5.0(1 Reviews)Marathon Offshore Fishing Charter with Fun In The Sun
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Expert captain targets grouper, snapper, dolphin, and tarpon speciesAll fishing gear and licenses included in charter priceEarly morning departure accommodates up to four guests maximum
If you're serious about getting on some fish in the Florida Keys, Captain Craig and the crew at Fun In The Sun Charters know exactly where to put you. This Marathon-based operation runs both offshore and inshore waters, targeting everything from heavyweight grouper to lightning-fast dolphin fish. With an early 7:30 a.m. departure, you'll be fishing the prime hours when these species are most active. All your gear and licenses are handled, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Captain Craig keeps his charters small at just 4 anglers max, which means more personal attention and better fishing for everyone on board. You'll spend the day working both offshore wrecks and reefs for the bigger fish like grouper and snapper, then potentially move inshore for redfish and mangrove snapper depending on conditions and what's biting. The boat's equipped with quality tackle suited for everything from bottom fishing to trolling, and the captain knows these waters like the back of his hand. Bring your own lunch or grab a box lunch from 7 Mile Grill before you head out – you'll work up an appetite fighting fish all day. Don't forget to budget for the mate's tip, as 20% is standard and these guys work hard to keep you on fish.
This charter runs a mix of fishing styles depending on what you're targeting. For the offshore action, you'll be bottom fishing over structure with heavy tackle to pull grouper and snapper up from 80-150 feet of water. The captain uses circle hooks and knows exactly how much weight to use in the current. When dolphin are running, you might switch to trolling with ballyhoo or casting to floating debris where these fish like to hang. Inshore, it's all about reading the water – sight fishing for tarpon, working the mangroves for snapper, or targeting redfish on the flats with live bait. The gear provided is tournament-quality stuff that can handle anything from a 5-pound yellowtail to a 100-pound tarpon.
"Captain Craig was an excellent charter captain and put us on fish all day. He also gave excellent recommendations on where to take the fish to have it prepared. We also hired him to take our family to a sandbar and to take my younger kids fishing. We had a ton of fun at a gorgeous sand bar where we spent several hours playing in the unbelievably beautiful area. He then took us to a spot perfect for fishing with young children. My eight year old son caught lots of fish and had the time of his life. Thank you for a great time Capt. Craig!" - Jordan
Black Grouper are the crown jewel of Keys bottom fishing, and these Marathon waters hold some real trophy fish. They'll typically run 10-30 pounds, though the occasional 40-pounder shows up to make your day. Black grouper are structure-oriented fish that live around wrecks and ledges in 60-120 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though you can catch them year-round. What makes them special is the fight – they'll try to get back to their hole the second they feel the hook, so you need to turn them fast and keep steady pressure. The meat is absolutely phenomenal, with firm white fillets that are perfect for grilling or frying.
Gag Grouper are another favorite target that provides excellent table fare and a solid fight. These fish typically range from 5-25 pounds in these waters and are more aggressive feeders than their black grouper cousins. Gags are most abundant from November through April when cooler water temperatures bring them inshore to spawn. They're curious fish that will often follow baits up from the bottom, giving you multiple chances if you miss the first bite. The key with gag grouper is using fresh bait – they can be finicky, and a lively pinfish or grunt will outproduce frozen bait every time.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as locals call the big ones, provide some of the most exciting action you'll find in Marathon waters. These speed demons can hit 40+ mph and will test your drag system and your arms. Kings typically run 10-50 pounds in these waters, with the larger fish showing up during winter months. They're perfect for trolling, and nothing beats the screaming run of a big king hitting your bait at 6 knots. The meat is excellent when prepared fresh, especially when grilled or made into fish dip. Kings are also one of the few fish that actually taste better when caught in deeper, cleaner water offshore.
Redfish are the inshore slam champions that never disappoint. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 18-35 inches in the Marathon backcountry, with the slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) being the best eating. Reds are year-round residents that can be found around mangroves, shallow flats, and channel edges. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit live shrimp, crabs, or cut bait, and they're famous for their bulldogging fight that keeps steady pressure on your tackle. What makes redfish special is their predictability – once you find a good spot, they'll usually be there again.
Mahi Mahi, known locally as dolphin fish or just "dolphin," are the acrobats of the offshore world. These brilliant gold and green fish are built for speed and will put on an aerial show when hooked. Marathon's offshore waters see good dolphin action from March through October, with the best fishing typically during summer months when sargassum weed lines move through. They average 5-25 pounds, though bull dolphin over 40 pounds show up regularly. Dolphin are aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, so catching one usually means there are more around. The meat is some of
Hop aboard our beautifully restored 2022 Pro Kat Catamaran for your Marathon fishing adventure! This 25-foot twin-engine powerhouse runs on dual 115HP Yamahas that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 35 knots to maximize your time with lines in the water. The stable catamaran design keeps you comfortable whether you're battling grouper on the reefs or chasing dolphin in blue water. Our fish finder will help locate schools while the GPS keeps us on the productive spots. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida Keys days. With VHF radio for safety and room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the rods without crowding. The twin hull setup cuts through chop smoothly, so you can focus on landing that trophy snapper or yellowtail instead of fighting seasickness. Perfect for both offshore adventures and inshore targets around the flats and channels.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are one of our favorite targets around Marathon's offshore reefs and wrecks. These chunky fighters average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ on a good day. You'll find them hanging around structure in 60-180 feet, especially during cooler months when they move shallower. What makes them special is that bone-crushing fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to the rocks and break you off. The meat is top-notch too, firm and flaky with a mild taste that's perfect for grilling. My tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge. Heavy tackle is a must - 50+ pound braid with 80 pound leader minimum.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are scrappy bottom dwellers that love our local reefs and rocky structure. Most run 15-25 pounds, though we see bigger ones offshore. They're easier to spot than black grouper - look for the marbled pattern and that distinctive boxed tail. These fish hang around the same spots year-round, usually in 40-120 feet near ledges and wrecks. What guests love is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, the meat is excellent eating - mild and sweet. They're not picky eaters, so live pinfish or cut bait works great. Here's a local trick: watch for stone crab traps, since gags love hanging around them for an easy meal. Set your hook hard and winch them up fast before they dive into the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that patrol our offshore waters from spring through fall. Most fish we catch run 20-40 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a smoker over 50. They cruise the 40-150 foot range, following baitfish along drop-offs and current lines. What makes them awesome targets is that blistering first run - they'll peel line like nobody's business. The meat grills up nice too, though it's got a stronger flavor than grouper. We typically troll with live bait or spoons, but here's the thing - use a two-hook rig because kings love to hit the back half of your bait. Wire leader is mandatory since their teeth are razor sharp. When the water temps hit 75+ degrees, that's prime time for these fish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch in our offshore waters, flashing gold, green, and blue when they hit the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though bulls can push 50+. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet from late spring through early fall. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, dive, and put on a real show. Plus, the white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, keep the spread out for multiple hookups. Here's my tip: once you boat the first fish, throw it back on a circle hook as live bait - big bulls often follow the school and can't resist an easy meal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers who want steady action in shallow water. These copper-colored fighters average 20-28 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. Around Marathon, we find them cruising the flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds in 1-6 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them so popular is their aggressive topwater strikes and that classic red drum fight - strong, steady pulls that'll test your drag. The meat is solid eating too, especially the slot-sized fish. My advice: look for tailing fish on the flats during low light periods. A live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but don't overlook topwater plugs for some explosive action.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Craig was an excellent charter captain and put us on fish all day. He also gave excellent recommendations on where to tak...
Jordan Womack, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Marathon, FL