Fishing Charter Marathon Florida
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Halfday bottom fishing targeting yellowtail, snapper, and grouperAll gear, bait, licenses, and gratuity included for six anglersNavigate productive reefs in 40100 foot depths near Marathon
Marathon sits right in the heart of the Florida Keys, and let me tell you - this spot is pure gold for bottom fishing. When you book with Infinite Blue Charters, you're getting access to some of the most productive reefs between 40 and 100 feet of water. We're talking about structure that holds serious fish year-round, and our half-day trips give you plenty of time to fill the cooler without eating up your whole vacation day. The boat's fully rigged with quality gear, we've got your bait sorted, and yes - even your fishing licenses are covered. Plus, we keep it simple with the gratuity already built in, so no awkward math at the end of the day.
This isn't your typical party boat scene. We max out at 6 anglers, which means you're getting personalized attention and plenty of elbow room at the rail. Our captain knows these reefs like the back of his hand - we're hitting spots that consistently produce Yellowtail, Mangrove Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and various Grouper species. The ride out takes about 20-30 minutes depending on conditions and where the fish are biting that day. Once we're on the numbers, you'll be dropping baits to the bottom and working that structure. The mate will keep your hooks sharp, help with tangles, and make sure everyone's getting bit. We provide bottled water to keep you hydrated, but bring your own snacks and lunch since meals aren't included on this trip.
Bottom fishing here is all about reading the structure and presenting your bait naturally. We use circle hooks to keep fish mortality low, and the rigs are simple but effective - typically a knocker rig or chicken rig depending on current and what we're targeting. The captain will position the boat upgradient of the reef, and you'll drop your bait down to hit bottom, then reel up a couple cranks to keep it in the strike zone. Live pilchards and sardines are the go-to baits, but we'll also run some cut bait when the bite calls for it. The key is feeling that subtle tap-tap-tap and knowing when to set the hook. Our tackle is medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle anything from 2-pound Yellowtail up to 20-pound Grouper. Don't worry if you're new to this - the mate will walk you through everything.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of these reefs. These guys typically run 3-8 pounds and are absolute table fare champions. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, but you'll find them year-round if you know where to look. Red Grouper hang tight to structure and have this habit of inhaling your bait and diving straight back to their hole. The fight is more about leverage than speed - they're bulldogs that will test your drag. What makes them special is how they adapt to different depths, and here in Marathon, we find them scattered across ledges and rocks from 60-100 feet.
Mutton Snapper are the glamour fish of this trip. These beauties can push 10-15 pounds and have this gorgeous pinkish coloration with that distinctive black spot behind the gill plate. Peak season runs May through August when they're spawning around the full moon, but we see good numbers spring through fall. Muttons are smart - they'll inspect your bait and test your patience. Once hooked, they make long runs and have enough power to straighten hooks if your drag isn't set right. The bigger ones develop this almost pompano-like body shape and fight way above their weight class.
Lane Snapper might be smaller, but they're pure action. These little speedsters rarely break 2 pounds, but they make up for size with attitude. They travel in schools and when you find them, it's game on - sometimes you'll double up or even triple up if everyone's in the right spot. Lane Snapper are great for kids and newer anglers because they bite aggressively and the hooksets are pretty forgiving. They're also fantastic eating despite their size, with sweet white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or ceviche.
Black Grouper are the prize of the trip when they show up. These bruisers can reach 20+ pounds and are built like submarines. They prefer the deeper edges of the reefs and are more common during summer months. Black Grouper have this reputation for being tackle busters - they'll hit your bait hard and immediately head for the nearest cave or ledge. The first few seconds after hookup are critical because once they get into structure, it's game over. When you land one, you've earned some serious bragging rights. Their jet-black coloration and massive head make them unmistakable, and the meat quality is restaurant-grade.
Marathon's reef fishing is as consistent as it gets in South Florida, but the best trips book up fast, especially during peak season. This half-day format gives you maximum fishing time without the commitment of a full day, and at 6 anglers max, you're getting a premium experience without the crowd. Everything's included except your lunch and the fish cleaning, so you can focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat. The 20% gratuity being built in means one less thing to worry about, and our crew will work their tails off to make sure you have a solid trip. These Marathon reefs have been producing for decades, and with Infinite Blue Charters, you're getting access to the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
This 47-foot Sea Ray is your ticket to productive waters off Marathon, where yellowtail snapper and grouper patrol the reefs. Twin 420HP Caterpillar engines push this fishing machine to 25 knots, getting your crew of up to 6 anglers to the honey holes fast. Built in 1998 and rigged for serious bottom fishing, she's loaded with everything you need: fish finder to mark the structure, GPS and radar for precise navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The flybridge gives you a commanding view of the action, while the onboard kitchen, head, and AC keep everyone comfortable during those long battles with mutton snapper in 40-100 foot depths. All gear, bait, water, and licenses included, with mate gratuity covered so you can focus on filling the coolers.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the heavyweight champions of our reef fishing. These olive-gray bruisers with dark blotches can reach 30+ pounds, though most run 10-20 pounds. They lurk around deep ledges, wrecks, and structure in 80-200 feet, moving shallower during cooler months. Peak season is fall through spring when they're more aggressive. What makes them special is the incredible fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag you into the rocks with pure power. The meat is fantastic, mild and firm. These are ambush predators that inhale prey whole, so no nibbling - just a solid thump. Here's the key: heavy tackle is mandatory, and when you feel that bite, crank immediately and don't give an inch. They'll head straight for structure to break you off. Use 80lb braid minimum and be ready for war.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snapper are the scrappy underdogs that keep the action going on slow days. These colorful pink fish with yellow racing stripes down their sides usually run 1-3 pounds, perfect for lighter tackle fun. They love sandy areas near reefs in 30-80 feet, especially spots with good grass beds. Best fishing is March through September during spawning season when they school up. What guests enjoy is how aggressive they are - they'll hit almost anything you drop down, and they fight hard for their size. They're also great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Often called "bonus fish" because they show up when targeting other species. Here's the trick: they feed heavily at night, so dawn and dusk trips often produce the best action. Small hooks and fresh shrimp work best - they're not picky but they're small-mouthed.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are the prize fighters of our reef trips. These beautiful pink and olive fish with blue streaks under their eyes typically run 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 15+ pounds. You'll find them around coral heads and sandy patches in 60-130 feet, often right where our reefs meet the sand. They're most active during warmer months and love current changes. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll head straight for the bottom once hooked. The meat is top-shelf eating, sweet and firm. Unlike other snappers, muttons are usually loners, so when you find one, work that spot thoroughly. Pro tip: use the freshest bait you can get and let it drift naturally in the current. These fish are line-shy, so a light knocker rig often outfishes heavy weights.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are one of our most reliable bottom fish around Marathon's reefs. These rusty-red beauties with white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky ledges and structure in 40-100 feet, making them perfect for our half-day trips. What guests love most is the fight - once hooked, they'll dive straight for the rocks and test your drag. The meat is outstanding too, firm and flaky with that sweet shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're more active. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first thump, crank hard immediately. They don't nibble - they inhale the bait whole, and you've got seconds before they duck back into the structure and break you off.
Marathon