Premium Wreck Fishing Adventures in Marathon Waters
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target grouper, snapper, and cobia around Marathon wrecksSmall group charter accommodates up to six anglersFish diverse waters from shallow bays to Atlantic reefs
Marathon sits right in the sweet spot of the Florida Keys, where the Gulf meets the Atlantic and creates some of the best wreck fishing you'll find anywhere. Always Late Fishing Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish that'll have you talking for years. We're talking about dropping lines on structure that holds everything from monster grouper to lightning-fast kingfish, all within a short boat ride from Marathon's protected harbors.
Your day starts early – and yeah, the company name might say "Always Late," but trust me, you'll want to be on time for this one. We'll head out to some of the most productive wrecks in the Middle Keys, ranging from shallow reef structure to deep-water drops that hold the big boys. The boat maxes out at six anglers, which means you're not fighting crowds for rail space and everyone gets personal attention from the crew. These guys have been working these wrecks for decades, so they know exactly where to position the boat and what baits are firing on any given day. The trip covers everything from 30-foot patches to 100-foot wrecks, so we're talking variety that keeps your rod bent all day long.
Wreck fishing is a whole different game than reef fishing or trolling. We're talking about precision positioning over structure, heavy tackle to pull fish away from the wreck, and knowing how to work baits in current. The crew sets you up with circle hooks and heavy fluorocarbon leaders – you need gear that can handle a 40-pound grouper trying to get back to its cave. Most of the time we're fishing straight down with live pinfish, pilchards, or cut bait, but depending on conditions, we might drift baits back behind the wreck or work jigs through the structure. The key is getting your bait down fast before the current sweeps it away, then being ready for that bone-jarring bite when a big fish decides it wants dinner. Don't worry if you've never done this before – the crew walks you through everything, from setting the drag to fighting technique that'll keep your fish out of the wreck.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Marathon wreck fishing, and these fish are absolute bulldogs. Most of the reds we're catching are running 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional 40-pounder that'll test your back muscles. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and they love structure in 60 to 100 feet of water. What makes red grouper so awesome is that initial run – they'll try to get back to the wreck with everything they've got, and if you don't stop them, game over. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, which makes the fight even more worthwhile.
King Mackerel around Marathon wrecks are speed demons that'll absolutely smoke your drag. These fish average 20 to 40 pounds, but the wrecks hold kings up to 60 pounds that'll have you wondering if your reel is going to survive. Spring and fall are prime time, when the kings are thick and feeding aggressively. They're usually suspended around the wreck rather than sitting on bottom, so we'll often fish different levels of the water column. When a king hits, there's no mistaking it – they'll rip line like nothing else and put on aerial shows that'll get everyone on the boat yelling.
Permit are the holy grail for many anglers, and Marathon's wrecks hold some beautiful fish. These guys are incredibly spooky and selective, usually running 15 to 35 pounds with broad, powerful bodies that fight like nothing else. They're year-round residents but more cooperative in warmer months. What makes permit so special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait, test your drag, and make you earn every inch. Landing one is a badge of honor that separates the serious anglers from the weekend warriors.
Black Grouper are the giants of the grouper family around here, and Marathon's deeper wrecks hold fish that'll straighten hooks if you're not careful. We're talking 30 to 80-pound fish that live in caves and crevices of the biggest wrecks. They're ambush predators that'll slam a bait and immediately head for cover, so you need serious tackle and quick reflexes. Winter months are best, when they move up from deeper water to feed. The fight is pure power – no runs or jumps, just brute strength that'll test your technique and endurance.
African Pompano are the sleepers that many people don't expect, but they're absolutely spectacular fighters. These fish can reach 40 pounds or more, with long dorsal and anal fins that give them incredible leverage in the water. They're more common in summer months around deeper wrecks, and they'll often hit live baits meant for other species. What makes African Pompano so exciting is their stamina – they'll fight in long, powerful runs that seem to go on forever, testing your drag system and your patience in the best possible way.
