Offshore Fishing Charter, Marathon FL – Mahi Mahi and Tuna
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-hour offshore charter targeting Mahi Mahi and Tuna in MarathonExpert captain provides instruction for all skill levels aboardAll fishing equipment included, accommodates up to 4 guests
When you're ready to leave the shallow waters behind and chase some serious game fish, Captain Alex's offshore charter out of Marathon is exactly what you need. This 6-hour deep-water adventure puts you right in the heart of Florida's best offshore fishing grounds, where the Gulf Stream brings in crystal-clear blue water packed with Mahi Mahi and Blackfin Tuna. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to upgrade your angling game or a seasoned fisher wanting to test new waters, this charter delivers the real deal. Marathon sits perfectly positioned to access productive offshore structure in short order, meaning more time with lines in the water and less time burning fuel to get there. Captain Alex knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all the gear you'll need, plus the kind of local knowledge that turns a good day into an epic one. With space for up to 4 anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough hands on deck and keeping things comfortable when the action heats up.
Your day starts early at the Marathon marina, where Captain Alex will brief you on the game plan and get everyone squared away with tackle and safety gear. The run out to the fishing grounds typically takes 30-45 minutes, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the water color change from that inshore green to the deep blue that signals prime offshore territory. Once we're on the grounds, expect to work structure like weed lines, temperature breaks, and floating debris where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The boat comes rigged with quality tackle sized for the target species, and Captain Alex will match your skill level with appropriate techniques – whether that means starting you off on lighter tackle or putting the heavy stuff in your hands if you're ready for it. The 6-hour window gives us plenty of time to work different spots and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Keep in mind that fuel costs run about 40-50 gallons per trip and aren't included in the base rate, which is pretty standard for offshore charters in this area. The balance of your trip gets settled up at the dock, so come prepared for that final payment after your day on the water.
Offshore fishing in Marathon revolves around trolling, and Captain Alex runs a spread that's proven effective for both Mahi and Tuna. We'll typically pull a mix of ballyhoo, feathers, and diving plugs at different depths to cover the water column effectively. The boat carries conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, perfectly matched for the species we're targeting. When we mark fish or hit a productive area, we might switch tactics to live bait or vertical jigging, especially if we find Tuna holding deep on structure. The key to success out here is reading the water – looking for color changes, bird activity, floating grass, or debris lines where baitfish stack up. Captain Alex has his eyes trained for these subtle signs that separate productive water from empty ocean. When a fish hits, expect some serious drag-screaming runs, especially from the Mahi that love to go airborne and put on a show. The tackle setup is designed to handle these hard-fighting species while still giving you a sporting chance to enjoy the battle. Don't worry if you've never trolled offshore before – Captain Alex will walk you through proper rod handling, fighting techniques, and how to work as a team when multiple fish are on.
The Mahi Mahi fishing around Marathon has been absolutely on fire, with good numbers of 10-20 pound fish and occasional bulls pushing 30-plus pounds. These fish are pure excitement – they hit hard, jump repeatedly, and show off those brilliant gold and green colors that make them one of the most beautiful catches in the ocean. Peak season typically runs from late spring through early fall, but Marathon's year-round warm waters mean you've got shots at them in every season. The Blackfin Tuna have been showing up consistently around the humps and drop-offs, usually in the 5-15 pound range with occasional larger fish mixed in. What makes Blackfin special is their incredible speed and stamina – they'll test your drag and your arms with sustained runs that remind you why Tuna are considered the athletes of the sea. Both species are excellent table fare, so you'll go home with some premium fillets if the fishing gods smile on you. The beauty of targeting these two species together is they often inhabit similar areas, so we can adjust our presentation based on what we're marking and what's biting. Some days the Mahi are aggressive and hitting everything we throw at them, other days the Tuna are more cooperative – having both as target species keeps your options open and your chances high.
Mahi Mahi, also called Common Dolphinfish, are hands-down one of the most exciting catches you can target in Marathon's offshore waters. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics, capable of reaching 50 mph and launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. They're typically found around floating structure, weed lines, and temperature breaks where small baitfish congregate. What makes Mahi so addictive to catch is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat – when you find a school, you often have shots at multiple fish. The bigger bulls can reach 40-50 pounds, though most of what we see runs 10-25 pounds. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos. Best fishing typically occurs from May through September, though Marathon's position in the Florida Keys means we see them year-round when conditions are right.
Blackfin Tuna are the smaller cousins of the giant Bluefin, but don't let their size fool you – these fish pack serious punch and are considered some of the hardest fighting fish pound-for-pound in the ocean. They typically run 5-20 pounds
Hit the offshore waters of Marathon aboard this reliable 28' Baha Cruiser, built in 2008 and powered by twin 175HP Suzuki outboards that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast at 40 knots. This cuddy cabin boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work the lines when the Mahi and Tuna start biting. The fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on course to the hotspots. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with big fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, this setup gives you everything needed for a serious day chasing pelagics in the blue water off the Florida Keys.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - these 10-25 pound fish pack serious attitude. Around Marathon, we target them along the continental shelf in 120-400 feet, especially near structure and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is prime time when they're most active in our waters. What anglers love about blackfins is their lightning-fast runs and that deep red meat that's perfect for sushi or searing. They school up with skipjacks and travel in packs, making for fast action when you locate them. The key is scaling down your tackle - use 30-pound fluoro leaders and smaller circle hooks since these guys have sharp eyes. Vertical jigging works great, but my go-to trick is live pilchards on light tackle.
Coryphaena HippurusThese gorgeous fish are pure eye candy with their brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs. Out here in Marathon's offshore waters, we typically find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100-600 feet of water. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ on a good day. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps stay warm. What makes mahi so popular is their aggressive strikes, aerial acrobatics, and that firm, sweet white meat that's perfect on the grill. They're fast growers that school up, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Pro tip: keep your baits skipping on the surface like flying fish - mahi can't resist that action and will come charging from way down deep to smash it.
Marathon