Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Marathon, Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting sailfish, tuna, mahi, and wahooPrivate charter accommodates up to 6 guests with expert guidance2030 miles offshore with 6hour or 8hour trip options
When you're looking for the real deal in offshore fishing, Marathon's deep waters deliver like nowhere else in the Keys. We're talking about heading out 20-30 miles where the Gulf Stream brings in some of the most sought-after pelagic species in Florida. This isn't your typical backcountry trip – we're going where the big fish live, and with either 6 or 8 hours on the water starting at 7:30 AM, you'll have plenty of time to put some serious fish in the boat. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, these Marathon waters consistently produce the kind of catches that make for great stories back at the dock.
Your day kicks off early at 7:30 AM because that's when the fishing is prime and the ride out gives you the best shot at multiple species. We're not messing around with close-to-shore stuff – this is a true offshore experience where we'll be running 20 to 30 miles to hit the productive water. The beauty of fishing out of Marathon is that you've got the Atlantic side working for you, plus the influence of the Gulf Stream bringing in pelagics that are actively feeding. You can choose between a 6-hour trip if you want a solid taste of offshore action, or go all-in with the full 8-hour day to really maximize your time in the zone. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers, so you're not dealing with a crowded deck – everyone gets their space and plenty of opportunities to get on the fish. Pack your own snacks and drinks because we'll be focused on fishing, not catering, and that means more time with lines in the water.
Out here, trolling is king, and we've got the spread dialed in to cover water efficiently while targeting the species that make Marathon famous. We're talking about running a proper pattern with outriggers, flat lines, and maybe a few deep lines depending on what we're seeing on the fish finder. The gear is tournament-quality stuff – reels that can handle long runs from billfish and tackle that won't let you down when a wahoo decides to make a blistering run. Ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificial lures make up the arsenal, and we'll adjust the spread based on conditions and what's showing up. The water out here drops off fast once you clear the reef, and that's where the magic happens. We're looking for current edges, temperature breaks, and floating debris that holds baitfish – all the stuff that brings in the predators you want to tangle with. If you've never experienced the heart-pounding moment when four rods go off at once on a school of mahi, you're in for something special.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Marathon offshore fishing, and these fish are pure adrenaline once they're hooked. These brilliant green and gold speedsters typically run anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds, though bull dolphins can push 40-plus. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, and they have this amazing habit of traveling in schools, which means when you find one, there are usually more around. What makes mahi so exciting is their aerial show – these fish will jump, tail-walk, and put on a display that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing for their phones. Plus, they're fantastic on the table, making them a favorite for anglers who like to take home a meal.
Wahoo are the speed demons of these waters, capable of runs that'll smoke your drag and test your reflexes. These silver bullets typically range from 20 to 60 pounds in Marathon waters, with the occasional monster pushing beyond that. They're year-round residents but peak during the cooler months from November through March. What gets anglers fired up about wahoo is that initial run – it's explosive and unforgiving, and if your drag isn't set right or you're not paying attention, they'll spool you in seconds. Their razor-sharp teeth and streamlined bodies make them perfect ambush predators, and when they hit a high-speed trolled lure, the strike is unmistakable.
Yellowfin tuna bring the muscle to this offshore party, and landing one is like arm-wrestling with a freight train. These fish range from schoolie-sized 20-pounders to trophy-class fish over 100 pounds, and they're most prevalent from late spring through early fall. Yellowfin have this relentless fighting style – no jumping, no theatrics, just pure, sustained power that'll test your endurance and your tackle. They're highly prized not just for the fight, but for their value as sushi-grade fish, making them a top target for serious anglers.
Striped marlin represent the pinnacle of offshore fishing excitement, and Marathon's position along major migration routes makes encounters possible, especially during winter months. These billfish typically range from 80 to 200 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps and long, powerful runs. When a marlin eats your bait, everything else stops – it's all hands on deck for what could be a fight lasting an hour or more. The combination of size, speed, and acrobatics makes striped marlin the fish that offshore dreams are made of.
Atlantic sailfish are the most common billfish you'll encounter in these waters, and they're pure excitement on lighter tackle. Running from 30 to 80 pounds typically, sailfish are most active from December through April when they migrate through South Florida waters. These fish are known for their incredible jumps and their habit of lighting up with brilliant colors when excited. What makes sailfish special is their aggressive nature – they'll often come up hot on a bait, bill-whacking and putting on a show before they eat. The fight combines speed, jumps, and endurance, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate finesse fishing for big game species
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are pure adrenaline on a fishing line - the closest thing to hooking a submarine with wings. They average 40-60 pounds and 6-8 feet, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. These fish love the 30-200 foot depth range where we fish, especially around current breaks and temperature changes. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys - that's when they stack up in good numbers. The real draw is watching one light up behind your baits, showing off that massive dorsal sail, then explode on the surface when hooked. They'll jump, dive, and tail-walk like nothing else out there. Here's the key: when you see one teasing your bait, resist the urge to pull it away too fast. Let them get a good look and commit to the bite first.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are some of the most colorful fish you'll hook out here. Mahi typically run 15-30 pounds and average around 3 feet, though we've seen some bulls hit 50+ pounds. They love hanging around floating debris and weed lines in that 20-30 mile range we fish. Best action happens spring through fall when water temps are up. What makes mahi special is that incredible color show they put on when hooked - flashing gold, blue, and green before fading after the fight. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep working the area - they usually travel in small schools, so where there's one, there's often more.
Kajikia AudaxStriped marlin are the acrobats of the billfish world - built for speed and aerial displays that'll leave you speechless. These beauties average 200-300 pounds and stretch 10-12 feet, with those distinctive pale blue stripes that stay visible even after the fight. They're true blue-water fish, roaming the open ocean where we fish 20-30 miles out. While they're more common in Pacific waters, we do see them here, especially during warmer months when they follow the Gulf Stream. What hooks anglers is that spectacular jumping ability - they'll greyhound across the surface and launch themselves skyward repeatedly. The meat's excellent too, similar to swordfish but with more flavor. When you see one lit up behind the spread, have your binoculars ready and work as a team - they can vanish as quickly as they appear.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of our offshore waters, hitting 50+ mph when they strike your lure. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet and 30-40 pounds, but we've seen them over 100 pounds out here. They cruise the open blue water column, usually in the top 200 feet, and love hanging near structure when they can find it. July through November is prime time in our waters - that's when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What draws anglers back is that explosive strike and blistering run when they hit. Plus, wahoo make some of the best eating you'll find offshore - firm, white meat perfect for the grill. Key tip: run your lures fast, 12-15 knots minimum. Use wire leaders too - their razor teeth will cut through anything else.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin are the workhorses of offshore fishing - built like torpedoes and fight like freight trains. Most fish we catch run 30-80 pounds, though we see some pushing 100+ on the full day trips. These warm-blooded fish cruise the upper water column, usually within 300 feet of the surface in that deep blue water. They're here year-round, but summer and fall bring the best action when baitfish are thick. What makes yellowfin special is that relentless, deep-diving fight - they'll test your endurance and drag settings. The meat quality is top-shelf too - perfect for sushi or searing on the grill. When you mark fish but can't get bites on the troll, try dropping jigs down to them. Sometimes they want that vertical presentation.
Marathon, FL