Islamorada Offshore Fishing Report 2026: Grand Slam on the Catch 22

We headed out of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Florida, for what turned into one of the most memorable offshore fishing days I’ve had in the Florida Keys.

Rough Start Turns Into Epic Offshore Fishing Day

The original plan was a swordfish trip, but the weather had other ideas. With winds blowing 15–18 knots and rough seas offshore, we made the call to stay closer and target pelagic species instead.

Before getting lines in, we ran out near the towers to load up on ballyhoo—always a solid move when offshore fishing in Islamorada.

Conditions weren’t easy, but our mate AJ kept everything dialed in and made sure we stayed on fish all day.

Mahi and Sailfish Chaos on the Weed Line

We started trolling a weed line, and it didn’t take long. I hooked into a mahi and held it behind the boat to keep the school around. Then the outrigger snapped—fish on.

Travis grabbed the rod, and we quickly realized it was a big sailfish.

Everything happened at once—AJ clearing lines, Tom casting at the mahi school, and me trying to keep mine pinned. I lost the mahi, and the school disappeared, so we focused all attention on the sailfish.

It was an incredible fight. The fish made multiple runs and put on a show with several jumps. Three times it took off again just when we thought it was close.

We finally got it boatside—just over 7 feet long. Quick photos and a clean release.

Blackfin Tuna and Wahoo Add to the Action

The bite stayed hot.

Tom hooked into a solid blackfin tuna, and I followed with another. Then Travis stepped up again and landed a massive wahoo—his first wahoo and first sailfish in the same day.

Not a bad way to fish the Florida Keys.

Midday Reset in Comfort

We made a move to a new spot and took a break in the cabin. Having AC and space to reset made a big difference after getting bounced around all morning in rough offshore conditions.

Another Sailfish Battle in Heavy Seas

The afternoon didn’t slow down.

I hooked into another big sailfish, and this one made me earn it. The fish kept running into the waves, and the captain had to chase it down in reverse.

I got completely soaked, but we got the fish close enough for a quick photo before release. Easily one of the more intense fights I’ve had offshore.

Completing the Grand Slam in Islamorada

We added a couple of big king mackerel to round things out and officially completed a Grand Slam—mahi, tuna, wahoo, and kingfish, plus multiple sailfish releases.

To cap it off, Tom landed our third sailfish of the day—one for each of us.

Final Thoughts on Offshore Fishing in Islamorada

Even with rough seas and steady wind, this turned into a spectacular day offshore. It’s a great reminder that fishing in Islamorada can deliver no matter the conditions if you stay flexible and keep working.

Between the sailfish action, wahoo, tuna, and nonstop chaos, this was one of those trips you don’t forget.

Looking for more Florida Keys fishing content? Check out the full reel recap Instagram or explore more trip reports on the interactive map.