Offshore Fishing Charters
Islamorada & the Florida Keys
Deep sea fishing in the Gulf Stream aboard a 43-foot Merritt sportfishing boat. Target Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Marlin, and Swordfish from Islamorada — the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
Why Islamorada Is the Best Offshore Fishing Destination
Islamorada sits closer to the Gulf Stream than almost any other port on the East Coast. That means shorter runs to blue water and more time with lines in.
Gulf Stream Access
The Gulf Stream runs just minutes from Islamorada's docks. While other Florida Keys ports require long runs, we're fishing in world-class blue water fast — maximizing your time on the water.
Year-Round Pelagics
Mahi Mahi dominate spring and summer. Sailfish stack up in winter. Wahoo bite fall through spring. Tuna are always around. There's never a bad time to fish offshore from Islamorada.
Tournament Waters
Islamorada hosts some of the biggest sportfishing tournaments in the country. The same waters that produce tournament-winning catches are where we fish every day.
Offshore Charter Options
Choose the trip that matches your goals. From a half-day taste of the blue water to an all-day deep sea fishing marathon.
3/4-Day Offshore
$1,600Target Species:
A 3/4-day trip gives you extra time to venture farther offshore. Chase prized game fish in the deep blue waters off Islamorada.
All equipment, bait, and fish cleaning included
Full-Day Offshore
$2,000Target Species:
Our full-day charter offers plenty of time to explore the Gulf Stream where trophy fish roam. The ultimate deep sea fishing experience.
All equipment, bait, and fish cleaning included
Swordfish Charter
$2,200Target Species:
One of the most thrilling offshore fishing adventures available. Target Swordfish in the deep waters off the Florida Keys.
All equipment, bait, and fish cleaning included
Target Species on Offshore Charters
The deep waters off Islamorada hold some of the most prized game fish in the Atlantic
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish)
The most popular offshore target in the Florida Keys. Mahi are aggressive, acrobatic fighters that travel in schools. When you find one, you often find dozens. Peak season runs March through September, but mahi are caught year-round in the Gulf Stream off Islamorada. They're also among the best-eating fish in the ocean.
Yellowfin & Blackfin Tuna
Tuna are the powerhouse of offshore fishing. Blackfin tuna are abundant in the Islamorada humps and reef edges year-round, while yellowfin show up on deeper structure and weed lines. They pull harder pound-for-pound than almost any fish in the sea, and sashimi-grade tuna straight from the ocean is an unforgettable meal.
Wahoo
Speed demons of the deep. Wahoo hit at 60+ mph and strip line at blistering speed. They're found along current edges, weed lines, and deep structure in the Gulf Stream. Fall and winter are prime wahoo season in the Florida Keys, though they're caught year-round. Wahoo steaks on the grill are hard to beat.
Sailfish & Marlin
Islamorada is legendary for sailfishing. Winter brings the famous sailfish migration through the Florida Keys, and Islamorada is ground zero. We also encounter white marlin and the occasional blue marlin trolling offshore. These are catch-and-release fisheries that produce some of the most dramatic fights in sportfishing.
Deep Sea Fishing Islamorada — What Makes It World-Class
Deep sea fishing in Islamorada is defined by geography. The island chain sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Gulf Stream — the most powerful ocean current on Earth — flowing just a few miles offshore. This warm, fast-moving river of water carries baitfish, plankton, and nutrients from the Caribbean north through the Florida Straits, creating one of the most productive fishing corridors in the world.
For anglers, this means offshore fishing charter Florida Keys trips from Islamorada have a distinct advantage: shorter runs to productive water. While boats from Miami or Fort Lauderdale may need to run 15-20 miles to reach the Stream, Islamorada puts you on the edge of blue water in as little as 5-8 miles. That translates to more fishing time and less transit time — especially important on half-day and 3/4-day charters.
The Just Cuz Advantage for Offshore Fishing
The Just Cuz is a 43-foot Merritt sportfishing boat — one of the most respected names in offshore fishing. Merritt boats are known for their deep-V Carolina-style hulls that cut through Gulf Stream chop, their tournament-grade cockpits, and their ability to fish all day in comfort. She's powered by twin diesels that deliver both speed and fuel efficiency, getting you to the fish grounds quickly and smoothly.
Captain Conan Yates has spent years building GPS-catalogued knowledge of the productive structure, humps, weed lines, and current edges off Islamorada. Every offshore trip is informed by decades of experience and real-time conditions — we don't guess, we go where the fish are. Our electronics suite includes advanced Garmin fish-finding and navigation systems that help us locate bait concentrations and temperature breaks in the Gulf Stream.
Offshore Fishing Calendar — Florida Keys
One of the great things about deep sea fishing charter Florida Keys trips is that there's always something biting offshore:
- Spring (March–May): Mahi mahi season kicks off, tuna are on the humps, and sailfish are finishing their winter run. This is peak offshore season with the best weather and most diverse catch.
- Summer (June–August): Mahi are everywhere. Big yellowfin tuna show up on deeper structure. Swordfish bite stays strong. Calm seas make for comfortable fishing and easy runs offshore.
- Fall (September–November): Wahoo season begins in earnest. Mahi are still around on weed lines. Kingfish stack up on the reef edges. Fall is an underrated time for offshore variety.
- Winter (December–February): Sailfish migration peaks. Wahoo are biting. Blackfin tuna are thick on the humps. Winter weather windows produce incredible days offshore.
What's Included on Every Offshore Charter
Every offshore fishing charter with Just Cuz includes all tackle, bait, ice, fishing licenses, and professional fish cleaning. We run top-quality Shimano reels, custom rods, and tournament-grade terminal tackle. Captain Conan and mate handle all the rigging, bait preparation, and fish-fighting instruction — whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we put you on the fish and help you land them.
The Just Cuz also features an air-conditioned cabin with comfortable seating, a head (restroom), and a galley area. On longer offshore trips, you can retreat inside for a break without missing any action — our crew will call you out when a fish is on.
Book Your Offshore Charter
Ready to experience deep sea fishing in Islamorada? Call (305) 300-0417 or view all charter options to book your trip. We also offer deep drop fishing charters and multi-day Pulley Ridge fishing expeditions for anglers looking for something beyond the standard offshore trip.
Ready for Deep Sea Fishing in the Florida Keys?
From first-timers to seasoned tournament anglers, everyone is welcome aboard the Just Cuz. Fish the same Gulf Stream waters that made Islamorada the Sportfishing Capital of the World.
Docked at: Bass Pro Shops - World Wide Sportsman, 81576 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036