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Get ready for some serious rod-bending action with Sea Horse Deep Sea Fishing in Islamorada! We're talking about a half-day trip that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line offshore, our crew's got the know-how to put you on the fish. We're chasing after the big boys out here – Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Marlin, and more. Trust me, when you're battling a hard-fighting pelagic with that gorgeous Islamorada backdrop, you'll know you're living the good life.
Our half-day trips are the perfect taste of what the Florida Keys has to offer. We'll cruise out to the productive grounds where the Gulf Stream brings in the big fish. Our boat's loaded with top-notch gear, and we've got room for up to six anglers. Don't worry about packing a lunch – this is a focused fishing mission. But hey, nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner, right? Our mate will clean and fillet your catch, so you can take it to a local restaurant and have it cooked up just the way you like it. Just remember, we run rain or shine, so come prepared for a day on the water.
Out here in Islamorada, we're all about versatility. We'll likely be doing a mix of trolling and live baiting, depending on what's biting. When we're after Sailfish or Marlin, we'll be pulling a spread of ballyhoo or lures. For Mahi Mahi, we might slow-troll live baits or chunk with cut bait. Bottomfishing for Snapper and Amberjack? We'll drop lines with heavy weights and circle hooks. Our crew's always got their ear to the water, so we'll adjust our tactics to give you the best shot at a monster catch. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.
"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 speed demons are a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table. They school up around structure and weedlines, often mixed in with Skipjack. We typically find them year-round, but the bite really heats up in the spring and fall. When a school of Blackfin gets fired up, it's non-stop action that'll have your arms burning.
Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of Islamorada fishing, Sailfish are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. 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 greyhounds across the surface is a sight you'll never forget.
Blue Marlin: The heavyweight champ of the ocean, Blue Marlin are the ultimate bucket list fish. These monsters can top 1,000 pounds, though we usually see them in the 200-400 pound range here. Late spring through summer is your best bet for Blues. Landing one of these beasts is a true test of an angler's skill and endurance.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, these neon-colored speedsters are a favorite for both their fight and their flavor. We find them around floating debris and weedlines, often in schools. The summer months are peak Mahi season, but we catch them year-round. Their aerial acrobatics and delicious meat make them a top target for our charters.
Greater Amberjack: These bruisers hang around deep wrecks and reefs, ready to test your strength. We drop heavy jigs or live baits to entice them. The "reef donkeys" as we call them, are notorious for their powerful runs straight back to the bottom. They're most active in the cooler months, and trust me, you'll feel it in your arms the next day.
Wahoo: Speed demons of the deep, Wahoo are like sea-going torpedoes. We troll at high speeds with specialized lures to target these streamlined predators. They're around all year, but winter sees their numbers peak. When a Wahoo hits, hold on tight – their first run is something else, and their meat is some of the best in the ocean.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here in Islamorada, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Our half-day trips are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking to get a taste of what makes the Florida Keys a world-class fishing destination. We provide all the gear, expertise, and local knowledge – you just need to bring your sense of adventure. Remember, the big one's always out there waiting, so don't let it get away. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for some serious fish tales of your own. See you on the water!
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 show-stoppers of our local waters. These acrobatic fish can reach 7-8 feet long but usually weigh in around 50-80 pounds. You'll spot them by their iconic sail-like dorsal fin and long, pointed bill. Sailfish hang out in our warmer, offshore waters year-round, but winter is prime time here in the Florida Keys. They're often found near the surface, chasing bait schools or hanging around floating debris. Anglers love targeting sailfish for their spectacular aerial displays and blistering runs. Light tackle and fly fishing for sails is gaining popularity too. Live bait like ballyhoo works great, but kite fishing with live blue runners is my go-to method. It keeps the bait on the surface where sailfish like to feed. Remember, these are catch-and-release only in Florida, so have those cameras ready for a quick photo before sending them back.

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, usually topping out around 30-40 pounds. These speedy fish love warm water and tend to hang out near the surface, often in schools. We typically find them around weed lines, floating debris, or over deep-water structures. Blackfin are most active here in Islamorada from fall through spring. Anglers prize them for their hard-fighting nature and tasty meat. They'll hit both live bait and artificial lures, making them fun to target for all skill levels. One trick I like is to chum with live pilchards to get a school fired up, then toss out a popper or stick bait. The surface strikes are a blast to watch. Just remember to use light leaders – these guys have sharp eyes and can be leader-shy in clear water.

Blue marlin are the giants of the billfish world, with females growing up to 14 feet and over 1,000 pounds. These deep blue beauties, with their iconic bill and powerful, streamlined bodies, are the ultimate trophy for many anglers. We find them in our warm offshore waters, usually over deep drop-offs or around underwater structures. Blue marlin are most active here in the summer months when water temperatures rise. They're known for their incredible strength and stamina, often jumping and tail-walking across the water during a fight. Trolling with large artificial lures or rigged baits is the most common technique. If you're after a blue, be ready for a workout – these battles can last hours. One tip: keep your drag set light at first. Let the fish run and tire itself out before tightening up. It's all about the long game with these giants.

Greater amberjacks are the bruisers of the reef, known for their powerful fights and stamina. These stocky fish can grow over 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. You'll find them hanging around deep wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs, usually in 60 to 240 feet of water. AJs are most active here in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Anglers love targeting them for their brutal strength – hooking into one feels like you've snagged a freight train. Live bait like blue runners or speedos works well, but big jigs can also trigger strikes. When fighting an amberjack, be ready to pump and wind hard. These fish like to dive for cover, so you need to turn their heads quickly. One local trick: if you're bottom fishing and keep getting cut off, you might have big AJs down there. Try upsizing your leader to 100-pound test to land the big boys.

Mahi mahi are some of the most colorful fish you'll ever see, with electric blues, greens, and yellows that fade quickly after they're caught. These acrobatic fighters typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, though bigger "slammers" over 50 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find mahi hanging around floating debris and weed lines in our offshore waters, especially from spring through fall. They're fast-growing and always hungry, which makes for exciting fishing. Mahi will hit just about any bait or lure, but I like to use light spinning tackle with small live baits for the best action. These fish often travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep it in the water to attract its buddies. Mahi are also fantastic eating – some of the best-tasting fish in the sea. Just remember to ice them down quickly to preserve that quality meat.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the ocean, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish typically range from 20 to 40 pounds but can grow much larger. We find them in our offshore waters year-round, often near dropoffs or floating structure. Wahoo tend to be loners, which makes targeting them a bit challenging. They're most active here in the late summer and fall. Anglers prize wahoo for their blistering runs and excellent table fare. High-speed trolling with wire leaders is the go-to method – these fish have razor-sharp teeth that'll slice through mono in a heartbeat. I like to use bullet-shaped lures or skirted ballyhoo, pulled at 12-15 knots. When a wahoo hits, it's like somebody slammed on the brakes. Set the hook hard and hang on tight. These fish often make several long runs before you can get them to the boat.

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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.