Inshore Sandbar Fishing Charter in Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Guided inshore fishing for mangrove and yellowtail snapperScenic sandbar exploration with swimming and sunbathing opportunitiesAll fishing gear and licenses included aboard Sun Seeker
Looking for a laid-back fishing trip that combines productive angling with some serious relaxation? Fun In The Sun Charters LLC has you covered with their top-rated sandbar fishing adventure aboard the Sun Seeker. This isn't your typical grind-it-out fishing charter – it's the perfect blend of casting lines for quality fish and soaking up the Florida Keys lifestyle. You'll hit the shallow flats and scenic sandbars around Marathon, where the water's crystal clear and the fish are biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for: good fishing without the pressure.
The Sun Seeker takes you into Marathon's prime inshore waters, where the fishing is consistent and the scenery is world-class. Your captain knows these flats like the back of his hand – every sandbar, every grass bed, every spot where the snappers like to hang out. The boat comfortably handles up to six anglers, so you're not elbow-to-elbow with a crowd. This is intimate fishing at its best, where everyone gets personal attention from the crew. The shallow water means you're fishing in 5 to 15 feet most of the day, perfect for sight fishing and watching your catch fight in the clear water. Between fishing spots, you'll cruise past some of the most beautiful water in the Keys, with sandbars that look like something out of a postcard. When the fish are taking a break, so can you – drop anchor at a sandbar, take a swim, or just soak up some Florida sun. The best part? All your gear and licenses are handled, so you can focus on what matters most: having a great time on the water.
Inshore sandbar fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. Your crew sets you up with light to medium spinning tackle that's perfect for the species you're targeting. We're talking 15-20 pound test on reels that can handle the occasional bigger fish but won't tire you out fighting a two-pound snapper. The baits are simple but effective – live shrimp, pilchards, and cut bait that the local fish can't resist. You'll be bottom fishing around structure, letting your bait settle into the grass beds and coral heads where snappers love to feed. The technique is straightforward: drop your line, feel for the bottom, and keep your bait moving just enough to stay interesting. The shallow water means you'll see a lot of what's happening below – sometimes you can actually watch fish approach your bait. Your first mate is there to help with everything from baiting hooks to netting fish, plus they know exactly how to adjust your setup based on what's biting. No need to stress about tackle or technique – just follow their lead and get ready to bend some rods.
Mangrove snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish are smart, tasty, and put up a solid fight on light tackle. They average 12 to 16 inches around Marathon's sandbars, with bigger ones pushing 18 inches and several pounds. Mangroves are structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around coral heads, grass beds, and the edges of sandbars where they can ambush baitfish. They're year-round residents, but summer and early fall are prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes them so popular with anglers is their combination of fight and flavor – they'll make your rod dance, then make your dinner table sing. They're also perfect for beginners because they bite readily but still require some skill to land consistently.
Yellowtail snapper bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These fish are pure energy, known for their lightning-fast runs and acrobatic fights. They're typically smaller than mangroves, running 10 to 14 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Yellowtails prefer cleaner water and are often found around the outer edges of grass beds or in sandy pockets between structure. They're most active during warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures are in their sweet spot. The key with yellowtails is keeping your bait presentation natural – they're incredibly line-shy and will spook at the first sign of heavy tackle. When you hook one, get ready for a show. They'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw your hook. It's fast-paced fishing that keeps you on your toes and makes every bite an event.
This sandbar fishing charter hits the sweet spot for anyone wanting quality fishing without the all-day commitment of offshore trips. You get the best of both worlds – productive angling and the chance to unwind in some of Florida's most beautiful water. The Sun Seeker's crew knows how to make it happen, whether you're after a cooler full of fish or just a relaxing day with friends and family. Remember that your first mate works hard to make your trip successful, so plan on that customary 20% gratuity – it's well worth it for the personal service you'll receive. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, and deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your dates early. This is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why you love being on the water, combining productive angling with the laid-back Keys vibe that keeps people coming back year after year.
Your home base for Marathon's inshore waters is our beautifully restored 2001 Pro Kat Catamaran, completely refreshed in 2022 and ready to get you on the fish. This 25-foot cat runs smooth as silk with twin 115HP Yamahas pushing her up to 35 knots, perfect for covering ground between productive spots around the sandbars. The stable catamaran design keeps you comfortable while fighting snapper in shallow water, and there's plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and work their lines. GPS keeps us on the hotspots, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding near structure. VHF radio ensures we stay connected, and the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those longer days chasing yellowtail and mangroves. Whether you're casting live bait or working jigs, this boat gets you where the fish are biting in Marathon's legendary backcountry waters.
Marathon, FL