Marathon Offshore Fishing - Top-Rated Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing targeting multiple prized speciesBottom fishing and trolling techniques for diverse catchesAll gear, licenses, and refreshments included for groups
Looking for a world-class fishing adventure in the heart of the Florida Keys? You've found it. Marathon sits right in the sweet spot where the Atlantic meets the Gulf, creating some of the most productive offshore waters you'll find anywhere. This full-day charter with Infinite Blue Charters puts you in the middle of the action, targeting everything from bottom-dwelling grouper to pelagic speedsters like mahi and wahoo. With all your gear, bait, licenses, and water bottles included, all you need to bring is your appetite for fish and maybe some sunscreen.
Your day starts early – that's when the fish bite best and the seas are usually calmest. We'll head out to proven offshore spots where the depth drops off and the current brings in baitfish by the thousands. The beauty of Marathon fishing is the variety. One minute you're dropping baits to the bottom for yellowtail snapper and grouper, the next you're watching the outriggers dance as we troll for mahi mahi and tuna. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of fishing – we're constantly moving, reading the water, and adjusting tactics based on what Mother Nature serves up. The boat accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the family or a group of buddies, everyone gets plenty of rod time. Don't worry about experience level either – our crew knows how to put first-timers on fish while keeping seasoned anglers challenged.
We run three main techniques on these offshore trips, each targeting different species and keeping the action varied. Bottom fishing is where we start most days – dropping heavy sinkers with circle hooks down to structure where grouper, snapper, and other reef fish hang out. The key is getting your bait down fast before the current sweeps it away, and being ready for that telltale thump when a big grouper grabs hold. Trolling comes next, pulling lures and rigged baits behind the boat at different speeds to mimic fleeing baitfish. This is how we target the speedsters – mahi mahi, wahoo, blackfin tuna, and cero mackerel. When we mark schools of fish on the sounder, we'll switch to drift fishing, letting live or cut baits move naturally with the current. This technique is deadly for mutton snapper, pompano, and sometimes surprise catches like kingfish or even sailfish. All tackle is provided, from heavy bottom rigs to light spinning gear, plus we stock plenty of fresh bait and proven lures.
Black Grouper are the heavyweight champions of the reef, and Marathon's offshore structure holds some true monsters. These fish can push 50 pounds or more, and they fight like they're twice that size. Best time to target them is during the cooler months from November through March when they're more active and closer to shore. What makes black grouper so exciting is the sheer power – once hooked, they immediately head for the rocks, testing your drag and determination. Their meat is absolutely top-notch too, perfect for grilling or making fish sandwiches back at the dock.
Blackfin Tuna might be the smaller cousins of their yellowfin relatives, but don't let size fool you – these fish are pure energy. Averaging 15-25 pounds in our waters, blackfins are most active from late fall through early spring. They school up in massive numbers, and when you find them, it's game on. These tuna hit trolled lures hard and fast, then put on an aerial show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. The meat is dark and rich, perfect for sashimi if you're into that, or blackened on the grill.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of offshore bottom fishing here, and for good reason. More abundant than their black cousins, reds average 5-15 pounds and are cooperative year-round. They're curious fish that will often investigate baits thoroughly before committing, which can drive anglers crazy but makes the hookup that much sweeter. Red grouper have a slightly milder flavor than black grouper, making them perfect for fish tacos or ceviche. Plus, they're often found in schools, so once you dial in the spot, limits come quickly.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing. These brilliant gold and green fish are most abundant during the warmer months from April through October, though we catch them year-round in smaller numbers. Mahi travel in schools and are attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure. What makes them customer favorites is their willingness to eat and their spectacular jumps when hooked. A 20-pound mahi going airborne is something you'll never forget. The meat is firm, white, and versatile – equally good grilled, fried, or in fish cakes.
Cero Mackerel are the speedsters of the reef, built for one thing – going fast. These sleek predators average 5-10 pounds but fight way above their weight class. Spring and summer are prime time for ceros, when they school up near the reef edge and feed aggressively on small baitfish. They hit trolled lures with authority and make blistering runs that test your reflexes and equipment. While they're not the best table fare due to their strong flavor, they're pure fun on light tackle and make excellent bait for larger predators like sharks and barracuda.
