5.0(1 Reviews)Marathon Inshore & Offshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Four-hour charter targets grouper, snapper, and multiple speciesAll equipment, licenses, and expert guidance included onboardExplores inshore, offshore, and backcountry fishing locations
When you're ready to put some serious fish in the cooler, Captain Craig's got your back for a top-rated 4-hour fishing adventure that covers all the best water around Marathon. We're talking inshore flats, offshore ledges, nearshore reefs, and backcountry spots that most charter boats never even think to hit. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you drift around hoping for luck – Craig knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tide, weather, and what's been biting lately. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to bend some rods or bringing the family out for their first real fishing experience, this charter delivers the goods every single time.
You'll be fishing from a fully rigged boat that's built for both comfort and serious angling action. Captain Craig runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – he's not one of those captains who barks orders all day. The first mate handles all the grunt work like rigging baits, gaffing fish, and keeping your lines untangled while you focus on fighting whatever's on the other end. We cover a lot of ground in four hours, starting wherever the bite is hottest that particular day. Some trips we'll hit the deep water first for grouper and snapper, then work our way into the shallows for redfish and tarpon. Other days we might start in the backcountry and finish on the reef – it all depends on what's feeding and where the conditions look best.
All your rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fresh bait come with the charter, plus we've got an arsenal of proven lures that produce fish year-round in these waters. For the deeper offshore spots, we're dropping live bait and chunks down to the bottom structure where the big grouper and snapper hang out. When we're working the reefs and wrecks, expect to be trolling spoons and diving plugs to pick off kingfish, dolphin, and whatever else is cruising through. The backcountry and inshore flats call for lighter tackle – we'll be sight-casting to laid-up tarpon or working the mangrove edges with jigs and live shrimp for redfish and mangrove snapper. Captain Craig and the mate will get you dialed in on the right technique for each spot, whether you're a complete beginner or you've been fishing these waters for decades.
"I caught the biggest fish of my life with capt. CRAIG. THANK YOU!!" - Timothy
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Marathon's offshore fishing scene, and these chunky bottom dwellers are exactly why serious anglers keep coming back. They hang around the deeper ledges and rocky bottom in 60 to 120 feet of water, usually stacked up in good numbers from late spring through early fall. Red grouper fight hard and dirty – they'll try to cut your line on the rocks or duck back into their holes the second they feel the hook. What makes them so popular is the fight and the table fare. A good red grouper will pull drag and test your arms on the way up, and once you get them in the boat, you're looking at some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish are the speed demons that get everyone fired up when they show up in the spread. These electric-colored fish move through Marathon's offshore waters in schools, usually following floating debris, weed lines, or current breaks. Peak season runs from late spring through summer, but we pick them up year-round when conditions are right. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that jump, run, and put on a real show once they're hooked. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, which means the population stays healthy and the action stays consistent. Plus, they're absolutely fantastic on the dinner table.
Yellow Jack might not be the biggest fish you'll catch, but they're scrappy fighters that show up in good numbers around the reefs and wrecks. These golden-colored speedsters travel in schools and hit lures with serious attitude. They're most active during the warmer months and tend to feed aggressively in the morning and late afternoon. Yellow jacks are perfect for getting kids or new anglers hooked on fishing because they bite readily and fight way harder than their size suggests.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the grouper family, and landing one is always a trophy-worthy achievement. These bruisers prefer deeper water and more complex structure than their red cousins, often holding around wrecks, deep reefs, and rock piles in 80 feet or more. Black grouper are notorious for their powerful initial run straight back toward the bottom – they'll test your drag and your back muscles. The best action typically happens during the cooler months when these big fish move into shallower water to feed. A decent black grouper will weigh 20 to 40 pounds, with the real monsters pushing 50 pounds or more.
African Pompano are the wild cards that can make your whole trip when they decide to show up. These silvery, deep-bodied fish are strong swimmers that put up a surprisingly tough fight for their size. They're not as common as the other species, which makes them even more special when you hook into one. African pompano tend to show up around the reefs and deeper structure, often mixed in with other species. They're curious fish that will investigate different baits and lures, but they can also be finicky biters. When you do get one to the boat, the meat is excellent and the fight is memorable.
