Ready to tangle with one of the ocean's toughest fighters? Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing is your ticket to an epic swordfish adventure off Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and we're itching to put you on some serious fish. We're not just talking swordfish either – mahi mahi, wahoo, and sharks are all fair game on this offshore bonanza. Whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking to wet a line for the first time, we've got you covered. The Keys are calling, and the bite is on – let's get you out there!
Picture this: You're cruising out of Islamorada, the sun's coming up, and the anticipation is building. Our boat's loaded with top-notch gear, and the crew's already talking strategy. We'll head to the hotspots where swordfish like to hang out – usually in deep water where the continental shelf drops off. Don't worry if you're new to this; our mates will show you the ropes. We use a mix of techniques, from deep dropping to drifting, depending on what's working that day. The action can be intense when a sword takes the bait – these fish don't give up easy! In between the big game action, we'll keep lines wet for mahi mahi, wahoo, and maybe even a shark or two. It's a full day on the water, so come ready to put in work and have a blast doing it.
Swordfishing isn't your average drop-a-line-and-wait game. We're talking serious deep-water action, sometimes fishing a thousand feet down or more. We use electric reels to get baits to the strike zone – trust me, your arms will thank us later. Our go-to setup includes large circle hooks, heavy fluorocarbon leaders, and lights to attract bait in the deep, dark water. We'll rig up squid, mackerel, or whatever's working that day. When a swordfish hits, it's all hands on deck. These fish are known for their acrobatics and endurance, so settling in for a long fight is part of the deal. For the other species, we might switch it up with some trolling or live baiting closer to the surface. Our crew's always on point, watching the spread and ready to call out a strike. It's a team effort out here, and everyone gets in on the action.
"Great trip we came for Dolphin and we got Dolphin ! Captain Rick, mate Dave and Emerson did not disappoint! They all were fantastic! 5 stars , amazing experience and time . Highly recommended!!" - Marcos
"Captain Rick got us into the fish. Hit our limit on mahi mahi, and caught a few tuna. Dave was a great first mate." - Mads
Swordfish: The star of the show, swordfish are the gladiators of the deep. These bad boys can top 1,000 pounds, though most we catch are in the 100-300 pound range. They're known for their long, sword-like bill and their wild, acrobatic fights. Swordfish hang out in deep water during the day and come up shallower at night. We can target them year-round in the Keys, but the bite tends to be hottest from late spring through fall. Landing a sword is a bucket-list catch for many anglers – the fight, the size, and the taste (swordfish steaks, anyone?) make them a triple threat.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphin fish, mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. These neon-colored speedsters are a blast to catch and even better to eat. We find them around floating debris or weed lines, often in schools. The average size is 15-30 pounds, but bigger bulls can push 50 pounds or more. Mahi are fast growers and quick to bite, making them a perfect target when we're mixing it up between swordfish drops.
Wahoo: If you're looking for speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators are like the cheetahs of the sea, known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel. We catch them year-round, but the winter months often see the biggest specimens. Wahoo tend to be loners or travel in small groups, so hooking one is always a special treat. They're also some of the best-eating fish in the ocean, so fingers crossed we put one in the box for you.
Sharks: From blacktips to hammerheads, the waters around Islamorada are home to a variety of shark species. While we don't specifically target them on most trips, hooking into a shark can add some serious excitement to the day. They're powerful fighters and can range from a few feet to well over 10 feet long, depending on the species. Shark fishing is all catch-and-release, giving you a chance to go toe-to-fin with these apex predators before sending them safely back to the deep.
Look, if you're still reading this, you're probably itching to get out on the water – and I don't blame you. Our Islamorada fishing charters are the real deal, offering you a shot at some of the most sought-after gamefish in the Atlantic. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for a group of buddies, a family outing, or even a corporate team-building day. Remember, the big ones don't catch themselves, and our calendar fills up fast. So why wait? Grab your spot now, and let's make some fishing memories that'll have you bragging for years to come. Just a heads up – deposits are non-refundable, but trust me, once you're out there battling a big sword or reeling in a mess of mahi, you'll know it was worth every penny. See you on the water!
June 26, 2025
Captain Rick got us into the fish. Hit our limit on mahi mahi, and caught a few tuna. Dave was a great first mate.
June 20, 2025
Swordfish are one of the coolest catches out here in Islamorada. These big predators average 9 feet long and 400 pounds, but the record is over 1,100 pounds. They're fast too, hitting 40-60 mph when they really get going. We find them in deep water, usually 1,500 feet down. They like it warm, around 64-72°F. Swordfish put up an epic fight. Their size and strength make landing one a real accomplishment. They're also great eating fish, packed with healthy omega-3s. We can fish for them day or night, but they feed more at night in shallower water, around 300 feet. During the day, they go deeper. We use heavy gear - 80-120 lb line, big hooks, and bright lures. Squid is the go-to bait. Here's a local tip: Use 2-3 lights on your line, even during the day. It helps attract them in the deep, dark water. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. When you hook one, get ready for a battle you won't forget.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cat
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 500
Great trip we came for Dolphin and we got Dolphin ! Captain Rick, mate Dave and Emerson did not disappoint! They all were fantastic! 5 stars , amazing experience and time . Highly recommended!!