The deep sea three-quarter day, the trip most groups book.
About six hours on the blue water aboard a 55 foot Hatteras, chasing mahi, tuna, wahoo, and whatever else the day serves up. Up to six guests, everything included, and you are back with the afternoon still ahead of you.
Six hours is the sweet spot. It is enough time to run past the reef edge to the humps, the color changes, and the current edges where the serious fish hold, work the bite properly, and still have you back at the dock with daylight to spare. It is the trip most of our groups book, and the one we recommend first.
A typical day: troll the edge on the way out, work birds and weed lines for mahi, drop for tuna over structure, and keep a pitch rod ready for whatever shows. The 55 foot Hatteras runs a 22 knot cruise and rides level, so the day is about the fishing rather than hanging on. Air conditioned salon, real head, shaded cockpit, and a mate working the deck the whole time.
What your $1,975 covers
Everything is in the number. Captain, mate, rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, ice, and cleaning of your catch back at the dock. No fuel surcharge and no per-person add-on. Bring food, drinks, sunscreen, and up to five friends.
What deep sea looks like here
This is a real week on our boats, not a brochure.
Quick answers
What fish do you catch deep sea fishing in Islamorada?
Mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo, sailfish, kingfish, amberjack, and snapper and grouper on the deep drops. The mix changes by season; the captain fishes what the water gives.
What time does the trip leave?
We leave the dock at 7 AM. Six hours of fishing puts you back in the early afternoon with plenty of day left.
Is seasickness a problem?
The 55 foot Hatteras is a heavy, stable sportfisher, the most comfortable ride in the fleet. If you are prone, take a non-drowsy remedy the night before and morning of; calm summer mornings are the gentlest pick.