Deep sea charter fishing from Islamorada
Having the Gulfstream current so close to the Upper Keys makes Islamorada the ideal location for all of your bluewater deep-sea charter fishing adventures! We use many different methods to fish these waters, including trolling, sight fishing, Run n’ Gun, live chumming, Fly Fishing, and kites. All of these are effective, but the offshore conditions will always determine what fishing techniques are used. You can rest assured that whatever technique is needed to catch these guys, Our fishing guides here in Islamorada have the knowledge and experience to get you on that fish of a lifetime!
What is ‘Deep Sea Fishing’ or ‘Offshore Fishing’?
When we use the term “deep sea fishing” or “offshore fishing”, we are generally referring to Gulfstream fishing. This is usually found in depths of 400 feet and greater. When fishing of the shores of Islamorada, this means that you are typically at least 12 miles from shore. At that distance, you can’t see shore. There are a variety of species found in this particular fishery, which require the use of multiple fishing tactics. The most common fish being pursued are Dolphin Fish otherwise known as Mahi-Mahi, as well as Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, Skipjack tuna, and Amberjack. However, there are billfish lurking in these waters as well. These species include Swordfish, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Spearfish.
Some Deep Sea Fish off Islamorada
Sailfish
The Sailfish record in the Atlantic Ocean is 124 inches and around 128 pounds. The Florida record is 126 pounds. Fish around the Florida Keys average between 65-90 inches in length. Sailfish can be caught offshore while deep sea fishing.
Where found: OFFSHORE species, in south Florida associated with waters near the Gulf Stream; off the Panhandle and the Florida Keys near the 100 fathom line. Islamorada, Florida is a popular place to launch from for avid fishermen seeking these amazing fish.
Size: common to 7 feet.
*Florida Record: 116 lbs.
Remarks: Sailfish are rapid growing species, reaching 4 to 5 feet in a single year; swims at speeds up to 50 knots; feeds on the surface or at mid-depths on smaller pelagic fishes and squid.
Mahi-Mahi aka Dolphin
The name mahi–mahi comes from the Hawaiian language meaning “very strong”. This fish is also called “Dolphin”, short for Dolphinfish, but it is not related to the mammal species named Dolphins. Mahi-Mahi are usually between 15 & 30 pounds. Mahi-Mahi or Dolphin are game fish for sport fishing in Islamorada & around the Florida Keys. These incredible fish are caught offshore while deep sea fishing.
Science Name: Coryphaena hippurus
Other Names: Dorado; Dolphin; Dolphinfish
Ideal Temp: 70 to 80
World Record: 88 lbs. Exuma, Bahamas
Environment: deep sea / offshore
Techniques: trolling, run-and-gun, casting, fly fishing
Our Deep Sea Fishing Charter Boats in Islamorada
Deep Sea fishing in the blue waters off the Florida Keys has a lot to offer. That is what makes fishing Islamorada an unforgettable experience! Whether you want to target Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Wahoo, Kingfish, Amber Jack, Marlin or the elusive Swordfish, the FLORIDA KEYS FISHING COMPANY’s deep sea fishing charters have you covered!
Catchalottafish w/ Captain Ross
Capt. Ross, captain of Catchalottafish, is considered a “Captain’s Captain”. He spent over 10 years working and running boats out of Bud n’ Mary’s marina. He has built a strong reputation for himself amongst the local fleet. Captain Ross was also featured on the TV show “Reel Rivals”. Since joining us, he has proven to consistently put our clients on fish. The bottom line is you get a professional yet personable captain every time!
All Lit Up w/ Captain Kiki
Capt. Kiki, captain of All Lit Up, has been fishing the Keys all his life & is an accomplished tournament captain, and he has won many sailfish and Dolphin tournaments throughout the Florida Keys. He has an exceptional passion for teaching anglers of all skill levels how it is done. His passion is evident as soon as our clients step on the boat as he has a genuine desire to make your experience the best possible.
Some of the Fishing Methods We Use
Having the Gulfstream current so close to the Upper Keys makes Islamorada the ideal location for all of your blue water deep sea charter fishing adventures! We use many different methods to fish these waters, including trolling, sight fishing, Run n’ Gun, live chumming, Fly Fishing, and kites. All of which are effective, but the offshore conditions will always determine what fishing techniques are used. You can rest assured that whatever technique is needed to catch these guys, Florida Keys Fishing Company’s fishing guides here in Islamorada have the knowledge and experience to get you on that fish of a lifetime!
Our fishing charter captains use several different techniques to target these deep sea fish. We will always use the best method for catching fish to ensure the best experience for our customers! There is a variety of tactics we use to pursue these species as well as a mix of techniques for even a single species, especially Mahi-Mahi. We also use many different types of bait when fishing offshore. These include fresh cut bait, live bait, and a combination of natural and artificial baits.
When these things are not present, it is useful to put out lures and rigged ballyhoo and troll around areas that commonly hold Mahi-Mahi such as broken bottom or offshore humps (underwater mountains). These particular areas hold Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi) as well as other species such as billfish and tuna. This is due to the natural concentration of bait fish that live in these areas because of the upwelling ocean currents running from the bottom to the surface that trap plankton.
There are times that just ‘trolling’ is very effective, but we don’t like to spend all day trolling, waiting for the ‘bite’ to get turn on like so many of the other charter boats. We prefer to hunt the fish down using the ‘run-and-gun’ technique to get our catch! This is one of the many major advantages of a fast fishing boat. When it comes to deep sea charter fishing, our boats can cover much more ground than the larger, slower boats.
The kite fishing method
Another technique that professional deep sea fishing charters use while fishing offshore is kite fishing. This type of fishing is extremely exciting as well! We will deploy either one or two fishing kites from the bow, stern, or both then release lines out from clips that leave live baits right on the surface. The bite is absolutely amazing, as you often actually see it happen right before your eyes!
We have many other types of charter fishing trips like reef fishing, which has a plethora of different species of fish to catch. Do you what to fish in a Tournament? We have everything from the boat and equipment to the expertise. Let us be a tool in your quest for the big prize.
The “run-and-gun” technique
The “Run-and-Gun” method of finding fish is primarily used for catching Dolphin, also known as Mahi-Mahi. Its the best way to find them, and more importantly, find and catch the biggest fish. The best deep sea fishing charters use the “Run-and-Gun” technique. That’s if they have a boat that’s capable. When fishing in the keys with this type of fishing, you stand a really great chance at catching a monster.
While executing this method of fishing, we cover the offshore waters of Islamorada looking for birds, weed lines, floating debris, and baitfish busting up the surface. Once we find this type of activity, it is only a matter of time before you are sight casting to the fish of your dreams. You will need to eat a big breakfast before coming aboard, because you are going to need all of the energy you can get!