Islamorada Tuna Fishing: Half-Day Charter Trip

Published Date: July 3, 2025
Fishing

Islamorada, FL
$600 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for some prime reef fishing in Islamorada? Our morning half-day charter takes you just 20 minutes offshore to where the action is. We're talking Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo – all waiting for you to reel them in. Don't worry if you're new to fishing; our crew's got your back every step of the way. And if you're an old hand? Well, you know the drill – it's all about the catch. We've got room for up to 6 folks on board, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. The best part? Everyone goes home with a Size Matters Charters shirt to show off. At $800 for the trip, you're set for a solid morning of fishing without breaking the bank. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit those Islamorada waters for some serious angling action.

Islamorada Tuna Fishing: Half-Day Charter Trip

Reels and Keels

Scenic fishing view in FL

Scenic view of Islamorada, a popular fishing destination

Fishing adventure in FL

Catch of a red grouper fish in Islamorada

Reel in Trophy Fish on Islamorada's Rich Reefs

Get ready for a fish-filled morning just off the coast of Islamorada! Our half-day charter takes you straight to the honey holes where trophy fish are waiting. In just 20 minutes, you'll be dropping lines into the sparkling Florida Keys waters, targeting everything from hard-fighting tuna to tasty grouper. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew's got your back. We'll get you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What's Biting Today?

As soon as we clear the harbor, it's game on. We'll hit several prime reef spots known for holding a variety of gamefish. One minute you might be battling a bruiser blackfin tuna, the next you're locked in a tug-of-war with a hefty grouper. Barracuda will test your drag, while mahi mahi and wahoo offer the chance at some tasty fillets for dinner. The action is fast and varied – perfect for keeping everyone engaged, from first-timers to fish-obsessed anglers.

Gear Up for Success

We provide all the top-notch gear you'll need, from rods and reels to live bait. We primarily use light to medium tackle, perfect for most of the species we target. Depending on conditions, we might do some drift fishing over the reefs or set up a chum slick to bring the fish to us. Trolling is also on the menu if we spot birds working or get word of a hot wahoo bite. Our experienced crew will walk you through each technique, ensuring you're comfortable and ready to hook up.

Fish Tales from the Keys

"Awesome morning on the water! Captain put us right on the fish – landed two big blackfin and a monster barracuda. Can't wait to come back!" - Mike S.

"First time fishing in Florida and it did not disappoint. Mahi mahi, tuna, and even hooked a shark! The crew was super helpful and made sure we had a great time." - Sarah L.

"Been fishing all over, but this trip was something special. Non-stop action and some of the prettiest water I've ever seen. Already planning my next trip!" - Tom R.

Target Species Breakdown

Blackfin Tuna: These powerhouses punch well above their weight. Typically ranging from 15 to 30 pounds, blackfin will test your stamina with blistering runs. They school up near the reefs, especially in the cooler months. Once hooked, it's all about pump and wind – these guys don't give up easily! Blackfin make for some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste.

Grouper: The bulldogs of the reef, grouper are all about raw power. Gag grouper are a common catch, typically in the 10 to 30 pound range. They love structure, so we'll target them around rocky areas and ledges. When a grouper takes your bait, be ready – their first instinct is to dive back into their hole. Getting them away from the reef is half the battle! The reward? Some of the flakiest, most delicious white fish you can put on a plate.

Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are a blast to catch. They range from 3 to 5 feet long in our waters and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. We often spot them hanging around the boat, drawn in by our catches. While not typically kept for eating, they're a favorite for catch-and-release action photos.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, mahi are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These beautiful fish, with their electric blue and gold colors, are often found near floating debris or weedlines. They're incredibly acrobatic, known for tail-walking across the surface when hooked. Our average mahi run 10 to 20 pounds, but 30+ pounders aren't uncommon. Fresh mahi tacos, anyone?

Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean, wahoo are like hooking into a torpedo. They're seasonal visitors to our waters, typically showing up in the cooler months. When they're around, trolling is often the best bet. Wahoo are known for blistering runs that can empty a reel in seconds. While not an everyday catch, landing a wahoo is always a trip highlight. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat perfect for grilling.

