Mahi, Dolphin, Tuna, Wahoo, and other Pelagic Species.

Spring through some of Fall are best times for offshore pelagic fish.  (March – September) Dolphin,  also known as Mahi Mahi are some of the best action and range from 20" to 60", 3lbs to 50lbs. Big Mahi chances are best at the beginning of the season and also the end.  When the season is hot it is typical to hook over 35 fish a day.  Blackfin Tuna season is right there with the Mahi and great chances for them will occur throughout the day as well.

It is extremely common for all rods to be hooked up at once when you hit a school of Mahi Mahi and then the chaos begins!

Standard techniques for fishing for pelagics include trolling baits and lures, chasing feeding birds, fishing floating structure from weed lines or patches, and pitching baits while sight fishing.   Our goal is to hunt for our catch not just troll slow or blindly.  Coastal Dreams knows what to look for how to fish them and find them.

Our bait tactics on this style of fishing will include live bait caught that morning, fresh ballyhoo rigged and unrigged, chumming and use of chunk bait for schooled up fish. Everyone is invited to participate and will be educated on our boat guidelines on the way offshore.

When fish are caught our team will ensure to keep your catch as fresh as possible with lots of ice and safe procedures.  We also practice catch and release to ensure the fisheries will be there for our future anglers.  Once we reach the dock our team will filet and bag your fish, make sure you have a cooler standing by.  

Sailfishing in the Upper Keys is typically begins right off the reef edge about 3-7 miles from the marina then we hunt for color changes and up and down the Keys coastline (anywhere from 20’ – 170’ of water.)  Sometimes we might travel up to 20 miles up or down the reef line where the fish are feeding and schooling.  Sailfish often jump multiple times and swim super fast up to 65mph, making the boat will chase the fish to assist in your catch.  Techniques include slow trolling live baits, kite fishing live baits and the most fun is sight fishing.  Sight fishing is more like hunting.  When the fish are in shallow water or tailing the captain will actually point them out in singles or packs. Once found we pitch baits directly at them and wait for the hook up.  We use light tackle ranging from 12lb test to 30lb test and very light drags, allowing any angler a comfortable and amazing fight.  Sailfish average 25 – 60 lbs, and it’s all catch and release.  A tournament release is considered when your leader touches the tip of the rod or the mate touches the leader, normally within 15' of the boat.  We try to get the sailfish to the boat for lifetime photos and then revive the fish for a successful release. . We also offer release mounts replicated in fiberglass and custom hand painted for trophy memories for life.  Boat’s fly “release flags” in their outriggers at the end of the day to signify how many sailfish were caught that day.  We do recommend full days because that gives you much more time to fish and try different areas.  Half days will also give daily chances as fishing is not far away from the marina. 

Winter months are always best targeted for Sailfish season. We usually start catching them with consistency in November all the way through March. Water and weather temperatures play a huge role in the fishing season though, as well as bait migrations.  You can also expect a random Mahi, Tuna, Kingfish, or Wahoo. 

This fishing can be very hot or only 1 chance daily, patience is key.  It is very common for multiple  hook ups as they travel in packs. Florida Keys Sail fishing is considered to be very consistent and you have a great shot at catching sailfish every time you head out. Some trips yield a couple of bites and other trips may yield double-digit numbers of bites. On average your fishing for a couple of fish, but if you hit it just right everyone on board might catch and release a sailfish.

Reef & Wreck fishing in the upper keys always has different options.  From Snapper and Grouper to top water action throughout the year it is always fun.  Our reefs and wrecks run up and down the Florida Keys coast approximately 3-4 miles offshore.  Starting depths are at 35' dropping to 200' for the best fishing.   Typical days start out with the hunt for live bait early in the morning the look for current color changes and perfect tides for the day. 

Standard techniques for fishing for Reef and Wreck fishing include trolling baits and lures, pitching baits while sight fishing, bottom dropping, live baiting, kite fishing, and drift fishing.  Common reef fish are sailfish, snapper, grouper, barracuda, cobia, king mackerel, shark, African pompano, wahoo, etc.  It is not uncommon to catch a  mahi or tuna while fishing with live baits in this area over the winter months as well, so options are endless!  Coastal Dreams knows what to look for how to fish them and find them.

Our bait tactics on this style of fishing will include live bait caught that morning, live ballyhoo trolled or on kites, chumming and use of chunk bait for schooled up snappers and bottom fish. Everyone is invited to participate and will be educated on our boat guidelines on the way to the fishing grounds.

When fish are caught our team will ensure to keep your catch as fresh as possible with lots of ice and safe procedures.  We also practice catch and release to ensure the fisheries will be there for our future anglers.  Once we reach the dock our team will filet and bag your fish, make sure you have a cooler standing by.  

We Do Not Currently Offer this, although we can set you up with a Experienced Local Captain. 

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Daytime Sword Fishing

Swordfishing in Islamorada is considered by many to be the best in the world! The past 13 years our swordfishery has exploded.
We target broadbill swordfish both in the daytime and nighttime

Local Charter Boats catch swordfish all year long but calmer weather makes it much easier and more enjoyable to fish as we drift in the Gulfstream. May through November have been our most consistent months the last few years.

The swordfish charters fish anywhere from 25 – 45 miles off of Islamorada, in 1500’ – 2000’ of water.

We use both standard conventional reel as well as electric assist reels.

Swordfishing takes patience and you may wait all day for a bite. Some trips yield no bites where other trips you can get a bite every drop! In reality you are fishing for a fish or two. Sure we have days where we catch more, but you always have to start with the first one before you can move onto the second one!