%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F771%2Fimages%2Fsizematterschartershorizontalcolor.png&w=1200&q=100)
Top Islamorada Fishing: Offshore & Reef Action
- Published Date: June 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- $600 - $1,000 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F5da6348b-53fb-4f21-8dc5-85460a7c4dbb%2Fratecard%2Fregina4.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Offshore to Inshore Action
Reel in the Big Ones: Islamorada Fishing Charters
Trip Overview
Get ready for a day of non-stop action on the water with Size Matters Charters in Islamorada! This 6-hour trip gives you the best of both worlds - we'll start by heading offshore to chase down some serious pelagics like Wahoo and Mahi Mahi, then circle back to the reefs for some tasty bottom fishing action. Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, our captain will put you on the fish and make sure you're having a blast. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring your shades, sunscreen, and a cooler for your catch. Oh, and did I mention you'll score a free Size Matters Charters shirt? It's the perfect souvenir to remember your day of bent rods and screaming reels!
What to Expect on the Water
When we push off from the dock, we'll make a beeline for the offshore grounds where the big boys play. We'll be trolling for speedsters like Wahoo and Mahi Mahi, so keep your eyes peeled for that telltale skip across the surface. Once we've put some mahi in the box or tangled with a 'hoo, we'll switch gears and head to the reef. Here's where we'll drop some live bait or jigs to tempt the snapper and grouper hiding in the structure. The beauty of this trip is the variety - one minute you're battling a fish that's trying to spool you, the next you're finessing a grouper out of its rocky home. Our crew will be right there with you, offering tips on technique and making sure you're always in the action. And trust me, there's nothing like that moment when the rod doubles over and you're locked in a tug-of-war with a fish you can't even see yet!
Top Catches This Season
Islamorada isn't called the "Sportfishing Capital of the World" for nothing, folks. Our waters are teeming with some of the most sought-after gamefish in the Atlantic. Offshore, we've been seeing some monster Mahi Mahi in the 20-30 pound range, with a few gaffers pushing 40+. The Wahoo bite has been red hot, especially around the full moon - these speed demons will test your drag and your nerves! On the reef, we've been loading up on Yellow Tail Snapper, perfect for a fish fry back at the dock. And for those looking for a real workout, the Grouper have been cooperative, with some Gags pushing the 30-pound mark. Don't forget about the Blackfin Tuna - they might not be the biggest, but pound for pound, they're one of the hardest fighting fish out there. No matter what's biting, we'll make sure you're in the right spot at the right time to maximize your chances of a cooler full of fish and a camera full of memories.
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
Mahi Mahi, or Dolphinfish as they're sometimes called, are the acrobats of the open ocean. These vibrant blue and gold fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're fast-growing and can reach up to 30 pounds in their first year! Mahi are also one of the tastiest fish in the sea, making them a favorite among anglers and chefs alike. We typically find them near floating debris or weed lines, and they're suckers for a well-presented ballyhoo. The best part? They often travel in schools, so when you hook one, be ready for more!
Wahoo are the sprinters of the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph! These sleek, striped torpedoes are prized for their speed and their delicious, firm white meat. Wahoo fishing is all about the thrill of the chase - when one hits your lure, hang on tight because the initial run can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. We target these speedsters year-round in Islamorada, but the bite really heats up in the winter months. Landing a big 'hoo is always a highlight of any trip.
The Great Barracuda might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in attitude. These toothy predators are ambush hunters, known for their lightning-fast strikes and impressive aerial acrobatics when hooked. We often find them lurking around reefs and shipwrecks, ready to pounce on any unsuspecting prey. Barracuda fishing is visual and exciting - watching a big 'cuda chase down a topwater lure is a sight you won't soon forget!
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the reef, and battling one is like trying to lift a boulder off the bottom. These hard-fighting fish can grow up to 50 pounds and are notorious for trying to wrap you around structure. We target them with heavy tackle and strong arms, often using live bait or large jigs dropped right into their rocky lairs. The grouper bite is consistent year-round, but some of the biggest ones show up in the cooler months. And let's not forget - grouper makes for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste!
