5.0(1 Reviews)World Class Wahoo and Mahi Fishing on Islamorada Wrecks
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting tuna, wahoo, and mahimahiExpert Captain Regina guides wreck fishing adventuresAll tackle included plus complimentary charter shirt
Captain Regina Teixeira knows these Islamorada waters like the back of her hand, and she's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 8-hour offshore adventure. With Size Matters Charters, you're not just booking another fishing trip – you're getting a full day of wreck fishing that targets the species every angler dreams about. From screaming wahoo runs to bull mahi hitting the spread, this extended trip gives you the time needed to really work the wrecks and reefs where the big fish live.
Your day starts early with Captain Regina and her crew setting you up for success. The 8-hour format means no rushing – you'll have time to hit multiple spots, work different techniques, and really dial in on what's biting. These offshore wrecks hold incredible fish, and with a maximum of 4 anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of rod time. The boat comes loaded with top-shelf tackle and all the gear you need, so just bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and get ready to bend some rods. The crew handles everything from rigging baits to gaffing fish, letting you focus on what matters most – fighting fish. Plus, everyone goes home with a Size Matters Charters shirt to remember the day.
Wreck fishing in Islamorada is all about reading the structure and knowing how different species use these underwater havens. Captain Regina runs a mix of trolling around the wrecks for pelagics like wahoo and mahi, then switches to bottom fishing when targeting grouper and snapper. The trolling spread typically includes high-speed lures for wahoo, along with natural baits and artificials that drive mahi crazy. When working the bottom, expect heavy tackle and circle hooks to pull grouper out of their rocky lairs. The wrecks create current breaks and bait concentrations that attract everything from schooling blackfin tuna to cruising barracuda. With 8 hours on the water, you'll experience multiple fishing styles and see how a seasoned captain adapts techniques based on conditions and what the fish are telling him.
"Fun trip with great Capt and crew. Highly recommend and would go again!" - Nick Holm
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These gorgeous fish explode on trolled baits and put on an aerial show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. In Islamorada waters, bull mahi can push 20-40 pounds, while the smaller schoolies still provide non-stop action. They're most active during warmer months and love structure like floating debris and wrecks. When you hook into a school, the action can be absolutely nuts with multiple fish on at once.
Wahoo fishing around these wrecks is pure adrenaline. These speed demons can hit 40+ mph and their initial run will test your drag and your reflexes. They're most active during cooler months and early morning hours, making them perfect targets for this full-day format. A good wahoo will easily stretch into the 30-50 pound range and provides some of the best eating you'll find offshore. The key is high-speed trolling with wire leaders – these fish have teeth that'll cut through anything else.
Blackfin tuna are the perfect mix of size and fight, typically running 10-20 pounds but pulling like fish twice their weight. They school around wrecks and respond well to both trolling and live bait fishing. These fish are available year-round but peak during spring and fall months. What makes them special is their incredible stamina – they'll make long runs and fight to the bitter end.
Great barracuda are the opportunists of the wreck scene, cruising around looking for easy meals. They can reach impressive sizes in these waters, with fish over 20 pounds being fairly common. While they're available year-round, they're most aggressive during warmer months. Their razor-sharp teeth and explosive strikes make them exciting catches, and they're surprisingly good table fare when prepared correctly.
Gag grouper are the bottom dwellers that make wreck fishing so rewarding. These fish use the structure as home base, and a good gag can easily push 20-30 pounds. They're most active during cooler months and require heavy tackle to keep them out of the wreck. The fight is all about power – they'll try to get back to their hole, and it becomes a test of strength between angler and fish. The reward is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean.
This isn't your typical half-day trip – 8 hours gives Captain Regina the time to show you the best of what Islamorada wreck fishing offers. With only 4 spots available, this top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing months. You're getting expert guidance, quality tackle, and access to productive waters that many anglers never see. The combination of Captain Regina's local knowledge and the extended time on the water creates the perfect recipe for a memorable day of fishing. Whether you're after your first wahoo or trying to land a trophy mahi, this world-class fishing experience delivers the goods.
Your fishing machine for the day is a rock-solid center console that's built to handle whatever the Florida Keys throw at you. This boat packs serious power to cut through the waves and get you out to those productive wrecks where the big fish hang out. The wide, stable deck gives you plenty of room to work a fighting fish, while the modern fish finder helps Captain Regina pinpoint exactly where the wahoo and mahi are holding. When the sun gets brutal, you'll appreciate having a real head on board, plus the icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold all day. GPS and radar mean you're always dialed in on the best spots, and the VHF radio keeps you connected to the fleet. Built for serious offshore fishing with comfort for up to 4 anglers.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack a serious punch for their size, typically running up to 39 inches and 46 pounds. These dark-backed speedsters with their distinctive yellow side stripes prefer the warm offshore waters over 68°F, making fall through spring our peak season here in the Keys. You'll find them schooling in open water, often mixed with skipjacks. What makes blackfins special is their fierce fighting ability - they'll make long, powerful runs on light tackle. Plus, the meat is outstanding, similar to their larger cousins, perfect for sashimi or searing. We target them with vertical jigs and chunk baits around structure. Pro tip: scale down your tackle - use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks because these fish have sharp eyesight and can be leader-shy in clear water.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are bottom dwellers that love hanging around our offshore wrecks and rocky structure in 60-150 feet of water. These guys average around 20 inches but can reach 50+ inches and 80 pounds, making them solid fighters. They're ambush predators with a taste for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring and fall tend to be most productive when they're more active. What guests love about gag grouper is the powerful fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the bottom and wrap you around structure. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean with that flaky white meat. Circle hooks are required in Florida waters. Key tip: when you feel that bite, lock down your drag and keep them coming up - don't give them a chance to dive into a hole.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are aggressive predators that average 2-4 feet but can reach 6 feet and pack some serious attitude. You'll find them around coral reefs, wrecks, and shallow flats where they ambush prey with lightning speed - up to 35 mph in short bursts. They're curious fish and will often follow the boat, making them exciting targets year-round in our waters. While the meat isn't their main appeal due to ciguatera concerns, the fight more than makes up for it. They'll make sizzling runs and even jump when hooked. These fish hunt by sight and love shiny lures or live bait. My advice: use a wire leader and keep your fingers clear when landing one - those razor teeth aren't just for show. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them dive back into structure.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi-mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter offshore, with brilliant blues and golds that put on a real light show when they come to the boat. These fish typically run 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris and weedlines in the deeper waters beyond the reef. Summer through fall gives us our best action, especially when we find those floating sargassum patches. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and tail-walk like crazy. The meat is excellent too, with that firm white flesh that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled for others nearby - they almost always travel in small schools, so we can often get multiple fish from the same spot.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore trips, capable of hitting 60 mph when they strike your lure. These sleek fish average 3-5 feet but can get much bigger, with that distinctive blue-striped silver body and razor-sharp teeth. We find them year-round here, but July through November is prime time when they're most abundant around the wrecks and deep water drop-offs. They prefer the 50-100 foot range near structure. What anglers love about wahoo is that explosive initial run and the quality of the meat - it's firm, white, and mild-tasting, perfect for fish tacos. Here's the key: we troll fast with wire leaders since those teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, hold on tight - that first run will test your tackle and your grip.
5.0 out of 5.0Fun trip with great Capt and crew. Highly recommend and would go again!
Islamorada, FL