Ready to hit the blue waters off Islamorada and tangle with some serious fish? Our 6-hour private charter takes you straight to where the action is. We're talking world-class fishing grounds where trophy fish swim and anglers' dreams come true. Whether you're after a hard-fighting mahi-mahi or hoping to cross a blue marlin off your bucket list, we've got the know-how and the hot spots to make it happen. Grab your buddies, pack some sunscreen, and let's get out there!
Picture this: You're cruising out of Islamorada, the sun's warming up, and the anticipation's building. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a treat. We'll zip you out to the most productive spots – from bustling reefs to the deep blue where the big boys roam. You and five of your closest friends or family will have the boat all to yourselves. No need to be a pro; we'll show you the ropes if you're new to offshore fishing. And if you're an old salt? Well, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe even learn a new trick or two.
Offshore fishing isn't your grandpa's lazy day on the pond – it's a whole different ballgame out here. We're talking heavy-duty gear that can handle the monsters lurking below. We'll be using a mix of techniques, from trolling with spreader bars that mimic a school of baitfish to dropping live bait down deep where the grouper hang out. Our boats are decked out with top-notch electronics to find the fish and the latest in fishing tech to help you land 'em. Don't sweat it if you're not sure which end of the rod is which; our crew will have you jigging and setting hooks like a pro in no time.
Alright, so you want to know what kind of fish are swimming in these parts? Let me break it down for you – we're talking about some real heavy-hitters here.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are like the drag racers of the sea. They'll hit your bait hard and take off like a shot, sometimes leaping clear out of the water. We typically find them in the 15 to 30-pound range, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 50-pounder. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle.
Blue Marlin: Now we're talking about the holy grail of offshore fishing. These magnificent beasts can top 1,000 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms feeling like jelly. They're most common in the summer months, and even if you don't land one, just seeing a blue marlin jump is something you'll never forget. It's all catch and release for these beauties – we're all about conservation.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins at all), these are the acrobats of the ocean. With their vibrant colors and high-flying antics, mahi are a favorite among anglers. They're around most of the year, but summer is when they really show up in numbers. The best part? They're delicious, so you can look forward to some fresh fish tacos if you land a keeper.
Wahoo: If you're after speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and will test your drag system like nothing else. They're a bit of a prize, not as common as some other species, but when you hook one, hold on tight! Fall and winter are your best bet for wahoo, and they make for some mighty fine eating.
Great Barracuda: With their menacing teeth and lightning-fast strikes, 'cudas are the pirates of the reef. They're here year-round and put up a mean fight on light tackle. While they're not the best for eating, they're a blast to catch and release. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them – they mean business!
Look, if you're itching for some rod-bending, reel-screaming action, this is your ticket. We've got the local knowledge, the right gear, and the perfect stomping grounds for an epic day of fishing. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty mahi or hoping to check a billfish off your list, we've got you covered. Don't let another fishing season slip by – grab your crew and book your spot now. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on the stories you'll take home from this trip. Let's make it happen!
Blue Marlin are the heavyweight champs of our offshore waters. These massive billfish can top 1,000 pounds, though females are typically 4 times bigger than males. You'll find them in the deep blue waters beyond the reef, often following schools of tuna and mahi. We target Blue Marlin mainly from May through November when the waters warm up. Anglers come from all over to battle these acrobatic giants. Once hooked, they'll tail-walk across the surface and make blistering runs that'll test your gear and your stamina. To catch one, we'll troll big lures or live baits like bonito. I like to use a spread of 4-6 lines to cover more water. Blue Marlin love to attack baits skipping on the surface, so we'll often use teasers to draw them in close. Landing a Blue Marlin is the pinnacle for many anglers. Just be ready for a long fight - these fish don't give up easy. My best tip? Stay hydrated and pace yourself. It's a marathon, not a sprint, when you're hooked up to the ocean's ultimate prize fighter.
Great Barracudas are the speedsters of our waters, reaching up to 6 feet long and 100 pounds. You'll find them lurking around coral reefs and mangroves, often near the surface. These apex predators have a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and can burst up to 35 mph when chasing prey. We usually target 'cudas year-round, but spring is prime time when they aggregate to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - they'll give you a fierce fight when hooked, though they tire quickly. Watch out for those teeth if you land a big one! To catch barracuda, we'll use lures that mimic their favorite prey like small tuna or herring. Topwater plugs work great for the excitement of seeing them attack on the surface. I always keep wire leaders handy since their teeth will slice right through mono. While they look menacing, attacks on humans are extremely rare. Most of the time they're just curious about shiny objects. We catch and release barracuda since their meat can sometimes cause food poisoning. It's all about the thrill of the hunt with these toothy missiles!
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are one of the most colorful fish you'll see. They range from 15 to 30 pounds typically, with some bulls pushing 50+. You'll spot them around floating debris and weed lines offshore, often in small groups. We catch mahi year-round, but summer and fall are prime. These acrobats put on a show when hooked, leaping and changing colors. Anglers love targeting them for both the fight and the excellent table fare. To find mahi, we'll cruise the offshore waters looking for birds working or floating debris. They're suckers for live bait like pilchards, but will also hit trolled lures and even fly fishing gear. Once you hook one, get it in quick or the sharks may beat you to it. My favorite way to catch them is sight fishing. We'll spot a school, pitch baits, and watch them light up like Christmas trees as they fight. Just be ready with the gaff - mahi are known for their last-second boat-side acrobatics. Nothing beats fresh mahi tacos after a day on the water!
Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the offshore world. These sleek torpedoes typically run 30 to 50 pounds, but can top 100. You'll find them in the deep blue waters, often near drop-offs and underwater structures. We target wahoo year-round, but they're most abundant from July through November. Anglers love the blistering runs - a big wahoo can strip 300 yards of line in seconds. They're also prized for their firm, white meat that's excellent on the grill. To catch wahoo, we'll often troll at high speeds, 12-15 knots, with a spread of lures. Wire leaders are a must - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono like butter. I like using bright-colored lures with rattles to attract attention in the deep water. My top tip for wahoo? When you hook one, don't hesitate to chase it down. These fish will run and run, so gaining line quickly can make the difference between landing your fish or losing it to a frayed line. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride - wahoo fishing is an adrenaline rush like no other!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 430