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Top Islamorada Fishing: Offshore & Reef Adventure
- Published Date: July 3, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- $700 - $1,400 price range
- Updated Date: October 16, 2025
Summary
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Reels and Wrecks
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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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Reel in the Action: Half-Day Wreck & Reef Trip
Get ready for a fish-filled adventure in the Florida Keys! This 4-hour trip with Size Matters Charters takes you right to the sweet spots around Islamorada where the snappers, barracuda, and mackerel are waiting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Regina knows how to put you on the fish. With light tackle and hard-fighting species, you're in for a blast. Plus, the calm waters and stunning scenery make for a relaxing day on the water. Bring your shades and sunscreen, and we'll handle the rest. Oh, and did I mention you'll score a free Size Matters Charters shirt? Let's hit the water and make some memories!
What to Expect on the Water
This trip is all about variety and non-stop action. We'll cruise out to some of my favorite wrecks and reefs where the fish are always biting. You'll be using light tackle, which means even smaller fish put up a good fight. We typically target mangrove and yellowtail snapper, barracuda, and mackerel - all known for their speed and strength. The best part? Many of these fish are excellent eating, so you might just catch your dinner! The waters around Islamorada are generally calm, making this a great trip for families or anyone prone to seasickness. I'll provide all the gear and know-how, so no worries if you're new to fishing. Just come ready to have fun and maybe get a little salty!
Techniques & Hotspots
On this trip, we'll use a mix of techniques to keep things interesting. For snappers, we often use light spinning gear with live bait or small jigs. When targeting barracuda, we might troll with flashy lures or do some sight casting if we spot them near the surface. For mackerel, fast-moving spoons or small plugs usually do the trick. I'll show you how to work each lure and set the hook when a fish strikes. We'll hit a variety of spots, from sunken wrecks that hold big fish to shallow reefs teeming with life. Each location offers something different, and I'll explain why fish prefer certain areas. By the end of the trip, you'll have a good grasp of inshore fishing techniques that you can use anywhere in the Keys.
Customer Stories
"This is the first for me and my dad. We caught fish as soon as we got out there. Capt'n and Henry are great. If we come back we will be booking again! Thank you guys!!" - Tavis
"We had a great trip with Captain Regina! She is a very nice person and knows where to go to get the fish. We ended up with 17 yellow tail snappers that tasted wonderful. Her mate was also a great guy and very professional." - Scott
"Had a great time. Caught more than enough fish to feed four of us. Gina made sure we were taken care of. Will be back." - Rick
Species You'll Want to Hook
Scup, also known as porgy, might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're a blast to catch on light tackle. These feisty little fighters are abundant around Islamorada's reefs and wrecks. They typically range from 1/2 to 2 pounds, with bigger ones pushing 3 pounds. Scup are known for their delicious, flaky white meat, making them a favorite for fish tacos or a simple pan fry. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. When you hook one, get ready for some quick, darting runs - they may be small, but they've got spunk!
The great barracuda is the speed demon of the Keys. These toothy predators can grow up to 6 feet long and are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. We often spot them lurking around wrecks or patrolling the edges of reefs. Barracuda are here year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months. When you hook one, hold on tight! They'll make blistering runs and often leap clear out of the water. While they're not considered good eating due to the risk of ciguatera, they're catch-and-release rock stars that'll get your heart pumping.
Gag grouper are the heavyweights of our inshore wrecks. These bruisers can reach over 50 pounds, though most we catch are in the 10-30 pound range. They love to hang out in the nooks and crannies of sunken structures, making them a fun target for anglers who enjoy a challenge. Gags are most active in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. When you hook one, be prepared for a serious tug-of-war as they try to dive back into their hidey-holes. Their firm, white flesh makes them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are the bread and butter of Keys inshore fishing. These crafty fish are abundant year-round and can be found around any structure from shallow mangroves to deeper wrecks. They typically range from 1-5 pounds, with some monsters pushing 10 pounds or more. Grey snappers are known for their light, delicate bite, so staying alert is key. Once hooked, they put up a spirited fight on light tackle, with quick runs and head shakes. Their sweet, white meat is highly prized for its versatility in the kitchen - from ceviche to blackened fillets, you can't go wrong with snapper for dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks - a half day packed with non-stop fishing action, gorgeous scenery, and the chance to catch some of the Keys' most exciting inshore species. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this trip has something for everyone. Captain Regina's years of experience mean you're in for a top-notch fishing adventure, and with all gear provided, it couldn't be easier to get out there. Remember, you'll even score a free Size Matters Charters shirt to commemorate your trip! Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for a fishing trip you won't forget. See you on the water!
