5.0(1 Reviews)Marathon Fishing Charter: Grouper & Snapper
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour guided charter targeting grouper, snapper, and tarponAll equipment, bait, and fishing licenses includedProfessional captain covers inshore, offshore, and backcountry spots
Captain Craig knows these Marathon waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour charter takes you everywhere the fish are biting – from shallow backcountry flats to deeper offshore ledges where the big grouper hang out. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, Craig and his first mate will make sure you're set up for success. All your gear, bait, tackle, and even your fishing license are covered, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
You'll be fishing multiple zones during your trip, which is what makes Marathon such a top-rated destination. Captain Craig starts by reading the conditions – wind, tide, water temp – then plots a course that gives you the best shot at filling the cooler. Some days that means hitting the offshore structure first for grouper and snapper, other days you'll work the backcountry mangroves for redfish and tarpon. The beauty of this charter is the variety. You're not stuck in one spot hoping the fish cooperate. Craig moves around, follows the bite, and adapts his strategy based on what's working that day. The boat holds up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space or tangling lines with a crowd.
Craig's got the gear dialed in for whatever you'll be targeting. For the offshore grouper and snapper action, you'll be dropping heavy jigs and live bait down to structure in 60-120 feet of water. The tackle is stout enough to pull fish up from the rocks but balanced so you still feel every head shake. When you're working the backcountry and nearshore spots, the setup gets lighter – perfect for sight fishing redfish on the flats or working the mangrove edges for snapper. The first mate is there to help with everything from baiting hooks to netting fish, and these guys know how to coach you through fighting bigger fish without losing them at the boat. Custom tip: don't be afraid to ask questions about technique. Craig loves teaching anglers new tricks, and you'll pick up skills that'll help you on future fishing trips.
"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 scene, and these chunky bottom dwellers put up a serious fight. They hang around rocky ledges and structure in 40-100 feet of water, and when you hook one, it immediately tries to get back to the rocks. Red grouper average 5-15 pounds, but 20+ pounders show up regularly. Best fishing is during the cooler months when they're more aggressive, and they're a customer favorite because they taste as good as they fight. The key is getting your bait down fast and keeping steady pressure once you're hooked up.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are pure excitement on the end of a line. These offshore speedsters are known for their acrobatic jumps and blazing runs, plus their electric colors when they're fresh out of the water. In Marathon, mahi show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, usually in water deeper than 100 feet. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Peak season is late spring through early fall, and they're a world-class table fare that makes every trip memorable.
Yellow Jacks are scrappy fighters that punch way above their weight class. These reef dwellers are common around Marathon's offshore structure and wrecks, where they school up in good numbers. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit both live bait and jigs, making them perfect for anglers who want consistent action. Yellow jacks average 2-8 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and testing your drag. They're most active during warmer months and are trending as a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the grouper family, and hooking into a big one is like being tied to a freight train. These fish can reach 30+ pounds and are incredibly strong, using every bit of structure on the bottom to try and break you off. They prefer deeper water than their red cousins, often hanging in 80-150 feet around hard bottom and ledges. Black grouper are more common in summer and fall, and they're renowned for their size and fighting ability. Landing a trophy black grouper is a badge of honor among Marathon anglers.
African Pompano are the wild cards of this fishery – when you hook one, you know you've got something special. These silver bullets can grow surprisingly large, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly in Marathon's waters. They're known for their incredible speed and endurance, making multiple long runs that'll test both your tackle and your patience. African pompano are most common around offshore structure and wrecks, especially during the warmer months. They're not as predictable as grouper or snapper, but when they show up, it makes for an epic day on the water.
Captain Craig's Marathon charter delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. With his local knowledge, top-quality gear, and ability to find fish in multiple zones, you're getting maximum value for your 4 hours on the water. The variety of species, the professional guidance, and the chance to fish both inshore and offshore waters all in one trip make this a best trip choice for anyone visiting the Florida Keys. Remember that deposits are non-refundable and a 20% gratuity for the first mate is customary, so factor that into your planning. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and Captain Craig's
Hit the waters around Marathon aboard the beautifully restored 2022 Pro Kat Catamaran with Captain Craig. This 25-foot twin-engine beauty runs on dual 115HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fishing grounds at a solid 35 knots. The stable catamaran hull cuts through chop like butter, keeping you comfortable whether you're working inshore mangroves for redfish or heading offshore for grouper and snapper. She's rigged with everything you need - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate the action, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. Captain Craig knows these Florida Keys waters inside and out, from shallow backcountry flats where tarpon cruise to deeper offshore ledges holding yellowtail and kingfish. All your gear, bait, and licenses are covered.
Alectis CiliarisAfrican pompano are sleek, silvery jacks that put up a fantastic fight for their size, typically running 10-25 pounds though some reach 40+ pounds. These diamond-shaped speedsters cruise both shallow and deep water, from 30 feet out to 250 feet, often following current lines and structure. They're year-round targets here, but warmer months tend to be most productive when they're more active. What guests love is their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps - they're built for speed and will test your tackle. The meat is good eating too, with firm white flesh. Since they're part of the jack family, they're attracted to shiny, moving objects, making jigs and spoons deadly effective. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - their mouths are somewhat soft, so let your drag do the work during those long runs.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the grouper family, commonly hitting 15-30 pounds with some real giants pushing 50+ pounds. These olive-gray fish with dark blotches prefer deeper structure - think 60-300 feet around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom. Winter months bring them shallower, while summer finds them in deeper water. They're prized for their incredibly tough fight and excellent eating - mild flavor with firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. What makes them special is the pure strength they put up once hooked. Heavy tackle is a must - I recommend at least 80-pound braid with strong drag because they'll try to pull you straight into the rocks. Key tip: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you up in structure and you'll lose them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure excitement on light tackle, averaging 15-30 pounds with their brilliant gold and blue colors that light up when they jump. These fast swimmers love floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in offshore waters. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move through our area following baitfish. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight - they'll jump repeatedly and make long runs that test your drag. Plus, the meat is top-shelf with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect on the grill. My go-to technique is trolling ballyhoo or small lures near any floating objects you see. When you hook one, keep the boat moving forward at first - if you stop too quickly, they'll throw the hook during those wild jumps.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are solid fighters that typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds out here in Marathon. These rusty-red fish with white spots love hanging around rocky bottom and structure in 20-100 feet of water. You'll find them near wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom areas where they ambush crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. They're year-round targets, but cooler months often produce better fishing. What makes them special is the combination of a stubborn fight and excellent table fare - their firm, flaky meat has a sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and reel fast. They'll try to dive back into the rocks and break you off, so don't give them slack or they'll wrap you up in structure every time.
Carangoides BartholomaeiYellow jacks are scrappy fighters that can reach 30+ pounds, though most we catch run 5-15 pounds. These golden-colored speedsters hang around reefs, wrecks, and anywhere there's structure in 30-100+ feet of water. They're opportunistic predators that follow bigger fish to pick off stragglers, so you'll often find them mixed in with other species. Year-round fishing is good, but they seem more active during warmer months. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes and strong initial runs - they're faster than most grouper and will test your reflexes. The meat's actually pretty good if you remove the bloodline properly. Best tip I can share: use lighter tackle like 15-20 pound line so you can feel their quick strikes, and when trolling, give your bait some erratic action to trigger their predatory instincts.
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