Fishing Charters Marathon FL
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Bottom fishing targets Yellowtail, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper speciesTrolling techniques pursue Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo offshoreAll gear, bait, water, and licenses included for six anglers
Looking for a fishing charter in Marathon that delivers both variety and action? This reef and trolling combo trip gives you the best of both worlds in one day on the water. We start the morning working the wrecks and reefs for bottom fish, then switch gears and head offshore to troll for the big pelagic species that make the Florida Keys famous. With Infinite Blue Charters, you're getting a full-day fishing experience that adapts to what's biting and keeps your lines tight from start to finish.
Your day kicks off with some serious bottom fishing over Marathon's productive wrecks and reef structure. We'll anchor up and drop lines loaded with fresh bait to target yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, and various grouper species holding tight to the structure below. The first half of the trip is all about precision fishing – working different depths and adjusting your technique based on what the fish are telling us. Once we've loaded the cooler with quality bottom fish, we pull anchor and head out to the blue water. This is where things get really interesting. We'll deploy the trolling spread with a mix of ballyhoo, lures, and teasers designed to attract mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo cruising the offshore waters. The boat's equipped with top-shelf tackle, all the bait you'll need, and fishing licenses for your entire group of up to six anglers.
Bottom fishing the wrecks requires a different skill set than trolling the open ocean, and you'll get hands-on experience with both techniques during this charter. When we're working the structure, we're using circle hooks with fresh cut bait or live pilchards, keeping just enough tension to feel the bite without pulling the bait away from feeding fish. The key is reading the current and adjusting your weight to keep your offering in the strike zone. For the trolling portion, we run a spread of baits at different depths and speeds to cover water efficiently. We'll teach you how to work a fish on the trolling gear, when to clear other lines, and the proper technique for boat-side battles with fast-moving pelagics. The captain provides all the terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rods if you've got them.
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Marathon's offshore fishing scene. These hard-fighting fish typically run 10-20 pounds and show up year-round, with peak action during the cooler months from November through March. What makes blackfins special is their incredible stamina – they'll make multiple runs and test every knot in your tackle. They school up around structure and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets when we're trolling the offshore waters. Red grouper are the most common grouper species you'll encounter on the wrecks around Marathon. These bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon on the deeper structures. They're ambush predators that hold tight to the bottom, so expect a tough fight straight down when you hook up. The best action happens during the cooler months, and they're excellent table fare. Mahi mahi, or common dolphinfish, are what many anglers travel to the Keys specifically to target. These colorful fighters put on an aerial show that's hard to match, and they're curious fish that respond well to our trolling presentations. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, though we see them throughout the year. They school around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges – exactly where we'll be trolling. Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These toothy predators typically show up during the winter months, with December through February being prime time. When a wahoo hits your trolling bait, you'll know it immediately – they make blistering runs that can strip line off even the best reels. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Black grouper are the prize catch when bottom fishing Marathon's deeper wrecks and ledges. These powerful fish can exceed 50 pounds and provide battles that will test your technique and endurance. They're more common during the warmer months and tend to hold on the more remote structures where fishing pressure is lighter.
This combination reef and trolling charter offers something for every angler in your group, whether you're after the steady action of bottom fishing or the adrenaline rush of offshore trolling. The seasonal variations keep things interesting – you never know if today's the day you'll hook into a trophy grouper or witness a pack of mahi exploding on your trolling spread. With all gear, bait, licenses, and bottled water included, all you need to bring is your crew and your appetite for adventure. Marathon's fishing is world-class year-round, but prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your trip with Infinite Blue Charters now and get ready for a day of fishing that covers all the bases in one of Florida's most productive fishing destinations.
Step aboard our sleek Wellcraft 290 Coastal and get ready to battle some serious fish in Marathon's productive waters. This 29-foot fishing machine is built for serious anglers, featuring a massive 42-gallon Kodiak Pro-Flow baitwell that keeps your live bait swimming strong all day long. The spacious helm houses cutting-edge electronics including GPS and fish finder technology to put you right on top of the action. Whether we're dropping lines on productive wrecks for Yellowtail and Grouper or trolling the deep blue for Mahi and Wahoo, this boat handles it all with style. The flush-mounted rod holders keep your gear secure during the fight, while twin fish boxes provide plenty of storage for your catch. Between fishing spots, relax in air-conditioned comfort or grab a cold drink from the onboard refrigerator. The full galley and head make long days on the water comfortable for up to 6 anglers. We'll start by working the bottom structure for Snapper and Grouper, then shift gears to troll for pelagic species that cruise Marathon's offshore waters. All tackle, bait, licenses, and bottled water included.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing, averaging 10-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50-plus. These olive-colored bruisers with dark blotches love deep structure - ledges, wrecks, and rocky bottom from 80-300 feet. They're around year-round but move shallower in winter, making them more accessible. What sets blacks apart is their incredible power - they'll test every ounce of your drag and try to cut you off in the rocks. The meat is outstanding, mild and firm, perfect for the grill. My advice: bring heavy tackle, at least 80lb braid with 100lb leader. When you feel that telltale thump, start winding immediately and don't give them an inch. They inhale bait whole and head straight for cover.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins average 15-30 pounds and fight way above their weight class. These beautiful fish show off brilliant gold stripes when alive, but they fade quickly once landed. We find them in warm offshore waters, usually 68°F or warmer, often schooled up with skipjack. Peak season runs fall through spring here in the Keys. What makes blackfin special is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll peel line like crazy and test your drag system. The meat is fantastic, with that rich tuna flavor perfect for sashimi or grilling. My tip: scale down your leader to 30-40lb fluorocarbon and use smaller circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy tackle. When you find one, there's usually more around.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure excitement on our trolling runs. These colorful pelagic fish average 15-29 pounds and put on an amazing light show when hooked - brilliant golds, blues, and greens that fade once boated. We target them in open water around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges during our afternoon trolling. Best action runs spring through fall when water temps climb above 75°F. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make long runs. The meat is excellent too, mild and flaky like a premium white fish. My local trick: when you hook one, leave it in the water and cast another bait nearby. Mahi travel in schools, and the hooked fish will keep the others around for multiple hookups.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing here in Marathon. Most run 5-15 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing 30-40 pounds on the deeper ledges. These rust-colored fish with white spots love rocky bottom and structure from 40-200 feet. They're year-round residents, but fishing picks up during cooler months when they move shallower. What guests love about reds is the solid fight - they'll pull hard for the bottom using every rock and crevice. Plus, the meat is absolutely top-notch, firm and sweet with that subtle shellfish flavor. Here's the key: once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Grouper don't nibble - they inhale the bait whole, then head straight for cover to break you off.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, hitting 60 mph and capable of stripping your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds with that distinctive blue-striped pattern. We find them in open water, often around floating debris or current edges. Peak season here runs July through November when they move through in good numbers. What makes wahoo fishing special is that explosive first run - nothing hits a trolled bait harder or faster. The meat is primo too, white and delicate like the best fish tacos you've ever had. Essential tip: use wire leader, period. Those razor-sharp teeth will slice through any mono or fluoro in a heartbeat. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo works best.
Marathon