Reef Runner Charters 

4.5
(118 reviews)
 
State licensed
 83413 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, United States

Reef Runner Charters 

Islamorada, FL, United States
40 ft
6
4.5
(118 reviews)

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Reef Runner Charters offer both reef and offshore fishing trips out of Islamorada, FL. This long-running company boasts over 30 years of sportfishing experience and has many loyal repeat customers. They cater to anglers of all levels of experience and run a family-friendly sportfishing operation, so all are welcome aboard.

Their 40' Key West offshore sportfishing boat provides a sturdy and comfortable ride to the productive fishing grounds. Up to 6 guests are welcome aboard to take advantage of the spacious deck and comfortable cabin, that comes fitted with a full head.

When it comes to the fishing, you'll have the latest electronic and safety equipment at your disposal, along with quality Okuma tackle. Take advantage of the outriggers to troll the open waters, or bottom fish the reefs. Wherever you go, you'll have everything you need for a fun-filled day out.

You'll go after bait as you head out to sea, before the serious fishing starts. With Sailfish swimming the nearshore waters in Winter, the action can get hot very early on. Hit the reefs for great-tasting species such as Snapper, or fish for Tuna about 12 miles offshore. You can even go further and target Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Blue and White Marlin, on what promises to be a fishing adventure like never before.

Whatever your target, the experienced and enthusiastic captain and crew will do everything they can to put you on fish. All you need to do is bring some drinks and snacks aboard and settle in for a thrilling day with Reef Runner Charters!
The Reef Runner has been in business since 1968!
We must be doing something right
We catch organic non GMO free range fish on the Reef Runner!

Reef Runner Charters offer both reef and offshore fishing trips out of Islamorada, FL. This long-running company boasts over 30 years of sportfishing experience and has many loyal repeat customers. They cater to anglers of all levels of experience and run a family-friendly sportfishing operation, so all are welcome aboard.

Their 40' Key West offshore sportfishing boat provides a sturdy and comfortable ride to the productive fishing grounds. Up to 6 guests are welcome aboard to take advantage of the spacious deck and comfortable cabin, that comes fitted with a full head.

When it comes to the fishing, you'll have the latest electronic and safety equipment at your disposal, along with quality Okuma tackle. Take advantage of the outriggers to troll the open waters, or bottom fish the reefs. Wherever you go, you'll have everything you need for a fun-filled day out.

You'll go after bait as you head out to sea, before the serious fishing starts. With Sailfish swimming the nearshore waters in Winter, the action can get hot very early on. Hit the reefs for great-tasting species such as Snapper, or fish for Tuna about 12 miles offshore. You can even go further and target Mahi Mahi, Wahoo and Blue and White Marlin, on what promises to be a fishing adventure like never before.

Whatever your target, the experienced and enthusiastic captain and crew will do everything they can to put you on fish. All you need to do is bring some drinks and snacks aboard and settle in for a thrilling day with Reef Runner Charters!
The Reef Runner has been in business since 1968!
We must be doing something right
We catch organic non GMO free range fish on the Reef Runner!

Paul Johnson
Captain
Paul Johnson
47 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Full day trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun)
Barracuda (Great)
Marlin (Blue)
Marlin (White)
Sailfish
+3
US $700
Shared tour: 2 people
Half Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $950
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trip (Private)
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:45 AM
US $1,400
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 3 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.5
118 reviews
4.4
Boat & equipment
4.7
Captain & crew
4.5
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (135)

What anglers say

85%
Great experience
90%
Family friendly
93%
Friendly captain
87%
Good boat
88%
Recommended
83%
Caught fish

All reviews (118)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 118 reviews
Cory Woodall
Cory Woodall
us
Florida, US
Member since 2026
4.7
Verified
New
Fishing with Paul
Full Day Trip (Private) on August 11, 20263 adults

Diego Reino
Diego Reino
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2024
The captain canceled
July 18, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on July 18, 2026

The charter operator canceled 2 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.

