Hey there, anglers! Ready for some serious offshore action in the sportfishing capital of the world? Our full day trip with Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing is your ticket to battling some of the most sought-after fish in the Florida Keys. We're talking sailfish, tuna, and a whole lot more. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, we've got you covered. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to make some waves!
Picture this: You're cruising out of Islamorada, the warm breeze in your face, as we head to where the big boys play. We're not messing around - this is a full day of fishing, from sunup to sundown if you've got the stamina. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right on the fish. We're after the heavy hitters - mahi mahi, snapper, tuna, marlin, amberjack, and wahoo. It's like a who's who of game fish out here. And don't sweat it if you're new to this - we'll show you the ropes and have you reeling them in like a pro in no time.
Alright, let's talk shop. We're not just drifting around hoping for a bite - we're on the hunt. We'll be using a mix of techniques to maximize our chances. Trolling is the name of the game for pelagics like sailfish and marlin. We'll have lines out the back, skipping baits along the surface to mimic flying fish. For tuna and mahi, we might switch it up with some live bait fishing or even jigging when we mark a school. The crew's always scanning for birds, weed lines, and any signs that'll lead us to the motherload. And when it comes to bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, we've got some secret spots that are absolutely loaded. Just remember, it's called fishing, not catching - but we'll do everything we can to make sure you're hooking up!
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately. We've had folks leaving the dock with ear-to-ear grins and coolers full of fillets. Last week, Jimmy from Ohio tangled with a 100-pound sailfish that put on an aerial show like you wouldn't believe. And just yesterday, we hit a weed line that was stacked with mahi - double headers all around! The yellowfin tuna have been showing up in good numbers too, perfect for some fresh sashimi back at the dock. Bottom line, if you're looking to bend a rod and feel that drag screaming, now's the time to get out here.
Blackfin Tuna: These pocket rockets might not be as big as their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight and flavor. We usually find them in schools, so when we hook up, it's often game on for everyone. They love to hit diamond jigs and live bait, and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. Best of all, they're around pretty much year-round, with fall being the peak season.
Atlantic Sailfish: The acrobats of the ocean, sailfish are the pride of Islamorada. These guys are fast - we're talking speeds up to 68 mph! When one takes your bait, hold on tight because the show's about to begin. They'll tailwalk across the surface, their iconic sail fully unfurled. We catch them year-round, but winter is prime time. And don't worry, we practice catch and release with these beauties to keep the population strong.
Blue Marlin: The holy grail of offshore fishing. Blues are the biggest of the billfish, and hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. They're rare catches, but when it happens, it's all hands on deck. These monsters can top 1,000 pounds and put up a fight that can last hours. Summer and fall are your best bet for blues, and trust me, the wait is worth it.
Greater Amberjack: We call 'em reef donkeys for a reason - these guys pull like a freight train. Found around deep wrecks and reefs, amberjack will test your arms and your back. They're awesome eating too, with firm, white meat that's great for grilling. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but we can find them year-round if you know where to look.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the deep, wahoo are like torpedoes with teeth. They hit lures at incredible speeds, often resulting in spectacular runs that'll have your reel smoking. We target them by trolling at high speeds with specialized lures. While they can be caught year-round, winter and spring see the best numbers. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like fresh wahoo steaks on the grill.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish we catch and the good times we have out there, but why not come see for yourself? We've got room for up to 6 anglers, so bring your buddies or make some new ones on board. Just remember, we don't provide meals, so pack a cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks - trust me, you'll work up an appetite out there. And here's the deal - spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to tangle with some of the best game fish the Atlantic has to offer, don't wait. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a day on the water you won't soon forget. Just a heads up, we do require a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot. So what are you waiting for? The fish are out there, and they're not going to catch themselves. Let's make some memories!
Atlantic Sailfish, with their iconic sail-like dorsal fin, are a prized catch off Islamorada. These speedsters can hit 68 mph, making for an exciting fight. Typically 7-8 feet long and around 50-80 pounds, they're known for their acrobatic leaps and runs. You'll find them in our warm, tropical waters, usually within 100 feet of the surface. Winter's the prime time to target them here in the Florida Keys, especially along the famous "Sailfish Alley" between Miami and Fort Pierce. Anglers love 'em for the challenge and the spectacular show they put on. We often use live bait like ballyhoo or small tuna, slow-trolled to entice a bite. Here's a tip: when a sailfish takes the bait, give it a moment to run before setting the hook. That'll improve your chances of a solid hookup on these bill-slapping beauties.
Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus genus, typically reaching 39 inches and 46 pounds. They're a favorite target here in Islamorada, known for their fierce fights and tasty meat. You'll find them in warm waters, often near the surface but they can dive deep too. These guys love to school up, so when you find one, you've likely found many. Best fishing is autumn through spring in the Keys. They're fast and powerful, giving anglers a real workout on light tackle. For the best shot at landing one, we'll often use live bait like pilchards or small jigs. A local trick: watch for birds diving – that's often a sign Blackfin are feeding on baitfish below. Just remember, they've got sharp eyes, so we'll use light leaders and small hooks to avoid spooking them.
Blue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females reaching up to 1800 pounds and 16 feet long. These deep blue beauties are a bucket-list catch for many anglers visiting Islamorada. They're typically found in warm, offshore waters along the continental shelf. While they can be caught year-round in some spots, summer's often best as they follow warmer currents. Blue Marlin are famous for their powerful runs, spectacular jumps, and sheer strength – fights can last hours. We usually troll with large artificial lures or rigged baits like bonito or mackerel. Here's a local tip: when you get a strike, don't set the hook right away. Let the fish run with it for a few seconds, then slowly increase drag. These fish are catch-and-release only, giving you bragging rights without depleting the population.
Greater Amberjack, or 'reef donkeys' as we call 'em, are powerful fish that'll test your strength. They typically run 30-50 pounds but can reach over 100. You'll find them around deep reefs and wrecks off Islamorada, usually in 60-240 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Anglers love AJs for their bulldog-like fights – they'll try to dive back to the bottom and won't give up easily. They're also good eating, with firm, white meat. We usually drop live bait or heavy jigs right on the structure. Here's a tip: when you hook one, get it away from the wreck fast or it'll break you off. And be ready for a workout – these fish have stamina to spare.
Wahoo are the speedsters of the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. They're long and sleek, usually 4-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth. Here in Islamorada, we find them in open water, often near dropoffs or floating debris. Late summer through fall is prime wahoo time, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love wahoo for their blistering runs and their excellent table fare – some of the best-eating fish in the sea. We usually troll for them at high speeds, 12-15 knots, using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Here's a local trick: try using purple and black lures, especially on overcast days. These fish hit hard and fast, so be ready when that reel starts screaming. It's an experience you won't forget.
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