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Top Islamorada Fishing: Tuna, Grouper & More
- Published Date: June 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- $600 - $1,000 price range
Summary
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Reels and Keels
Reel in the Big Ones: Islamorada's Hottest Half-Day Charter
Looking to score some serious fish without burning a whole day? Our morning half-day charter is your ticket to epic catches just minutes from Islamorada's shores. We're talking monster Blackfin Tuna, hard-fighting Grouper, and lightning-fast Wahoo – all before lunch! Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, our crew's got your back. We'll put you on the fish and make sure you're having a blast doing it.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard our fully-equipped charter boat and we'll zip you out to the prime fishing grounds in just 20 minutes. No long runs here – we're all about maximizing your time with bent rods. Our local captains know these reefs like the back of their hand, so we'll have you dropping lines on the hot spots in no time. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for small groups or families looking to make some unforgettable memories (and maybe snag some bragging rights).
Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing – our crew will walk you through everything from baiting hooks to landing that trophy catch. And for you experienced anglers? Get ready to put your skills to the test against some of Florida's hardest-fighting game fish. Oh, and did we mention everyone goes home with a free Size Matters Charters shirt? Talk about the perfect souvenir!
Techniques & Top Catches
We'll be hitting the reefs hard, using a mix of live bait and lures to target a variety of species. Expect to do some bottom fishing for those tasty Grouper, as well as some trolling for the pelagics like Tuna and Mahi Mahi. Our crew's always got an eye on the latest reports, so we'll adjust our tactics to what's biting best.
Speaking of what's biting – hold onto your hats, folks. Blackfin Tuna have been on fire lately, and there's nothing quite like the screaming run of a 30-pounder peeling line off your reel. Grouper have been stacked up on the deeper structures, perfect for some arm-burning bottom fishing action. And if you're lucky, you might just tangle with a toothy Barracuda or a speedster Wahoo that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Sure, the fishing's great, but it's more than just the catch that keeps our guests coming back year after year. It's that perfect mix of laid-back Florida Keys vibes and heart-pounding action. One minute you're kicking back, soaking up the sun and salt air, and the next you're locked in an epic battle with a fish that's determined to test your mettle.
Our experienced crew doesn't just put you on fish – they're full of local knowledge, fishing tales, and the kind of jokes that'll have you chuckling all the way back to the dock. By the end of the trip, don't be surprised if you feel less like a customer and more like part of the Size Matters family.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): These acrobatic beauties are a sight to behold, with their electric blue and gold colors flashing as they leap and tail-walk across the surface. Mahi are known for their incredible fights and delicious meat. They're most abundant in the warmer months, but we can find them year-round in the Florida Keys. Expect to battle fish in the 10-30 pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 50+.
Wahoo: If you're after pure speed, Wahoo are your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're a bit elusive, but when we connect, it's an experience you won't forget. Fall and winter are prime Wahoo seasons, with fish typically ranging from 15-40 pounds. Landing one of these speedsters is a true trophy.
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, Barracuda are the bad boys of the reef. They're ambush predators that'll hit your bait like a freight train, often leaping clear out of the water in the process. We catch these toothy critters year-round, with sizes ranging from 5-pound "snakes" to 40-pound monsters. They're not great eating, but the fight and photo op make them a blast to catch.
Gag Grouper: If you're looking to put some serious fish in the cooler, Gag Grouper are hard to beat. These bruisers live around rocky bottom and reefs, and they fight dirty – trying to wrap you around structure the moment you hook up. We catch them year-round, with fall being particularly good. Most fish run 10-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. Get ready for some serious pulling!
Blackfin Tuna: Pound for pound, Blackfin Tuna are some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped speedsters will test your stamina with long, powerful runs. We typically find them in the 10-30 pound range, but bigger specimens pushing 40 pounds are possible. They're most abundant in the cooler months, and the sushi-grade meat makes them a prized catch for the dinner table.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, folks – Islamorada isn't called the "Sportfishing Capital of the World" for nothing. Our morning half-day charter gives you a perfect taste of what makes this place so special. In just a few hours, you could be battling trophy fish, making lasting memories, and experiencing some of the best fishing Florida has to offer.