This Marathon fishing charter hits all the right notes – experienced captain, well-equipped boat, productive fishing spots, and the kind of customer service that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. Captain Craig's been working
The beautifully restored Pro Kat Catamaran cuts through Marathon's waters with twin 115HP Yamaha engines, hitting speeds up to 35 knots to get you to the fish fast. This 25-foot cat handles both inshore flats and offshore depths with ease, taking up to 4 anglers in comfort. Captain Craig's ride comes equipped with everything serious fishermen need - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate the action, VHF radio for safety, and a quality icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The stable catamaran design means less rolling when you're fighting that big grouper or snapper, and the spacious deck gives everyone room to work their lines. Whether you're targeting yellowtail on the reef or heading to deeper water for kingfish and dolphin, this fully restored 2001 vessel delivers the performance and reliability you want when chasing Florida Keys gamefish.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are the elegant fighters that cruise our deeper waters. These silver, diamond-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ when you find the right one. We target them around reefs and drop-offs in 30-250 feet, especially where there's good current flow. Warmer months bring better fishing as they become more active. What guests love is their unique look - juveniles have long trailing filaments that disappear with age - plus they're strong swimmers that make long runs. The meat is excellent, similar to other jacks but milder. They're attracted to shiny objects and movement, so jigs work great alongside live bait. Pro tip: these fish have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let your drag do the work and you'll boat more pompano.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruiser fish that serious anglers dream about. These olive and gray giants with dark rectangular blotches can reach 50+ pounds, though most run 10-25. We find them on offshore reefs, wrecks, and ledges from 30-300 feet deep. Cold weather brings them shallow, while summer pushes them deeper. What makes blacks special is the incredible fight - they're pure power and will test every bit of your tackle. The meat is outstanding with a mild flavor and firm texture. They're ambush predators that'll eat anything you drop down. Here's the key: use heavy gear (80lb braid minimum) and the moment you feel that bite, start cranking hard. These fish will suck your bait down and head straight for the rocks to break you off if you hesitate even a second.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the colorful speedsters that make offshore trips memorable. These golden-green beauties average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through fall offers the best action when they move through our waters. What makes mahi special is their electric colors, acrobatic jumps, and fantastic table fare - firm, sweet meat that grills perfectly. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit trolled ballyhoo, live bait, or jigs. Here's the trick: when you hook one, keep the boat moving. Mahi travel in schools, so while you're fighting the first fish, we'll keep trolling to pick up his buddies before they scatter.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of the most reliable bottom fish we target around Marathon's reefs and wrecks. These rusty-red colored fish typically run 5-15 pounds, though we've seen some push 30+. They hang out on rocky bottoms and structure from 20 to 200 feet deep year-round, making them perfect for our mixed-depth trips. What guests love about reds is they're aggressive biters and put up a solid fight once hooked. The meat is excellent - firm, white, and flaky with that sweet grouper taste. They'll hit live bait, cut bait, or jigs, but here's a local tip: once you hook one, crank it up fast. These fish will dive straight back to the rocks and cut you off if you give them slack. Heavy tackle and quick hands are key to landing these tasty bottom dwellers.
Carangoides BartholomaeiYellow jacks are the opportunistic fighters that show up when you least expect them. These golden-streaked fish typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach 30+ on good days. You'll find them around offshore reefs, weed lines, and following larger predators in 30-150 feet of water. They're year-round residents but seem more active during warmer months. Guests enjoy jacks for their surprising strength and speed - they'll test your drag and make long runs. The meat is actually quite good when prepared right (remove that bloodline). These fish are fast and opportunistic, so they'll hit trolled baits, jigs, or live pilchards. My tip: when you see one coming, pull the bait away slightly. That triggers their predatory instinct and they'll hammer it harder than a straight retrieve.
5.0 out of 5.0I caught the biggest fish of my life with capt. CRAIG. THANK YOU!!
Timothy Peters, Thank you! we had a great trip. keep us in mind for your next trip!
Marathon, FL