5.0(18 Reviews)Inshore Fishing Charter in Marathon, Florida
5.0(18 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Inshore fishing targeting cero mackerel and grey snapperAll gear, tackle, and licenses included with charterFamily-friendly trips from 3 to 6 hours available
Captain Alex de Melo knows these Marathon waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This isn't your typical tourist trap - we're talking about real inshore fishing where cero mackerel streak through the water and grey snapper stack up on the bottom structure. Whether you've got three hours to kill or want to make a full day of it with our six-hour option, this charter delivers the goods. All your gear, tackle, and fishing licenses are covered, so you can focus on what matters - getting that rod bent and feeling the fight.
We'll be working the shallow flats and nearshore structure where Marathon's best inshore action happens. Captain Alex runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed - perfect for families with kids or first-time anglers who want to learn the ropes. The beauty of inshore fishing here is you're never fighting rough seas or dealing with seasickness issues. We stay in protected waters where you can actually enjoy the experience instead of hanging over the rail. The boat's equipped with everything from light spinning tackle for the snapper to heavier setups when those cero mackerel show up hot. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and your appetite for catching fish.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are telling us. For the grey snapper, we're talking about dropping small hooks with shrimp or cut bait right to the bottom around structure. These fish are picky eaters, so Captain Alex knows exactly how to rig up for clean hooksets. When the cero mackerel are running, we switch gears completely - trolling small spoons and diving plugs at just the right speed to trigger those aggressive strikes. The tackle stays medium-light so you actually feel the fight, but strong enough to handle anything that decides to make a serious run. Captain Alex will have you rigging your own baits and reading the fish finder by the end of the trip.
Edward summed it up perfectly: "he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍" This is exactly what separates Captain Alex from the rest - he's not just putting you on fish, he's teaching you why they're there and how to catch them next time.
Grey snapper are the bread and butter of Marathon inshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish average 12 to 16 inches but don't let the size fool you - they fight like fish twice their weight. They're structure-oriented, so we'll be working around coral heads, ledges, and artificial reefs where they stack up. Spring through fall offers the best action, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes grey snapper special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare. Captain Alex knows every piece of bottom structure where these fish hold, and he'll have you dropping baits with surgical precision.
Cero mackerel are the speed demons of the inshore world, and when they're running in Marathon, the action gets fast and furious. These sleek predators can hit 15 to 20 pounds and they'll test your drag system immediately. They show up in good numbers during the cooler months, typically from November through March, following baitfish along the reef line and nearshore structure. What makes cero mackerel such a rush to catch is their initial run - they'll scream line off your reel before you know what hit you. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Yellowfin make this fishery special because they're not your typical inshore catch, but Marathon's unique location puts them within reach. These smaller cousins of the yellowfin tuna are built for speed and endurance. They'll average 2 to 4 pounds but fight with the heart of much larger fish. Look for them around baitfish schools and color changes where the inshore water meets deeper blue water. They're most active during the warmer months and provide non-stop action when you find a school. The challenge with yellowfin is their speed and their tendency to travel in tight groups - when you hook one, get ready for multiple hookups.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure fun on light tackle. These silver rockets will jump and tail-walk across the surface, putting on a show that rivals any gamefish. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Marathon's grass flats and shallow channels hold good numbers of ladyfish year-round, though they're most active during the warmer months. Captain Alex uses them as confidence builders - once you've fought a few ladyfish, you're ready for whatever else decides to bite.
Lane snapper add variety to the mix with their distinctive pink and yellow coloring and willingness to bite. These fish prefer slightly deeper water than their grey snapper cousins, typically hanging around 20 to 40 feet over hard bottom and coral structure. They're most active during the summer months and provide steady action when other species might be finicky. Lane snapper average 8 to 12 inches but make up for their size with aggressive feeding habits. They're excellent table fare and perfect for mixed bags when you want consistent action throughout the trip.
