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Expert-Guided Islamorada Offshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: September 7, 2025
- Fishing
- Islamorada, FL
- $1,300 - $2,500 price range
- Updated Date: November 7, 2025
Summary
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Big Catches of the Day
Full Day Fishing Adventure in Islamorada
Get ready for an epic day of fishing in the Florida Keys! Our full-day trip with Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing takes you right into the heart of Islamorada's legendary waters. We're talking world-class fishing for some of the most sought-after game fish in the Atlantic. Whether you're itching to battle a hard-fighting sailfish or looking to fill the cooler with tasty mahi-mahi, we've got you covered. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a real treat. Let's hit the water and make some fishing memories!
What to Expect on the Water
Our day starts early at the docks in Islamorada. We'll load up the boat with everything you need for a full day of offshore action. Once we're out on the water, it's all about finding the fish. We use a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – from trolling for pelagics to bottom fishing for snappers and groupers. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here, so we don't have to go far to hit the good spots. You'll be hands-on with the fishing, but our crew is always there to help you land that big one. We can accommodate up to 6 anglers, so bring your buddies or make some new fishing friends on board. Just remember to pack some snacks and drinks, as meals aren't included on this trip.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
We're all about versatility on our full-day trips. We'll likely start by trolling for big game fish like sailfish, marlin, and tuna. This involves dragging lures or baits behind the boat as we cruise along. When we mark fish on the sonar or spot birds working the surface, we might switch to live baiting or chunking to attract the big boys. For bottom fishing, we'll drop lines with heavy weights and circle hooks to target snappers, groupers, and amberjacks. We provide all the gear you need – top-quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the fish we're after. Just bring your sunscreen, hat, and a good attitude. Oh, and don't forget your camera – you'll want proof when you hook into that monster mahi!
Top Catches This Season
Islamorada isn't called the "Sportfishing Capital of the World" for nothing. Our anglers have been crushing it lately with some impressive catches. We've seen a hot sailfish bite, with multiple hookups in a day becoming the norm. The mahi-mahi (dorado) have been showing up in good numbers too, providing both thrilling fights and delicious fillets. Blackfin tuna have been schooling up, offering fast-paced action and sushi-grade meat. And for those looking for a real arm-burner, we've tangled with some hefty amberjacks on the deeper wrecks. Every trip is different, but that's the beauty of fishing in these waters – you never know what might grab your line next!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can get much bigger. We often find them busting bait on the surface, which makes for some exciting topwater action. Blackfins are around most of the year, but peak season is fall through spring. They fight hard for their size, so hang on tight!
Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of Islamorada fishing, sailfish are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. They average 6-7 feet long and put on a show like no other when hooked. Winter and early spring are prime time for sails, but we catch them year-round. Watching a sailfish light up in its electric blue colors as it attacks a bait is a sight you'll never forget.
Blue Marlin: The ultimate trophy for many anglers, blue marlin are the giants of the deep. They can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see are in the 200-400 pound range. Summer and fall are your best bet for hooking into one of these beasts. Be prepared for a long fight – marlin are known for their endurance and power. Landing one is a true accomplishment!
Greater Amberjack: Often called "reef donkeys" for their stubborn fights, amberjacks are the bulldogs of the ocean. They hang around deep wrecks and reefs, typically in the 20-50 pound range. AJs will test your strength and stamina, often winning the battle against unprepared anglers. We target them year-round, but spring and fall can be particularly good.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the sea, wahoo are prized for both their fighting ability and their tasty white meat. They're sleek, powerful fish that can scream off hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Wahoo tend to be loners or travel in small groups, making them a bit of a prize when you hook up. Winter and early spring are prime wahoo time in Islamorada.
Time to Book Your Spot
There you have it, folks – a full day of world-class fishing right here in Islamorada. Whether you're dreaming of that trophy sailfish or just want to fill the cooler with some tasty mahi, we've got the knowledge and experience to put you on the fish. Our trips are perfect for both seasoned anglers and first-timers alike. We'll take care of all the details so you can focus on the important stuff – like reeling in that fish of a lifetime. Remember, the best days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait – grab your spot on the Sea Horse and let's make some fishing memories! Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, but trust us, this trip is worth every penny. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic Sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean, known for their blazing speed and acrobatic leaps. They average 6-8 feet long but can grow up to 10 feet and weigh 150 pounds. You'll find them in our warm, coastal waters, typically in the top 30-65 feet, though they can dive deeper when hunting. Sailfish season peaks here in the winter, but the nearby "Sailfish Alley" between North Miami Beach and Fort Pierce offers year-round action. Anglers prize sailfish for their spectacular aerial displays and powerful runs. To hook one, we'll slow-troll live bait or use kites to keep baits on the surface. Pro tip: when a sailfish takes the bait, don't set the hook immediately. Let it run with the bait, count to five, then reel down and lift. Get ready for an unforgettable fight - these fish will test your endurance and skill like few others.
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, but don't let that fool you. These hard-fighting fish usually run 15-30 pounds and can reach up to 46 pounds. You'll find them in warm, coastal waters, often near the surface but they can dive down to 250 feet. They're most active here in the Keys during fall, winter, and spring. Anglers love Blackfin for their fierce fights and excellent table fare. They school up, so when you find one, you've likely found many. To catch 'em, try vertical jigging or chunking with live bait. A local trick: use #30 fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 to 6/0 circle hooks - Blackfin have sharp eyes, so keeping your gear subtle is key. Toss out some live pilchards as chum, and you'll increase your chances of a solid hook-up. Just be ready for a battle when they hit!
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females growing up to 16 feet and over 1,000 pounds. These deep blue beauties, with their iconic bill, are the dream catch for many anglers. You'll find them in our warm offshore waters, especially along underwater ledges and near floating debris. While they can be caught year-round in some spots, your best bet is during the warmer months. Blue Marlin are legendary for their powerful runs, incredible jumps, and sheer strength. Catching one is a true test of an angler's skill and stamina. We typically troll with large artificial lures or rigged baits. Here's a local tip: watch for frigate birds - they often follow schools of tuna, which marlin hunt. When you hook up, be ready for a long fight. These fish don't give up easily, but landing one is an experience you'll never forget.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack, or "reef donkeys" as we call 'em, are powerhouses of the deep. These bruisers can hit 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. You'll find them around wrecks and reefs, typically in 60-240 feet of water. They're here year-round, but fishing heats up in spring and fall. Anglers love AJs for their brutal strength and never-say-die attitude. When you hook one, it's like trying to stop a freight train - they'll test your gear and your back! We usually drop live bait or heavy jigs to entice them. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and hard. If you give an AJ any slack, it'll dive straight back to the structure. Be ready for a workout, but the fight is worth it. Plus, they make for some tasty fish tacos back at the dock.
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, clocking in at up to 60 mph. These sleek, striped torpedoes average 3-5 feet but can reach over 8 feet and 180 pounds. You'll find them in our open waters, often near the surface but they can dive deep too. Wahoo fishing here peaks from July to November. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs and delicious, firm white meat. To catch 'em, we usually troll fast - around 12-15 knots - with a spread of lures. Here's a local trick: use wire leaders. Wahoo have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono like butter. When you hook up, hold on tight. These fish will make your reel scream like nothing else. The fight is short but intense, and the reward is some of the best eating fish in the sea. Grilled wahoo steaks? Can't beat 'em.
About the Sea Horse
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cat
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 500
