Premium Lobstering & Spearfishing Charter in Marathon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter combines fishing with underwater adventuresIncludes spearfishing, lobstering, and snorkeling with full gear providedProfessional crew guides beginners through each step of activities
This isn't your typical fishing charter – it's a hands-on adventure that combines the best of what Marathon's waters have to offer. Starting bright and early at 7:30 AM, you'll spend eight full hours exploring the flats, reefs, and crystal-clear shallows that make the Middle Keys a world-class destination for active anglers. Whether you've been lobstering for years or you've never held a spear, our crew knows how to make this day work for everyone in your group of up to six people.
This combo trip is all about getting you in the water and actively engaged with the marine environment around Marathon. We'll start the morning hitting productive spots where lobsters hide in the coral and rock formations, teaching you how to read the bottom and spot those telltale antennae sticking out from their dens. The water clarity here is phenomenal – often 15 to 20 feet of visibility – which makes spotting your targets much easier than you'd expect. Between lobster runs, we'll move to areas perfect for spearfishing, where you'll learn proper breath-holding techniques and how to approach fish without spooking them. The beauty of this trip is the variety – one minute you're working the bottom for bugs, the next you're free-diving over a patch reef looking for that perfect shot. Our guides handle all the logistics, from reading the tides to finding the most productive spots based on current conditions.
Everything you need comes with the trip, so don't stress about hauling gear down to the Keys. We provide quality masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits if the water's cool. For lobstering, you'll use the classic tickle stick and net combo – we'll show you the proper technique for coaxing bugs out of their holes without damaging them or getting pinched. Spearfishing gear includes pole spears and Hawaiian slings, perfect for beginners since they're easier to handle than spearguns and highly effective in shallow water. The key to success in both activities is learning to move slowly and deliberately underwater. Marathon's flats and nearshore reefs are relatively shallow, typically 8 to 25 feet deep, which means you won't need advanced free-diving skills to be productive. Our guides will teach you how to hyperventilate safely, extend your bottom time, and most importantly, how to stay relaxed while you're working underwater. The learning curve is surprisingly quick – most first-timers are successfully nabbing lobsters and landing fish by mid-morning.
Spiny lobsters are the main attraction during lobster season, which runs from August through March. These Florida bugs are different from their cold-water cousins – no claws, but plenty of sweet tail meat. They're surprisingly fast when spooked, so the trick is approaching from behind and using your tickle stick to guide them into your net in one smooth motion. Peak season is typically October through December when the bugs are most active and easier to find. What makes Marathon special is the variety of habitat – you'll find lobsters in shallow grass flats, around coral heads, and tucked into the rocky structure along the reef line.
For spearfishing targets, hogfish are absolute customer favorites and abundant around Marathon year-round. These pig-faced beauties are curious but skittish, often approaching within range before darting away. They're excellent eating and put up a decent fight on the spear. Yellowtail snapper are another top target, especially around structure and coral heads. They school heavily and once you find them, you can often take several fish from the same spot. Mangrove snapper lurk around any available cover and are perfectly sized for the dinner table. During summer months, mutton snapper move into the shallows and provide exciting opportunities for larger fish on pole spears.
Don't overlook the smaller reef fish that make for great spearfishing practice and excellent table fare. Parrotfish are abundant and relatively easy targets for beginners, while blue tangs and various wrasses provide plenty of action when the larger fish aren't cooperating. The key in Marathon's clear water is shot placement – these fish can see you coming, so accuracy matters more than power.
This top-rated combination trip fills up fast, especially during peak lobster season and holiday weekends. The 8-hour format gives you plenty of time to really dial in your techniques and hit multiple spots without feeling rushed. With only six people max, you'll get personalized instruction and won't spend the day competing for space or gear. Marathon's location in the heart of the Keys means shorter runs to productive areas and more time actually hunting. The crew's local knowledge is invaluable – they know which spots produce based on tide, weather, and season. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, family adventure, or solo expedition, this hands-on approach to Keys fishing offers something completely different from typical charter experiences.
Get ready to fish, dive, and hunt lobsters aboard this serious 38-foot Henriques Custom Sportfish in Marathon's productive waters. Twin Volvo diesels power you quickly to the best spots while the air-conditioned cabin keeps everyone comfortable between dives. The spacious cockpit gives your group of six plenty of room to gear up for spearfishing and sort through your lobster haul. Huge fish boxes handle whatever you catch, and the GPS/fish finder combo helps locate structure where lobsters hide and fish congregate. With a head onboard, you'll stay comfortable during the full 8-hour adventure. This isn't just a fishing boat – it's built for the active angler who wants to get in the water and experience Florida Keys fishing from every angle.
Marathon, FL