Marathon Inshore Fishing with Captain Alex
Looking for a solid day of fishing in the Florida Keys? Captain Alex de Melo runs some of the best inshore charters out of Marathon, and he knows exactly where to find cero mackerel, grey snapper, and other tasty fish that call these waters home. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing trip or you're an experienced angler wanting to try something new, this charter delivers. We're talking 3, 4, or 6-hour trips that stay close to shore in comfortable waters – no seasickness worries here. Captain Alex handles all the gear, tackle, and licensing paperwork, so you just show up ready to fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Marathon's inshore waters are where the magic happens. We're fishing in shallow flats, around mangrove shorelines, and near structure where fish love to hang out. The boat stays in protected waters, which means smooth rides and comfortable fishing conditions even when it's breezy outside. Captain Alex keeps groups small – just 4 anglers max – so everyone gets plenty of attention and coaching. He's got a knack for reading the water and finding active fish, plus he genuinely enjoys teaching people new techniques. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; he'll have you casting and catching fish like you've been doing it for years. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun, perfect for families or groups of friends who want to experience authentic Florida Keys fishing without the long offshore runs.
Tackle and Techniques
We're using light to medium tackle that's perfect for inshore species – spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test line that can handle these scrappy fish without being overkill. Captain Alex switches up techniques based on what's biting: live bait fishing with pilchards or pinfish, casting spoons and jigs around structure, and sometimes trolling small lures along drop-offs. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to a school of mackerel, the next you're bottom fishing for snapper around a wreck. All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are included, along with a cooler full of ice to keep your catch fresh. The captain also provides all required fishing licenses, so you're completely covered legally. He'll clean and fillet your fish at the end of the trip, which means you go home with dinner ready for the pan.
Customer Stories
Anglers consistently praise Captain Alex for his teaching style and personality on the water. As Edward puts it: "he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍" This kind of feedback shows up again and again – guests appreciate a captain who can find fish while keeping everyone engaged and learning something new about local fishing techniques and marine life.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Grey snapper are the bread and butter of Marathon inshore fishing, and these guys are absolute favorites among visiting anglers. They typically run 12-16 inches in these waters, with some larger specimens pushing 20+ inches if you're lucky. Grey snapper are structure-oriented fish that love hanging around coral heads, rocky bottom, and artificial reefs in 15-40 feet of water. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes them so popular is their aggressive bite – when they hit your bait, you know it – plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Cero mackerel bring the speed and excitement to your fishing trip. These sleek predators cruise inshore waters looking for baitfish schools, and when you hook one, get ready for screaming runs and acrobatic jumps. They average 3-8 pounds in Marathon waters, with their torpedo-shaped bodies built for pure speed. Ceros are most active during warmer months and love chasing live pilchards or small jigs worked quickly through the water column. The fight is what gets people hooked – they'll make multiple long runs and test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared fresh, with a mild flavor that's less "fishy" than king mackerel.
Yellowfin (we're talking about the grunt species here, not tuna) are colorful characters that add variety to your catch. These smaller fish are perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They typically run 8-12 inches and hang around the same structure as snapper, often in schools. Yellowfins are year-round residents in Marathon waters, making them reliable targets when other species might be finicky. They're also great bait for larger predators, so Captain Alex often uses them strategically during the trip.
Ladyfish are the "poor man's tarpon" and provide some of the most exciting action you'll find inshore. These silver bullets jump repeatedly when hooked, often clearing the water 3-4 times during a fight. They school up in Marathon's channels and flats, especially around moving water where they ambush baitfish. While most anglers release ladyfish since they're not great eating, the entertainment value is off the charts. Kids especially love the jumping action, and experienced anglers appreciate their willingness to hit both live bait and artificial lures.
Lane snapper round out the target list as smaller cousins to grey snapper, typically running 8-12 inches with beautiful pink and yellow coloration. They're abundant in Marathon waters and often save the day when larger fish aren't cooperating. Lanes are excellent eating despite their size, and they're perfect for teaching proper fish handling and release techniques. They inhabit similar areas to grey snapper but often in slightly shallower water, making them accessible targets throughout the trip.
Time to Book Your Spot
This is exactly the kind of fishing charter that creates lasting memories – close to shore, comfortable conditions, expert guidance, and plenty of action for the whole group
5.0(18 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Marathon
Target cero mackerel and grey snapper on guided inshore trips
