Premium Morning Reef Fishing Adventure in Islamorada
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday charter targets tuna, grouper, and mahi mahi near reefs.Accommodates up to six guests with experienced crew guidance.Includes complimentary charter shirt for all fishing participants.
There's nothing quite like hauling in a chunky Blackfin Tuna or watching a Barracuda make its first screaming run on light tackle. Size Matters Charters knows exactly where to find the good stuff, and we're talking just 20 minutes from the dock. This morning half-day trip puts you right on the productive reef structure where these fish live and feed. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, our crew will put you on the bite and make sure you know what you're doing when that drag starts singing.
We'll have you rigged up and fishing by the time most people are finishing their morning coffee. The reef structure off Islamorada is legendary among South Florida anglers, and there's good reason for that. These spots hold fish year-round, but mornings are when the action really fires off. You'll be working live bait, pulling jigs, and maybe even getting some shots at fish busting on the surface. The boat maxes out at 6 anglers, so there's plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. Everyone gets their own setup, and our crew stays busy keeping fresh bait coming and making sure your drag settings won't cost you the fish of a lifetime. Plus, every guest walks away with a Size Matters Charters shirt to remember the day.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Trolling produces some of the best Wahoo and Mahi action, especially when we mark bait schools or floating debris. The crew will have ballyhoo rigged behind diving plugs and feathers, covering different depths in the water column. When we find structure or see fish on the bottom machine, it's time to break out the spinning gear and work jigs or drop live pilchards down to the Grouper. Don't worry about bringing your own tackle - we've got everything dialed in from the rod actions to the leader material. Circle hooks keep the fish pinned, and our nets are sized right for everything from schoolie Mahi to respectable Tuna.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they fight way above their weight class. Most of what we see runs 8 to 15 pounds, but they'll test your drag and make multiple runs before you get them to color. Best action happens in cooler months from November through March when schools move through following bait. These fish are pure muscle and they taste incredible fresh off the water.
Gag Grouper hang tight to the reef structure and they're always a prize catch. These bottom dwellers can push 20 to 30 pounds, and they know every cave and ledge down there. The fight is all about the first few seconds - they'll try to cut you off in the rocks if you give them slack. Peak season runs from December through April when they're staging for the spawn. Nothing beats fresh grouper on the grill that same evening.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the reef. They'll crush a bait or lure and make blistering runs that can empty a reel if your drag isn't set right. Most range from 10 to 25 pounds, though bigger fish patrol the deeper edges. They're around all year but really turn on when water temperatures climb in spring and summer. The fight is all about that initial burst of speed and those crazy jumps.
Mahi Mahi are every angler's favorite for good reason - they fight hard, jump like crazy, and the colors are absolutely stunning. School fish run 3 to 8 pounds and travel in packs, so when you find one you'll usually find more. Bigger bulls can hit 15 to 20 pounds and they're smart fighters. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially around any floating grass or debris lines.
Wahoo are the speed kings and they'll absolutely smoke a trolled bait. These fish can hit 30 mph and they've got teeth that'll slice through wire if you're not careful. Most of what we catch runs 15 to 35 pounds, and they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Winter months produce the most consistent action when they're chasing bait balls along the reef edge.
At $800 for up to 6 anglers, you're getting access to some of the most productive reef fishing in the Florida Keys with a crew that knows these waters inside and out. Morning trips put you on the water when fish are most active, and you'll still have the whole afternoon to explore Islamorada or get those fillets on ice. The reef structure off this part of the Keys produces fish year-round, but the variety and quality of what's biting changes with the seasons. Size Matters Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a good time doing it. Whether you're after bragging rights, a fresh dinner, or just want to feel that rod bend, this morning charter delivers the goods.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are small but fierce - most run 10-25 pounds but fight way above their weight class. These dark-backed speedsters school up in blue water along current edges and drop-offs. Peak season runs fall through spring when cooler water brings them closer to shore. What guests love is that classic tuna power - long, sustained runs that'll test your endurance. The meat is outstanding too, rich and red, perfect for sushi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so scale down your tackle - lighter leaders and smaller hooks work better. Try vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards when you mark them on the fish finder. Once you find a school, you can usually catch several.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom - thick, powerful fish that live around rocky structure and wrecks. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big breeders can hit 50+ inches and really put a bend in your rod. They hang tight to hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 40-120 feet. Best fishing happens fall through spring when they're feeding heavily before spawn. What makes them great targets is that arm-burning fight straight down - they'll try to get back into their hole every time. Excellent eating too, firm white meat that's hard to beat. Key tip: once you hook one, lock that drag and don't give them an inch. The second they feel slack, they're gone into the rocks.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are the wolves of the reef - long, lean, and built to hunt. Most of what we catch runs 2-4 feet, but the big ones can push 6 feet and really test your tackle. They patrol the reef edges and drop-offs, usually in 20-80 feet of water around structure. Year-round fishing here, but they're most aggressive during warmer months. Guests love the speed and power - they'll make screaming runs toward the bottom trying to cut you off on the coral. Not the best table fare due to potential ciguatera, but they're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. My advice: use a wire leader and keep that rod tip up when fighting them. They'll try every trick to break you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter out here - brilliant golds and electric blues that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we see bigger ones pushing 40+. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines just 20 minutes offshore. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps stay warm. What makes them special is that hard initial run and those acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is top-notch too, firm and mild, perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eye out for others nearby. They often travel in small groups, so be ready with a second rod.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are built for one thing - going fast. Most wahoo we catch run 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, but they can hit 60 mph in short bursts when hooked. You'll find them in blue water around 60 feet deep, often near current breaks or floating debris. Summer through fall gives us the best wahoo fishing when they're most active. What guests love is that blistering first run - nothing fights quite like a wahoo. Plus, the meat is some of the best eating you'll find, white and flaky with a mild taste. Here's the trick: troll fast with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, hold on tight and let that drag work.
Islamorada, FL