Marathon FL Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target tuna at Marathon Humps in 400-foot watersEight-hour offshore charter includes mahi fishing opportunitiesSmall group experience with six-guest maximum capacity
Looking for a serious offshore fishing adventure in the Florida Keys? This 8-hour deep sea charter out of Marathon takes you straight to the legendary Marathon Humps, where the action gets real fast. We're talking about one of the most productive fishing grounds in South Florida, sitting in 400 feet of crystal-clear water where big fish come to feed. Your day starts early at 7:30 AM sharp – because that's when the best fishing happens – and you'll spend the next eight hours chasing some of the most sought-after gamefish in these waters. With room for up to six anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having enough lines in the water and keeping things comfortable for everyone on board.
Your Marathon fishing adventure kicks off with a scenic run to the Humps, and trust me, the ride out is part of the experience. As we cruise toward deeper water, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins riding our wake and maybe even some early bird action on the surface. Once we hit that magical 400-foot mark, things get serious. The Marathon Humps aren't just any fishing spot – they're underwater mountains that create the perfect storm of current, baitfish, and hungry predators. We'll dedicate 2.5 to 3 hours specifically to working the Humps for tuna, but the fun doesn't stop there. On the way out and back, we'll be trolling for mahi mahi, so your lines stay wet practically the entire trip. Weather plays a big role in offshore fishing, so flexibility is key. Some days Mother Nature calls the shots, but that's all part of the authentic deep sea experience. The best part? Your trip price includes the customary 20% tip for the mates, so no awkward math at the end of the day.
When it comes to targeting tuna and mahi on the Marathon Humps, trolling is the name of the game. We'll set up a spread of lures and baits designed to catch the eye of anything cruising these productive waters. The Humps create upwelling that brings nutrients to the surface, which attracts baitfish, which in turn brings in the big boys we're after. For tuna, we'll focus on the structure itself, working the edges and drop-offs where these powerful fish patrol. The gear we use is top-shelf stuff – heavy tackle that can handle the lightning-fast runs and deep dives these fish are famous for. Mahi fishing happens more opportunistically as we move around, looking for floating debris, weed lines, or bird activity that signals feeding fish below. The beauty of this style of fishing is that you never know what's going to grab your line next. Could be a screaming mahi that lights up in every color imaginable, or maybe a blackfin tuna that tests your drag system to its limits.
Mahi mahi, also known as common dolphinfish, are the rock stars of offshore fishing in Marathon. These fish are absolute athletes – when they hit your line, they explode out of the water in a display of aerial acrobatics that'll get your heart pumping. Mahi are ambush predators that love to hang around floating objects, weed lines, and temperature breaks. They're known for their stunning golden-yellow coloration that shifts and changes when they're fighting or excited. Most mahi caught in these waters run between 10 to 30 pounds, though bigger bulls over 40 pounds show up regularly. The peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but honestly, you can find them year-round in South Florida. What makes mahi so special is their aggressive nature – they'll often travel in schools, so when you hook one, there's a good chance more are nearby. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take dinner home.
Blackfin tuna are the other stars of this show, and they're built for one thing – speed. These fish are like underwater missiles, capable of blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. Blackfins are smaller than their yellowfin cousins, typically ranging from 5 to 25 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure fighting spirit. They're schooling fish that feed heavily around structure like the Marathon Humps, especially during dawn and dusk periods. The cool thing about blackfins is their consistency – while other species might be seasonal, these tuna are present year-round in South Florida waters. They're incredibly strong for their size, and their stamina is legendary. Many anglers say pound-for-pound, blackfin tuna are among the strongest fish in the ocean. They're also excellent eating, with deep red meat that's perfect for searing or making into sushi-grade steaks.
The Marathon Humps don't fish themselves, and spots on quality charters like this one fill up fast, especially during peak season. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get your sea legs – eight hours gives you real time to work different spots, adjust to changing conditions, and maximize your chances at landing trophy fish. Infinite Blue Charters has built their reputation on putting anglers on fish, and their local knowledge of these waters is second to none. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler looking for your next personal best or someone ready to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Remember, no meals are included, so pack your own lunch and plenty of water – offshore fishing works up an appetite. The early departure time means you'll be back at the dock with plenty of daylight left to clean your catch and maybe grab a cold one to celebrate. Don't wait until the last minute to book – the best fishing dates disappear quickly, and you don't want to be the one telling fish stories about the charter that got away.
This classic 47-foot Sea Ray has been chasing fish in Marathon waters since 1998, and she's built for serious offshore action. Twin 420HP Caterpillar engines push her at a comfortable 25 knots, getting your crew of up to 6 anglers out to the deep water where the big fish live. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day - fish finder to mark the schools, radar for safety, GPS to hit those prime spots, plus AC to keep you cool between hookups. A full galley keeps snacks and drinks handy, and there's even a bed if someone needs a quick rest after battling a monster tuna. The flybridge gives your captain a commanding view to spot birds working or debris lines holding mahi. With an icebox and refrigerator onboard, your catch stays fresh on the ride back to the dock. This working fishing machine knows these waters and is ready to put you on the fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy underdogs of the tuna family, but don't let their smaller size fool you - these fish pack serious punch. Running 10-30 pounds on average, they're built for speed with that classic tuna body and distinctive yellow finlets. We find them over the Humps and along the continental shelf in 200-600 feet, especially during fall through spring when they move into our warmer Gulf Stream waters. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite and their reputation as pound-for-pound fighters that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding too - dark red and perfect for sushi or searing. My tip: scale down your tackle with lighter fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes and spook easily from heavy gear.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are absolute crowd-pleasers out here in Marathon waters. These golden beauties typically run 15-29 pounds and put on quite a show with their brilliant colors that shift from blue-green to gold when fighting. You'll find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100-400 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps stay warm. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic jumps, and incredible table fare - firm white meat that's perfect grilled. They're also great for families since they fight hard but come to the boat relatively quick. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for others - mahi school up and you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot.
Marathon