Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing charter targeting snapper, grouper, and yellowtailAll equipment, licenses, beverages, and expert guidance included onboardFamilyfriendly trip accommodates four guests with experienced captain and mate
Captain Craig knows these Marathon waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you and your crew on some serious fish. This 3-hour family fishing adventure targets the wrecks and structure around Marathon where the big boys hang out – we're talking snapper, grouper, yellowtail, and plenty of other Florida Keys favorites. Whether you've got rookies in the boat or seasoned anglers looking for their next trophy, this charter delivers the goods. Everything's included from tackle to cold drinks, so all you need to bring is your fishing spirit and maybe some sunscreen.
You'll meet Captain Craig and his first mate at the dock, where they'll get you situated with life jackets and a quick rundown of the day's game plan. The boat heads out to productive wreck sites and structure zones where the fish love to congregate – these underwater features act like magnets for everything from curious snappers to hefty grouper. With a maximum of 4 anglers aboard, there's plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from the crew. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the fishing spots accordingly, whether that means hitting deeper wrecks for bigger fish or working shallower structure when the bite is hot. Your first mate will handle bait prep, rig fresh hooks, and help land fish when things get crazy. It's a well-oiled operation designed to maximize your time with lines in the water.
The boat comes loaded with quality spinning and conventional gear sized perfectly for wreck fishing around Marathon. You'll be dropping baits on medium-heavy tackle that can handle the structure and pull fish away from their rocky hideouts. The crew rigs up with circle hooks and appropriate weights to get your bait down to where the fish live – sometimes that's 40 feet, other times you're fishing 80+ feet depending on which wreck is producing. Live bait like pilchards and ballyhoo work magic around these structures, while cut bait and squid tempt the bigger residents. The key to wreck fishing is getting your bait positioned just right near the structure without hanging up in the metal or coral growth. Captain Craig's experience shows as he positions the boat perfectly for drift fishing or holds position with the trolling motor when precision is needed.
Mahi Mahi brings the excitement factor that gets everyone fired up – these electric green and yellow fighters put on an aerial show that'll have you reaching for your phone to capture the action. They typically run 10-25 pounds around Marathon's offshore wrecks, though bigger bulls occasionally show up to test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best mahi action, with scattered fish around weed lines and floating debris near the wreck sites. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them, plus their firm white meat makes for fantastic table fare. Hogfish might be the most underrated catch in these waters – they're smart, finicky, and absolutely delicious. These pink and white beauties average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds around the deeper wrecks. They've got a pig-like snout they use to root around the bottom for crabs and shrimp, which is why fresh shrimp or small crabs work best as bait. Fall and winter months produce the biggest hogs when they school up for spawning. Tripletail are the masters of disguise, floating near debris or structure looking exactly like a floating leaf until they hammer your bait. These oddball-shaped fish are pure muscle and fight way above their weight class, typically running 5-15 pounds in Marathon waters. They're most active during the warmer months and have a habit of appearing when you least expect them. African Pompano are the sleeper hit of wreck fishing – they look like a silver dinner plate with attitude and fight like they're twice their size. Most run 5-12 pounds, but the deep wrecks sometimes give up 20+ pound specimens that'll test your tackle and technique. They're year-round residents but seem most active during the spring and summer months. Gag Grouper represent the bottom-dwelling powerhouse species that every angler wants to tangle with. These mottled gray bruisers can weigh anywhere from 5-30 pounds around Marathon's wrecks, and they use every rock and crevice to their advantage once hooked. They're ambush predators that inhale baits near the bottom, then immediately dive for cover. Winter months typically produce the biggest gags as they move inshore for spawning.
This top-rated Marathon fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is world-class and families are looking for that perfect day on the water. Captain Craig's reputation for putting clients on fish while maintaining a safe, fun atmosphere makes this a customer favorite among both locals and visitors. The all-inclusive approach means no surprises – your fishing licenses, quality tackle, ice, and beverages are handled so you can focus on the fishing. Remember that gratuity for the hardworking crew runs about 20%, and deposits are non-refundable due to the high demand for these prime fishing dates. Whether you're introducing kids to the sport or looking to add some Florida Keys species to your life list, this Marathon wreck fishing adventure delivers the goods. Book your spot today and get ready to see why these waters have built such a renowned reputation among serious anglers.
