5.0(8 Reviews)Marathon 6 HR Offshore Fishing Trip
5.0(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Six-hour offshore trip targeting multiple species including Wahoo and TunaCombines open-water trolling with productive reef fishing techniquesAccommodates up to six guests with experienced captain and reliable gear
If you're looking to get serious about offshore fishing in the Florida Keys, this 6-hour charter with Harmony Charters hits all the right notes. Captain Arthur and his crew know these Marathon waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the perfect game plan to make your day count. You'll start with some high-speed trolling in the blue water where the big pelagics cruise, then work your way back to the reef structure where the snapper and grouper hang out. It's the kind of trip that keeps your rod bent and your cooler filling up, whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you stick to one spot and hope for the best. Captain Arthur runs a smart operation that maximizes your time and your chances. You'll kick things off trolling the offshore waters where wahoo and blackfin tuna patrol the current edges and temperature breaks. The boat's equipped with quality outriggers and downriggers, so you can cover serious water while presenting multiple baits at different depths. Once you've worked the blue water and put some speed demons in the box, the crew shifts gears and heads to the productive reef areas. Here, you'll drop live bait and cut bait on the bottom structure where mutton snapper, yellowtail, and grouper make their living. The variety keeps everyone engaged, and the constant action means there's rarely a dull moment on deck.
The offshore trolling game here revolves around reading the water and putting your baits where the fish are feeding. Captain Arthur runs a spread of high-speed lures, ballyhoo rigs, and diving plugs that cover the water column from surface to about 30 feet down. When the GPS marks show promising structure or the fish finder lights up, you'll know you're in the right neighborhood. The transition to reef fishing is where things get really interesting. The crew switches to circle hooks and heavier tackle, dropping live pilchards, pinfish, and cut ballyhoo down to the coral heads and ledges. You'll feel the difference immediately – these bottom fish fight with pure power, using the structure to their advantage. The key is keeping steady pressure and working them up before they can cut you off on the coral.
"Our fishing trip with Harmony Charters was an unforgettable experience! My husband, sons (17 and 22), and I caught over 50 fish during our 6-hour adventure. Captain Arthur and his first mate, Roger, were incredible, working tirelessly to ensure we had a great time. We started fishing near the 7 Mile Bridge and then headed out into the Atlantic Ocean. Although I'm not the most experienced fisherman in the family, I had an absolute blast! Huge thanks to Captain Arthur and Roger for making this a day we'll always remember!" - Kathleen
"Captain Arthur and First Mate Roger gave our family of four an amazing day of fishing! Everyone caught fish and had a fantastic time on the water. We left with big smiles and plenty of great fish stories to share. I highly recommend Harmony Charters, Captain Arthur, and Roger for an unforgettable Keys fishing experience!" - Zach
"My boys and I had an amazing time, and we're already looking forward to our next fishing trip! Captain Arthur took us straight to the fish, and it didn't take long before we were reeling in Yellowtail after Yellowtail with every drop of the line. The captain had all the right gear on board to attract and catch the fish, and since I'm not a fan of touching them, he was kind enough to handle that part for us too! I highly recommend this charter – you can really see the passion Captain Arthur has for fishing. We're already planning our next trip for Spring Break!" - Jessica
Skipjack Tuna are the speed demons of this fishery, and when you hook one while trolling, you'll know it immediately. These fish average 6-12 pounds and fight way above their weight class, making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, when baitfish concentrations draw them close to Marathon's offshore waters. What makes skipjacks special is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that'll smash trolled baits and small lures with reckless abandon.
Atlantic Bonito show up in good numbers during the fall and winter months, typically running in schools that create some of the most exciting action you'll find offshore. These 3-8 pound rockets are built for speed, with torpedo-shaped bodies that cut through the water like bullets. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to hook multiple fish at once as they compete for your baits. Bonito are also excellent table fare when bled and iced properly, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the flavor.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Marathon, and when conditions align, they can make your entire trip. These fish are structure-oriented, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or current edges. Bulls can push 30-40 pounds and provide some of the most spectacular fights in saltwater, with their aerial displays and bulldogging runs. Peak season runs from April through September, but scattered fish show up year-round. The key to consistent mahi fishing is covering water and watching for birds working baitfish.