Blackfin Tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but don't let their size fool you. These compact powerhouses punch well above their weight class. Known for their blistering runs and deep dives, hooking into a school of blackfin can leave your arms feeling like jelly. We often find them busting bait on the surface, which makes for some exciting topwater action. Blackfin are also considered one of the best-eating tunas, perfect for sashimi right on the boat. The tuna bite can be good all year, but it really heats up in the fall and winter months.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, folks, I've been fishing these waters for years, and I can tell you there's nothing quite like an Islamorada fishing charter. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling big game fish, this trip has got you covered. With our top-notch gear, experienced crew, and local knowledge, we'll put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. And remember, you're not just booking a fishing trip - you're signing up for a day of memories that'll last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and let's go bend some rods! The fish are biting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. See you on the water!
Customer Reviews
Hooked on Success
Tavis
September 30, 2024
Fishy Fun with Regina
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
March 16, 2023
Fishy Feast Success
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
January 21, 2025
Learn more about the species
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin tuna are the scrappy little cousins of the tuna family, usually topping out around 30 pounds. These guys love warm water and hang out near the surface, often in big schools. We find them year-round in Islamorada, but fall through spring is prime time. They're fast swimmers and hard fighters for their size, which makes them a blast on light tackle. Blackfins tend to stick close to structure like reefs or wrecks, usually in depths under 500 feet. They're opportunistic feeders, chasing everything from small fish to squid. That makes them pretty easy to target with a variety of baits and lures. Anglers love blackfins for their taste – they're excellent eating fish, with rich, dark meat that's great for sashimi or grilling. When we're after them, I like to chum with live pilchards to get them fired up. A local trick is to use fluorocarbon leaders and smaller hooks, as these tuna have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy. Whether you're trolling, jigging, or live baiting, hooking into a school of blackfins is always a good time on the water.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are one of our most sought-after reef fish here in Islamorada. These bruisers typically run 20-30 inches but can reach over 50 pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. Gags put up a stubborn fight, trying to dive back into their rocky lairs. We target them year-round, but winter's cooler water tends to congregate them nicely. Anglers love gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To land one, we'll use heavy tackle and strong line - these fish don't give up easy. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from structure. Otherwise, they'll wrap you up quicker than you can say "grouper sandwich." Speaking of which, there's nothing quite like fresh gag for dinner after a day on the water.
Great Barracuda
Great barracudas are the speedsters of the Keys, hitting 35 mph in bursts. These sleek predators grow up to 6 feet long, though most you'll see are 2-4 feet. They hang around coral reefs, seagrass beds, and nearshore waters, often lurking just below the surface. Spring's prime time for 'cudas, but they're around year-round. They're a blast to catch - known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Just watch those teeth when you're landing one! Anglers love 'em for the fight, not the meat. There's a small risk of ciguatera poisoning, so most folks release them. That said, they're not the man-eaters some think. Attacks on humans are super rare. Want to hook one? Try trolling with tube lures or casting topwater plugs near structure. The flash draws their attention. Pro tip: use wire leaders - those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. When you feel that hit, hold on tight and get ready for some serious action!
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi-mahi are showstoppers out here in Islamorada. These colorful speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can top 60. We find them near floating debris and weed lines offshore, especially in summer. They're lightning-fast, acrobatic fighters that'll give you a real workout. The meat's excellent too - firm, mild, and versatile for cooking. Mahi hit both live bait and lures hard. My go-to trick is to troll with rigged ballyhoo, making them skip across the surface. That really fires up the mahi's predatory instincts. What makes mahi special is how they change colors when excited, flashing electric blue and green. It's a sight you won't forget. They also travel in schools, so hooking one often leads to multiple fish. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want to fill the cooler, mahi-mahi deliver non-stop action and great eating.
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are speed demons of the open ocean, usually hanging out in the top 60 feet of water. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish typically hit 4-5 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. We find 'em year-round here, but they really shine from July through November. Folks love targeting wahoo for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Once you hook one, hang on tight - they can peel off 400 yards of line in seconds! The meat is some of the best eating you'll find, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor perfect for fish tacos. To catch these speedsters, we like to troll fast - around 12-15 knots. I'll set a spread of 4-6 lures, usually going with some bright colors to catch their eye. Wire leaders are a must, or those razor-sharp teeth will slice right through your line. Here's a local tip: keep an eye out for frigatebirds. They often follow schools of baitfish that wahoo are chasing. Find the birds, find the wahoo!
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!!