Ready for the big leagues? Our 8-hour offshore trip takes you where the real monsters lurk. We're talking serious pelagics - the kind that'll make your arms ache and your stories legendary. Islamorada's offshore waters are no joke, and neither are the fish that call them home. Whether you're chasing your first billfish or looking to best your personal record, this is the trip that could make it happen.
Picture this: You're 20 miles out, the coastline a distant memory, and suddenly your reel starts screaming. That's the kind of action we're after on this full-day adventure. We'll be hitting the underwater mountains and ledges where the big boys feed. Mahi mahi, tuna, marlin, sailfish - they're all on the menu. And trust me, when you hook into one of these beasts, you'll be glad you've got a full 8 hours to play.
Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand. They'll put you on the fish and show you the ropes if you're new to the offshore game. We provide all the heavy-duty gear you'll need to tangle with these ocean giants. From kite fishing for sails to dropping jigs for deep-water grouper, we've got you covered.
Offshore fishing isn't your grandpa's pond fishing - it's a whole different ballgame. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. Trolling is the name of the game for covering water and enticing those surface feeders like mahi and tuna. We'll have a spread of lures and maybe even some live baits skipping along behind the boat.
For the billfish, we might break out the kites. It's a sight to behold - baits dancing on the surface, mimicking injured fish. When a sail or marlin crashes the party, it's pure adrenaline. And don't forget about the bottom fishing. We'll drop some heavy jigs or cut bait to the seafloor for tasty grouper, snapper, and maybe even a monster amberjack.
The beauty of Islamorada's offshore waters is that there's always something biting. Spring and early summer are prime time for mahi mahi - those neon-colored speed demons that taste as good as they look. Yellowfin tuna are a year-round possibility, but they really show up in force during the cooler months.
Billfish are the crown jewels of offshore fishing, and Islamorada doesn't disappoint. Sailfish are most abundant in the winter and early spring, while blue marlin tend to show up more in the summer months. And let's not forget about the bottom dwellers - grouper and snapper are always eager to inhale a bait, no matter the season.
Atlantic Sailfish: These acrobatic speedsters are the reason many anglers come to Islamorada. Reaching lengths of up to 8 feet and speeds of 70 mph, hooking into a sail is like trying to reel in a Maserati. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Winter and early spring are your best bet for tangling with these bucket-list billfish.
Blue Marlin: The heavyweight champion of the offshore world, blue marlin are the stuff of fishing legend. These massive predators can tip the scales at over 1000 pounds, though fish in the 200-400 pound range are more common in our waters. They're elusive and powerful, capable of stripping hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Summer is prime time for marlin, but they can show up any time the water is warm and blue.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins), these are the Ferrari's of the fish world. Brilliantly colored in blues, greens, and golds, mahi are as beautiful as they are delicious. They're fast-growing and hard-fighting, often traveling in schools. Spring and summer are the peak seasons, but you can find them year-round. Look for them around floating debris or weed lines.
There's something special about being offshore in Islamorada. Maybe it's the electric blue of the Gulf Stream, or the anticipation of what might crash your bait next. Our repeat customers tell us it's the whole package - world-class fishing, knowledgeable captains, and the chance to create stories they'll be telling for years.
Plus, let's be honest - there's nothing quite like the feeling of bringing a big fish to the boat after an epic battle. Whether it's your first sailfish or your hundredth mahi, that rush never gets old. And with our experienced crew handling the hard stuff, you get to focus on the fun part - fighting fish and making memories.
Look, I could go on all day about the thrill of offshore fishing in Islamorada, but the truth is, you've got to experience it for yourself. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer looking to test your mettle against some serious gamefish, this 8-hour trip is your ticket to the big time.
We've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your crew and get ready for a day you won't forget. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks - fighting big fish works up an appetite! Don't let another season slip by without checking this adventure off your bucket list. The fish are out there waiting - are you ready to join the chase?
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are a blast to catch. These colorful fish typically run 15-30 pounds but can get up to 80. You'll find them near floating debris or weed lines in warm offshore waters. They're fast growers and year-round spawners, so there's usually plenty around. Mahi put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Plus, they're delicious eating with firm, mild white meat. We usually troll with ballyhoo or squid, but they'll hit all kinds of lures too. A local trick is to look for frigate birds - they'll lead you right to the fish. Mahi often travel in schools, so once you hook one, keep lines in the water. The bite's best in summer and fall when the waters warm up. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want to fill the cooler, mahi make for an action-packed day on the water.
Blue marlin are the heavyweight champs of the billfish world. Females can top 1,000 pounds and 15 feet long, though most we catch run 200-400 pounds. You'll find them in deep, warm offshore waters, often near underwater structures or current edges. They're here year-round, but peak season is late spring through fall. Blues are prized for their spectacular aerial displays and powerful runs. Hooking one is like being attached to a freight train - make sure you're strapped in. We usually troll big lures or live bait like bonito. Keep an eye out for birds working or bait spraying at the surface. That often means marlin are feeding below. A local tip: when a blue strikes, drop back and let it eat before setting the hook. These fish put up an epic battle, sometimes lasting hours. It's pure adrenaline from start to finish.
Mahi Mahi are one of our most popular targets - and for good reason. These fish are a triple threat: beautiful to look at, fun to catch, and delicious to eat. Most run 15-30 pounds, perfect for light tackle. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines in the open ocean. They're here year-round, but fishing really heats up in summer. Mahi are known for their acrobatics, often leaping and tail-walking when hooked. They're also strong fighters for their size. We usually troll with ballyhoo or lures, but they'll hit just about anything. A local trick is to keep a live bait ready - when you hook one mahi, others often follow. Their meat is firm and mild, great for grilling or searing. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want some fresh fillets, mahi make for an exciting day on the water.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 43
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300