This is the kind of fishing that builds lifelong memories and puts you on fish that actually fight back. Captain Alex has built his reputation on putting clients on quality fish while teaching them something along the way. The Marathon inshore fishery is world-class, and this charter gives you access to all of it without the guesswork. Remember, you'll need to settle up the remaining balance at the dock, so come prepared to fish and ready to learn. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to fishing or
Set out from Marathon aboard this well-equipped 28' Baha cruiser that's built for serious inshore fishing. This 2008 cuddy cabin boat runs smooth with twin 175HP Suzuki engines, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and keeping you comfortable while you work the flats and channels. The boat handles four anglers with room to move around when you're fighting cero mackerel or bringing in grey snapper. An onboard fish finder helps locate schools, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during longer trips. Captain Alex knows these Marathon waters inside and out, putting you on fish whether you're casting live bait around structure or trolling the deeper cuts. Perfect setup for families and first-time anglers who want to experience real Florida Keys fishing without the long offshore runs.
Scomberomorus RegalisThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are some of the most fun you'll have on light tackle around Marathon's patch reefs. They typically run 5-10 pounds with that distinctive bronze streak and yellow spots along their silver sides. You'll find them cruising the surface over reefs in 10-60 feet of clear water, usually alone or in small groups. They're available year-round but peak during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What makes them special is the explosive topwater strikes and blistering runs - they'll hit 30mph but burn out quick. Plus, they're sushi-grade fish, perfect for ceviche. The challenge is their razor-sharp teeth and great eyesight, so use a wire leader and keep your distance when chumming. My go-to technique: chunk some ballyhoo over a reef, then throw topwater plugs or small jigs once they show up. When they're feeding, they'll hit almost anything you throw at them.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called Mangrove Snapper, these guys are perfect for inshore anglers looking for steady action. They typically run 1-3 pounds around our docks and mangroves, with that distinctive copper-red color and dark eye stripe. You'll find them hanging around structure - piers, rocks, and mangrove edges in 10-20 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders, so they bite year-round, but warmer months bring the best action. What makes them popular is the reliable bite and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they're not too aggressive. My tip: use live shrimp on a light jig head, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Don't jerk when you feel the bite - let them take it before setting the hook, or they'll drop it fast.
Elops SaurusKnown as "poor man's tarpon," these silver rockets are pure fun on light tackle. They run 12-24 inches and put on an aerial show once hooked - jumping and dancing across the surface like their bigger tarpon cousins. You'll find them in shallow bays, canals, and along beaches in brackish to saltwater, usually in schools. They bite year-round at any tide or time of day, making them perfect when other fish aren't cooperating. Kids especially love the acrobatic fight, and they're great for beginners since they're aggressive biters. While not the best eating, they make excellent live bait for bigger fish. The trick is dealing with their constant jumping and sharp little teeth - they'll try to bite through your line. Use a heavy mono or fluoro leader and keep steady pressure. My tip: look for diving birds or baitfish activity, then throw small jigs, spoons, or live shrimp into the commotion.
Lutjanus SynagrisThese pretty pink and yellow striped snappers are a nice surprise when you're fishing our reefs and sandy bottoms. They typically run 10-14 inches and are known for those candy cane-like stripes running along their silvery-pink bodies. You'll find them around coral patches and vegetated sandy areas, usually in 20-100 feet but sometimes much deeper. They're available year-round but really turn on during their spawning season from March through September. What guests love is they're aggressive biters - not as line-shy as other snappers - and they make excellent table fare. They're also perfect "bonus fish" when targeting other species since they'll hit the same baits. The fight is scrappy for their size, and they're great for kids. My advice: fish at night when they feed most actively, and use small hooks with shrimp, squid, or cut bait. They're less wary than other snappers, so you can get away with slightly heavier tackle.
Ocyurus ChrysurusThese bright yellow-tailed snappers are a real treat on light tackle. Most run 8-14 inches and rarely top 16, but they make up for size with their scrappy fight and fantastic eating quality. The bright yellow stripe from nose to tail makes them easy to spot in clear water. You'll find them around reefs and structure in 30-120 feet, usually in small schools. They're available year-round but bite best in warmer months when they're more active. Guests love them because they're great table fare - often compared to grouper - and fun for the whole family to catch. They're smart fish though, especially the bigger ones, so light line is key. My trick: use 15lb main line with 20lb fluoro leader and small dead bait like shrimp or ballyhoo pieces. Chum first, then wait several minutes before dropping your line - patience pays off with these guys.
5.0 out of 5.0he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
he was very entertaining as nd educational! The balance i always look for in my vacation activities 👍
Marathon