and they knew how to find the fish. We caught a few good Mahi and they cleaned them up and filleted them so we can have a local restaurant cook it for us. Great conversation with Captain Rick as he was friendly and welcoming. My 15year old son had a blast as this was his birthday present and my 10 year old son also had a good time. Highly recommend Sea Horse Private Charters!" - Terry
Blackfin Tuna are pound-for-pound fighters that show up consistently in these waters, especially around structure and temperature breaks. These fish typically run 10 to 25 pounds and are absolute rockets when they hit your bait. They're most active during the cooler months from November through April, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes blackfins so popular with anglers is their aggressive nature - they'll slam a trolled bait or lure without hesitation, and once hooked, they make blistering runs that test your drag system.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and Islamorada sits right in their migration path. These gorgeous fish can reach 8 feet in length and are famous for their spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs. Peak sailfish season runs from December through March, when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. Landing a sailfish is a bucket-list experience for most anglers - they're incredibly acrobatic fighters that will test your skills and provide memories that last a lifetime.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore trophy, with fish in these waters ranging from 200 to over 500 pounds. While they're less common than other species, the possibility of hooking into one of these giants adds serious excitement to every trip. Summer months offer the best marlin opportunities, when warm Gulf Stream water pushes closer to the reef. These fish are pure power - when a marlin takes your bait, you'll know it immediately from the screaming drag and incredible strength.
Mahi Mahi are probably the most reliable target species and definitely a crew favorite for their stunning colors and excellent table fare. These fish travel in schools and are incredibly aggressive feeders, often providing steady action once you locate them. They're most abundant from late spring through early fall, though you can find them year-round in the Keys. Mahi typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with occasional bulls pushing 40
This well-equipped sportfisher is built for serious offshore action in Islamorada's productive waters. With a spacious flybridge offering commanding views of the fishing grounds, you'll spot birds working bait schools and diving dolphins that signal feeding fish below. The onboard fish finder helps locate structure and schools of tuna, while GPS navigation puts you right on productive reefs and wrecks where snappers and groupers hide. Stay comfortable during the heat of battle with air conditioning, and keep your catch fresh in the ice box and refrigerator. The full galley lets you fuel up between fishing spots, while the marine head and shower mean you can rinse off after landing that trophy sailfish. VHF radio keeps you connected with other captains sharing fishing intel and ensures safety on the water. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines when the mahi mahi are biting or take turns fighting bigger game like marlin and wahoo that cruise these deep blue waters off the Florida Keys.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure excitement on light tackle. These beauties average 6-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail they flash when hunting. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, moving between our nearshore waters and deeper blue water. Winter is peak season here in the Keys - that's when they're most abundant and aggressive. What guests love most is the show - these fish go airborne repeatedly, tail-walking and jumping like nothing else out there. They're built for speed, hitting 20-30 mph when hooked. The meat's decent, but most folks prefer catch and release. My tip: when you see that sail light up during the fight, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Use 12-15 weight tackle with circle hooks and skip ballyhoo on the surface to trigger strikes.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds around here, though they can hit 46 pounds. These scrappy fish love warm water over 68°F and stick close to the continental shelf. You'll find them schooling near the surface, and they put up a solid fight for their size. Fall through spring is prime time in the Keys when they're most active. What makes them special is their fierce fighting spirit and excellent table fare - the meat's got great flavor when fresh. They've got sharp eyes, so I always tell guests to scale down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks. A #30 fluorocarbon leader with 5/0 circle hooks works best. Try vertical jigging or chunking with live pilchards for bait.
Makaira NigricansBlue marlin are the ultimate trophy fish - true giants that can push over 1000 pounds, though most we see run 200-500 pounds. Females get much larger than males and live longer too. These apex predators cruise the deep blue water along current breaks and temperature changes. They're around year-round here in South Florida, but summer months typically produce the best action. What draws anglers is the raw power and aerial displays - when a big blue goes off, it's unforgettable. The fight can last hours with smaller fish wearing out faster. They're migratory, following warm water currents. For tackle, go heavy - 50-80 pound class gear minimum. My advice: when trolling, keep baits skipping on the surface. Live bait works great, but they'll hit good artificials too. Patience is key with these fish.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - pure muscle that'll test your tackle and endurance. These bruisers average 30-40 pounds but can push 100+ pounds and 6 feet long. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring spawning season (April-May) brings the biggest fish up shallow, but they're catchable year-round. What makes them popular is the brutal fight - they'll drag you straight down to the bottom and make you work for every inch. The meat's excellent when prepared right, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. They're not picky eaters, hitting live bait, jigs, and plugs equally well. My secret: use heavy tackle (50+ pound line) and fight them hard from the start. If you let them get to the bottom structure, they'll break you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch, with their golden sides and electric blues and greens. They average 15-29 pounds but can reach 80+. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in warm water. They're around most of the year, but spring through fall fishing is consistently good. Guests love them for the acrobatic fights, stunning colors, and excellent eating - the white meat is mild and sweet. They travel in schools, so where you find one, there's usually more. They grow fast and don't live long, making them a sustainable choice. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep other lines in the water. The hooked fish will often keep the school around, and you can pick off several more before they scatter.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll smoke your drag at 50+ mph. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 20-60 pounds and stretch 3-5 feet long. They patrol the blue water edges and around floating debris, usually staying in the top 60 feet. July through November is prime time here in Florida when they're most abundant. Anglers love the blistering runs and excellent table fare - the white meat is mild and flaky, perfect for fish tacos. They're solitary hunters but sometimes travel in small groups. Their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - absolutely essential gear. Minnow lures and bulletheads work great. When you hook one, hold on tight because that first run will be something to remember.
5.0 out of 5.0Unbelievable trip. Limited out on mahi. Captain Rick is a great guy and amazing with kids. My 14 year old met him when he was 3 an...
This is our second year in a row with Captain Rick, and I am so excited to go next year! He is awesome, a lot to fun to talk to, a...
Captain Rick and David were awesome! Son’s 16th birthday deep sea fishing trip was a success! Rough seas but was still a great tim...
Captain Rick and his mate David were great and took good care of us. We did a half day and they knew how to find the fish. We caug...
Awesome time the captain and crew very professional. If you want to get on fish and have good time hit up captain Rick
Great day, great haul of Mahi Mahi and a blackfin tuna on Sea Horse Charter, Islamorada. 2nd time now on this charter and WILL be ...
We had a great 1/2 day experience! Rick was a great captain and Dave worked his butt off baiting and taking off our fish, they bot...
Best time in the keys, Fishing is on point!!
Islamorada, FL