Pelagic Raptors Charters
+30Looking to cast a line in Islamorada? Pelagic Raptors Charters is your ticket! With Captain Michael at the helm, you’ll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.
Around here the fishing is popular for Blackfin Tuna, Cobia, Blue Marlin, Amberjack, Swordfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Wahoo, Tilefish, Black Grouper, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, and more, depending on when you go. On these trips, it’s common to troll and bottom fish using light or heavy tackle. Capt. Michael also offers kite fishing. For the more adventurous among you, there’s spearfishing.
If you’re traveling with the family, you will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Children must wear life vests, so find out if the appropriate size is available on board. And, you can’t go wrong with snacks so that nobody gets cranky on an empty belly!
Capt. Michael will bring you aboard a 34’ SeaHunter center console with room for 6 passengers. It comes with outriggers and everything else you need for a productive day on the water. There’s a toilet on board for your convenience. Capt. Michael has rods and reels for you, as well as lures. Live bait is available, but it’s good to ask about this so you know if you’ll be catching it yourself.
A First Mate will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly. Mates work hard to make your trip count, so a 10–20% tip is customary.
The charter boat covers your fishing license, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Be mindful that some species may have special rules or limited seasons. If you don’t know what to expect, ask the captain. It’s recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen (non-spray), and bottled water. If you’d like to bring other drinks, just ask. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but you should avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
Now’s the time to experience fishing in Islamorada for yourself, with Pelagic Raptors Charters!
Captain
Michael Diaz
Highlights
Plan your trip
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (21)
+18Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
94%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
91%
Caught fish
90%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
EPIC TRIP!!!!
Extended Day Trip – Swordfish on June 30, 2025
I did the 10hr swordfish trip at the end of June 2025. I’ve done a lot of charters and this was the best. Conditions were rough but Mike knows what he’s doing and we had no issues getting out to the swordfish grounds. On the way out we bagged 5 really nice mahi. Got to the grounds, caught the drift and got set up, under 10 minutes after hitting bottom-FISH ON. Took an hour from bite to boat with a beast of an electric reel, harpoon and gaff. On the way in we limited out on mahi. First mate Danny also awesome guy. Mike and Danny were great, super hard working and highly knowledgeable and Florida Keys locals! They know what they are doing.
I did the 10hr swordfish trip at the end of June 2025. I’ve done a lot of charters and this was the best. Conditions were rough but Mike knows what he’s doing and we had no issues getting out to the swordfish grounds. On the way out we bagged 5 really nice mahi. Got to the grounds, caught the drift and got set up, under 10 minutes after hitting bottom-FISH ON. Took an hour from bite to boat with a beast of an electric reel, harpoon and gaff. On the way in we limited out on mahi. First...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Offshore Fishing!
6hr Tarpon & Shark on February 25, 2025
My wife and I spent a day on the water with Capt Mike on the Pelagic Raptor and enjoyed the time. Capt Mike kept an open line of communication throughout our preparation for the trip and was very personable. All and all we had a great time, caught fish and I will be using his services again. Would highly recommend you will not be disappointed!!!
My wife and I spent a day on the water with Capt Mike on the Pelagic Raptor and enjoyed the time. Capt Mike kept an open line of communication throughout our preparation for the trip and was very personable. All and all we had a great time, caught fish and I will be using his services again. Would highly recommend you will not be disappointed!!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great Trip!!!!
Shark & Tarpon Trip 4hr (5 ppl max) on July 19, 2024
Cpt Mike was extremely knowledgeable of the keys and how to catch what you want to target. He was waiting on us with a smiling face when we arrived at the marina. The boat was very clean and up to date and he had everything ready and loaded before we got there. Had great conversation and a great day of fishing . Caught a huge shark and really nice tarpon. Will definitely be using Cpt Mike in the future.
