Islamorada Offshore Fishing
Offshore fishing charters offer an unforgettable experience that captures the best of Islamorada’s world-famous fishing. Our day starts bright and early at the iconic Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. After loading up the gear and going over the plan, the boat eases out of the harbor as the sun rises over the Atlantic.. The first stop is usually to catch fresh live bait, such as pilchards, ballyhoo, or cigar minnows. Having lively bait onboard makes all the difference and sets the tone for a successful day offshore.
Once the bait wells are full, it’s time to head out to the offshore grounds. Whether that means working the edge of the reef for sailfish, running to the humps for blackfin tuna, or pushing farther into the blue water in search of mahi mahi. Throughout the day, we adjust tactics based on conditions and what’s biting, offering a mix of trolling, kite fishing, and live baiting to keep rods bending. Every trip is customized, whether you’re after dinner fish, a trophy sailfish release, or a day full of nonstop action on light tackle.
Target Species
Winter:
Winter in Islamorada is an action-packed season for offshore anglers. Trips often start by catching a few snappers for dinner before heading out to the patch reefs, where blackfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and mackerel are active. This is the peak time for kite fishing, a visual technique that often leads to sailfish bites right on the surface. On calm days, sight fishing for sailfish and cobia adds an extra level of excitement. There’s nothing quite like spotting your dream fish and watching it eat right before your eyes.
Spring:
Spring continues much of the same great fishing as winter, but with the addition of mahi mahi (dolphin fish) as the water warms and currents shift. It’s a transitional season where nearly everything is biting – tunas, sailfish, wahoo, and more. By May 1st, grouper season opens, giving anglers the chance to target these prized bottom dwellers alongside the pelagic action offshore. With comfortable weather and diverse fishing opportunities, spring is one of the most productive times of year in Islamorada.
Summer:
When summer rolls in, it’s prime mahi mahi season. Calm seas and blue skies make for ideal offshore runs, and the day often starts by targeting blackfin tuna around the offshore humps before chasing mahi in open water. This is light-tackle fishing at its finest, sight casting live baits to brightly colored fish under floating debris or weed lines. It’s a visual, fast-paced, and family-friendly experience that defines summer fishing in the Keys.
Fall:
As the temperatures start to cool, Islamorada’s fall fishing remains hot. Mahi are still around in good numbers, while sailfish begin to make their early-season appearance offshore. On the bottom, snapper and grouper fishing really shines, offering great opportunities for those looking to fill the cooler. Fall is an underrated time to visit with less boat traffic, comfortable weather, and consistent action across a wide variety of species
Where We Fish
On a typical Islamorada fishing charter, the destinations vary with the season and the day’s conditions, but there’s always something exciting just a short run from shore. Many trips target the wrecks, patch reefs, and natural bottom areas that sit only a few miles offshore, home to an incredible variety of snapper, grouper, mackerel, and other reef fish. These nearshore spots offer steady action and are ideal for anglers of all experience levels.
During the summer months, the adventure often stretches farther offshore, where anglers chase mahi mahi, tuna, and other pelagic species in the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream. Whether fishing the shallow reefs or the open ocean, every trip offers a unique look at the diverse and productive waters that make Islamorada the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
What's Included
- Mate & Licensed captain
- All tackle
- All bait
- All licensing
- Cooler with ice
- All cleaning of the fish
What To Bring
It is customary to tip the mate 15-20%. Make sure to bring appropriate clothing for the weather, any food & drinks, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- 15-20% tip for the mate
- Appropriate clothing for the weather
- Any food & drinks (no glassware)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Please refrain from bringing any glassware
Islamorada Offshore Fishing frequent questions
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