The Pro Kat Catamaran is your ticket to some serious fishing action in Marathon's productive waters. This 25-footer was given a complete makeover in 2022, so everything's fresh and ready to perform. Twin 115HP Yamahas push her along at a smooth 35 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast and back to dock comfortably. The catamaran design means a stable platform when you're fighting that grouper or yellowtail – no wobbling around while you're trying to land your catch. She's rigged with all the essentials: GPS to pinpoint those productive spots, fish finder to locate the schools, VHF radio for safety, and a proper icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, though your group will max out at 4 for the best fishing experience. Captain Craig knows these Keys waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with bent rods than searching for fish. The boat handles the Gulf side and backcountry equally well, perfect for targeting whatever's biting on your trip.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are sleek silver bullets that'll test your drag system. Part of the jack family, these fast-swimming fish are drawn to shiny objects and moving baits. Adults typically hang in 30-250 feet over structure, while juveniles with their distinctive trailing filaments stay closer to shore. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months. What makes them special is their speed and stamina - they'll make long runs and aerial displays that rival any gamefish. The meat is excellent eating, similar to other jacks but milder. They feed on crustaceans and baitfish, so live sardines or pilchards work great, but don't overlook fast-moving jigs and spoons. These fish can cover serious ground hunting, so be ready to follow schools when you find them. Best tip: use wire leaders since they often travel with sharks and cuda that might cut you off.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the workhorses of reef fishing - they average 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds and live 30 years. These gray, marble-patterned fish love rocky structure, wrecks, and hard bottom in 20-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents but bite best during cooler months when they're feeding heavy. What guests love is the strong fight and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's perfect for any recipe. They're ambush predators that love live pinfish, grunts, or cut bait like squid and crab. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once hooked - they'll head straight for structure to break you off. Key technique: lock that drag down and don't give them an inch. The second you feel the bite, start cranking and get their head up. Use circle hooks and 40-pound tackle minimum - these fish mean business once they grab your bait.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the Keys' most prized catches for their sweet, almost lobster-like meat. These wrasses use their pig-like snouts to root through sand and coral for crabs and shellfish, typically running 5-15 pounds but maxing out around 22. Look for them on hardbottom structure, coral heads, and rocky areas in 15-80 feet of water. They're year-round residents but bite best on calm days when you can sight-fish them. Males have that distinctive black spot behind the pectoral fin and brighter colors. They're curious fish but spook easily, so approach quietly. Live shrimp or small crabs work best, but here's the key - use light tackle and be ready for a quick strike. They hit fast and spit the bait just as quick if they feel any resistance.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are pure excitement on the line. Mahi average 15-29 pounds but can hit 87 pounds, and they put on a light show when fighting - brilliant blues and golds that fade once out of water. Find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in deeper offshore waters. They're strong swimmers that love chasing flying fish, so skip your bait on the surface to get their attention. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are warm. The meat is sweet, firm, and rivals any table fare. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep others in the school interested by leaving the first fish in the water while you rig another rod - mahi travel in groups and seeing their buddy in trouble often fires up the rest.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are the chameleons of the flats - they'll float on their sides mimicking dead leaves or debris until prey swims by. These chunky fish average 5-15 pounds but can push 40, and they're surprisingly acrobatic for their size. Find them around floating grass lines, channel markers, and any surface structure from spring through fall. They prefer water temps above 70 degrees and often cruise just under the surface, making them perfect for sight casting. The meat rivals snapper and grouper - firm, white, and delicious. They're ambush predators, so present live shrimp or small crabs naturally. One warning: those gill plates are razor sharp, so grab them by the body, never the head. My best tip is to cast well past them and slowly work your bait into their strike zone - they spook easily but can't resist a perfect presentation.
Marathon, FL