Offshore Fishing Charters in Islamorada
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
53' Hatteras sportfisher targets mahi, tuna, snapper offshorePremium tackle, licenses, and experienced crew included onboardClimate-controlled comfort accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, Poppa Wahoo Too sets the bar high. This isn't your typical half-day charter—we're talking about a 53-foot Hatteras sportfisher that's built for the long haul and designed to handle whatever the Gulf Stream throws at us. Based out of Islamorada, we've got prime access to some of the most productive blue water fishing grounds in the world, where the continental shelf drops off and the big fish live. Our seasoned crew knows exactly where to find the action, whether we're trolling the edge for wahoo or working the weed lines for mahi. With premium tackle, fresh bait, and fishing licenses all included, you just need to show up ready to fish.
Poppa Wahoo Too delivers a first-class fishing experience from the moment you step aboard. The spacious cockpit gives all six anglers plenty of room to work, with organized rod storage and a well-designed fighting chair that makes battling big fish comfortable. The captain and crew handle all the navigation and fish-finding while you focus on what matters—putting fish in the boat. We'll typically head out to the reef line first, then push further offshore depending on conditions and what's biting. The climate-controlled cabin provides a welcome break from the Florida sun, and there's plenty of seating for those moments between bites. This boat cuts through the chop smoothly, so even if it's a bit bumpy out there, you'll stay comfortable and focused on fishing.
Our offshore approach centers around high-speed trolling with a spread of lures designed to trigger strikes from pelagic species. We run a combination of skirted ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column effectively. The outriggers keep our baits spread wide, while our center rigger baits work the middle. When we find floating sargassum or debris lines, we'll switch to casting live bait or working smaller lures around the structure. All our rods are rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels loaded with fresh line, and we carry both conventional and spinning setups depending on the technique. The crew handles all the rigging, bait preparation, and fish cleaning—your job is to hang on when something big eats.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, especially during their peak season from April through September. These electric green and gold fighters typically run 10-25 pounds, though we regularly see bulls pushing 40-50 pounds. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature—once you hook one, there's often a whole school underneath, so we'll keep working the area with light tackle and live bait. They're also spectacular jumpers that put on a real show once hooked. Wahoo fishing heats up from October through March when these speed demons migrate through our waters. These toothy predators can hit 60+ miles per hour and make screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Most wahoo we see range from 20-40 pounds, but the occasional 50-60 pounder keeps things interesting.
Yellowfin tuna represent the ultimate offshore prize, typically showing up in deeper water during cooler months. These powerful fish fight deep and hard, using their broad shoulders and stamina to test every angler. We usually encounter yellowfins in the 30-80 pound range, though larger fish are always possible when conditions align. Blackfin tuna are more consistent throughout the year and provide excellent light-tackle action. These smaller cousins to the yellowfin typically run 5-15 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. Atlantic sailfish offer world-class light-tackle fishing, especially during their winter migration. These acrobatic billfish average 6-8 feet long and provide spectacular aerial displays during the fight. While we practice catch and release with sailfish, the photos and memories last forever.
Islamorada's offshore fishing delivers year-round action, but the best trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're after the speed and power of wahoo, the acrobatics of mahi, or the deep-fighting strength of tuna, Poppa Wahoo Too puts you in position to succeed. Our experienced crew, top-tier equipment, and comfortable vessel create the perfect platform for serious offshore fishing. The Florida Keys offer some of the most consistent blue water fishing in the world, and we know exactly how to make the most of it. Don't wait—prime dates fill up quickly, and the fish are always biting somewhere out there in the blue.
Meet Poppa Wahoo Too, a classic 53-foot Hatteras sportfisher that's your ticket to serious offshore action in Islamorada's deep blue waters. Twin Cummins engines power this beauty through the Gulf Stream where mahi, tuna, and billfish roam. The spacious cockpit gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work while the flybridge offers commanding views for spotting feeding birds and color changes. Inside, you'll find air conditioning, a full galley, and comfortable sleeping quarters for longer runs. Advanced electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finders help locate the hottest bite while the icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're trolling the edge for dolphin or dropping baits on structure for snapper and grouper, this well-equipped vessel delivers the smooth ride and professional setup that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water in the Florida Keys.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showstoppers - nothing beats watching one greyhound across the surface with that massive dorsal fin up. They average 7-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, cruising 30-200 feet deep along the reef edge and Gulf Stream. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys, especially December through March. What gets people excited is the aerial show - these fish jump, dive, and tail-walk like nothing else. While they're mostly catch-and-release, the fight is what you're after. The key is patience during the battle and keeping steady pressure. They'll try to throw the hook on every jump. My advice: when teasing them up, wait for the fish to fully commit before setting the hook, and don't rush the fight.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin are our local tuna - smaller but scrappy fighters that punch above their weight. They typically run 10-30 pounds and school up near continental shelf edges in 100-400 feet. Peak season is fall through spring when water temps drop below 75°F. What makes them fun is their aggressive nature and the fact that they're excellent table fare with rich, red meat perfect for steaks or sushi. They're also great for getting kids and beginners into tuna fishing without the marathon battles. Scale down your tackle - use lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks since these fish are line-shy. Live pilchards work magic, and vertical jigging often outproduces trolling when they're feeding deep.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are probably the most colorful fish you'll see out here - brilliant blues and greens that put on a light show when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris, weedlines, and our local reefs in 100-600 feet of water. Peak season runs May through October when water temps hit 75°F+. What makes them special is the combination of acrobatic jumps, strong runs, and some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Their firm white meat is perfect grilled or blackened. Here's a tip: when you see frigate birds working debris, get ready - they're usually marking schools of mahi underneath. Use 30-50 pound tackle and keep your bait skipping on the surface to trigger their feeding instinct.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 60 mph when they want to. Most run 3-5 feet and 30-60 pounds, though we've seen 100+ pounders. They cruise open water from 50-200 feet, often near weedlines and temperature breaks. Best action happens July through November, especially early mornings. What gets people hooked is that initial screaming run - nothing sounds like a wahoo peeling drag. Plus, the meat is outstanding - firm, white, and mild like a premium steak fish. Pro tip: use wire leaders and troll fast at 12-15 knots. Their razor teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. A high-speed ballyhoo or diving plug usually does the trick when they're around.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - pure muscle and endurance. Most fish we see run 60-100 pounds, but 200+ pounders show up when conditions are right. They roam deep blue water from 100-1000 feet, often under birds or around floating debris. Best fishing happens year-round, but spring and fall migrations bring the bigger schools. What anglers love is the relentless fight - these fish just don't quit. Plus, you're looking at sashimi-grade meat that rivals any restaurant. When they're being picky, try chunking with whatever baitfish they're feeding on. Drop your jigs deep when the trolling spread isn't producing - sometimes they're just holding down in the cooler water.
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