Marathon's offshore fishing scene doesn't take breaks – there's always something biting out there. The variety of species, techniques, and experiences makes every trip different, whether it's your first time or your fiftieth. With all equipment, licenses, and water included, plus room for up to 6 anglers, this charter offers serious value for groups looking to make memories on
This Wellcraft 290 Coastal is built for serious offshore fishing in Marathon's deep waters. The 42-gallon Kodiak Pro-Flow baitwell keeps your live bait lively while dual fish boxes handle your catch of yellowtail, grouper, and mahi. Flush-mounted rod holders stay out of your way during the fight, and the roomy helm houses GPS and fish finder electronics to put you on the fish. Air conditioning keeps you cool between runs, while the onboard kitchen and refrigerator mean fresh meals and cold drinks all day. The head provides convenience on long trips targeting tuna and wahoo. With space for 6 anglers, this boat handles everything from bottom fishing the reefs to trolling the blue water where the big pelagics roam. Perfect for full-day adventures in the Florida Keys.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter on our reefs. These hefty fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds, with olive-gray bodies covered in dark rectangular blotches. They hang around rocky ledges, wrecks, and coral structures from 30-200 feet deep. We catch them year-round, but cooler months often bring them into shallower water where they're easier to target. What makes them special? That incredible fight - they'll try to dive straight back to the rocks once hooked. Plus, their meat is absolutely delicious with a firm, white texture. Here's the key: once you feel that bite, start cranking immediately. These guys don't nibble - they inhale their prey whole, then bolt for cover. Heavy tackle is a must because they'll test every pound of drag you've got.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the perfect mix of speed and flavor that keeps our guests coming back. These smaller tunas typically run 5-15 pounds with striking black backs fading to silver bellies and golden side stripes. We find them in open water near temperature breaks and current edges, usually within 20 miles of shore. Fall through spring are prime months here in the Keys when water temps are right. What makes them worth targeting? They fight like fish twice their size with blazing runs and aerial jumps, plus they're absolutely phenomenal on the dinner table - firm, mild meat that's perfect for grilling or sushi. The secret to landing more blackfin is scaling down your tackle. Use 30-40lb fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks - these fish have sharp eyes and will spook from heavy gear.
Scomberomorus RegalisCero mackerel are sleeper hits that surprise first-time guests with their speed and table fare. These silver torpedoes with yellow spots and bronze stripes typically run 3-8 pounds and cruise patch reefs and nearshore structure in 10-60 feet of water. We catch them year-round, but they're most active during warmer months when baitfish are thick on the reefs. What's great about ceros? They're lightning fast with explosive strikes, plus they're considered the best-eating mackerel - firm, clean meat that's perfect for ceviche or grilling. They hunt alone or in small groups, so when you find one, work the area thoroughly. Key tip: use a wire leader or heavy fluorocarbon - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through regular mono in seconds. Topwater lures at dawn create some of the most exciting strikes you'll see.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are pure excitement on the line with their electric colors and acrobatic fights. These golden beauties average 10-25 pounds and are famous for their color-changing light show when hooked. We target them in open water around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks, usually in 100-1000+ feet. Spring through fall brings the best action when they move through our waters following baitfish. What makes them special? They jump, run, and put on a show like few other fish, plus the meat is outstanding - firm, mild, and perfect for grilling. When you hook one, expect company - mahi often travel in schools. Here's an old Keys trick: keep one hooked fish in the water while others cast to the school. The hooked fish will keep the others around, and you might boat several before they move on.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our bottom fishing trips, and for good reason. These rusty-red beauties with white spots typically weigh 5-15 pounds and love hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and structure in 40-120 feet of water. They're year-round residents here, but we see the best action outside their spawning closure from May through December. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters that put up a solid scrap, plus red grouper are widely considered the best-eating grouper with sweet, flaky meat. They're not picky eaters - live or dead bait works great. Pro tip: use fresh shrimp or crab when you can. These fish have a shellfish-heavy diet, so they can't resist the real thing. Just be ready to muscle them up quick before they duck back into the rocks.
Marathon