Half Day Morning Tarpon Fishing Marathon FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour morning charter targeting Silver King tarpon migrationExpert Captain Butch guides trips on quality Albury Brothers boatsPrime MarchJune season offers peak tarpon fishing opportunities
When it comes to chasing the Silver King in the Florida Keys, Captain Butch knows exactly where to find them. This 4-hour morning charter kicks off at 6 AM, getting you on prime tarpon water when these fish are most active. You'll fish from either a 23-foot Albury Brothers or 27 Conch – both boats are perfectly rigged for the kind of fishing we're doing here. With room for up to 4 anglers, this isn't some cattle boat operation. It's a focused tarpon hunt in some of the most productive waters Marathon has to offer, and Captain Butch has been working these flats and channels for years.
The beauty of this trip is the timing and location. March through June marks prime tarpon season in the Keys, when massive schools migrate through these waters. Captain Butch positions the boat along productive tide lines where tarpon naturally travel – think of it as setting up on their highway. You're not just randomly casting and hoping. The captain reads the water, watches for rolling fish, and puts you where the action is happening. Morning trips have a huge advantage because tarpon are feeding after the night, and the water is typically calmer before the afternoon winds kick up. The boat setup is clean and efficient, with quality tackle ready to go and plenty of deck space to fight these powerful fish properly.
This isn't light tackle fishing – tarpon demand serious gear, and that's exactly what you'll be using. Captain Butch provides heavy spinning rods and conventional reels loaded with the right line weights to handle 100+ pound fish. Live bait is the name of the game here, typically crabs, pilchards, or mullet depending on what's available and what the fish are eating. You'll learn proper presentation techniques, how to set the hook on a tarpon's bony mouth, and most importantly, how to fight one of these fish without breaking them off. The captain will coach you through the entire process, from the initial hookup through those heart-stopping jumps to getting the fish boatside for a quick photo and release. Evening trips are sometimes available depending on tides and scheduling, giving you flexibility to work around your Keys vacation plans.
Tarpon are called the Silver King for good reason – these are some of the most respected gamefish swimming in saltwater. In Marathon's waters, you're looking at fish ranging from 80 to 200+ pounds, with the occasional giant pushing even bigger numbers. What makes tarpon fishing so addictive isn't just their size, it's their fight. When a tarpon eats your bait, you know it immediately. They'll rip drag off your reel like it's nothing, then launch themselves completely out of the water in a series of spectacular jumps. The best part of tarpon season here runs March through June when massive schools move through the Keys during their annual migration. These fish have been making this journey for thousands of years, and positioning yourself along their route with the right bait at the right time is pure fishing magic. Tarpon are also incredibly hardy fighters – they can battle for 30 minutes or more, testing your endurance as much as your tackle. Landing one is a real accomplishment, and releasing a healthy tarpon back to the water never gets old.
If you're serious about tarpon fishing in the Keys, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. Captain Butch knows these waters inside and out, the boats are well-maintained and properly equipped, and the timing puts you on fish when they're most active. Four hours gives you solid fishing time without wearing you out, and the 6 AM start means you'll be back to shore before the day gets too hot. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or someone who wants to learn from a knowledgeable local guide, this charter sets you up for success. The Florida Keys tarpon fishery is world-class, and Marathon sits right in the heart of it. Don't wait until you get down here to book – prime tarpon season fills up fast, and the best captains like Butch stay busy. Secure your spot now and get ready to tangle with the Silver King.
Your ride for chasing the Silver King is a 23-foot Albury Brothers boat, a true Florida Keys classic designed specifically for these waters. Built for shallow-water performance and smooth runs, this boat handles the Marathon flats and backcountry like it was born here. The single 300 HP Mercury gets you to the tarpon grounds fast, cruising at 35-40 knots, so you spend more time fishing and less time traveling. With space for up to 4 anglers, everyone has room to work without getting tangled up during the fight. The Albury's low profile and stable platform make it perfect for sight fishing and getting positioned along those productive tide lines where tarpon move through the Keys. This is serious tarpon fishing equipment designed by people who understand these waters.
Florida Keys