5.0(1 Reviews)Full Day Wreck Fishing Adventure in Islamorada
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing targeting Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi-MahiExpert Captain Regina guides wreck fishing adventuresAll tackle included plus complimentary charter shirt
Captain Regina Teixeira knows where the big fish live, and she's ready to take you there. This full-day, 8-hour charter puts you right on top of Islamorada's most productive offshore wrecks, where wahoo, mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, grouper, and snapper call home. You'll head out early and stay late, maximizing your time on the water while the bite is hot. With all tackle and equipment provided, you just need to bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, and appetite for some serious fishing action. Captain Regina's local knowledge and years of experience mean you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times, giving you the best shot at landing multiple species in a single trip.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. Eight hours gives you the luxury of time to really work the wrecks and explore different structures based on what's biting. You'll start the day running to proven offshore spots where Captain Regina has been putting clients on fish for years. The extended time frame means you can bounce between shallow wrecks for grouper and snapper, then move to deeper structures where the pelagics like wahoo and blackfin tuna cruise. Between the action-packed runs and multiple fishing spots, you'll experience the full spectrum of what Islamorada's wreck fishing has to offer. The relaxed pace allows for longer fights with bigger fish, more time to perfect your technique, and plenty of opportunities for everyone in your group of up to four anglers to get their shots.
Wreck fishing requires specific techniques, and Captain Regina has them dialed in. You'll be using a combination of live bait, cut bait, and jigs depending on what species you're targeting and what depth you're fishing. For the structure-oriented fish like grouper and snapper, you'll be dropping baits right to the bottom near the wreck edges where these fish ambush their prey. When targeting pelagics like wahoo and mahi-mahi, expect to troll around the wrecks or cast to visible fish when they're feeding on the surface. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle suited for everything from 2-pound mahi to 40-pound wahoo. Captain Regina will handle the boat positioning, which is crucial when fishing wrecks - too close and you'll get hung up, too far and you're out of the strike zone. She knows exactly how to work the current and structure to put your bait in front of hungry fish.
"Fun trip with great Capt and crew. Highly recommend and would go again!" - Nick Holm
Mahi-Mahi: These colorful fighters are what dreams are made of. Mahi-mahi love hanging around floating debris and wrecks, especially during the warmer months from spring through fall. They're incredibly aggressive and put on an aerial show that'll have you whooping and hollering. Most fish run between 10-25 pounds, though bulls can push 40 pounds or more. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them - live bait, cut bait, jigs, or trolled baits. Once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups. The bonus is they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table.
Wahoo: If you want to test your drag system, wahoo are your fish. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can hit 50+ mph and will scream line off your reel like nothing else in the ocean. They're ambush predators that hang around wrecks waiting to pick off unsuspecting baitfish. Most wahoo caught here run 20-40 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up regularly. They have razor-sharp teeth and a nasty habit of cutting through leaders, so Captain Regina uses wire or heavy fluorocarbon. The initial run is absolutely electric, and their stamina means the fight isn't over until they're in the boat. Wahoo fishing peaks in the cooler months but can be caught year-round in Islamorada.
Great Barracuda: Don't let anyone tell you barracuda aren't fun to catch. These prehistoric-looking predators are lightning fast and have an attitude to match. They're curious fish that will often follow your bait or lure right to the boat, giving you time to study their impressive set of teeth. Barracuda are year-round residents around the wrecks and can grow to impressive sizes - 6-footers aren't uncommon. They're also incredibly acrobatic when hooked, jumping and tail-walking across the surface. While some people don't eat them due to ciguatera concerns, they're fantastic sport fish that will keep your adrenaline pumping.
Gag Grouper: Gag grouper are the bread and butter of wreck fishing, and they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in the ocean. These bottom dwellers love structure and can be found around virtually every wreck. They're ambush predators that sit tight to the bottom and inhale anything that looks like an easy meal. Gags are incredibly strong for their size and will try to get back into the wreck the second they feel the hook. You've got to horse them up quickly or they'll cut you off on the structure. Most fish run 5-15 pounds, but 20+ pounders are definitely possible. Season runs from July through December, and the limit is currently two per person.
Blackfin Tuna: These smaller cousins of the bluefin tuna are pure muscle wrapped in a streamlined package. Blackfin tuna school
Our center console boat is built for serious offshore fishing in the Florida Keys waters. With serious horsepower and rock-solid stability, she'll cut through the waves to get you to those productive wreck sites where the big fish hang out. The spacious layout gives all four anglers plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Stay comfortable with the onboard toilet and keep your catch fresh in the large icebox. The fish finder will pinpoint exactly where the Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna are holding around the structure, while GPS gets us back to those honey holes every time. VHF radio keeps us connected for safety, and radar handles those afternoon squalls that roll through. This boat handles the deeper offshore runs with ease, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of fighting seasickness. Perfect for targeting multiple species around Islamorada's best wrecks and reefs during your full-day adventure.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size, typically running 10-25 pounds with that classic tuna build. We find them in the blue water offshore where the continental shelf drops off, usually mixed with skipjacks and bonitos. Peak season here is fall through spring when they move into South Florida waters. These fish are prized for their fierce fighting spirit and premium sashimi-quality meat. They school up and feed aggressively, making for fast action when you find them. We use light tackle with small hooks and fluorocarbon leaders since they're line-shy. Best technique is chunking with live pilchards or small baits - when the school fires up, you can catch them back-to-back.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, averaging 20 inches but growing up to 50+ pounds in deeper water. Around Islamorada, we target them on offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom structure in 60-200 feet. They're most active during cooler months when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is the tug-of-war battle - once hooked, they dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. They're also top-shelf eating with sweet, flaky white meat. We use live pinfish, grunts, or cut bait on circle hooks with 40-pound gear. The secret is keeping your drag locked tight when you hook up - don't give them an inch or they'll wrap you around the structure and win every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat barracuda are the apex predators of the flats and reefs around here, reaching 3-6 feet with those unmistakable razor teeth. You'll find them cruising shallow coral reefs, grass flats, and mangrove edges, plus they roam the offshore wrecks. They're around year-round but more active in warmer months. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and that initial burst of speed - they'll hit 35 mph trying to get back to cover. They're curious fish that hunt by sight, often following divers and anglers. While not the best eating due to potential ciguatera, the fight makes up for it. Key tip: use a wire leader and bright, flashy lures - they can't resist shiny objects moving fast through the water.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish in these waters, with their brilliant golden sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real light show when first brought to the boat. They typically run 15-29 pounds, though we've seen them up to 50+ pounds. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in the blue water offshore. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are up. What makes them special is the aggressive fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that sweet, firm white meat. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in small schools, so get a second line out quick for doubles.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. Around Islamorada, we find them in the blue water from 60 feet out to the edge, often near wrecks or current breaks. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. What gets anglers hooked is that blistering initial run when they take off like a rocket, plus they're incredible table fare - firm, white, and mild tasting. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Pro tip: when trolling for wahoo, use a mix of deep and surface baits - they'll come up from 100+ feet to smash a lure skipping on top.
5.0 out of 5.0Fun trip with great Capt and crew. Highly recommend and would go again!
Islamorada, FL