Top Rated Offshore Charter in Islamorada, Florida

Reel in Epic Gamefish off Islamorada's Coast

Get ready for the offshore fishing adventure of a lifetime in the heart of the Florida Keys! Our Private 4 to 8 Hour Offshore Charter Trip out of Islamorada is your ticket to battling some of the most sought-after gamefish in these legendary waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Joe and his crew will make sure you have a day on the water you won't soon forget.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we clear the marina, you'll feel the anticipation building. The emerald waters of the Florida Straits stretch out before us, teeming with trophy fish just waiting to test your skills. Our 4 to 8 hour trips give us plenty of time to find the hot spots and put you on the fish. We provide everything you need - from top-notch rods and reels to bait and licenses. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch (and don't forget the sunscreen!).

With room for up to 6 anglers, this private charter is perfect for families, groups of friends, or even a corporate outing. Captain Joe and his first mate will be right there with you, offering tips and tricks to help you land the big one. Whether you're trolling for sailfish, dropping lines for snapper, or sight-casting to a cruising cobia, we'll tailor the trip to your preferences and the best bite of the day.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

Offshore fishing in Islamorada is all about versatility. We might start the day trolling the edge of the Gulf Stream for pelagic predators like sailfish and mahi-mahi. Keep your eyes peeled for frigatebirds - where they're diving, there's usually a school of mahi not far below!

If the reef bite is on, we'll switch gears and drop some live bait to the bottom. The patch reefs and deeper wrecks off Islamorada are home to some monster snapper and grouper. When the tide is right, we might even run to the bridges for a shot at the silver king - the mighty tarpon.

Don't worry if you're new to these techniques. Our crew will walk you through everything, from how to work a fishing kite to the best way to fight a hard-pulling cobia. By the end of the day, you'll be jigging and live-baiting like a pro!

What Anglers Are Saying

"We had a great time! Capt. Joe and his first mate Jennifer made it easy and fun ——-and turned us into real fisherman for a day! That's not easy since we're both inexperienced fishermen. But, you'd never know by the catch we hauled in!! 😎 Thanks!" - David

"Thank you Joe and Jess!! What a great (and successful) day of fishing!" - Charlene

"My son and husband had a an amazing experience with Capt. Joe and his First Mate Jessica. 10/10 recommend him for your next excursion. If we are lucky enough to come back for sure would use Coral Sea Charters. Thank you!!!" - Kyle

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of Islamorada's offshore waters, sailfish are the ultimate game fish. Known for their incredible aerial acrobatics, these billfish will test your skills and provide an unforgettable battle. Winter and early spring are prime sailfish season, but we can encounter them year-round. Watching a sailfish light up with vibrant purple and blue stripes as it charges a bait is a sight you'll never forget.

Tarpon: Often called the "silver king," tarpon are the royalty of inshore fishing. These prehistoric giants can reach weights over 200 pounds and are famous for their spectacular leaps and gill-rattling head shakes. We target them around bridges and in the backcountry, with peak season running from April through June. Landing a tarpon is a true badge of honor for any angler.

Sea Trout: While not as glamorous as some of our other targets, sea trout (or spotted seatrout) are a staple of Florida Keys fishing. These wily predators are found in the grass flats and channels, offering great light tackle action. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers looking to bring home dinner. Fall and winter are the best times to target bigger trout.

Cobia: Often called "lemonfish" by locals, cobia are hard-fighting fish that love to hang around structure. We often find them near wrecks, buoys, or even following large rays and sharks. Cobia have a reputation for being curious, sometimes swimming right up to the boat. This makes them a blast to sight-cast to, and their strong runs will put your tackle to the test. Spring is prime time for cobia, but we catch them year-round.

Red Snapper: These crimson beauties are the pride of the reef. Found over rocky bottom and wrecks, red snapper put up a great fight and are absolutely delicious on the dinner table. We target them with heavy bottom rigs, often in water 100 feet or deeper. The excitement of feeling that distinctive "thump" and then cranking up a big red snapper is hard to beat. While there are seasonal closures, when they're open, red snapper are always a top target.

Bluefin Tuna: The heavyweight champion of the offshore world, bluefin tuna are the ultimate prize for serious anglers. These massive fish can reach weights over 1,000 pounds, though the ones we encounter in Islamorada waters are typically in the 100-300 pound range. Hooking into a bluefin is like being tied to a freight train - prepare for an epic battle that could last hours. We target them in the winter months when they migrate through our waters, often using live bait or large artificial lures.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're dreaming of that trophy sailfish photo, looking to fill the cooler with tasty snapper, or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing in one of the world's premier destinations, our Private 4 to 8 Hour Offshore Charter in Islamorada has you covered. Captain Joe and the Coral Sea Charters team are ready to put you on the fish of a lifetime.

Remember, while we provide all the gear and licenses, the memories are up to you to make. So gather your crew, pack your sense of adventure, and let's hit the water. The big ones are out there waiting, and there's no time like the present to book your Islamorada fishing adventure. Trust us, once you feel that first reel screaming, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!