Full Day Fishing trips Marathon FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-8 hour offshore trips target Mahi, Tuna, and SailfishCaptain Butch uses local knowledge for optimal fishing locationsAll tackle and gear included for up to 6 guests
Captain Butch knows these Marathon waters like the back of his hand, and this full-day charter is your ticket to some of the best fishing the Florida Keys has to offer. Running 6 to 8 hours starting at 8 AM, this top-rated fishing adventure takes you aboard a comfortable 27-foot Conch boat that handles up to 6 anglers. What sets this trip apart is the flexibility – depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll head offshore for pelagics like Mahi and Tuna, or work the backcountry reefs for Grouper and Cobia. It's the kind of day where experienced anglers and first-timers alike walk away with stories worth telling.
Your day kicks off at 8 AM sharp, giving you plenty of time to work different areas as conditions change. The beauty of a full-day charter in Marathon is that you're not rushed – if the Mahi are thick on the outside, you'll stay put and fill the cooler. If the bite slows down, Captain Butch has backup spots around structure and reefs where Grouper and Cobia like to hang out. The 27-foot Conch boat is built for these waters, stable enough for offshore work but nimble enough to duck into protected areas when the wind picks up. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes with the trip, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. This customer favorite setup works great for families since everyone can fish their own style, whether that's trolling for speed demons or bottom fishing for reef dwellers.
Out in the blue water, you'll be pulling spread of lures and baits designed to trigger strikes from fast-moving pelagics. Captain Butch runs a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and feathers that cover different depths in the water column – this is where Mahi, Tuna, and even the occasional Sailfish get fooled. When you're working the reefs and structure closer to shore, it's all about precision bottom fishing. Heavy tackle with circle hooks keeps you connected to big Grouper trying to cut you off in the rocks, while lighter setups work perfect for Cobia cruising around the structure. The captain reads the conditions and adjusts techniques throughout the day – if the current's ripping on the reef, you might switch to drift fishing, or if it's calm, you'll anchor up and work specific spots where the fish are holding.
Mahi Mahi are the stars of the offshore show here in Marathon, and for good reason. These fish are pure excitement – they hit hard, jump like crazy, and their bright colors make every photo look like a magazine cover. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, when schools of 20 to 40-pound bulls and smaller schoolies work the weed lines and current edges. What makes Mahi special is their aggressive nature – once you hook one, others in the school often stick around, leading to multiple hookups that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for rods.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the backcountry, cruising reefs and structure like underwater submarines. These brown sharks look intimidating but fight with pure power rather than speed. Spring and fall see the biggest fish, with 30 to 50-pound specimens not uncommon around Marathon's reef system. They're curious fish that often come up to check out the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities that'll get your heart racing. Once hooked, they make long, powerful runs that test your drag and endurance.
Black Grouper are the prize of the reef, and landing a big one is something every angler remembers. These fish have attitude – they'll crush your bait then try to cut you off in the rocks before you know what hit you. The gag and black grouper around Marathon's reefs can push 20 to 30 pounds, with the occasional giant that'll make you question your tackle choices. Winter months often produce the biggest fish as they move into deeper water, but year-round action keeps things interesting.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, typically targeted during specific conditions when they move up in the water column. While not guaranteed on every trip, when conditions align, Captain Butch knows the techniques and locations that give you a shot at these legendary fighters. Even a smaller sword is a fish of a lifetime, with their unique bill and incredible fighting ability making them the holy grail for many serious anglers.
This world-class fishing experience fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot. Captain Butch's local knowledge and willingness to adapt to conditions makes this charter a best bet for anyone serious about putting fish in the boat. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to experience the magic of Keys fishing, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. The captain encourages calling ahead to learn what's running during your planned dates – it's this kind of attention to detail that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot on what could be the fishing trip that spoils you for anywhere else.
The 27' Conch center console is your ticket to serious offshore fishing in the Florida Keys. Twin 300 HP Yamaha engines push this boat through Marathon's waters with authority, getting you to the deep blue where mahi, tuna, and sailfish roam. Captain Butch knows these waters like the back of his hand and uses GPS, radar, and fish finder to put you on the fish. The fighting chair is ready for battle when you hook into something big, while the livewell keeps your bait frisky. An icebox handles your drinks and snacks for the 6-8 hour adventure. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat handles both seasoned fishermen and families looking to experience what the Keys are famous for. All tackle and gear are provided, so just bring your appetite for action on the water.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the tanks of our reefs - thick, powerful fish that average 10-30 pounds but can hit 50+ around deeper structure. We find them on wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet, though they'll move shallow in winter. Year-round fishing here, but cooler months bring them up to easier depths. These fish ambush prey and fight like freight trains once hooked - straight down toward cover. The white meat's mild and flaky, excellent eating. They don't nibble - when they hit, they inhale the bait whole. Critical tip: once you hook one, crank hard immediately to get their head up. Let them reach bottom and they'll cut you off in the rocks every single time.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the reef - dark brown, stocky fish that average 20-40 pounds but can push 80+ pounds around here. We target them around wrecks, reefs, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're cruising shallow for spawning. These fish fight dirty - long, powerful runs that test your drag and stamina. The meat's white, firm, and tastes similar to shark. We often spot them near the surface, which makes for exciting sight fishing. Pro tip: use a bucktail jig and work it slow near structure. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks or you'll lose them every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of our most colorful catches out here - brilliant gold and green sides that flash like neon underwater. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 40+ on a good day. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavy. These fish put on a show - jumping and running hard when hooked. The meat's firm and sweet, perfect for the dinner table. Local tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving toward any floating debris nearby. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-water challenge - these 9-foot missiles average 100-400 pounds and live in 600-1500 feet of water off our coast. We target them at night when they rise to feed, using heavy tackle and bright lights to draw them up. Best months are late spring through early fall when the Gulf Stream's running strong. The fight's a marathon - long, deep runs that can last hours. The meat's dense and meaty, perfect steaks for grilling. Night trips require patience but the payoff's huge. Key trick: use squid on a long leader with plenty of lights. Once you're hooked up, settle in for the long haul and keep steady pressure without overworking the fish.
Florida Keys