Evening Fishing Charter in Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour evening charter targeting mangrove and yellowtail snapperAll equipment, bait, tackle, and fishing licenses includedDeparts 7:30 p.m. during calm July and August evenings
There's something magical about hitting the water as the sun starts its descent over the Florida Keys. This 4-hour evening fishing charter departing around 7:30 p.m. puts you right in the action when the snappers are feeding heavily. Captain and crew from Fun In The Sun Charters LLC know exactly where to find the mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, and other quality fish that call these Marathon waters home. You'll fish multiple zones – from the shallow backcountry flats to deeper offshore structure – all while enjoying cooler temperatures and some of the most beautiful light you'll see on the water. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to experience world-class fishing without the harsh midday sun.
Your evening starts with a friendly briefing from your experienced First Mate who'll get you rigged up and ready to fish. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you won't feel crowded when the action heats up. We'll hit multiple fishing zones during your 4 hours – starting in the backcountry mangrove edges where the snappers love to ambush baitfish, then working our way to nearshore patch reefs and possibly some offshore structure if conditions allow. The beauty of this trip timing is that fish feed aggressively in the evening hours, especially during July and August when this seasonal charter runs. All your gear is provided – quality rods, reels, terminal tackle, fresh bait, and even your fishing license is covered. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and get ready to bend some rods. The setting sun creates perfect lighting for photos with your catches, and you'll often see dolphins, rays, and other marine life as they become more active in the evening hours.
We'll be using a variety of techniques depending on where the fish are holding. For the mangrove and backcountry areas, expect to fish with lighter tackle – spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test – perfect for the snapper species we're targeting. Your First Mate will rig you up with circle hooks and fresh cut bait, pinfish, or shrimp depending on what's working best that day. When we move to deeper water for yellowtail snapper, we'll switch to slightly heavier bottom rigs to get down to the 40-80 foot depths where these golden beauties hang out. The key is keeping your bait near structure – patch reefs, ledges, and rocky bottom where snappers feel comfortable feeding. You'll learn proper hook-setting techniques with circle hooks, how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure, and the right way to fight these scrappy fish without losing them at the boat. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew provides hands-on instruction and will help you land every fish that bites.
Grey snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are the bread and butter of this fishery and absolute customer favorites for good reason. These fish are incredibly smart and put up a solid fight on light tackle. They typically range from 12-18 inches in these waters, though bigger ones lurk around deeper structure. July and August are prime months because the water temperature brings them into shallower areas to feed. What makes them exciting is their wariness – they'll inspect your bait carefully, so presentation matters. When you hook one, expect multiple runs toward structure as they try to cut your line on barnacles or coral. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Cubera snapper represent the trophy potential on these evening trips. These bruisers can reach impressive sizes – we're talking fish that can pull drag and test your skills. They're less common than their smaller cousins, but when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. Cuberas are ambush predators that hang around deeper structure and ledges, often in 60+ feet of water. Evening hours are prime time because they move up from deeper water to feed. Landing a cubera is a real accomplishment – they're powerful fish that know how to use structure to their advantage. The meat is outstanding, though many anglers choose to release the larger breeding-age fish to keep the population healthy.
Redfish might show up depending on our route through the backcountry areas, especially if we work the mangrove shorelines and shallow flats. These copper-colored fighters are known for their bulldogging runs and their ability to find every piece of structure in the area when hooked. In the evening, they often move into very shallow water to feed on crabs and small baitfish. Redfish in the 20-30 inch range are common, and they provide some of the most exciting light-tackle fishing you'll experience. They're also incredibly photogenic with their bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail – perfect for those sunset hero shots.
This top-rated evening fishing charter fills up quickly during the July and August season, especially with only 4 spots available per trip. The combination of cooler temperatures, active fish, and stunning scenery makes it a customer favorite among both locals and visiting anglers. Your deposit secures your spot, and remember that 20% gratuity for your hardworking First Mate is customary – these guys work hard to put you on fish and make sure you have a great time on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target quality snappers or a family wanting to experience the magic of Keys fishing, this evening charter delivers the goods. The memories of fighting fish as the sun sets over Marathon will stick with you long after you head home. Don't wait – summer dates book fast, and you don't want to miss out on some of the best snapper fishing the Florida Keys has to offer.
Your evening fishing adventure awaits aboard the Pro Kat Catamaran, a beautifully restored 25-foot vessel that's perfect for chasing snappers in Marathon's productive waters. This twin-engine catamaran runs smooth and steady with dual 115HP Yamahas, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly at up to 35 knots. The 2022 restoration means everything's in top shape for your 4-hour evening charter targeting mangrove, yellowtail, cubera, and grey snapper. With capacity for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably without crowding the rails. The boat comes equipped with everything you need - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate the schools, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Departing around 7:30 PM during July and August, you'll fish the golden evening hours when snappers are most active, covering inshore, offshore, backcountry, and nearshore spots depending on where they're biting best.
Lutjanus CyanopterusCubera snapper are the heavyweights of the snapper family and a real prize catch around Marathon's deeper structures. These bruisers commonly hit 40 pounds but can reach over 100. Look for them around rocky ledges and reefs in 50-150 feet of water, where they feed on crabs, lobsters, and smaller fish. July and August are prime months when they spawn in shallower water. What makes them special is the fight - they're powerful fish that will test your tackle and skills. The thick lips and large canine teeth make them unmistakable up close. While they're great eating, be aware of potential ciguatera in larger specimens. Pro tip: when using live bait near structure, once hooked, pull hard and fast to get them away from the rocks. Give them too much time and they'll cut you off on the reef every time.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are perfect evening targets around Marathon. These copper-red fish typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, but can surprise you with 3-4 pounders near structure. They love hanging around docks, mangroves, and rocky areas where they ambush prey as opportunistic feeders. Being nocturnal, they really turn on as the sun sets - perfect for our evening charters. The meat is white, flaky, and excellent eating. They're smart fish that require patience; too much movement will spook them. My tip: use live shrimp on a light rig, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. When you feel that tap, don't jerk - let them take it before setting the hook. Their swift nature means they'll test your drag once hooked.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are a bonus species you might encounter in Marathon's shallow backcountry waters during our evening charters. These copper-bronze fish with distinctive black spots near their tails typically run 20-30 inches and put up a solid fight on lighter tackle. They prefer super shallow flats, grass beds, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. While more common in cooler months, summer evenings can still produce fish cruising the shallows looking for crabs and shrimp. What guests love is watching them cruise in skinny water with their backs almost exposed. The meat is mild, sweet, and excellent table fare. Since they're primarily sight fishing targets, polarized sunglasses help spot them. Local trick: if you see one redfish, look around carefully - they often travel in small schools and where there's one, there's usually more nearby.
Marathon, FL