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Expert-Guided Islamorada Fishing: Tuna & Grouper
- Published Date: October 12, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- $700 - $1,400 price range
- Updated Date: October 16, 2025
Summary
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Big Fish, Big Smiles
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Islamorada Fishing Charters
Reef Fishing In Islamorada, FL
Yellow Tail Fishing On The Reef In Islamorada
Reef fishing has been on fire in the Keys!
Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters Islamorada
New Boat!
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Islamorada Fishing Charters
Reef Fishing In Islamorada, FL
Yellow Tail Fishing On The Reef In Islamorada
Reef fishing has been on fire in the Keys!
Mahi Mahi Fishing Charters Islamorada
New Boat!
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Extended Half Day Fishing: Offshore & Wreck Action
Ready for a killer day on the water? Captain Regina Teixeira's got you covered with this 6-hour fishing bonanza out of Islamorada. We're talking the best of both worlds here - high-octane offshore runs and steady action over wrecks and reefs. Whether you're chasing speedsters like Wahoo and Mahi Mahi or looking to wrestle some bruiser Grouper from their hidey-holes, this trip's got it all. Grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're going fishing!
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't your average half-day trip. Captain Regina's extended 6-hour charter gives you time to really get after it. We'll start by punching it offshore, trolling for pelagics like Wahoo and Mahi Mahi. Once we've put some mileage on the engines, we'll ease back to explore some prime wreck and reef spots. Here's where you might tangle with a monster Grouper or fill the box with tasty Snapper. The best part? All the gear's provided, so you just need to show up ready to bend some rods. And hey, you'll even score a free Size Matters Charters shirt to remember your day!
Techniques & Tactics
We mix it up on this trip to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish. When we're running offshore, we'll be trolling with a spread of lures and maybe even some live bait if the conditions are right. Think colorful skirts zipping along the surface for Mahi, or diving plugs to entice a toothy Wahoo. Once we hit the wrecks, it's time to switch gears. We'll drop jigs, live bait, or cut chunks down to where the big boys live. Grouper fishing is all about the quick hit - when you feel that thump, you better start cranking before they rock you up!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi: These neon-green and gold acrobats are a sight to behold. They hunt in packs, so when you hook one, keep it in the water to draw in its buddies. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays and delicious, flaky white meat. Peak season is May through August, but you can catch 'em year-round in the Keys.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, Wahoo can hit 60 mph in short bursts. When one of these striped torpedoes slams your bait, hold on tight! They're most common in the winter months, but can surprise you any time of year. Wahoo make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.
Blackfin Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you - these cousins of the mighty Bluefin fight like fish twice their size. They school up around structure and wrecks, making for fast and furious action when you find 'em. Blackfin are prime targets year-round, with a slight edge to spring and fall.
Gag Grouper: These brown-mottled brutes are the heavyweights of the reef. They love to hole up in rocks and wrecks, so be ready for a battle of strength when you hook one. Gags are most active in cooler months, with peak season from October to December. Their firm, white flesh is a Florida favorite.
Great Barracuda: With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude, 'cudas are the outlaws of the reef. They'll hit just about anything shiny and put up a mean fight on light tackle. While not the best eating, they're a blast to catch and make for some cool photos. You'll find 'em year-round, often hanging around structure waiting to ambush prey.
Top Catches This Season
The fish have been firing lately! We've been seeing some monster Mahi in the 30-40 pound range, schooling up under floating debris offshore. The wrecks have been holding good numbers of Grouper, with a few gags pushing 30 pounds coming over the rails. And let's not forget about those Wahoo - we had a 70-pounder last week that nearly spooled us before we turned him! Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want the thrill of the fight, the bite's been hot.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, there's a reason Size Matters Charters is a top pick in Islamorada. Captain Regina knows these waters like the back of her hand and has the knack for putting clients on fish. She's got that perfect blend of laid-back Florida Keys attitude and serious fishing know-how. Plus, with 6 hours on the water, you've got time to really explore and chase the hot bite. From newbies to seasoned anglers, everyone walks away with a grin (and usually a good haul of fish). And let's be real - that free t-shirt is pretty sweet too.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're looking for a fishing trip that delivers the goods, this is it. Captain Regina's extended half-day charter gives you the best shot at a mixed bag of offshore gamefish and reef dwellers. With all gear provided and her expert guidance, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. Whether you're dreaming of your first Wahoo or want to stock the freezer with some prime Grouper fillets, this trip's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Grab your crew (up to 4 total), slap on some sunscreen, and let's go fishing! Book now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget.
Learn more about the animals
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin tuna are the pocket rockets of the tuna world, typically running 15-30 pounds. We find them offshore year-round, but fall through spring is prime time in the Keys. Look for them around weed lines, current rips, and over deep structure. Blackfins are prized for their hard fights and top-notch sushi-grade meat. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. We'll troll small lures or live bait, or chunk with cut bait to bring them to the boat. Here's a pro tip: use lighter leaders and smaller hooks than you might think - these guys have sharp eyes and can be leader shy. When a school pops up busting bait on the surface, casting small metal jigs into the fray can produce some crazy topwater strikes.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are bruisers of the reef, typically running 20-30 inches but can reach over 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in depths from 60 to 250 feet. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they move closer to shore. Anglers prize gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. These ambush predators love structure, so we'll often anchor up and drop live bait to the bottom. Pinfish and grunts work great. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from their hidey-holes. Otherwise, they'll dive right back in and break you off. Be ready for a workout - these guys don't give up easy!
Great Barracuda
Great barracuda are the toothy terrors of our reefs, growing up to 6 feet long. You'll find them lurking around shallow reefs, wrecks, and channel edges year-round, but they're especially active in warmer months. These ambush predators are known for their lightning-fast strikes and impressive jumps when hooked. While not the best eating, 'cudas are a blast to catch on light tackle. They'll hit just about anything shiny, so we often use tube lures or spoons. A word of caution - watch those teeth when unhooking them! I always keep a pair of long-nose pliers handy. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to big ones you spot cruising the flats. Just twitch that lure and hold on tight when they slam it!
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi are a favorite among anglers here in Islamorada. These colorful fish usually run 15-30 pounds, but can get up to 60. You'll find them offshore near floating debris or weed lines, especially in summer and fall. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. They're also excellent eating - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. To catch 'em, we'll troll with ballyhoo or artificial lures, making the bait skip on the surface to mimic flying fish. Once you hook one, keep the school around by leaving it in the water. These curious fish will often stick close to their hooked buddy, giving you a shot at more. Just watch out for those teeth when you're handling them!
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are the speedsters of the sea, capable of blistering runs up to 60 mph. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet. We typically find them in deeper offshore waters, especially around the edges of reefs or underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo season here. Anglers love targeting wahoo for their explosive strikes and powerful fights. They're also excellent eating - firm, white meat similar to swordfish. To land one, we'll often troll at high speeds, around 12-15 knots, using wire leaders to prevent cut-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. A local trick: try using dark-colored lures on cloudy days and brighter ones when it's sunny. Be ready for that initial screaming run when a wahoo hits!
About the Size Matters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
