Charter Fishing Marathon Keys
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full-day offshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesBottom fishing and trolling techniques for diverse catchesAll gear, licenses, and essentials included aboard
Marathon sits right in the heart of the Florida Keys, and there's no better launching pad for an epic offshore fishing day. This 8-hour charter with Infinite Blue Charters puts you in prime position to tangle with some of the Atlantic's most sought-after gamefish. We're talking about waters where the Gulf Stream pushes baitfish close to structure, creating a feeding frenzy that keeps rods bent and reels screaming. You'll have multiple shots at different species using proven techniques that work in these productive waters. With all gear, bait, licenses, and cold water included, you just need to show up ready to fish.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish using whatever method is working best that day. Some days we'll start by bottom fishing over rocky ledges and patch reefs where yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, and grouper hang out in the shadows. Other times, we'll head straight offshore and start trolling for the big pelagics - mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo that cruise the blue water looking for an easy meal. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility. If the bite slows down in one spot, we're moving. If one technique isn't producing, we're switching it up. Drift fishing over deeper structure often produces bigger mutton snapper and pompano, especially when the current is moving just right. The boat easily handles six anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work different areas without getting tangled up.
Bottom fishing in the Keys is all about reading the structure and getting your bait down to where the fish are holding. We use spinning reels spooled with braided line and enough sinker weight to keep your bait tight to the bottom, even with current pushing. Live pilchards, ballyhoo, and shrimp are the go-to baits that trigger strikes from snapper and grouper. When we switch to trolling, the setup changes completely. We'll run a spread of lures and rigged ballyhoo at different depths and distances behind the boat. The key is covering water and presenting baits at the right speed to mimic fleeing baitfish. Drift fishing requires a different approach - we let the boat drift naturally with the current while working jigs and live bait through the water column. This technique is deadly effective for mutton snapper and amberjack that patrol the edges of reefs and wrecks. Your captain will handle all the technical stuff, but don't be afraid to ask questions about what's working and why.
King mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, and they'll test your drag system in a hurry. These fish typically run 15 to 40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during the winter months when they migrate south. Kings are aggressive feeders that smash trolled baits and make blistering runs toward the surface. What makes them special is their fighting style - they jump, they dive, and they never give up easy. Plus, they make excellent table fare when handled properly.
Mahi mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter offshore. These fish average 10 to 25 pounds, but bulls can push 50 pounds or more. Spring through fall offers the best action when they follow floating debris and weed lines. Mahi are acrobatic fighters that leap repeatedly when hooked, displaying brilliant gold and green colors. They're also one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Greater amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These powerful fish commonly weigh 20 to 60 pounds and live around deeper structure where they ambush smaller fish. Amberjack fight hard and deep, using their broad shoulders to bulldoze toward the bottom. They're most active during the cooler months and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience. The bigger fish require heavy tackle and patience to turn them away from structure.
Mutton snapper are the prize of the snapper family, growing much larger than their yellowtail cousins. These fish can reach 20 pounds or more and are incredibly smart, requiring precise presentations and quality bait. They're most active during the summer months around full moon phases. Muttons are prized for both their fighting ability and exceptional table quality, making them a favorite target for serious anglers.
Black grouper are the kings of the bottom, with mature fish reaching 50 pounds or more. These ambush predators hide in holes and under ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. Grouper fishing requires heavy tackle and quick reflexes - once hooked, they dive straight for cover and try to break you off in the rocks. The fight is typically short but intense, and the reward is some of the best eating fish in Florida waters.
Marathon's offshore fishing scene is world-class year-round, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. This charter gives you access to proven fishing grounds, expert local knowledge, and the flexibility to target whatever species are biting best. With everything included except your fishing license (which is actually covered too), you're getting serious value for a full day of top-rated fishing action. The boat accommodates six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for groups looking to experience some of Florida's best offshore fishing. Don't forget to bring that snorkeling gear - when the fish aren't biting, these crystal-clear waters offer amazing underwater scenery. Book your spot today and get ready for a day of bent rods and full coolers.
This 47-foot Sea Ray is your ticket to some serious offshore action in Marathon's legendary fishing waters. Built in 1998 and powered by twin 420HP Caterpillar engines, she'll cruise you out to the prime fishing grounds at 25 knots with room for up to 6 anglers. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting working birds and color changes, while the fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of structure holding yellowtail and grouper. When you're ready to troll for mahi and wahoo, there's plenty of cockpit space to work multiple lines. Between fishing sessions, cool off with the A/C, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, or use the galley to prep your catch. The radar keeps you safe when weather moves in, and the onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're bottom fishing the reef or drifting for mutton snapper, this boat has everything you need for a productive day on the water.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, averaging 10-30 pounds with occasional giants pushing 50-plus. These ambush predators hang around ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom in 60-200 feet. Fall and winter months are prime time when they move shallower to feed. What guests love is the arm-burning fight and premium table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish are all about power, not speed, and they'll try to drag you back into the rocks. My number one rule: the second you feel that thump, start reeling hard and don't stop. Use heavy tackle with serious drag because once they get their head down, it's game over.
Seriola dumeriliAmberjack are the bulldogs of the reef - thick-bodied bruisers that average 30-50 pounds and love deep structure. We target them around wrecks, ledges, and reefs in 80-200 feet, especially during spring spawning runs. These fish have serious pulling power and will test your back and tackle. What makes them popular is the combination of size, fight, and excellent eating - firm white meat that's great for steaks. The challenge is keeping them off the bottom once hooked. My advice: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line, and the second you feel that bite, start cranking hard. Give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the structure every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are fast, aggressive predators that average 20-40 pounds but can reach over 90. These silver torpedoes with razor-sharp teeth love trolling around weed lines and structure in 40-150 feet of water. Here in Marathon, they're most active during cooler months when bait fish are thick. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll strip line off your reel like few other fish. The meat is rich and flavorful, though high in oils. My go-to trick: use a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Kings often hit the tail section of bait fish, so that trailing hook saves the day when they miss the head shot.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the poster fish of offshore fishing - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they're brought to the boat. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds and live only 3-4 years. We find them under floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water. Spring through fall are prime time when the Gulf Stream pushes closer. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect grilled. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep it in the water while you get more lines ready. Mahi travel in schools, and that first fish will often bring the whole crew to the boat.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of our drift fishing trips - beautiful pinkish fish with distinctive blue lines around their eyes. Most run 3-8 pounds, but 15-20 pounders show up regularly. We find them around sand patches near reefs in 80-150 feet, especially where there's good current flow. They're most active during warmer months and are notorious for their finicky feeding habits. What makes them special is their excellent table fare and the challenge they present - these fish are smart and spook easily. The key is using the freshest bait on light tackle and letting it drift naturally in the current. Skip the heavy sinkers; a knocker rig works best to keep that bait moving naturally.
Marathon