Top-Rated Fishing Charters in Islamorada, FL Keys

Published Date: July 3, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for some fast-paced fishing action just minutes from shore? Join us on a reef fishing trip out of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. We'll cruise out about 20 minutes to prime spots teeming with snapper, grouper, mackerel, and other tasty reef dwellers. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will get you on the fish whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line. We provide all the gear and know-how – you just bring your excitement and maybe a cooler for your catch. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for families or small groups looking to spend a few hours on the water. As a bonus, everyone who books gets a free Size Matters Charters shirt to remember your day out on the beautiful Florida Keys. The reefs are calling – let's go fishing!

Top-Rated Fishing Charters in Islamorada, FL Keys

Reeling 'Em In

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 the Big One: Islamorada Fishing Charters

Trip Overview

Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious rod-bending action just minutes from the dock? Our Islamorada fishing charters are the real deal. We're talking about a quick 20-minute ride to some of the hottest reefs in the Florida Keys, where the fish are always biting and the scenery never disappoints. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and we're here to make sure you leave with a cooler full of fish and a camera full of memories. Plus, every guest walks away with a free Size Matters Charters shirt – because let's face it, size does matter when it comes to fishing!

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's talk tactics. We're not messing around with any fancy-schmancy gear here – just good old-fashioned rods, reels, and the right bait to get those fish biting. We'll be focusing on bottom fishing and drift fishing, techniques that are perfect for nabbing those tasty reef dwellers. You'll be dropping lines over coral heads and rocky bottoms, feeling for that telltale thump that means dinner's on the hook. And don't worry if you're new to this – our crew will show you the ropes, from baiting your hook to reeling in the big ones. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your sunscreen, a hat, and your game face.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"I've been on a lot of charters, but Size Matters really knows their stuff. Caught more fish in four hours than I have all year!" - Mike T.
"The crew was amazing – patient with the kids and put us on fish all day. Can't wait to come back!" - Sarah L.
"Best fishing trip of my life. Period. These guys know where the big ones hide!" - Tom R.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These acrobatic beauties are the crowd-pleasers of the deep. Known for their vibrant colors and high-flying antics, Mahi are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They're most abundant in the summer months, but you can find them year-round in the Keys. When you hook one, be ready for a show – they'll leap and dance across the water, giving you a fight you won't soon forget.

Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, Wahoo are like the cheetahs of the ocean. These streamlined predators can hit speeds up to 60 mph, making for some of the most exciting fights you'll ever experience. They're most common in the winter months, but can be caught year-round. When a Wahoo hits your line, hold on tight – these fish are known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel if you're not careful.

Great Barracuda: With a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a bad attitude to match, 'cudas are the punks of the reef. They're here all year long, lurking around structure and waiting to ambush anything that moves. Barracuda are lightning-fast and will often sky out of the water when hooked. They might not be the best for eating, but for pure fishing excitement, it's hard to beat a big 'cuda on light tackle.

Gag Grouper: These bottom-dwelling bruisers are the heavyweights of the reef. Gags love to hang out in rocky areas and wrecks, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and fish. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. When you hook a big gag, be ready for a serious tug-of-war – these fish fight dirty, trying to wrap you around any structure they can find.

Blackfin Tuna: Small but mighty, Blackfin Tuna are the pocket rockets of the tuna world. These guys school up in the deeper waters off Islamorada, providing fast action and delicious sushi-grade meat. They're most abundant in the fall and winter, but can be caught year-round. When you find a school of Blackfin, it's non-stop action – these fish hit hard and fight all the way to the boat.