Wahoo are the apex predators of the trolling spread, capable of speeds that'll leave you speechless. These fish patrol the blue water edges and drop-offs, ambushing baits with lightning-fast strikes that can happen before you even realize what hit. Most wahoo in these waters run 15-40 pounds, with the occasional giant pushing 50-plus. They're most active during the winter months when cooler
Hit the blue water aboard this beautifully restored 35' Stryker sportfishing boat, powered by twin 220 HP Cummins engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This classic vessel comfortably handles up to 6 anglers and comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need – fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for safe navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The boat features AC to beat the Florida heat, onboard kitchen, toilet, and even a bed for anyone who needs a break between bites. You'll start trolling the deep water for Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, and Bonito, then work the reefs for Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail, Grouper, and Lane Snapper. Mahi Mahi often show up when conditions are right, making every line drop exciting. With 6 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to try different techniques and target multiple species. The experienced captain knows these Marathon waters inside and out, putting you on fish while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
Sarda SardaBonito are the speed demons of the mackerel family, built like silver bullets with dark stripes running down their backs. Most run 3-8 pounds, but they're fast swimmers that can hit 40 mph when chasing bait. You'll find them in schools that cruise the offshore waters, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like mini sharks. They're not picky eaters in the US, but they fight way above their weight class and make great live bait for bigger fish. Best fishing happens when water temps are in the 60s during cooler months. These fish travel in huge schools and will hit almost anything you throw at them when they're feeding. The trick is watching for bird activity - when you see terns and gulls diving, get your small lures ready. They spook easily, so approach the school from downwind and let your baits drift through rather than driving right into them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target, flashing gold, green, and blue when hooked. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges where baitfish gather. Peak season runs late spring through fall when water temps stay above 75 degrees. What guests love most is the aerial show - mahi jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on a real spectacle. Plus, they're hands-down the best eating fish we catch, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also fast growers that school up, so finding one usually means finding several. My go-to trick is to keep one hooked fish in the water while others cast to the school - mahi are curious and will stick around to check out their hooked buddy, giving everyone a shot at doubling up.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the heavyweights of the snapper family, with their pinkish-olive color and distinctive blue streaks around the face. Most run 3-8 pounds, but 15+ pounders show up regularly around deeper structure. You'll find them along the reef edges in 80-200 feet, usually hanging just off the bottom in sandy pockets near coral heads. They bite year-round but are most active during warmer months. What makes them a favorite is their strong, bulldogging fight - they'll try to get back into the rocks every chance they get. They're also excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. Unlike other snappers, muttons can be finicky about bait presentation. Fresh is crucial - old bait won't cut it with these fish. The trick is using just enough weight to get down and letting your bait drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through the clear water, that's when you know you've got a good one hooked.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjack are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, typically running 15-25 pounds and about 2-3 feet long. These torpedo-shaped speedsters cruise the offshore waters in large schools, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. You'll spot them by their distinctive dark vertical stripes along silver sides. They're surface feeders that love to chase bait, making them perfect for our trolling setup. Peak season runs spring through fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and solid fight on lighter tackle. They're also the fish behind most canned tuna, so they're great eating too. Pro tip: when you see birds working offshore, slow down and look for the telltale splashes - skipjack often feed right on top, and a small feather or spoon worked through the school will get bit fast.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the offshore world, capable of hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth to match their speed. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds but can exceed 100 pounds. You'll find them cruising blue water drop-offs and around floating structure. They're loners or travel in small groups, unlike schooling fish. Peak action happens during cooler months when they move closer to shore. What makes them special is the blistering initial run that can strip 200 yards of line before you know what hit you. They're also premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. The key to hooking wahoo is speed - we troll lures at 12-15 knots, much faster than for other species. Wire leaders are absolutely essential since their teeth will slice through anything else. When you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard - just start reeling and let the fish hook itself.
5.0 out of 5.0Our fishing trip with Harmony Charters was an unforgettable experience! My husband, sons (17 and 22), and I caught over 50 fish du...
Captain Arthur and First Mate Roger gave our family of four an amazing day of fishing! Everyone caught fish and had a fantastic ti...
We had an awesome time! Captain Arthur and First Mate Roger were friendly, personable, and incredibly helpful. We caught plenty of...
Highly recommended
We had an amazing time! Despite the challenging fishing conditions, Captain Arthur still managed to put us on some great fish. I w...
We were taken to an incredible spot where we immediately started pulling up fish as soon as we cast our lines! It was such an exci...
My boys and I had an amazing time, and we’re already looking forward to our next fishing trip! Captain Arthur took us straight to ...
Our day was a bit rough with the seas, but Captain Arthur's boat was the perfect choice for the conditions, making our trip a fant...
Marathon, FL