Expert Islamorada Fishing: Afternoon Offshore Trip

Published Date: July 3, 2025
Fishing

Islamorada
$1,100 - $1,800 price range

Summary

Join us for an afternoon offshore fishing trip out of Islamorada with Miller Time Sportfishing. We'll head out at 1:00 PM for 4 hours of action on the water. Depending on the season, we'll target different species. In summer, we often go after yellowtail snapper, grey snapper, and mutton snapper. When conditions are right, we might find wahoo, grouper, and even blackfin tuna or mahi-mahi if they're close to shore. Winter brings a shift in focus to sailfish, king mackerel, and a variety of snappers including yellowtail, vermillion, and yelloweye. Our experienced guides know where the fish are biting and will put you on the action. With room for up to 6 guests, it's a great trip for families or groups of friends looking to reel in some of the Keys' most popular gamefish. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to offshore fishing, we'll make sure you have a great day on the water.

Expert Islamorada Fishing: Afternoon Offshore Trip

Reels Screaming

Two anglers fishing in Islamorada

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Photograph of a 31-inch silver carp caught while fishing in FL

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Best Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Reel in the Big Ones: Afternoon Offshore Adventure

Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the Florida Keys? Our 4-hour afternoon offshore trip out of Islamorada is just the ticket. We'll be chasing some of the tastiest and most hard-fighting fish the Atlantic has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Miller's got you covered with top-notch gear and decades of local knowledge. Let's get out there and put some fish in the box!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll cast off at 1:00 PM sharp from our dock in Islamorada, the sportfishing capital of the world. Our 36-foot center console is equipped with all the latest fish-finding tech and plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and get comfortable. As we cruise out to the fishing grounds, keep your eyes peeled for flying fish, sea turtles, and maybe even a pod of dolphins if we're lucky. Once we hit our spot, it's time to drop lines and see what's biting. Depending on the season, we might be bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, trolling for wahoo and blackfin tuna, or sight-casting to sailfish. Captain Miller's always got a few tricks up his sleeve to put you on the fish.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

We've got a mixed bag of fishing techniques we'll use, tailored to what's running and where they're hiding. In the summer months, we often focus on bottom fishing with live bait or jigs for those tasty snappers. We'll show you how to work the rod to entice a bite and set the hook when a big mutton decides to chow down. When winter rolls around and the pelagics move in, we might switch to kite fishing or slow-trolling live baits for sailfish and kings. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – we'll walk you through everything step-by-step. All the gear is provided, from our top-of-the-line Penn reels to the fresh bait, so you just need to bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain Miller really knows his stuff. We limited out on yellowtails and even caught a bonus wahoo on the way in. Can't wait to get back out there!" - Mike S.
"Best fishing trip I've ever been on. The captain put us right on the fish and was great with the kids. Already planning our next trip!" - Sarah T.
"Caught my first sailfish with these guys. The whole experience was incredible, from the boat to the crew. 10/10 would recommend." - John R.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mutton Snapper: These beautiful red and yellow snappers are prized for their delicious, firm white flesh. They're cunning adversaries, often requiring finesse and patience to outwit. Muttons can grow up to 30 pounds, providing a great fight on lighter tackle. They're available year-round but really fire up during the summer months when they gather to spawn.

Grey (Mangrove) Snapper: Don't let their modest size fool you – these feisty little snappers punch above their weight class when it comes to both taste and fight. They're abundant around the reefs and structure, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky. Mangroves are perfect for introducing kids or newbies to the joys of bottom fishing.

Blackfin Tuna: These speed demons of the open ocean will test your stamina and your drag system. Blackfins typically run in the 15-30 pound range but can top 40 pounds. They often hunt in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. These tunas are at their peak in the cooler months, providing some of the best sashimi-grade meat you'll ever taste.

Atlantic Sailfish: The crown jewel of the Florida Keys, sailfish are the holy grail for many sport fishermen. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. We typically target them in the winter months when they follow the bait migrations. While we practice catch-and-release for these beauties, the photo ops are second to none.

King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these toothy predators are built for speed. Kings can scream off hundreds of yards of line in seconds, often punctuating their runs with impressive jumps. They show up in force during the cooler months, and when you hook into a big smoker king, hang on tight – it's going to be a wild ride!

