Looking to get your fish on in the Florida Keys? Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing has you covered with our top-rated Islamorada fishing charters. We're talking 6 guests max, so you'll get plenty of elbow room to land those trophy fish. Whether you're after mahi mahi, tuna, or maybe even a massive marlin, our skilled crew knows just where to find the action. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to hit the deep blue and make some lasting memories!
Picture this: You're cruising out of Islamorada on our decked-out fishing boat, the anticipation building as the shoreline fades away. Our seasoned captain and mate are busy rigging lines and scoping out the best spots while you soak in that Florida sunshine. Before you know it, you're in the thick of it – reels screaming, rods bending, and fish leaping from the crystal-clear waters. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need for a killer day on the water. And let's be real, there's nothing quite like the rush of battling a big fish in the open ocean – it's the stuff fishing dreams are made of!
When it comes to putting you on the fish, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves. We'll likely be doing a mix of trolling and live bait fishing, depending on what's biting. Trolling's all about covering ground, dragging lines behind the boat to entice those pelagic predators like mahi mahi and wahoo. When we find a hot spot, we might switch to live bait – nothing gets a big fish fired up like a frisky pilchard or goggle-eye. We've got top-notch gear on board, from sturdy rods and reels to state-of-the-art fish finders. And don't sweat it if you're new to this – our crew will show you the ropes, from setting the hook to playing that fish like a pro. Just be ready to put in some work – these fish don't come easy, but man, is it worth it when you're posing with that trophy catch!
"Unbelievable trip. Limited out on mahi. Captain Rick is a great guy and amazing with kids. My 14 year old met him when he was 3 and has shared the same passion ever since." - BRIAN
"This is our second year in a row with Captain Rick, and I am so excited to go next year! He is awesome, a lot to fun to talk to, and we had a great time. The first mates are fantastic and we caught a lot of fish thanks to them. My 13 year old daughter came with me, and she said I would drive 24 hours just to do this for 1 day, and that proves to me how much fun it is being on captain Rick's boat/ The Sea Horse." - Coates
"Captain Rick and David were awesome! Son's 16th birthday deep sea fishing trip was a success! Rough seas but was still a great time and caught quite a few meals! Thank you gentlemen for a great experience!" - Leeann
Blackfin Tuna: These speedy little torpedoes are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner plate. They're usually in the 15-30 pound range, but don't let their size fool you – they fight like fish twice their weight. Look for them schooling near the surface, often mixed in with skipjack tuna. We typically target these guys year-round, but they're especially thick in the spring and fall. Pro tip: blackfin make killer sushi if you're into that sort of thing.
Atlantic Sailfish: Now we're talking about the rock stars of the fishing world. These guys are known for their incredible acrobatics – picture a 7-foot fish, lit up in electric blue, leaping clear out of the water. They're catch-and-release only, but trust me, the photo op is worth its weight in gold. We see sailfish year-round, but your best shot is during the winter months when they're following the bait migrations.
Blue Marlin: The holy grail of big game fishing. These massive predators can top 1,000 pounds, though we usually see them in the 200-400 pound range around here. Hooking into one of these bad boys is like trying to stop a freight train – it's an experience you'll never forget. They're most common in the summer months, but it's always a special day when we raise a blue marlin.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins at all), these are some of the prettiest fish in the ocean. They're known for their vivid blues, greens, and yellows – and boy, do they light up when they're fired up. Mahi are great fighters, incredible jumpers, and absolutely delicious on the grill. We catch them year-round, but summer is prime time when they're chasing flying fish.
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers are the gym rats of the ocean. They're not the prettiest fish out there, but what they lack in looks they make up for in pure, drag-screaming power. We find them around deep wrecks and reefs, usually in the 20-50 pound range. Be ready for a workout – these guys don't give up easy. Spring and fall are your best bet for hooking into a big AJ.
Wahoo: If you're after speed, wahoo is your fish. These streamlined predators are like the cheetahs of the sea, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're not only fast, but they're smart too – known for their blistering first run and tendency to throw hooks. Catching a wahoo is always a treat, both for the fight and for the table – they're some of the best-eating fish in the ocean. Look for them year-round, but winter tends to be prime time.
Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching for some world-class deep sea fishing action, Islamorada is the place to be, and Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing is your ticket to success. We've got the know-how, the hot spots, and the passion to make your day on the water one for the books. Whether you're dreaming of battling a blue marlin, filling the cooler with mahi, or just soaking up some sun and salt air, we've got you covered. But fair warning – fishing with us might just ruin you for life. Once you've experienced the thrill of big game fishing in the Florida Keys, nothing else quite compares. So what are you waiting for? Give us a shout, lock in your date, and get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. The fish are calling – time to answer!
June 29, 2025
This is our second year in a row with Captain Rick, and I am so excited to go next year! He is awesome, a lot to fun to talk to, and we had a great time. The first mates are fantastic and we caught a lot of fish thanks to them. My 13 year old daughter came with me, and she said I would drive 24 hours just to do this for 1 day, and that proves to me how much fun it is being on captain Rick's boat/ The Sea Horse.
June 23, 2025
Captain Rick and David were awesome! Son’s 16th birthday deep sea fishing trip was a success! Rough seas but was still a great time and caught quite a few meals! Thank you gentlemen for a great experience!