Ready to Hit the Water?

Our morning half-day trips are the perfect way to experience the legendary fishing of the Florida Keys. With a max of 6 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from our crew. At $800 for the boat, it's a great value, especially split between a group. Plus, everyone goes home with a free Size Matters Charters shirt – perfect for showing off your fishing cred back home. The fish are biting, and we've got your spot reserved. Give us a call or book online to lock in your date. Trust us, this is one morning you won't want to sleep in for!

Learn more about the species

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are scrappy little fighters that punch above their weight. These compact powerhouses usually top out around 30 pounds, but they'll give you a run for your money on light tackle. We find them schooling near the reefs, often mixed in with skipjack. They're most active here in the cooler months, from fall through spring. What makes blackfin special is their accessibility. Unlike their bigger cousins, we can target these guys just 20 minutes offshore. They're known for explosive topwater strikes and blistering runs that'll test your drag. Plus, their dark red meat is prized for sashimi. To boost your chances, we'll often chum with live pilchards to get them fired up. A fluorocarbon leader and smaller circle hooks are key - these fish have sharp eyes. When they're really biting, vertical jigging can be deadly effective. Just be ready for some sore arms the next day!

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are a prized catch around here, growing up to 50-60 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs, often 60-250 feet deep. These ambush predators love structure, so we target ledges, wrecks, and artificial reefs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. They put up a hell of a fight - once hooked, they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs. You've got to react fast and crank hard to turn their heads. Gags are popular for their firm, white meat. They're also interesting fish - all start as females, with some changing to males later in life. Can live 30+ years too. Pro tip: Use heavy tackle and keep your rod low when you feel the bite. Don't give them an inch of slack or they'll hole up faster than you can blink. Patient anglers who can muscle them away from structure usually win the day.

Great Barracuda

Great barracuda are the speedsters of the reef, reaching up to 6 feet long and 100 pounds. You'll find these toothy predators lurking around coral heads and drop-offs, especially in summer. They're ambush hunters, so look for flashes of silver as they dart after prey. Barracuda put up an intense fight when hooked, known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. While they're not typically kept for eating, the sheer power and challenge make them a blast to catch and release. To target 'cudas, we'll troll with flashy lures or live bait near the surface. Keep an eye out for follows – these curious fish often trail behind boats. When you see one, a quick cast with a tube lure or topwater plug can trigger an explosive strike. Just remember to handle them carefully. Those razor-sharp teeth are no joke, so we always use pliers and a landing net. It's all part of the excitement when you're going after one of the reef's apex predators right here in the Keys.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are real beauties out here in Islamorada. You'll spot these colorful fighters near floating debris and weedlines, usually within 20 minutes of leaving the dock. They average around 15-30 pounds but can get much bigger. Spring and summer are prime time, when the water warms up. Folks love chasing mahi for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs. They're also excellent eating - mild, sweet flavor that's great on the grill. We usually troll with ballyhoo or squid to get their attention. Once you hook one, get ready for a fight! Here's a local tip: keep an eye out for frigate birds circling. They'll often lead you right to a school of mahi feeding on the surface. When you see that, it's game on. Throw some live bait in their direction and hang on tight. Just remember to leave a few in the water - they'll often stick around if there are still some of their buddies down there.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are sleek, fast predators that'll test your skills and gear. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 3-5 feet long and can hit speeds up to 60 mph. We find them in open water, often near dropoffs or floating debris. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo season here, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. When they hit, hang on tight – these fish will smoke your reel. The fight's only half the fun though. Wahoo make excellent eating with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's great grilled or in fish tacos. To up your odds, we'll troll at high speeds – around 12-15 knots. I like using wire leaders since wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through most lines. Brightly colored lures that mimic flying fish or squid work well. When you feel that hit, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook hard. These fish put up one heck of a fight, but landing a wahoo is a real rush.

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