Marathon Keys Wreck Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Bottom fishing targets Yellowtail, Mangrove Snapper, and Grouper species.Trolling techniques pursue Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo catches.All gear, bait, water, and licenses included onboard.
The wrecks around Marathon hold some of the Florida Keys' best fishing secrets, and this charter puts you right where the big fish live. You'll spend your day working two different styles of fishing that'll give you the best shot at filling the cooler. First half of the trip, we're dropping down to the structure for some serious bottom fishing action. Then we'll switch gears and start trolling the deeper waters where the pelagics cruise. Captain and crew handle all the details – gear, bait, licenses, and cold water – so you just focus on fighting fish.
This Marathon fishing charter runs like clockwork, starting with bottom fishing around the wrecks and structure that make the Keys famous. You'll be fishing for yellowtail snapper, mangrove snapper, and grouper species that call these artificial reefs home. The boat holds up to six anglers, so there's plenty of room to spread out and work your spots without getting tangled up. Once we've worked the bottom structure, we'll move into the trolling phase where the real horsepower fish live. Mahi mahi, tuna, and wahoo patrol these waters, and when they hit your line, you'll know it. The crew keeps everything organized – from rigging baits to gaffing fish – so you can concentrate on what you came here to do.
The bottom fishing portion targets the wrecks and hard structure that attracts baitfish and the predators that feed on them. We'll use circle hooks with natural baits, dropping down to 60-100 feet where the grouper and snapper hang out. The key is staying tight to the bottom but not getting hung up in the wreck itself. Once we've worked the structure, we'll rig up the trolling spread with a mix of ballyhoo, feathers, and diving plugs. Trolling lets us cover water and find the schools of mahi or the solitary wahoo that cruise the deeper water. The boat runs at 6-8 knots, which is the sweet spot for most pelagic species. When something hits, we'll clear the other lines and let you fight your fish without interference.
Red grouper are the bread and butter of the wreck fishing scene around Marathon. These fish grow substantial – we see plenty in the 15-25 pound range – and they fight hard on the way up from deep water. They're year-round residents but fish best during the cooler months when they're more active and feeding heavy. What makes red grouper special is their determination to get back to the bottom once hooked, plus they're excellent table fare that'll make your trip pay dividends at dinner time.
King mackerel show up in numbers during their seasonal migrations, typically spring through fall when the water temperature sits in that 75-82 degree range. These fish are pure speed and will test your drag system with long, blistering runs. A good king will go 20-40 pounds and provides some of the most exciting fishing you'll find in the Keys. They hit trolled baits hard and don't give up easy, making them a favorite for anglers who like their fish with attitude.
Mahi mahi are the wildcards that can show up any time during the warmer months, usually traveling in schools around floating debris or weed lines. When you find them, you'll often catch several before they move on. They're spectacular fighters that jump repeatedly and show off their brilliant colors. Most mahi here run 10-25 pounds, with the occasional bull dolphin pushing 40-plus pounds. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep water, capable of runs that'll smoke your reel in seconds. These fish are built for velocity, with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body that cuts through water like nothing else. They typically show up as single fish rather than schools, hitting trolled baits at high speed. A wahoo over 30 pounds is a trophy-class fish that'll provide stories for years to come.
Black grouper represent the heavyweight division of the wreck fishing world, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon around the deeper structures. These bruisers require serious tackle and technique to get them away from the bottom before they cut you off on the wreck. They're less common than red grouper but make up for it in size and fighting ability. Landing a big black grouper from a wreck requires skill, luck, and equipment that's up to the challenge.
Marathon's wreck fishing delivers year-round action with seasonal peaks that serious anglers plan their trips around. The combination of bottom fishing and trolling gives you two completely different styles of fishing in one trip, doubling your chances of getting into fish. Everything's included except your Florida fishing license, which you can grab online before the trip. The boat's equipped with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. Book early during peak season – spring through fall – when the fishing is hottest and spots fill up fast. This charter consistently produces fish and memories that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's over.
This 47-foot Sea Ray is your ticket to Marathon's best wreck fishing spots. Built in 1998 and powered by twin 420HP Caterpillar engines, she cuts through Florida Bay waters at 25 knots to get you on the fish fast. The spacious cockpit gives all 6 anglers room to work without tangling lines, while the flybridge offers a commanding view for spotting birds and bait schools. When you're not fighting yellowtail or grouper over the wrecks, cool off in the air-conditioned cabin complete with kitchen, bed, and head. The fish finder and GPS will put you right on top of structure where snapper and grouper stack up, then we'll head offshore to troll for mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Ice boxes keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with pelagics. This boat's proven track record in these waters means more time with lines wet and less time searching.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bullies of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your back. These brutes average 10-30 pounds, but we've hooked 50+ pounders that felt like trying to lift a refrigerator. They live around hard bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 30-200 feet, moving deeper as water warms up. Winter months are prime when they come shallow to spawn. What guests love is the pure tug-of-war - no fancy runs, just raw power trying to get back to the rocks. The payoff is excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. They're ambush predators that'll crush anything near the bottom. Here's the key: once you hook up, crank hard and don't let up. Give them an inch and they'll dive straight into the structure and cut you off every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds during peak season. We find them trolling the deeper water from 40-150 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Fall through spring is prime time here in Marathon - September through April when water temps drop into the 70s. What guests love most is the blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat. We troll with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono in seconds. Pro tip: when trolling for kings, vary your speeds between 6-12 knots. Sometimes they want it slow, sometimes fast - let the fish tell you what they prefer that day.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure eye candy with their brilliant gold and green colors that light up when hooked. Most run 10-25 pounds, though bulls can push 40+ pounds. We target them around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in blue water. Spring through fall is best here in the Keys, especially when water temps hit the upper 70s and 80s. What makes them special is the aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real display. The meat is top-shelf too - mild, sweet, and firm. They travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more. My go-to trick is to keep the first fish in the water alongside the boat while we work the school. The others will often stick around, thinking their buddy found dinner. Just watch those sharp gill plates when handling them.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most reliable bottom fish here in Marathon. These rust-colored beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. They hang around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. You'll find them year-round, but cooler months from October through March are prime time when they move shallower. What makes them special? They fight hard and taste even better - firm, flaky meat with that mild grouper flavor everyone loves. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, dead bait, or jigs. Here's my tip: once you feel that thump, reel fast and keep steady pressure. They'll try to dive back into the rocks and cut your line, so don't give them a chance to get their head down.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - think underwater missile with teeth. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds but can reach 60+ pounds. We find them in blue water trolling deep drop-offs and current edges, usually 100+ feet deep. Peak season here runs July through November when they're migrating through. What sets them apart is pure speed - they'll smoke 400 yards of line in seconds and jump like tarpon. The meat is outstanding too - white, flaky, and mild like premium tuna. They're loners mostly, so it's usually one-and-done. Wire leaders are essential since those razor teeth will cut anything else instantly. My secret weapon is high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with deep-diving plugs. Most fish want slow presentation, but wahoo love it fast - the faster you troll, the more aggressive they get.
Marathon