Customer Reviews
Instant Fish Success
Tavis Walker
September 30, 2024
Snapper Bonanza
We had a great trip with Captain Regina! She is a very nice person and knows where to go to get the fish. We ended up with 17 yellow tail snappers that tasted wonderful. Her mate was also a great guy and very professional.
Scott Partington
March 16, 2023
Fish Feast with Gina
Had a great time. Caught more than enough fish to feed four of us. Gina made sure we were taken care of. Will be back.
Rick Boarman
January 21, 2025
Learn more about the species
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are a prized catch around here, known for their hefty size and tasty white meat. These ambush predators love structure, so we target them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms. Most are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow over 50 inches and 80 pounds. Gags are typically greyish with a marbled pattern, darker on top. They're most active in cooler months when they move to shallower water. These fish put up a stubborn fight, trying to dive back into their hidey-holes. Live bait like pinfish works great, but cut squid or crabs can do the trick too. My tip: Once you hook one, keep your rod tip low and reel fast to pull them away from structure before they can break you off.
Great Barracuda
These sleek predators are a thrill to catch around Islamorada. Growing up to 6 feet long, barracuda are known for their lightning-fast strikes and powerful runs. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and along drop-offs, often hanging out just below the surface. They're curious fish, sometimes following boats or checking out divers. Spring through fall is prime time, when water temps warm up. Barracuda put up an awesome fight on light tackle, with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. While not the best eating, their size and speed make them a popular target. To hook one, try trolling with tube lures or live bait like blue runners. Just watch those teeth when you're landing them – they're no joke!
Grey Snapper
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These fish usually run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and reefs – anywhere with good structure. They're most active at night, especially around the full moon when they spawn. Grey snapper are known for their flaky white meat, and they're fun to catch on light tackle. They can be a bit finicky, so use small hooks and live bait like shrimp or mud minnows. Here's a local trick: Thread your shrimp on tail-first to keep it lively longer. Let it sink to the bottom, then reel up slightly. Be patient and wait for that telltale thump!
Scup
## Scup Description The scup, also known as porgy, is a medium-sized fish with a tall, compressed body. Scup are brown with iridescent silver scales that can reflect the colors of the rainbow. They have small mouths with strong jaws and narrow, pointed teeth used to crush small shells. Their dorsal fin has a row of sharp spines that make up almost the entire fin length. Scup Size Scup grow up to 18 inches long and 4 pounds. They can live a relatively long time, up to 20 years. ## Scup Habitat Scup are a migratory species of fish. From May to October, with warmer water temperatures, they will be near the coastline and often within a few miles of shore. When winter and cold water temperatures move in, they will travel south and offshore into deeper water. If they get caught in shallow, inshore waters when a cold snap hits, scup will often die.  Scup inhabit the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of the United States from Maine to North Carolina. ## Scup Interesting Facts Scup are an important commercial fish, harvested in high numbers each year and commonly exported to Japan. The slow-growing Scup begins to reproduce at the age of 2 years and at the size of around 8 inches long. Scup spawn in weeds or sandy areas in southern New England from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to the New York area from May through August, with peak spawning in June. Scup spawn in the morning, although most other fish species spawn at night. Females release around 7,000 eggs once a year. While not a sport fish per se, scup are good eating fish. They’re also an effective live bait for striped bass and even white marlin. ## Scup Diet Scup are bottom feeders, and you will find them searching for food near rocks and pilings to feed on mollusks, worms, and other invertebrates. They are able to crush the hard shells with their strong jaws and molars. ## Scup Method and Lures Popular methods of catching Scup are drifting, bottom fishing, and jigging. Medium tackle with a 14 lb test line and natural bait like squid, worms, or clam is the most popular with these fish. The recommended scup setup includes a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 14 lb test line. The optimal rod is 6'6″ to 7′ with fast action and capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce. Fused and braided lines allow for much greater casting distance. From the boat, cast the bait to the ocean floor and jig your bait slowly up and down. From the shore, cast out and let the bait sink to the bottom. Reel in until your line is taut. Scup are a very easy fish to catch, most being caught by anglers targeting other fish. Although Scup are considered a bottom species and not a fly fishing angler's target, they are occasionally seen in schools on the surface and can be caught using small clousers and small rain bait flies.
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
This is the first for me and my dad. We caught fish as soon as we got out there. Capt’n and Henry are great. If we come back we will be booking again! Thank you guys!!