Full Day Fishing Adventure in Islamorada

Published Date: August 24, 2025
Fishing

Islamorada
$750 - $1,900 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of fishing in Islamorada? We're heading out to some of the best spots in the Florida Keys. Our crew knows these waters inside and out, so we'll put you on the fish. We're talking snappers, groupers, mahi, and more – the kind of catches that make for great photos and even better dinners. Don't worry if you're new to fishing; we'll show you the ropes. And if you're an old pro, we might just teach you a new trick or two. We've got room for six on the boat, so bring your friends or family along. The gear's all set, and we're stocked up on bait. All you need to do is show up ready for some action on the water. By the end of the day, you'll have stories to tell and hopefully a cooler full of fish. It's the perfect way to experience the rich fishing grounds that make Islamorada famous.

Full Day Fishing Adventure in Islamorada

Reels and Rods in Action

Two anglers fishing in Florida with a large catch

Grouper fishing in Islamorada – Epic!

Islamorada: A Red Snapper fishing lover's dream!

6 big fish caught in Islamorada during cruises and fishing trip

Deep sea fishing in Islamorada!

Two anglers with a 39-inch catch in Islamorada, Florida

Catch the big Red Snapper in Islamorada!

Full Day Fishing in Islamorada's Hotspots

Get ready to hit the water for an action-packed day of fishing in Islamorada, the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Our full-day trip takes you to the best fishing grounds in the Florida Keys, where you'll have a shot at landing some seriously impressive catches. Whether you're after hard-fighting amberjack, tasty mahi-mahi, or the elusive cobia, we've got the know-how to put you on the fish. Grab your sunscreen and let's get out there!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll start the day bright and early, loading up the boat with all the gear you need for a successful outing. As we cruise out of the marina, you'll get to soak in the stunning views of the Keys and maybe even spot some dolphins playing in our wake. Once we hit our first spot, it's all hands on deck. We'll be targeting a mix of reef fish, pelagics, and maybe even some sharks if you're up for it. Our experienced crew will be right there with you, helping you bait up, giving you pointers on your technique, and making sure everyone's having a blast. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – we'll have you reeling in the big ones in no time.

Techniques That Land the Big Ones

On this trip, we'll be using a variety of fishing methods to maximize our chances of success. We might start off bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, using live bait or cut chunks to entice these tasty reef dwellers. As the day heats up, we'll switch gears and try some trolling for mahi-mahi or wahoo. If the conditions are right, we might even break out the kites to target sailfish or tuna. For the amberjack and cobia, we'll likely use vertical jigging techniques or live bait presentations. Our crew always keeps an eye on what's working best and adapts on the fly to make sure you're getting the most bites possible.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Skipjack Tuna: These speedy little torpedoes are a blast to catch and put up a fight way above their weight class. They typically show up in the Keys from late spring through fall, often in large schools that can create exciting topwater action. While they're not the biggest tuna out there, skipjacks are excellent eating when prepared fresh.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these colorful acrobats are a favorite among anglers and chefs alike. Mahi are most abundant in Islamorada waters during the summer months, but you can find them year-round. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked and their delicious, mild-flavored meat. Catching a bull mahi in the 30-40 pound range is always a possibility here.

Greater Amberjack: If you're looking for a true test of strength, the greater amberjack is your fish. These bruisers hang around wrecks and deep reefs, often in depths of 200 feet or more. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. When you hook into a 50+ pound AJ, be ready for a serious workout – these fish are relentless fighters that will have your arms burning.

Wahoo: Speed demons of the ocean, wahoo are prized for both their thrilling runs and their excellent table fare. While they can be caught year-round in the Keys, the best wahoo fishing typically happens in the winter months. These fish are known for their blistering initial runs and razor-sharp teeth, so landing a big one is always a memorable experience.

Cobia: Often called "crab eaters" by local anglers, cobia are curious fish that love to follow large animals like sharks, rays, and even boats. They're most common in the spring and fall, but can be caught year-round in the Keys. Cobia are strong fighters that often make several powerful runs before coming to the boat. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Islamorada isn't called the Sport Fishing Capital of the World for nothing. The variety of species and fishing opportunities here is truly mind-blowing. One minute you could be battling a monster amberjack in the depths, and the next you're sight-casting to a school of mahi on the surface. The captains and crews here have generations of local knowledge, so you're always in good hands. Plus, there's something special about ending a day of fishing by watching the sun set over the Keys, cold drink in hand, reliving the day's catches. It's the kind of experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer, don't wait to book your trip. Our full-day charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to cross some species off your bucket list or a newcomer wanting to learn the ropes, we've got you covered. Bring your family, bring your friends, or come solo and make new fishing buddies – either way, you're in for an unforgettable day on the water. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot now and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are biting, and Islamorada's calling – let's go catch 'em!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are odd-looking fish that pack a punch. These brown bruisers average 30-50 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll often spot them cruising near the surface around structure like channel markers or reefs. Spring and fall are prime seasons as cobia migrate through our waters. Anglers love cobia for their strong fights and excellent table fare. They're curious fish - sometimes following boats or even sharks. To catch one, sight-cast jigs or live eels when you spot them. Cobia will often inspect your bait before striking, so be patient. They're not the fastest swimmers, but they use their size to their advantage. Local tip: When you hook up, get ready for some crazy head-shaking runs. Keep constant pressure to tire them out.

