Marathon 8-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting Tuna, Swordfish, and MahiElectric reels provided for deep dropping up to 25 miles offshoreCaptain Arnold guides groups of 6 with mixed species approach
When you're serious about offshore fishing and want the full experience, this 8-hour deep sea trip out of Marathon delivers exactly what you're looking for. Captain Arnold will run you 25 miles offshore into some of the most productive waters around, where the Gulf Stream brings in the big players and the action can stay hot all day long. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full commitment to finding fish, switching up techniques, and giving everyone on board multiple shots at different species. With only 6 anglers max, you'll get plenty of rod time and personal attention from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early with a run out to the deep blue, where the real fishing begins. We'll spend time trolling the open water for speed demons like Tuna that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. When the trolling bite slows down, we switch gears and break out the electric reels for some serious deep dropping – this is where the Swordfish live, and hooking into one of these prehistoric fighters is something you'll never forget. Captain Arnold reads the water, watches the electronics, and keeps moving until we find what we're looking for. The variety keeps things interesting all day – one minute you're fighting a screaming Mahi run, the next you're cranking up something heavy from 800 feet down. Expect to work different depths, try multiple techniques, and stay engaged from the first lines in the water until we head back to the dock.
We've got you covered with dependable tackle that can handle whatever we hook into out there. For the trolling spread, we'll run a mix of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers to attract everything from Blackfin Tuna to Bull Dolphin. The electric reels are a game-changer when we're deep dropping – these babies do the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fight once something eats. We'll be working anywhere from 200 feet down to over 1,000 feet, depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are holding. The captain provides all rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. Circle hooks are the standard for most of our deep water work, and we'll walk you through the technique if you're new to offshore fishing. The boat's rigged with quality electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the safety gear you'd expect on a top-rated charter operation.
Mahi Mahi, or Dolphin as the locals call them, are absolute crowd-pleasers and one of the most reliable catches in these waters. These fish are built for speed and acrobatics – when a Bull Dolphin eats your bait, get ready for jumping, diving, and long runs that'll have your drag screaming. They typically run anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 50 or more. Best action usually happens from late spring through fall, and they love structure, weed lines, and floating debris. What makes Dolphin so special is their aggressive feeding behavior and the fact that where you find one, you often find more. The meat is world-class too, so you'll be eating good after the trip.
Swordfish are the ultimate deep water prize and exactly why serious anglers book these longer trips. These prehistoric fighters can stretch over 10 feet and weigh hundreds of pounds, making them one of the ocean's most respected gamefish. We target them during daylight hours using deep dropping techniques with squid and other natural baits, working depths from 600 to 1,500 feet. The bite might be subtle at first, but once a Sword realizes it's hooked, the real fight begins. They're known for long, powerful runs and the ability to sound deep when they want to. Landing a Swordfish is a bucket-list achievement that separates the casual angler from the serious offshore fisherman.
Skipjack Tuna are the speed merchants of the deep, and catching them is all about fast action and quick reflexes. These fish rarely exceed 20 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure energy and numbers. When you find a school of Skipjacks, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups and fish flying over the rails. They're excellent bait for bigger predators too, so catching a few Skipjacks often sets you up for shots at Marlin or big Sharks later in the day. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're a great species for newer anglers to cut their teeth on offshore fishing.
Blackfin Tuna are the local favorites that fight way above their weight class. Most fish run between 10 to 30 pounds, but they pull like freight trains and never give up easy. These fish are year-round residents in South Florida waters, making them one of the most consistent catches you can count on. They love structure, temperature breaks, and bait schools, often feeding alongside Dolphin and other species. Blackfins are also phenomenal table fare – their dark red meat is prized by sushi chefs and makes for some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste. When the bigger gamefish aren't cooperating, a cooler full of Blackfins still makes for a successful day on the water.
This 8-hour Marathon deep sea adventure gives you everything an offshore angler could want – variety, expert guidance, quality gear, and access to some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Keys. Captain Arnold's reputation for finding fish and putting guests on quality catches makes this one of the most sought-after charters in the area. With only 6 spots available, trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather's perfect. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to add new species to your list or
Step aboard this beautifully restored 35' Stryker sportfishing boat and get ready for some serious offshore action in Marathon's deep waters. Captain Arnold's classic vessel runs on twin 220 HP Cummins engines that'll get you 25 miles out where the big fish live. This boat was built for fishing and it shows - from the fish finder that'll help locate schools to the electric reels perfect for deep dropping on Swordfish. The GPS and radar keep you on course while the AC keeps you comfortable between hookups. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to work the rails without getting tangled up. The onboard kitchen, fridge, and icebox mean fresh bait and cold drinks all day, while the bed and head add comfort for those long runs. Whether you're trolling for Tuna or working the depths for Swords, this boat handles the offshore conditions with the reliability you want when you're miles from shore chasing trophy fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the true tunas, blackfins are beautiful fish with that golden stripe and dark fins. They typically run 15-30 pounds and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in the blue water near continental shelves, usually mixed in with skipjacks. Fall, winter, and spring are peak times here in the Keys when water temps hit that sweet spot above 68 degrees. Anglers love them because they're fierce fighters with excellent table fare - that deep red meat is perfect for searing. They've got sharp eyes, so we scale everything down. I run 30-pound fluoro leaders with 5/0 or 6/0 circle hooks. The trick is using live pilchards for chum to pull them close, then drop vertical jigs or chunk baits. Keep everything light and natural-looking.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are one of the most colorful catches you'll see out here. They put on a light show when you pull them up, flashing blues and greens before fading to that classic yellow-gold. Most run 15-29 pounds and around 3 feet, but we've seen bigger. They love floating debris and weed lines about 25 miles out in the blue water. Spring through fall is prime time when the water's warm. What makes them special is the fight - they jump, tail-walk, and never quit. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, mild flesh. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for more - they usually travel in schools, so where there's one, there's often a whole mess of them ready to bite.
Katsuwonus PelamisThese smaller tunas pack a punch despite averaging just 20 pounds and 2-3 feet. You'll spot them by those distinctive dark stripes along their silver sides. They school up in the open water column, often mixed with juvenile yellowfins. They're around year-round in our warm waters, but spring and summer bring the best action. What's great about skipjack is they're scrappy fighters that bend the rod and peel drag, plus they're the backbone of the light tuna industry - you know the taste. They spook easy though, so we troll at 4-6 knots with hoochie rigs or feathers. The key is not getting too close to the school with the boat. Let the baits work back to them instead of charging right in. Once you hook one, be ready - the whole school usually fires up.
Xiphias GladiusThese are the giants we're after with our electric reels, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds, though they can hit over 1,000. We drop baits down to 300-600 feet during the day since they come up to feed at night. The flat bill and that massive size make them one of the ocean's most impressive catches. Peak season runs April through September when they're spawning. What draws people back is landing something this big - it's a serious accomplishment that not many anglers can claim. The meat's firm and excellent eating too, similar to what you'd pay top dollar for at a restaurant. Here's the trick: use plenty of lights on your rig and fresh squid for bait. They've got great eyesight in the deep, and that glow will pull them in from a distance.
Marathon, FL