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some of the best-eating fish in the sea or you're after the thrill of battling a billboard-sized sailfish, our afternoon offshore trip has got you covered. With Captain Miller's decades of experience and our fully-rigged boat, you're in for a top-notch fishing adventure. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't miss out. Give us a call or shoot us an email to lock in your date. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic sailfish are some of the most exciting gamefish we target here in Islamorada. These sleek, powerful fish average around 7 feet long and 50 pounds, but can get up to 10 feet and over 100 pounds. They're known for their iconic sail-like dorsal fin and impressive acrobatics when hooked. We usually find sailfish in the warmer offshore waters, often near the surface down to about 60 feet. Winter is prime sailfish season in the Keys, when they move closer to shore. They love to chase baitfish, so we'll look for diving birds or bait balls. Anglers prize sailfish for their incredible fighting ability. Once hooked, they'll make blistering runs and spectacular leaps. It's an adrenaline rush like no other. While we practice catch and release, just landing one of these beauties is a real accomplishment. If you're keen to hook up with a sail, here's a local tip: When you see one in the spread, don't set the hook right away. Let it run with the bait for a few seconds before coming tight. You'll have a much better chance of a solid hookup that way.

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the pocket rockets of the tuna world. These speedy little guys usually top out around 30 pounds, but they pack a serious punch for their size. We often find them schooling near drop-offs and wrecks, especially in cooler months. They love warm water, so autumn through spring is prime time in the Keys. What makes blackfin special is their fierce fight and top-notch table fare. When hooked, they'll run hard and deep, testing your stamina and gear. Their meat is prized for sashimi, so landing one means a tasty dinner's in your future. To target blackfin, we'll often troll near structure or chum them up. They've got sharp eyes, so light leaders and smaller hooks are key. One local trick: if you see them busting bait on the surface, try tossing a small silver spoon into the fray. They can't resist it. Whether you're after a sporty fight or some of the best eating fish in the ocean, blackfin tuna are always a welcome catch on our trips.

Grey Snapper

Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are a favorite target here in Islamorada. These crafty fish usually hang around structures like reefs, wrecks, and mangroves, making them fun to hunt down. They're typically 10-14 inches long, but can get up to 20 pounds in open water. We catch them year-round, but summer's prime time. They're opportunistic feeders, so we use live bait like shrimp or mud minnows to tempt them out. One local trick: hook your shrimp through the tail to keep it lively longer. Greys are known for their swift swimming and sharp eyesight, so finesse is key. Let your bait sink near the bottom and be patient – these guys like to ambush their prey. When you feel a tug, reel in slowly to set the hook before bringing them up. Anglers love Grey Snapper for their fight and their excellent table fare. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious. Plus, targeting them often leads to other species, making for an exciting mixed bag on our trips.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are winter favorites here in Islamorada, typically weighing 20-30 pounds but some monsters hit 90+. These speedsters are often found in 40-150 foot depths, cruising near structures and drop-offs. We usually target them from November through March when water temps are 68-84°F. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. They'll test your drag and make your reel sing. The meat's pretty good too, just watch the mercury if you're pregnant. To land one, we'll often slow-troll live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Here's a local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings are notorious for short-striking, so that trailing hook can make all the difference. These fish are opportunistic feeders, so we might spot them busting bait schools on the surface. When that happens, get ready for some fast action. Nothing beats watching a big king skyrocket on a well-presented bait.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper's a prized catch down here in Islamorada. These guys can get pretty big, up to 20 pounds or more, and they put up a solid fight. You'll find 'em hanging around reefs and rocky areas, usually in 100-200 foot depths. They're loners, so we target them one at a time. Summer's when they really shine. That's when we see more muttons moving into shallower waters to spawn. They love fresh bait, so we'll use live pinfish or cut bonito to entice 'em. Folks get excited about muttons because they're not only fun to catch, but they're also fantastic eating fish. Firm, white meat that's great on the grill. Here's a local tip: When you're fishing for muttons, patience is key. They can be a bit finicky. I like to use a light sinker and let the bait drift naturally in the current. Sometimes a slow, gentle twitch of the line can trigger a bite when they're being stubborn.

About the Millertime

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Caterpillar

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 450

Ready for some afternoon fishing action in Islamorada? Join us for a 4-hour offshore trip starting at 1:00 PM. We'll take you to prime spots where the big ones lurk, targeting different species based on the season. In summer, we often go after tasty snappers like yellowtail, grey, and mutton. You might also hook into wahoo, grouper, and if we're lucky, some blackfin tuna or mahi-mahi when they're cruising nearby. Winter brings its own excitement, with sailfish, king mackerel, and more snappers on the menu. It's a great time to try for wahoo, grouper, and blackfin tuna too. Our experienced guides know just where to find the fish, whether it's on the reefs or in deeper waters. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring your buddies or family along for a fun-filled afternoon on the water. Gear up and let's reel in some Florida Keys memories!

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