At $800 for up to 6 people, it's an incredible value for a private charter experience. Remember, all the gear is provided, and 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 adventure.
Ready to feel the rush of a screaming drag and the satisfaction of landing a real Florida trophy? Give us a call or book online today. The fish are waiting, and trust us – out here, size really does matter!
Learn more about the species
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin tuna are the speed demons of our local waters. These compact powerhouses usually max out around 30 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. You'll find them schooling near the surface, often around weed lines or floating debris. They're most active here in the Keys during fall, winter, and spring. These guys love warm water, so we typically target them just beyond the reef in depths of 100 to 300 feet. Their eyesight is razor-sharp, so we'll use light leaders and small hooks to avoid spooking them. Live bait like pilchards works wonders, but chunking with cut bait can really get them fired up too. Blackfin are prized for both their sporting quality and their taste. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for sashimi or lightly seared. When you hook one, be ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. Here's a local tip: If you see frigate birds diving, there's a good chance blackfin are pushing bait to the surface. That's when you want to get a live bait in the water fast.
Gag Grouper
Gag grouper are a prized catch around here, typically running 20-30 inches but sometimes pushing 50+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs – they love structure. These ambush predators are crafty, often trying to drag you back into their hidey-holes once hooked. Spring and fall are prime times, but we can target them year-round. Folks love going after gags for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They put up a real scrappy battle, especially the big ones. When you're reeling one in, keep that rod low and the reel locked – don't give 'em an inch or they'll dive for cover. Here's a local trick: look for stone crab traps. Gags love crab, so they often lurk nearby. Live bait like pinfish or mullet works great, but cut squid or octopus can do the job too. Just make sure that hook is buried good with the barb peeking out. When you feel that thump, get ready for a fight!
Great Barracuda
Great Barracudas are one of the ocean's top predators, and they're a blast to catch around Islamorada. These sleek hunters can grow up to 6 feet long, but most we see are 2-4 feet. They're lightning fast, hitting speeds of 35 mph when they strike. You'll find 'cudas near the surface around reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. They're curious fish, often following boats or checking out divers. Spring is prime time, but we catch them year-round. Barracudas put up a heck of a fight when hooked. They'll make blistering runs and even leap out of the water. Anglers love the challenge and the adrenaline rush. Here's a local tip: use shiny lures that mimic their favorite prey like sardines or small tuna. Cast near structure and retrieve fast – that triggers their instinct to chase. Just be careful handling them. Those razor-sharp teeth are no joke. We always use a landing net and gloves for everyone's safety. While they rarely bother humans, it's best to admire these toothy critters from a distance.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish, are a favorite target here in Islamorada. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 80. You'll find them near floating debris and weedlines, often following frigate birds. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Mahi are fast swimmers and acrobatic jumpers, giving you an exciting fight on light tackle. Their striking blue-green and gold colors make for great photos. Plus, they're delicious eating - mild, sweet flesh that's great grilled. To catch 'em, we'll troll with ballyhoo or squid, skipping the bait on the surface to mimic flying fish. Keep an eye out for birds working an area - that's often a dead giveaway for mahi below. One local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water. Mahi often travel in schools, so leaving a hooked fish visible can draw in more. It's a great way to turn one catch into several!
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are the speedsters of the ocean, clocking in at up to 60 mph. These long, sleek fish typically run 3 to 5 feet, with a striking blue-striped pattern. You'll find them in our deeper waters, often hanging around floating debris or structure. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time here in Islamorada. They're a blast to catch - when one hits, hang on tight! The initial run is explosive, and they'll give you a serious workout. Wahoo meat is prized for its mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's excellent grilled or in fish tacos. Health-conscious folks love it for being lean and packed with omega-3s. To boost your chances, we'll often troll at high speeds, around 12-15 knots. I like using wire leaders - wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through regular line. If you're after a real trophy, my local tip is to use larger lures and troll near temperature breaks or current edges. That's where the big ones tend to lurk.