Marathon wreck fishing delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Always Late Fishing Charters has the local knowledge, quality equipment, and wreck GPS numbers that make the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water. With only six spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fight fish properly. Whether you're after a trophy grouper for the wall or a cooler full of dinner, these wrecks produce consistently. The variety is what sets this trip apart – you might hook into a bulldogging grouper, then ten minutes later be fighting a screaming king mackerel. Book your spot now and get ready to experience some of the best wreck fishing the Florida Keys has to offer.
This 2008 32-foot SeaVee center console is your ticket to the productive fishing grounds around Marathon. Twin 300HP Yamaha outboards deliver the speed and reliability you need to reach those offshore wrecks where the big fish hide. The spacious cockpit comforts up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight that trophy grouper or cobia without getting tangled up. The boat comes loaded with serious fishing gear - a quality fish finder helps you mark structure and bait schools, while GPS keeps you on those sweet spots. When the weather gets sketchy, the radar system keeps you safe on the water. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days targeting snapper and kingfish. The flybridge gives your captain excellent visibility to spot diving birds and surface action, plus there's an onboard head for convenience on extended trips. Whether you're drifting the reefs for permit and pompano or anchored up on a productive wreck pulling up red grouper, this SeaVee has the stability and features to make your Florida Keys fishing adventure productive and comfortable.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican Pompano are one of the most unique fish we encounter - these silvery, diamond-shaped members of the jack family put on quite a show. Adults typically run 10-25 pounds, though we've seen them push 40+. They roam from shallow water down to 250 feet, often found near reefs and wrecks where they hunt small fish and crustaceans. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and summer seem most productive. What makes them special is their distinctive look and the way they fight - long, powerful runs with plenty of head shaking. They're excellent table fare too. These fish love shiny, moving targets, so jigs work great along with live bait. Local tip: when you see one, there's usually more around. They often travel in small groups, so keep working the area after landing the first one.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the big brothers of the grouper family, and they pack serious attitude. These olive-gray bruisers with dark rectangular blotches commonly hit 20-40 pounds, with 60+ pounders always possible. We target them around deep ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom from 80-300 feet. Winter months bring them shallow to 30-50 feet, making for some exciting fishing. They're ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when they bite, you'll know it. The meat is exceptional - mild and firm, perfect for the dinner table. The fight is all about power and endurance. My advice: bring heavy tackle with at least 80-pound braid and 100-pound leader. When you hook one, immediately apply maximum drag to keep them off the bottom - once they get back to structure, they'll break you off every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silvery torpedoes typically run 15-30 pounds around Marathon, but we hook into 40+ pounders regularly. They cruise open water from 40-150 feet, especially near temperature breaks and current lines. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What guests love is the blistering initial run - nothing quite like hearing your reel scream when a King takes off. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled. Pro tip: rig two hooks on wire leader when using live bait. Kings love to bite the tail section first, so that trailing hook often makes the difference between a hookup and a story about the one that got away.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail for many anglers - these silver, disc-shaped fish are notoriously finicky but worth every effort. Most run 15-25 pounds with some reaching 40+. We find them on shallow flats in 2-6 feet during cooler months, then they move to deeper wrecks and reefs in 60-150 feet. Spring through fall offers the best shots, especially April through October when they're spawning. What makes Permit special is their incredible eyesight and wariness - they can spot you from 100 yards away. The fight is bulldogging power, and landing one is a real achievement. Fresh blue crab is king for bait. Here's the key: when you see them tailing on the flats, approach from downwind and make your cast well ahead of where they're headed, not right at them.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are among the most reliable targets we find around Marathon's reefs and wrecks. These rusty-red fish with white spots average 5-10 pounds, though we see plenty in the 15-20 pound range. They hang out on rocky bottom and structure from 30-200 feet deep, making them perfect for our reef trips. What makes them special is their aggressive bite and the fact they're some of the best eating fish in these waters - firm, flaky meat with a sweet taste. They fight hard once hooked, using their bulk to try diving back into the rocks. Here's a local trick: when you feel that thump, don't hesitate - crank hard immediately to pull them up and away from structure before they cut you off on the coral.
Marathon