5.0(1 Reviews)Marathon Offshore & Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target grouper, snapper, dolphin, and eight other species offshoreAll fishing gear and licenses included with expert captainEarly morning departure with optional lunch from local grill
Looking for a top-rated fishing charter that delivers both variety and action? Captain Craig and the Fun In The Sun Charters crew know exactly where to find the fish in Marathon's prolific waters. This full-day adventure targets some of the Florida Keys' most prized species, from hard-fighting grouper on offshore structure to acrobatic mahi mahi in blue water. With all gear and licenses included, you'll focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat and making memories that last.
Your fishing day kicks off around 7:30 a.m. when Captain Craig fires up the engines and heads out from Marathon's docks. The early start gives you maximum time on the fishing grounds, whether that's working offshore wrecks and reefs for grouper and snapper or trolling the deeper waters for mahi mahi and kingfish. The boat accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, creating an intimate atmosphere where everyone gets plenty of shots at fish. Captain Craig's local knowledge shines as he reads conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day, moving from structure to structure or switching from bottom fishing to trolling based on what's biting. The first mate works hard to keep lines in the water, bait fresh, and the fish box full – just remember that 20% gratuity is customary for their efforts. You're welcome to pack your own lunch and snacks, or grab a convenient box lunch from 7 Mile Grill before departure.
This charter combines the best of both offshore and inshore fishing techniques to maximize your catch variety. On the offshore grounds, you'll drop heavy tackle to target grouper and snapper around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom structure in 60 to 150 feet of water. Circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pinfish are the go-to setup for these bottom dwellers. When conditions allow, Captain Craig runs trolling spreads with ballyhoo, bonito strips, and diving plugs to intercept mahi mahi, kingfish, and other pelagic species moving through the area. The inshore component focuses on lighter tackle around bridges, channels, and shallow reefs where redfish, yellowtail snapper, and mangrove snapper congregate. All rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait are provided, along with your Florida fishing license. The boat carries a full complement of gear from heavy conventional reels for big grouper to spinning outfits perfect for finicky yellowtails.
"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 represent the heavyweight champions of Marathon's offshore scene, with fish ranging from 10 to 50 pounds common around the deeper wrecks and ledges. These powerful fighters make blistering runs toward structure when hooked, testing both tackle and angler skill. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're most active in 80 to 200 feet of water. What makes black grouper special is their incredible table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. The fight combined with the feast makes them a customer favorite trip after trip.
Gag grouper offer slightly different challenges, typically found in shallower waters around 40 to 100 feet on rocky bottom and artificial reefs. These fish average 5 to 20 pounds and are known for their aggressive strikes and dogged fights close to the bottom. Winter months often produce the best gag action as they move into shallower spawning areas. Their distinctive mottled coloration and broad tail make them easy to identify, while their mild flavor appeals to even the pickiest eaters in your group.
King mackerel, or kingfish as locals call them, bring speed and excitement to every charter. These silver bullets patrol the offshore waters from spring through fall, with the best action typically in 60 to 150 feet of water. Kings average 10 to 30 pounds but can reach 50-plus pounds, making screaming runs that peel line off reels. They're perfect for trolling with live bait or high-speed lures, and their aggressive nature means multiple hookups are common. The meat is excellent smoked or grilled, with a rich flavor that's distinctly different from reef fish.
Redfish add an inshore element to your fishing adventure, lurking around bridges, channels, and shallow flats throughout Marathon's backcountry. These copper-colored fighters average 5 to 15 pounds and are famous for their bulldogging runs and never-give-up attitude. Redfish bite year-round but peak during fall months when they school up for spawning. What sets them apart is their willingness to eat everything from live shrimp to cut bait, making them perfect targets when you want consistent action.
Mahi mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, represent pure excitement on the offshore grounds. These brilliant yellow-green fish travel in schools around floating debris, sargassum lines, and temperature breaks in blue water. Size ranges from schoolie dolphins around 5 pounds to impressive bulls over 30 pounds. Spring and summer offer peak mahi action as they follow the Gulf Stream closer to shore. Their acrobatic fights feature spectacular jumps and blazing runs, while the firm, white meat ranks among the best eating fish in the ocean. When you find one mahi, there are usually more nearby, leading to fast action and full fish
The Pro Kat Catamaran is your ticket to Marathon's best fishing grounds. This restored 25-footer runs on twin 115HP Yamahas that'll get you to the action fast, cruising up to 35 knots to beat other boats to the hot spots. The cat's stable hull keeps you steady when fighting that big grouper or reeling in snapper. You'll have everything needed for a successful day - GPS to navigate the flats and offshore ledges, fish finder to locate schools, VHF radio for safety, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh. The boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so bring your fishing buddies along. Whether you're working the inshore mangrove edges for yellowtail and redfish or heading offshore for dolphin and kingfish, this platform delivers. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish. All gear and licenses are included, so just show up ready to fish. Perfect for both rookie anglers and seasoned pros looking to land their next trophy in Marathon's productive waters.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are some of the strongest fish you'll tangle with around Marathon's reefs and wrecks. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we see 40+ pounders that'll test your arms. They hang around structure in 60-180 feet - ledges, artificial reefs, and rocky bottom where they ambush baitfish. These guys hit hard and immediately try to dive back into the rocks, so you need heavy tackle and quick reflexes. The meat is outstanding - firm, white, and mild flavored. Best fishing is fall through spring when they move shallower. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep your rod low and crank hard right away. Give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest piece of structure.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are crafty fighters that love hiding around Marathon's offshore structure. They average 20-25 inches but can push 30+ pounds on the bigger reefs. You'll find them near wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 80-200 feet, often mixed with other grouper species. They're aggressive feeders but smart - they'll test your drag then bolt for cover. The pale, marbled females are more common than the darker males. Fall and winter offer the best action when they move up from deeper water. Their meat is excellent - flaky and sweet. Here's the trick: use circle hooks and keep steady pressure. They like to grab your bait and sit still, so don't wait around once you feel that thump.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest runs around Marathon. Most fish run 15-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders cruise our offshore waters looking for bait schools. We find them trolling the reef line in 60-150 feet, especially around current breaks and temperature changes. Spring through fall brings the best action when they follow bait migrations. These fish are built for speed - they'll scream line off your reel on long runs that test your drag system. The meat is rich and flavorful, though it's got higher oil content. My go-to method is slow trolling live bait with a dual hook rig - kings often bite the tail end of baits, so that back hook saves the day.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters we target offshore - brilliant gold and green that lights up when they jump. Most fish run 15-25 pounds, but we catch 30+ pounders that'll give you multiple aerial shows. Look for them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall offers peak action, especially when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the ocean. My secret is to keep a bait in the water while fighting the first fish - the commotion often keeps the school fired up for multiple hookups.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers who love sight fishing in skinny water around Marathon. Most reds run 18-27 inches and put up a scrappy fight in shallow flats and mangrove edges. You'll spot them tailing in 1-4 feet of water, cruising oyster bars and grass beds. Fall and winter bring the best action when cooler water gets them active in the shallows. They're not picky eaters - live shrimp, crabs, and cut bait all work great. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. These fish taste fantastic with firm, mild meat that's perfect for the grill. Key tip: when you see one tailing, cast ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sink naturally.
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