Deep Sea Fishing Islamorada | Poppa Wahoo

Deep Sea Islamorada Fishing Charters

If you're looking to fish Islamorada waters in serious style, the Poppa Wahoo is your ticket to world-class offshore action. This 55-foot Hatteras sportfishing yacht puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive deep-sea fishing grounds, where pelagic species roam year-round. Captain Brad and his expert crew know these waters like the back of their hands, positioning you over the best structure and current breaks where the big fish hunt. With room for up to six anglers, this luxury charter strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and having enough space to work multiple lines without getting tangled up.

What to Expect on the Water

The moment you step aboard the Poppa Wahoo, you'll notice this isn't your average fishing boat. This Hatteras is built for serious offshore work, with a comfortable salon, plenty of deck space, and all the electronics needed to locate fish in deep water. Your day starts early, typically heading out before sunrise to reach the productive offshore waters where wahoo, mahi, and tuna are actively feeding. The crew will have fresh bait rigged and ready while you cruise out to the fishing grounds, usually 8-15 miles offshore where the water turns that beautiful cobalt blue. These trips cater to both seasoned anglers and families looking for a top-rated fishing experience, with the crew adjusting techniques based on your group's skill level and preferences.

Trolling Tactics & Offshore Gear

Deep sea fishing here revolves around trolling, and the Poppa Wahoo is rigged with premium tackle designed to handle everything from screaming wahoo runs to bulldogging grouper. The crew sets up a spread of high-speed lures, ballyhoo, and live bait depending on conditions and target species. You'll fish with 30-50 pound class tackle that's perfectly matched to the fish we're targeting - strong enough to handle a big tuna but light enough to feel every head shake from a mahi mahi. The captain reads the water constantly, looking for temperature breaks, current edges, and floating debris that concentrate baitfish and attract predators. When fish are located, the crew switches tactics seamlessly, whether that means slowing down for a mahi school or switching to live bait for sailfish.

Customer Stories

"Had a great time with Capt Brad! Would recommend him to anyone! Will fish will him again!" - Chris

Top Catches This Season

Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are the bread and butter of Islamorada offshore fishing and absolute customer favorites for good reason. These gorgeous fish travel in schools and put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on deck cheering. Peak season runs from April through August when they're most abundant, though you can find them year-round in these waters. Mahi are fast growers, with most catches ranging from 10-25 pounds, but don't let their size fool you - they fight hard and taste even better. What makes them special here is how they relate to floating debris and weedlines, often holding in schools of 20 or more fish.

Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep and the boat's namesake for good reason. These fish hit trolled lures like freight trains, often at speeds exceeding 40 mph, making for some of the most exciting hookups you'll experience. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though we see them year-round. Wahoo typically range from 20-60 pounds in these waters, with their razor-sharp teeth and torpedo-shaped bodies perfectly designed for ambush attacks. The thrill comes from that initial run - nothing prepares you for the screaming drag and the frantic dash to clear other lines.

Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate offshore prize, combining size, speed, and incredible table fare. These fish are built like underwater missiles, with broad shoulders and seemingly endless stamina. Best fishing occurs from late spring through early fall when they follow baitfish into our area. Yellowfin here average 40-100 pounds, and once hooked, they make long, powerful runs that test both angler and equipment. They're notorious for sounding deep, using their weight and strength to try to break you off on structure below.

Blackfin Tuna are smaller cousins to the yellowfin but pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters in the ocean. These 10-30 pound fish are available year-round and perfect for lighter tackle fishing. They school up around structure and current breaks, often mixed with other species. Blackfin are renowned for their dark, rich meat and make excellent sashimi when properly handled. They fight with the tenacity of fish twice their size, making multiple runs and using their football-shaped bodies to leverage against the current.

Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, famous for their spectacular jumps and billboard-sized dorsal fins. Winter months from December through March offer the best sailfish action, when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. These 6-8 foot fish are typically caught and released, providing an world-class sporting experience. Sailfish often show themselves on the surface, tailing or free-jumping, creating photo opportunities even before you hook up. The fight is all about aerial displays - they'll jump repeatedly, walking across the surface on their tails in displays that never get old.

Time to Book Your Spot

The Poppa Wahoo delivers exactly what serious offshore fishing should be - professional crew, luxury accommodations, and access to some of the best deep-sea fishing on the planet. Whether you're a group of experienced anglers or a family looking to create lasting memories, Captain Brad and his team ensure everyone has a great time on the water. These Islamorada waters produce fish year-round, but the best dates fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Don't wait to secure your spot aboard this