Top Catches This Season

Listen up, folks – the fishing's been on fire lately! We've been seeing some monster Mahi in the 30-pound range, lighting up the deck with those electric blue and green colors. The Wahoo bite has been insane too, with several fish over 50 pounds hitting the scales. And for you bottom fishing fanatics, the Grouper have been eating everything in sight – we're talking 20-pounders coming up left and right. But here's the kicker – last week, one of our anglers hooked into a 100-pound Tarpon that decided to crash the party. Talk about a bonus catch! That's the beauty of fishing these waters – you never know what's gonna grab your line next.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you want in on this action, you need to lock in your date now. Our calendar's filling up faster than a bait well in shark-infested waters. Remember, we can take up to 6 anglers, so grab your buddies and make it happen. Don't forget, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting a shot at some of the best angling in the Florida Keys, guided by a crew that eats, sleeps, and breathes this stuff. And hey, that free Size Matters shirt? It's gonna be your new favorite piece of bragging gear. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and we've got a cooler with your name on it. Book now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime!

Learn more about the species

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you – these guys pack a punch. Usually weighing in around 20-30 pounds, they're known for their hard-hitting strikes and powerful runs. You'll find them hanging out near the reef edges and drop-offs, often in schools. These fish love warm water, so we target them year-round here in the Keys, with fall and winter being prime time. They're a blast to catch on light tackle, giving you an arm-burning fight that'll keep you coming back for more. What makes blackfin special is their versatility in the kitchen. Whether you're grilling, searing, or enjoying some sashimi, their rich, dark meat is top-notch eating. If you're looking to land one, here's a local tip: try vertical jigging at dawn or dusk. Use smaller lures and leaders – these fish have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy. When you hook up, be ready for some serious action. It's no wonder blackfin are a favorite among our guests, offering both a great fight and a delicious dinner.

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are a favorite target for many anglers here in the Keys. These hefty fish typically range from 20-30 pounds but can grow up to 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs, usually in depths of 60-250 feet. They're ambush predators, so they love structure they can hide in. Spring and fall are prime seasons for gags, but we catch them year-round. They put up a great fight, using their strength to dive back into rocks or holes. When you hook one, keep your rod low and reel fast to pull them away from structure. Gags are prized for their firm, white meat. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works best, but cut squid or crab can do the trick too. Here's a local tip: look for stone crab traps - gags love hanging around them for an easy meal. One cool fact about gags - they all start as females and some change to males as they mature. It's always exciting to land one of these hard-fighting fish.

Great Barracuda

Great barracudas are impressive predators you'll find patrolling our reefs and wrecks. These sleek hunters can grow up to 6 feet long, with most in the 2-4 foot range. They're built for speed, able to hit 35 mph in short bursts. You'll often spot them hanging motionless near structure, waiting to ambush prey. They're most active in warmer months but can be caught year-round. Barracudas put up a thrilling fight, known for explosive runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. While their meat isn't prized, many anglers target them for the pure excitement. They'll hit just about any shiny lure, but live bait like blue runners really gets their attention. A wire leader is a must - those razor-sharp teeth make quick work of mono. One local trick: if you see a cuda following your bait, give it a sudden jerk. That often triggers their predatory instinct and provokes a strike. Just be ready for that initial burst of speed when they hit!

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi-mahi are a big hit with our guests - and for good reason. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 80 in rare cases. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris and sargassum, often following frigatebirds. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. We target them offshore in blue water, usually 5-20 miles out. Mahi put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. It's a real thrill when a big bull goes airborne. Beyond the excitement, mahi make excellent eating. The meat is firm, mild, and great on the grill. Locals prize it for fish tacos. Here's a pro tip: When you spot a school, keep one hooked fish in the water. Mahi are curious and will often stick around, giving everyone a shot at catching one. Just be ready with live bait or a bright lure to capitalize on the frenzy.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are speedsters of the open ocean, typically 3-5 feet long and built for blazing runs. We find them in deeper waters off Islamorada, often around 100-300 feet deep near drop-offs and underwater structures. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time here in the Keys, when water temps are just right. Anglers love targeting wahoo for their lightning-fast strikes and powerful fights - these fish can peel off line at 60 mph! They're also excellent eating, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to mahi-mahi. To up your odds, we'll often troll with wire leaders and lures that can handle high speeds. A local trick is to use dark-colored lures on sunny days and brighter colors when it's overcast. Wahoo tend to hit baits positioned furthest back in the spread, so we'll usually stagger our lines. It's an adrenaline rush when one of these rockets decides to bite!

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