June 18, 2025
Captain Rick and his mate David were great and took good care of us. We did a half day and they knew how to find the fish. We caught a few good Mahi and they cleaned them up and filleted them so we can have a local restaurant cook it for us. Great conversation with Captain Rick as he was friendly and welcoming. My 15year old son had a blast as this was his birthday present and my 10 year old son also had a good time. Highly recommend Sea Horse Private Charters!
June 17, 2025
Awesome time the captain and crew very professional. If you want to get on fish and have good time hit up captain Rick
June 14, 2025
Great day, great haul of Mahi Mahi and a blackfin tuna on Sea Horse Charter, Islamorada. 2nd time now on this charter and WILL be back again. Thank you, captain Rick and crew, for putting us on the fish.
June 8, 2025
We had a great 1/2 day experience! Rick was a great captain and Dave worked his butt off baiting and taking off our fish, they both made sure we had plenty of fish to take home. Highly recommend this boat
June 10, 2025
Best time in the keys, Fishing is on point!!
June 12, 2025
Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean, capable of bursts over 60 mph. These striking fish, with their iconic tall dorsal fin, average 6-8 feet long and 80-100 pounds. You'll find them in the deeper waters off Islamorada, especially along current edges and around floating debris. Winter and early spring are peak sailfish seasons here. Anglers prize them for their acrobatic fights - sailfish are known for spectacular leaps and tail-walking across the surface. While they're usually released, their meat is good eating if you decide to keep one. To target sailfish, we often slow-troll live baits like ballyhoo or goggle-eyes. Keep an eye out for frigate birds, as they'll often be following schools of bait that sailfish are feeding on. When you hook up, be ready for that initial smoking run and some wild aerial displays. Let them tire themselves out before attempting to bring them boatside.
Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but they pack a punch for their size. These fish typically range from 15-30 pounds, with a streamlined dark blue-black body. You'll find them in the warm waters around Islamorada, often in schools near the surface or around structures like wrecks and reefs. Spring through fall is prime blackfin season here. Anglers love targeting them for their hard-fighting nature - they'll give you a real workout on light tackle. Their meat is also prized for its rich, dark color and flavor that's excellent for sashimi. To up your chances, try chumming with live bait like pilchards or goggle-eyes. Blackfin will often come right up to the boat to feed. When you see them busting on the surface, casting a popper or stick bait can lead to some explosive topwater strikes. Just be ready for a screaming run when they take off!
Blue marlin are the kings of big game fishing. These massive billfish can top 1,000 pounds, though 200-400 pounders are more common catches around Islamorada. Look for them in the deep blue waters beyond the reef, often following bait schools or temperature breaks. Summer and early fall offer the best shot at blues here. Anglers target them for the ultimate test of strength and endurance - fights can last hours. While catch and release is standard, their meat is good eating if you land a smaller one. We usually troll large lures or rigged baits like bonito or mackerel for blues. Watch for signs of feeding activity like birds working or bait showering on the surface. When a blue strikes, hang on tight - their initial run is blistering fast. The key is patience and steady pressure. Don't try to muscle them in or you'll be in for a very long day!
Greater amberjack are hard-fighting reef dwellers that'll test your strength. These bruisers average 20-50 pounds around Islamorada, with some topping 100 pounds. You'll find them around deep wrecks, reefs, and other structure in 100-300 feet of water. Winter and spring offer the best amberjack action here. Anglers target them for their powerful, dogged fights - they're nicknamed "reef donkeys" for good reason. While not the best eating, smaller jacks are good on the grill. To catch amberjacks, we'll often drop live baits or heavy jigs near the bottom around structure. When one hits, get ready for a brutal first run. The key is to turn their head quickly and keep them from diving back to the wreck. High-speed reels and stout rods are a must - these fish will expose any weakness in your gear!
Mahi mahi, also called dorado, are one of our most popular gamefish. These colorful fighters usually run 15-30 pounds around Islamorada, though 50+ pounders show up occasionally. You'll find them offshore, often around floating debris or weed lines. Spring through fall is prime mahi season here. Anglers love them for their acrobatic fights, stunning colors, and excellent table fare. When hooked, mahi often leap and change directions rapidly, making for an exciting catch. To target mahi, we'll often run and gun, looking for birds working or floating debris. Casting live baits or bright lures near structure can trigger aggressive strikes. A local tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water. Mahi often travel in schools, so you can use that hooked fish to keep the school close while other anglers cast to its buddies.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of 60+ mph bursts. These sleek, tiger-striped fish average 20-40 pounds around Islamorada, with some topping 100 pounds. Look for them in the deep blue waters beyond the reef, often near drop-offs or underwater structures. Fall through spring is prime wahoo season here. Anglers prize them for their blistering runs and excellent eating quality. When hooked, wahoo often make long, scorching runs that can strip hundreds of yards of line in seconds. To target wahoo, we often troll at high speeds with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Lures that dive and wobble erratically work well. A local trick: try "bump trolling" where you periodically throw the engine in and out of gear. This sudden change in lure speed often triggers savage strikes from following wahoo.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cat
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 500
Unbelievable trip. Limited out on mahi. Captain Rick is a great guy and amazing with kids. My 14 year old met him when he was 3 and has shared the same passion ever since.