An Nguyen
An Nguyen
Repeat angler
us
Virginia, US
Member since 2022
18 trips
5.0
Verified
Good trip
Half Day Trip on November 11, 20233 adults

My recent fishing charter experience was nothing short of phenomenal! The boat was not only spacious and well-equipped but also impeccably maintained, providing a comfortable and enjoyable setting for our excursion. The captain demonstrated exceptional expertise, navigating us to the best fishing spots with precision and ensuring a successful catch. The first mate was equally impressive, offering valuable tips and assistance throughout the trip, enhancing the overall experience. Together, the captain and first mate formed a dynamic duo, creating a friendly and professional atmosphere that made our fishing adventure unforgettable. I highly recommend this charter for anyone seeking a perfect blend of skilled navigation, a well-appointed vessel, and a knowledgeable and friendly crew.

Tom Bruce
Tom Bruce
us
Clintonville, WI, US
Member since 2025
3.7
Verified
group from Wisconsin has great day of fishing with Reef Runner
3/4 Day Trip on September 19, 20254 adults

caught some great fish that we will have prepared locally for dinner tonight

Stuart McCowan
Stuart McCowan
us
Illinois, US
Member since 2023
5.0
Verified
Offshore with Captain Paul!
3/4 Day Trip on March 13, 20232 adults

Went out with Captain Paul and first mate Micah and had a great day fishing. Was pretty choppy so fish weren't biting like we wanted, but my son landed a nice Almacore Jack which we ate a couple nights later for dinner at our condo (delish!) and I hauled in a nice barracuda. Great hustle by Micah! Was a great time regardless of the fishing - I'd go again next time I'm in the Keys!

Reported catch:
Great Barracuda
Sailfish
Blackfin Tuna
Paul Johnson
Response from Captain

Nice to have you out fishing with us Hope to see you again

FAQs about Reef Runner Charters

Reef Runner Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per person - Full day trip (8 hours)
  • US $950 per group - Half Day Trip (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 3/4 Day Trip (6 hours)
  • US $1,400 per group - Full Day Trip (Private) (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Reef Runner Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • Fighting chair
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well
  • Outriggers
  • Ice box
  • Radio
Trips booked with Reef Runner Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • First mate
  • Fishing license
Reef Runner Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
Reef Runner Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Jigging
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Reef Runner Charters include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Marlin (White)
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Nurse)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson

Islamorada, Florida, United States

5 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
118 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since August 2015

Capt. Paul grew up fishing in the area, spending most of his childhood on the reef fishing for Snapper. All he wants to do is share his passion for fishing with other people, which is why he's now been in the charter business for 36 years. Many happy customers and successful trips later, he still can't get enough of watching his customers reeling in a huge Mahi or Marlin.

Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson
Fully verified
5
reports
118
reviews
2015
member since
~1h
response
Capt. Paul grew up fishing in the area, spending most of his childhood on the reef fishing for Snapper. All he wants to do is share his passion for fishing with other people, which is why he's now been in the charter business for 36 years. Many happy customers and successful trips later, he still can't get enough of watching his customers reeling in a huge Mahi or Marlin.

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
White Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish
Nurse Shark
Nurse Shark
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
White Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish

Real catches by this captain

  • Great day of fishing
    Dana S.
    Dana S.
  • Fishing was tough but caught a few
    Gary M.
    Gary M.
  • Full day
    Daniel E.
    Daniel E.
  • Fishing with Paul
    Al S.
    Al S.
  • 3/4 Day with Reef Runners
    Josh B.
    Josh B.
  • July fishing trip
    David K.
    David K.
  • Reef Runner 3/4 day trip
    Robert K.
    Robert K.
  • Fishing with Paul
    John H.
    John H.
  • 3/4 day quality over quantity
    Charles E.
    Charles E.
  • January fishing trip
    Shane P.
    Shane P.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
40 ft
Year built
1981
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Key West #1 Hull
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Cummins
Powered by
1 x 430HP
Max cruising speed
18 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Jigging
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Fighting chair
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live bait well
Outriggers
Ice box
Radio
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
First mate
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 Checks

 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Islamorada right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
WahooWahoo

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