5.0(8 Reviews)Target Sailfish and Tuna on Islamorada's Best Waters
5.0(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday offshore fishing targeting sailfish, tuna, and marlinExpert crew guidance for beginners and experienced anglersSixperson capacity trips from Islamorada waters
Want to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Florida Keys has to offer? Captain Rick and the Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing crew know exactly where to find the fish that'll make your trip worth talking about for years. This half-day charter out of Islamorada puts you right in the heart of some seriously productive waters, where sailfish, tuna, mahi, and marlin are just waiting to test your skills. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of deep sea action or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some trophy fish to your list, this crew has the local knowledge and experience to put you on the bite.
Your half-day adventure starts early when you meet Captain Rick and his first mate at the dock in Islamorada. These guys aren't just running a boat – they're putting together a fishing experience that matches what's biting and where the action's been hottest. The Sea Horse is rigged and ready for whatever the Gulf Stream throws at you, with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to handle everything from scrappy mahi to line-screaming sailfish. You'll head out to proven fishing grounds where the crew's been putting clients on fish consistently, and they'll adjust tactics based on what's working that day. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip – Captain Rick reads the water, watches the birds, and positions you where the fish are feeding. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with your buddies.
The crew runs a mix of trolling spreads depending on conditions and target species. You'll typically see a combination of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and skirted baits working at different depths to cover the water column. When the bite gets hot, they'll switch to live bait or chunk baits to keep the action going. The tackle setup includes quality conventional reels spooled with appropriate line weights – usually 20 to 50-pound test depending on what you're targeting. If you're new to offshore fishing, don't worry about technique – the crew will coach you through proper rod handling, drag settings, and fighting position. They know how to work the edges, temperature breaks, and structure that hold baitfish, which means predators aren't far behind. The boat's electronics help locate schools and mark productive bottom, but it's the crew's local knowledge that really makes the difference in consistent hookups.
"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 year-round residents around Islamorada and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. These fish typically run 10 to 25 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up around structure and bait concentrations, often mixing with bonito and small yellowfin. Blackfins hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're also fantastic table fare – sushi-grade meat that's perfect for searing or eating raw.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of South Florida offshore fishing, and the waters off Islamorada see good numbers during their peak season from December through April. These fish average 6 to 8 feet and put on an aerial display that's pure fishing magic. Sailfish are notorious for their greyhounding runs and acrobatic jumps, often tail-walking across the surface when hooked. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish, making for great photos and even better fishing stories.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore challenge, with fish ranging from 100 to over 400 pounds in these waters. While less common than other species, when a blue shows up behind your spread, everything changes. These fish are ambush predators that cruise deep water looking for schools of tuna and dolphin. The bite often comes as a massive explosion behind a large trolled bait, followed by line-melting runs that can last for hours. Landing a blue marlin is a bucket-list experience for serious offshore anglers.
Mahi Mahi are probably the most fun fish swimming, and they're abundant in the warm waters around Islamorada from spring through fall. These fish travel in schools and provide fast action once you locate them. Mahi hit a variety of baits and lures, from trolled ballyhoo to live pilchards. They jump, dive, and change colors during the fight, flashing brilliant gold and green. Bulls can reach 30 to 50 pounds, while smaller fish make up for size with pure enthusiasm. Plus, mahi are among the best eating fish in the ocean.
Greater Amberj
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our well-equipped 6-passenger motorboat, built for serious offshore action in Islamorada's prime fishing waters. The spacious flybridge gives you the perfect vantage point to spot fish and enjoy the ride out to the fishing grounds. Below deck, you'll find everything needed for a comfortable day - full kitchen, shower, and head facilities plus air conditioning when you need a break from the Florida sun. Our fish finder technology helps locate schools of Mahi, Tuna, and other trophy species while GPS navigation gets you to the hottest fishing spots efficiently. The onboard ice box and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the trip. VHF radio keeps us connected for safety and fish reports from other boats. Whether you're targeting Sailfish on the surface or dropping down for Snapper, this boat handles offshore conditions with ease while providing the comfort and amenities that make long fishing days enjoyable for the whole crew.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the speedsters of the billfish family, averaging 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds. That massive dorsal fin isn't just for show - they use it to herd baitfish while hunting. You'll find them in 80-400 feet of blue water, often following temperature breaks and current edges. Winter months from December through April are prime time here off Islamorada. What makes sailfish special is their aerial show - they'll jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on a display you won't forget. Plus, most are released to fight another day. The key is using live bait like goggle-eyes or ballyhoo, and when one shows up, don't horse it. Let them run and tire themselves out with those jumps.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the true tunas, blackfins average 15-25 pounds but can reach up to 40 pounds. These fast-growing fish have distinctive golden bands along their sides that fade quickly after being caught. They school up in warm water over 68°F, usually found in 30-100 feet near the continental shelf. Peak season here in the Keys runs fall through spring when water temps are perfect. Guests love them for their fierce fight - they pull hard for their size - and the meat is outstanding, especially for sashimi. These fish have sharp eyes, so I always scale down to lighter leaders and smaller circle hooks. Chumming with pilchards works great to bring schools close to the boat.
Makaira NigricansThe heavyweights of the deep - female blues can reach 300-400 pounds, while males stay around 150. These cobalt-colored giants cruise blue water from 200 feet to over 1000 feet deep, following warm currents and baitfish. Summer through early fall gives us the best shot at them here in South Florida waters. What draws anglers is the raw power and endurance - a big blue will test every piece of your tackle and your patience. The fight can last hours. We troll large baits like rigged ballyhoo or big lures at 8-10 knots. My advice: when you hook one, don't try to muscle it early. These fish get bigger as they get smarter, so heavy tackle and patience are essential.
Seriola dumeriliThese bruisers average 20-50 pounds but can top 100 pounds. Built like underwater bulldozers with that amber stripe down their sides. You'll find them around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 80-200 feet of water year-round, though spring and fall fishing is best. What makes amberjack fishing addictive is the initial run - they'll strip line like crazy when hooked and head straight for the wreck to cut you off. They're also excellent table fare when prepared right. The trick is using heavy tackle and getting them away from structure fast. I like vertical jigging or live bait fishing right on the bottom. Don't give them an inch early in the fight.
Coryphaena HippurusFast-growing and beautiful, mahi typically run 10-30 pounds with the occasional bull reaching 50-plus. Their golden sides and electric blues make them one of the prettiest fish in the ocean. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps hit the mid-70s. Anglers love their acrobatic fights and how they change colors when excited. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating in the ocean - mild, flaky, and versatile. Once you find one, there's usually more nearby. Keep some smaller ones in the box as they make great live bait for bigger fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese torpedo-shaped speedsters average 20-40 pounds and are built for one thing - speed. With that razor-sharp mouth full of teeth, they'll slice through bait at 50+ mph. We find them in blue water from 100-800 feet, often around current edges and temperature breaks. Peak season runs summer through early winter when they follow the baitfish migration. What makes wahoo special is that blazing initial run and the quality of the meat - it's like ocean steak. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders is the go-to method since they'll cut through anything else. Pro tip: use a planer to get your lures down a bit - these fish often feed below the surface action you can see.
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