Bay Fishing Charters in Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Familyfriendly flats fishing in calm, shallow Marathon watersTarget mangrove snapper, sharks, and smaller grouper speciesHalfday charters accommodate up to 5 guests comfortably
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the rough seas and long boat rides? This Marathon bay charter is exactly what you need. Perfect for families with kids who might get seasick or restless on longer trips, we keep things close to shore in the calm, protected waters where the fish are biting and everyone stays comfortable. You'll be targeting some of the area's best eating fish – mangrove snapper, smaller grouper, and even some sharks for the thrill seekers in your group. With room for up to 5 anglers, it's an ideal setup for a family outing or small group of friends looking to get their lines wet in some of the most productive waters around Marathon.
This isn't your typical offshore grind – we're talking about a relaxed day fishing the flats and nearshore structure where the action stays steady and the boat stays stable. You'll spend your time working around mangrove islands, shallow patch reefs, and sandy bottom areas that hold plenty of fish without having to endure the long run to deeper water. The beauty of bay fishing in Marathon is that you're never more than a few minutes from the next hot spot, so if one area goes quiet, we can quickly move to another productive zone. Kids love this style of fishing because they're constantly engaged – whether it's watching the crystal-clear water for cruising fish or feeling that steady tug from a snapper testing their drag. The calm conditions also mean you can actually teach proper technique without fighting seasickness or white-knuckle boat rides.
We fish this charter with lighter tackle that makes every catch feel like a real fight, even the smaller fish that kids are catching. You'll be using spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test, perfect for the structure we're fishing around without being so heavy that it kills the fun. Live bait is the name of the game out here – fresh shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish that we'll either catch on the way out or have waiting in the live well. The technique is straightforward but effective: we'll anchor up on productive spots and fish the bottom with circle hooks, or drift the flats looking for cruising fish. When we're working the mangroves, you'll learn to pitch baits right up against the roots where the big snapper like to hide. It's hands-on fishing that teaches good habits while keeping everyone in the action.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of this trip, and Marathon's bay waters hold some beautiful fish in the 12-16 inch range that are perfect for the dinner table. These guys are smart and structure-oriented, hanging around rocky bottom and mangrove edges where they can ambush passing bait. They're active year-round in these protected waters, but spring and fall see the heaviest action when they're feeding aggressively before and after spawning season. What makes red snapper so popular with families is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare – there's nothing quite like fresh snapper grilled up that same evening.
Black grouper might be smaller in the bay compared to their offshore cousins, but they pack just as much fight pound-for-pound. You'll find them around any hard structure – coral heads, rocky bottom, and deeper mangrove cuts where they can hide and wait for an easy meal. These fish are notorious for diving straight back to their hole once hooked, so you'll need to put some pressure on them right from the hookup. Fall and winter months are prime time for black grouper in the bay, when cooler water temperatures have them feeding more actively during the day. The smaller ones we catch on this trip, usually in the 16-20 inch range, are absolutely delicious and give kids a real sense of accomplishment.
Blacktip sharks add some serious excitement to any bay fishing trip, and Marathon's shallow waters see plenty of them cruising the flats looking for schools of baitfish. These are athletic fish that'll give you aerial shows and screaming runs that get everyone on the boat fired up. They're most active during the warmer months from late spring through early fall, often hunting in water so shallow you can see their dorsal fins cutting the surface. While we practice catch and release with sharks, the experience of fighting one of these powerful fish in shallow water is something kids never forget – it's pure adrenaline that often hooks young anglers for life.
This bay fishing charter hits the sweet spot for families wanting real fishing action without the commitment of a long offshore trip. You get the calm waters that keep everyone comfortable, steady fishing that keeps kids engaged, and some excellent table fare to take home at the end of the day. The 5-person capacity means you're not crowded, and everyone gets plenty of coaching and hands-on time with the rods. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or just want a relaxed day on the water with some guaranteed action, this Marathon bay trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. Book your spot with Jersey Key Charters and get ready for some of the best bay fishing the Florida Keys has to offer.
Step aboard The Whitewater, a well-built 2004 center console that's perfect for your Marathon flats fishing adventure. Powered by twin 200HP Yamaha engines, this boat gets you to the fishing grounds quickly and efficiently, cruising at speeds up to 50 knots when you need to chase the bite. The shallow draft design makes it ideal for working the flats around Marathon, where mangrove snapper, sharks, and smaller grouper are waiting. With room for up to 5 anglers, families will appreciate the stable platform and calm water fishing that keeps everyone comfortable. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida