Charter Fishing Marathon Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore charter targets multiple species yearroundBottom fishing and trolling techniques for diverse catchesAll gear, licenses, and water included for six guests
Looking for some serious fishing action in the Florida Keys? This full-day charter out of Marathon puts you right in the heart of some of the best offshore waters in South Florida. You'll spend 8 solid hours on the water with Captain and crew who know these reefs, wrecks, and blue water like the back of their hand. We're talking about waters that consistently produce trophy fish year-round, and with a maximum of 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're rushing back to the dock just as the fish start biting. Eight hours gives us time to really work the water and adapt to what the fish are doing that day. We'll start early, usually heading out before sunrise to beat the crowds and get first crack at the prime spots. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and everything you need for a successful day. Your fishing license is covered, and they keep plenty of cold water on board to keep you hydrated under that Florida sun. The crew also recommends bringing snorkeling gear - when we're anchored up on a reef waiting for the bite to turn on, you might want to drop in and check out what's swimming around below.
The beauty of fishing these Marathon waters is the variety of techniques we can employ in a single day. We'll spend time bottom fishing over rocky structure and patch reefs, dropping down heavy sinkers with circle hooks to target snapper and grouper holding tight to the bottom. When conditions are right, we'll set up a trolling spread and cover some serious water, pulling ballyhoo and lures behind the boat to intercept fast-moving pelagics cruising the blue water. Drift fishing is another productive method we use here, especially when targeting bigger mutton snapper and amberjack around deeper structure. The crew reads the conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what's working and what the fish want.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Marathon offshore fishing, and these silver bullets provide non-stop action when they're around. Kings typically run from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, with occasional fish pushing 40-plus. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, when baitfish are thick and the water temperature drops into the upper 70s. What makes king fishing so addictive is the explosive strike and screaming runs - these fish will peel drag like nothing else, and they're fantastic on the dinner table too.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are pure gold when you find them. These colorful fighters love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks in the blue water. Peak season runs from March through July, but you can find scattered fish year-round. Bulls can push 20 to 40 pounds and provide spectacular aerial displays, while the smaller females still pack a serious punch. Fresh mahi is hard to beat, and the crew will ice your catch properly for the ride home.
Greater Amberjack are the freight trains of the reef, and landing one is a true test of angling skill and endurance. These bruisers hang around deeper wrecks and ledges, often in 80 to 150 feet of water. AJs can exceed 50 pounds and will drag you into the rocks if you're not ready for them. They're most cooperative from September through April when cooler water brings them up from the depths. Every angler should experience the arm-burning fight of a big amberjack at least once.
Mutton Snapper are the prize of the snapper family, and Marathon's waters produce some true slabs. These bronze beauties are extremely spooky and require finesse fishing with lighter leaders and natural baits. They school up over deeper patches and seamounts, typically in 40 to 100 feet of water. Muttons are most active during summer months and into early fall. A 10-pound mutton is a trophy fish, and they're absolutely delicious on the table.
Black Grouper round out our target species list, and these bottom dwellers are every meat fisherman's dream. Blacks inhabit rocky bottom and ledges, where they ambush smaller fish and crustaceans. They're incredibly strong for their size and will head straight for the rocks when hooked. The bigger fish are typically found in deeper water, and anything over 15 pounds is considered a keeper-sized fish in these waters. Grouper season has specific regulations, so the crew stays current on all the rules to ensure we're fishing responsibly.
Marathon's offshore fishing is world-class year-round, but the best days book up fast, especially during peak season. This 8-hour charter gives you the time needed to really work the water and put together a mixed bag of quality fish. With all gear, bait, licenses, and drinks included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The crew's local knowledge and experience in these waters makes all the difference between an okay day and an absolutely epic fishing adventure. Don't wait - prime dates fill up weeks in advance, and you don't want to miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime in the beautiful Florida Keys.
This 47-foot Sea Ray cuts through Marathon waters with authority, powered by twin 420HP Caterpillar engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and steady at 25 knots. Built tough in 1998 and rigged specifically for offshore sport fishing, she's got everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for navigation, plus a flybridge for spotting birds and bait schools. The air-conditioned cabin keeps you comfortable between fishing sessions, with a full kitchen, refrigerator, and icebox to keep your catch fresh. There's even a bed and head onboard for longer trips. Whether you're bottom fishing for grouper and snapper or trolling for mahi and tuna, this boat handles the Gulf waters like a pro. Room for up to 6 fishermen, so bring the crew and get ready to fill the fishbox in the productive waters off the Florida Keys.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are powerhouse bottom dwellers, usually running 10-30 pounds but capable of reaching 100-plus. We target them around ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 50-250 feet depending on season - they move deeper in summer, shallower in winter. What guests love is the challenge - these fish fight like bulldozers and test your gear to the limit. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. We fish them with heavy tackle, 50-80 pound gear minimum, since they'll try to cut you off in the rocks. Key tip: when you feel that thump, set the hook hard and crank immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll head straight back to structure and break you off.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are serious fish, typically running 20-50 pounds with some giants pushing over 70. We target them around wrecks and deep structure in 80-200 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall produce the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What anglers love about AJs is their bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag you straight down into the wreck. The meat's excellent when prepared right, though bigger fish can carry ciguatera. We fish them with heavy tackle, usually 50-80 pound gear, using live bait or large jigs. Here's the key: once you hook an amberjack, don't give it any slack. Keep constant pressure and pump it up fast before it gets back into the structure and cuts you off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel average 30 pounds but can push 90, making them one of our fastest fighters in these waters. We find them in 40-150 feet, usually around structure and drop-offs where they hunt baitfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're most active in our warmer Gulf Stream waters. What guests love about kings is their blistering runs - they'll peel line like nothing else out here. The meat's excellent too, with that rich flavor that's perfect on the grill. Here's a local trick: use a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Kings typically hit the tail section of baitfish first, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish. Once hooked, they fight hard to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi run 15-30 pounds on average but we've seen some push close to 50. These surface dwellers love floating debris and weed lines where they hunt flying fish and squid. Best months are April through October when water temps climb above 70 degrees. What makes mahi special is their amazing color show - brilliant gold and green that flashes as they jump and run. Plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild white meat. We usually find them trolling the blue water or around any floating structure. Pro tip: once you hook one, leave your other lines out. Mahi travel in schools, and where there's one, there's usually more. Keep that first fish in the water if possible - it'll help hold the school near the boat.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are one of our prized catches, typically running 3-8 pounds with some reaching 15-20. We find them around reefs and sandy bottom areas in 80-200 feet, especially near ledges where current flows. They're most active during cooler months when they move shallower to spawn. What makes muttons special is their beautiful pink coloration and excellent table fare - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. They're also smart fish that require finesse and fresh bait. The trick with muttons is presentation - use light sinkers and let your bait drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through the clear water, you know you've got something special. Keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they've got soft mouths.
Marathon