Cpt Mike was extremely knowledgeable of the keys and how to catch what you want to target. He was waiting on us with a smiling face when we arrived at the marina. The boat was very clean and up to date and he had everything ready and loaded before we got there. Had great conversation and a great day of fishing . Caught a huge shark and really nice tarpon. Will definitely be using Cpt Mike in the future.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great experience
Half Day Trip (AM) on October 4, 2024
Captain Mike is a great guy and will put you in the best situation to catch fish. His expertise in fishing the Florida Keys is second to none. We caught a boat load of fish and various species too. I’d recommend booking Captain Mike to anyone looking for a fun time!
Captain Mike is a great guy and will put you in the best situation to catch fish. His expertise in fishing the Florida Keys is second to none. We caught a boat load of fish and various species too. I’d recommend booking Captain Mike to anyone looking for a fun time!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Shark - Adventure
Shark & Tarpon Trip 4hr (5 ppl max) on December 24, 2024
searched our Target-Fish - and Capt Mike made it possible: found some, and caught successfully. It was a great experience 🤩 Had a lot of fun. Thanks for the great day!
searched our Target-Fish - and Capt Mike made it possible: found some, and caught successfully. It was a great experience 🤩 Had a lot of fun. Thanks for the great day!
FAQs about Pelagic Raptors Charters
What are the trip rates for Pelagic Raptors Charters?
Pelagic Raptors Charters offers the following trips to customers:
- US $600 per group - 4hr sandbar trips (4 hours)
- US $1,200 per group - Half Day Trip (AM) (4 hours)
- US $1,600 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Offshore (6 hours)
- US $1,800 per group - Full Day Trip – Offshore (8 hours)
- US $2,600 per group - Extended Day Trip – Swordfish (10 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Pelagic Raptors Charters?
When you book a trip with Pelagic Raptors Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- Toilet
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Flybridge Center console tower / station
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Live Bait Well
- Multimedia System
- Outriggers
- Spearfishing Equipment
- Ice Box
- Radar
What's included in the trip price with Pelagic Raptors Charters?
Trips booked with Pelagic Raptors Charters include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait (Going offshore more mahi or even tuna on a full day sometimes requires catching our own live bait which we do with a cast net or sabiki rigs)
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (No charge for cleaning fish, it is part of the total cost)
- First Mate
- Fishing License (I cover all fishing licenses for all guest which is up to 6 max)
What types of fishing does Pelagic Raptors Charters offer?
Pelagic Raptors Charters offers the following types of fishing:
- Nearshore Fishing
- Offshore Fishing (The most we will travel is less than 30 miles. )
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does Pelagic Raptors Charters offer?
Pelagic Raptors Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Fly Fishing
- Drift Fishing
- Kite Fishing
- Spearfishing
- Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Pelagic Raptors Charters?
Top targeted fish species with Pelagic Raptors Charters include:
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
- Grouper (Black)
- Marlin (Blue)
- Sailfish
- Snapper (Yellowtail)
- Swordfish
- Tilefish
- Tuna (Blackfin)
- Wahoo
Meet your captain
Islamorada, Florida, United States
I a born and raised local here in the Florida Keys. I’ve fished these waters since I was in diapers. This is what I love to do and now my kids love the environment we put them in.
Fish you can target
Your boat
Where you can fish
Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
The most we will travel is less than 30 miles.
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
How you can fish
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing
What's on board
Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Center console tower / station
Snorkeling Equipment
Live Bait Well
Multimedia System
Outriggers
Spearfishing Equipment
Ice Box
Radar
Included in the price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Going offshore more mahi or even tuna on a full day sometimes requires catching our own live bait which we do with a cast net or sabiki rigs
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
No charge for cleaning fish, it is part of the total cost
First Mate
Fishing License
I cover all fishing licenses for all guest which is up to 6 max
How cancellations work
Deposit non-refundable
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
Listing policies
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Kids ride alongside with captain and learn how to operate a vessel safely, kids help captain spot details in the water for better navigation and also help find things that can better our chances at catching great fish.
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
How to pay
Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 2% charge will apply.
What’s biting in Islamorada right now
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black)
Marlin (Blue)
Sailfish
Snapper (Yellowtail)
Swordfish
Tuna (Blackfin)
Wahoo