Greater Amberjack

Greater amberjack are bruisers, plain and simple. These powerful reef dwellers average 30-50 pounds but can push 100. You'll find them around deep wrecks and reefs offshore, typically in 150-300 feet of water. AJs are most active in cooler months, from fall through spring. Anglers love targeting them for their sheer strength - hooking one is like trying to stop a freight train. Bring heavy tackle and be ready for a workout. Live bait like blue runners or speedos work well, or try jigging with heavy metal lures. The meat is good eating but can carry ciguatera in larger fish, so we usually release the big ones. Here's a local trick: When you hook up, get the fish off the bottom fast or it'll run you right back into the wreck.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are some of the most exciting fish to target around Islamorada. These colorful acrobats usually run 15-30 pounds but can top 50. Look for them near floating debris and weedlines offshore, especially from spring through fall. Mahi are fast-growing and hard-fighting, known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. The meat is excellent - mild, firm, and versatile for cooking. To find them, keep an eye out for frigate birds working an area. When you spot a school, cast live bait or brightly colored lures. Mahi are aggressive feeders, so a fast retrieve often triggers strikes. For bigger bulls, try slow-trolling live baits. Local tip: If you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. You can often catch multiple fish from a single stop.

Skipjack Tuna

## Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus Pelamis) Skipjack Tuna is a smaller fish in the Scombridae Tuna family. They have a streamlined and torpedo-shaped body adapted for fast swimming. These species live in the pelagic zone of tropical waters all around the world. They have scales only on the lateral sides of their body and behind the head. They have dark purple or blue color on the back and silver on the lower sides. They also have 4-6 vertical dark bands on their lower body, which looks like dark blotches. Including the abdominal region, half of their body is whitish to pale yellow. ## Skipjack Tuna Size Skipjack Tuna grow quickly, similar to other tropical tunas. Skipjack can reach a maximum of 4 feet in length and 76 pounds in weight; however, the average catch will be around 2-3 feet and 20 pounds. They have a relatively short life span of about 8-12 years. ## Skipjack Tuna Fun Facts Skipjack considered albacore in the canned tuna industry is the most used type of tuna found in canned tuna, especially canned light tuna. Because of their canned tuna market popularity, ICCAT, (The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna)is an inter-governmental fishery organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas for their protection. Females can produce between 100,000 and 2 million eggs per year and can spawn as often as once a day. Once fertilized, the eggs hatch in about one day. They are prey upon by large pelagic fish such as billfish, sharks, and other larger tunas such as the Bluefin Tuna or Yellowfin Tuna. They are also used as bait fish to catch these fish. These are the most abundant of the tuna species in open oceans of tropical and sub-tropical regions. You can find them in schools with juvenile Yellowfin Tuna. They go by many different names such as balaya, tongkol, arctic bonito, mushmouth, oceanic bonito, and striped tuna. ## Skipjack Tuna Habitat Skipjack are tropical tunas that live in the temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. They are an pelagic fish living offshore in waters below the continental shelf. They are not too fussy about their food, preying on a variety of fish like herring, crustaceans, ## Skipjack Tuna Fishing Methods, Baits and Lures Because Skipjack are a highly valued tuna in the fish canning industry, they mostly caught in a fishery by commercial fishermen with purse seine nets. But when the recreational angler is out to catch one of these, some commonly used methods for them would be pole and line, trolling, handline, and longlining. Because these fish travel so often in big schools, we recommend trolling to be the number one method. The most effective trolling setup is a hoochie rig with a speed range from 4-6 knots. As they usually live in the upper half of the water body, anglers should adjust the depth of the rig accordingly. Other baits you could use are feathers, plugs, or spoons. Skipjack are easily spooked, so be careful to circle the school with the boat and allow your bait to troll as close to the school as possible, even drifting through the school if you can. Trolling is also a useful technique when you are not sure of the location of the fish. If no school is spotted, troll the bait a reasonable distance behind the boat. If they are feeding on the surface, you could go with jigging, which is useful for reaching larger fish that are deeper in the ocean. Live baits are best, but artificial lures can also be very rewarding. Pink feathers, squids, spoons, skirts and, swimming ballyhoo are artificial baits that should lure them in. For the fly fishermen, epoxy patterns, sand eels and, small deceivers work well for flies. ## Skipjack Tuna Distribution Skipjack Tuna are tropical tunas found in the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, with the highest abundance seen near the equator. Suitable water temperature for Skipjack ranges from 15 ֯ F to 30 ֯ F. They swim near the surface at night and when they are feeding during the day. Otherwise, you will probably find them in the depths of 850 feet being a pelagic species. Large schools of adult Skipjack Tuna often mix with juvenile Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of bursts over 60 mph. These sleek predators average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them in Islamorada's offshore waters, often near dropoffs or current edges. Wahoo fishing peaks in late summer and fall, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers prize wahoo for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics, plus they're excellent eating. To target them, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with big diving plugs or skirted ballyhoo. Wire leaders are a must - wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono. Here's a local tip: When a wahoo hits, don't set the hook. Just let the fish's speed and the boat's momentum do the work, then hang on tight!

About the Center Console Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 44

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 400

Ready to wet a line in Islamorada's legendary waters? Our full-day guided fishing trip promises a boatload of fun and plenty of fish. We'll cruise to the best spots where cobia, amberjack, snapper, grouper, and mahi are biting. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on the fish, whether you're a pro angler or it's your first time holding a rod. With room for up to six guests, bring your buddies or the whole family for a day of reeling in memories. We provide everything you need - just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a lucky fishing hat. Our guides are happy to share tips and tricks to improve your technique, so you might even learn a thing or two. Don't let this chance to fish the Florida Keys slip away - book your spot and get ready for a day of sun, sea, and serious fishing action!

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