5.0(8 Reviews)Marathon 6 HR Offshore Fishing Trip
5.0(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Sixhour offshore trip targets wahoo, tuna, and reef speciesBalanced trolling and reef fishing suits all experience levelsCaptain provides reliable gear and proven fishing techniques
This top-rated 6-hour offshore fishing adventure out of Marathon delivers the perfect mix of blue water trolling and reef fishing that keeps lines tight all day long. You'll start by heading out to the deep blue where pelagic species cruise the current lines, then work your way back to productive reef structure where snapper and grouper stack up like cordwood. Captain Arthur and his crew know exactly where the fish are holding, and with proven techniques that work in these waters, you're looking at a day that fills the cooler and creates stories you'll tell for years. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet in offshore fishing, this trip gives you the best shot at multiple species while staying comfortable on a well-equipped boat that handles these waters like a dream.
Your day kicks off with a run to the offshore grounds where the real action begins. Captain Arthur positions the boat along current edges and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate, drawing in hungry predators from the depths. You'll spend the first part of your trip trolling with a spread of lures and rigged baits designed to trigger strikes from wahoo, blackfin tuna, and bonito that patrol these waters. The boat carries quality Penn and Shimano gear that can handle whatever decides to grab your bait, from screaming wahoo runs to the bulldogging fights that mahi mahi are famous for. As the day progresses, you'll transition to bottom fishing over productive reef structure where mutton snapper, yellowtail, and lane snapper congregate in numbers that can make for fast and furious action. The captain handles all the navigation, gear setup, and fish handling, so your job is simple - hang on and enjoy the ride when something big decides to eat.
The offshore trolling spread typically runs four to six lines with a mix of diving plugs, ballyhoo rigs, and feathers that cover different depths in the water column. Captain Arthur adjusts boat speed and lure presentation based on current conditions and what species are most active. When wahoo are around, you'll see the rods rigged with wire leaders and high-speed lures that can handle their razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs. For mahi, the crew switches to circle hooks with natural baits or colorful skirted trolling lures that drive these fish crazy when conditions are right. The transition to bottom fishing involves anchoring or drifting over known structure where the fish finder lights up with marks. Fresh cut bait, live pilchards when available, and proven bottom rigs do the heavy lifting while you focus on feeling for that telltale tap of a snapper or the solid thump of a grouper inhaling your offering. The crew keeps multiple rods working the structure, maximizing your chances of staying connected to fish throughout the afternoon.
"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 the offshore world, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately from the screaming runs and head-shaking fights that test your drag settings. These fish typically run 8-15 pounds in Marathon waters and show up year-round, though they're most active during the cooler months when baitfish concentrate along the reef line. What makes skipjack special is their willingness to eat almost anything you throw at them - trolled feathers, live pilchards, or chunk baits all trigger explosive strikes. They're also fantastic table fare when bled properly and kept ice-cold, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the feast.
Atlantic Bonito bring that same tuna-family speed but with a different attitude, often traveling in schools that can turn a slow day into non-stop action in minutes. These fish love cooler water and show up in good numbers from November through March, making winter fishing in Marathon particularly productive. Bonito typically range from 3-8 pounds but fight way above their weight class, stripping line with determined runs that keep you honest on the drag. They're excellent eating when prepared as sashimi or lightly seared, and their schooling behavior means when you find one, there are usually plenty more where that came from.
Mahi Mahi represent the crown jewel of offshore fishing, combining stunning colors, acrobatic fights, and world-class table fare in one package that keeps anglers coming back for more. In Marathon waters, mahi typically show up from April through October, with peak action during the summer months
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35' Stryker sportfishing boat and get ready for serious fishing action in Marathon's blue waters. Twin 220 HP Cummins engines power you smoothly to the best offshore spots and productive reefs where Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna, and Mahi Mahi are waiting. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with air conditioning, a full kitchen, refrigerator, and even a bed for anyone who needs a break between fish. GPS and radar keep you on target while the fish finder locates the hotspots. You'll troll the open water first, then work the reefs for Mutton Snapper, Yellowtail, and Grouper. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold all day. With a private toilet onboard, you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler and making memories that'll last long after you dock.
Sarda SardaAtlantic bonito are fast, aggressive fish that look like small tunas with those telltale dark stripes running along their backs. They typically run 2-3 feet long and fight way above their weight class - these things can hit 40 mph when they want to. You'll find them in schools cruising the offshore waters, often with their dorsal fins cutting the surface like little sharks. They prefer water temps in the 60s and 70s, making fall through spring our best months here. What guests love about bonito is the sheer chaos when you find a feeding school - they'll hit almost any lure you throw at them. They're not great table fare in the States, but they make excellent live bait for bigger game. Pro tip: look for diving birds working bait schools. That's your sign there's likely bonito underneath going crazy on the same baitfish.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing - brilliant golds, greens, and blues that put on a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-30 pounds, though bulls can push 40-plus. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall brings the best action here, especially when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What makes mahi special is everything - they jump, they're gorgeous, and they're phenomenal on the table with that sweet, flaky white meat. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's often more around. They'll smash trolled ballyhoo, diving plugs, or anything that looks like a flying fish skipping on the surface. Here's the key: once you hook up, leave one in the water while you work the school. The hooked fish acts like a teaser to keep the others interested.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the heavyweight champs of the snapper family around here, with those olive-pink bodies and distinctive blue streaks below their eyes. They average 15-20 inches but can push 30-plus and 20 pounds when you get into the good ones. You'll find them around rocky structure and coral heads in 80-200 feet, though they'll move shallower during cooler months. What makes muttons special is they're both great fighters and excellent table fare - firm, sweet meat that's hard to beat. They can be finicky, so fresh bait presentation is everything. We use knocker rigs with fresh ballyhoo or pilchards, keeping the sinker light so the bait drifts naturally. The trick with muttons is patience and a good chum slick. Once they start feeding, you can pick them off one by one, but rush the fight and they'll wrap you up in the rocks every time.
Katsuwonus PelamisSkipjacks are smaller members of the tuna family, averaging 2-3 feet and around 20 pounds. You'll recognize them by those distinctive dark vertical stripes along their silver sides. They're pelagic fish that cruise the upper water column in big schools, often mixed with juvenile yellowfin. Out here in Marathon's offshore waters, they're most active during warmer months when water temps hit the mid-70s and above. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature - when you find a feeding school, the action can be fast and furious. They hit trolled lures hard at 4-6 knots, especially feathers and small spoons. While they're smaller than other tunas, they still put up a solid scrap on lighter tackle. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep working the area because where there's one skipjack, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, built like torpedoes and capable of 60 mph bursts. They typically run 3-5 feet and 20-40 pounds, with that distinctive blue-striped pattern and razor-sharp teeth. These loners cruise the deeper blue water, often around 100-300 feet, and are most active July through November here in the Keys. What draws people to wahoo fishing is the explosive strike - they'll cut a high-speed trolled lure in half if your leader isn't up to the task. The meat is white, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the ocean. We troll fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders and diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo. Here's a Marathon secret: work the 150-200 foot contour lines where the current creates upwelling. That's where wahoo ambush baitfish, and where you'll get those heart-stopping strikes.
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