5.0(2 Reviews)Extended Half Day Wreck Fishing - Islamorada
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour charter targets Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and GrouperCovers offshore waters and wreck fishing locationsAll gear provided plus complimentary charter shirt included
Captain Regina Teixeira knows these Islamorada waters like the back of her hand, and she's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 6-hour adventure combines the best of both worlds - high-speed offshore runs for pelagics and steady wreck fishing where the big grouper and snapper live. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Keys: Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Snapper, and Grouper. With all gear provided and a captain who genuinely loves what she does, you're set up for one of those fishing days you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Regina at the dock in Islamorada, the heart of the Florida Keys fishing scene. She'll have the boat rigged and ready, tackle organized, and a game plan based on recent fishing reports and current conditions. The first part of your trip typically involves running offshore to troll for pelagics like Wahoo and Mahi - these fish are constantly moving, so Regina uses her electronics and years of experience to put you in the right spots. Once you've had your fill of the high-speed action, it's time to hit the wrecks. These artificial reefs are like underwater apartment buildings for grouper, snapper, and other bottom dwellers. You'll anchor up or drift over structure while dropping baits down to where the big fish hang out. The whole experience is relaxed but focused - Regina handles the navigation and strategy while you concentrate on fighting fish.
Regina runs a well-equipped operation with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for everything from 10-pound Mahi to 50-pound grouper. For the offshore trolling portion, you'll be pulling spreads of ballyhoo, lures, and sometimes live bait behind the boat at 6-8 knots. The captain will adjust speeds and patterns based on what's biting and what the fish finder shows. When you transition to wreck fishing, it's all about bottom rigs - circle hooks, heavy sinkers, and fresh cut bait or live pinfish. You'll be dropping straight down to depths ranging from 80 to 200 feet depending on which wrecks are producing. Don't worry if you've never fished wrecks before - Regina will walk you through reading your rod tip, setting the hook, and working fish up from the structure without getting cut off. All you need to bring is sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and maybe a hat. She provides everything else, including a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh.
"We came for Mahi, and weren't disappointed. The captain was great, very knowledgeable and personable, you could tell she loved doing this. We had a great time, caught lots of fish, and left with more food than we could eat! Would highly recommend!" - Glen-michael Hepworth
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing in the Keys, and for good reason. These brilliant gold and green fish are pure excitement from the moment they hit your line. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters, jumping and tail-walking across the surface while putting serious pressure on your drag. Most Mahi in these waters run 10-25 pounds, though bull dolphins over 40 pounds show up regularly. They're typically found around floating debris, weed lines, or temperature breaks from spring through fall. What makes Mahi special is their willingness to bite almost anything - live bait, dead bait, lures, you name it. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph and known for absolutely screaming runs that will test your drag system. These torpedo-shaped predators typically weigh 20-40 pounds in local waters, with occasional monsters pushing 60-plus. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though smaller "rat wahoo" can be caught year-round. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth and incredible acceleration, so when one hits your trolled ballyhoo or high-speed lure, you'll know it immediately. They're also fantastic eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Great Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, prowling around wrecks and structure looking for an easy meal. These toothy predators can grow over 5 feet long and 30 pounds in Keys waters, and they're incredibly aggressive when feeding. You'll often see them following hooked fish to the boat, waiting for an opportunity to steal your catch. When targeted specifically with wire leaders and flashy lures or live bait, barracuda provide explosive strikes and bulldogging fights. They're sight feeders with excellent vision, so clear water and bright lures typically produce the best results.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of wreck fishing, and arguably the best eating fish that swims. These bottom dwellers can exceed 40 pounds and are masters of using structure to their advantage. When you hook a big gag, the fight is all about power - they'll immediately try to get back into the wreck or rocks where they can cut you off. You need heavy tackle and a firm drag to turn their heads and work them up from the bottom. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're more aggressive and feeding heavily. Their white, flaky meat is restaurant quality, making them a top target for both sport and the dinner table.
Blackfin Tuna are smaller relatives of their giant bluefin cousins, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and non-stop action. Most blackfins in Keys waters run 5-15 pounds, and when you find a school, you can catch them until your arms give out. They're
Our center console boat cuts through the Florida Keys waters with serious power and rock-solid stability, getting you to the hottest fishing spots around Islamorada fast and comfortable. This ride is built for wreck fishing adventures where Grouper, Snapper, and bigger pelagics like Wahoo and Mahi hang out. The spacious deck gives all 4 anglers room to work their lines without bumping elbows. GPS and fish finder tech helps us zero in on productive structure, while the radar keeps us safe when weather rolls in. VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats sharing intel on the bite. The icebox holds your catch fresh plus snacks and cold drinks for the 6-hour haul. Even has a head onboard so you don't miss any action. This boat handles both high-speed runs to offshore wrecks and steady trolling over reefs with equal confidence, perfect for targeting everything from hard-fighting Blackfin Tuna to bottom-dwelling Grouper in the same trip.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are scrappy little speedsters that pack a punch way above their size - typically 5-20 pounds with beautiful dark backs and golden sides. We find them in blue water over deep reefs and drop-offs, usually 100-300 feet. Peak action is fall through spring when water temps drop into the 70s. What makes blackfins special is their non-stop fight - they'll run, dive, and circle like fish twice their size. Plus they're fantastic eating, with that rich, red tuna meat perfect for searing. They school up tight, so when we find them, it's game on. Key tip: scale down your tackle - use 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and smaller 5/0 circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear. Vertical jigging and live pilchards are my go-to methods.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied fighters that average 5-15 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-200 feet. They love structure and will try to drag you straight back to their hole when hooked. Best fishing is fall through spring when they move up from deeper water. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - firm, white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They're ambush predators, so live pinfish or cut crab works great. Here's the trick: once you hook one, lock down that drag and don't give them an inch. Keep your rod low and muscle them up fast, or they'll wrap you in the reef every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the perfect mix of attitude and speed - these silver torpedoes can reach 35 mph and commonly run 10-30 pounds, with giants over 50. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and grass flats from shallow water to about 100 feet. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall see the biggest concentrations. What guests love is their aggressive strike and initial run - pure power that'll test your drag. They fight dirty too, trying to wrap you in structure or make spectacular jumps. While not the best table fare due to ciguatera concerns, they're pure fun on light tackle. Pro tip: use a wire leader and don't wear anything shiny - they're curious and will investigate anything that flashes, including your watch or jewelry.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll catch out here - bright golden sides with electric blues and greens that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see them up to 50+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and anything that creates structure in the open water. Peak season is spring through fall when water temps are warm. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table with that firm, sweet white meat. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby. They often travel in small schools, so we'll quickly get another bait in the water.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the sea - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and typically run 20-40 pounds, though monsters over 80 exist. We find them in blue water from 60-300 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. What makes wahoo special is their blistering runs and those razor-sharp teeth - they'll cut through regular leader like butter. The meat is incredible too - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. They're sight feeders, so bright days work best. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling with wire leaders at 12-15 knots. The key is keeping your baits skipping on the surface - when a wahoo decides to eat, the strike will nearly rip the rod from your hands.
5.0 out of 5.0Great experience. Capt and crew were knowledgeable and attentive! Would definitely go back.
We came for Mahi, and weren't disappointed. The captain was great, very knowledgeable and personable, you could tell she loved doi...
Islamorada, FL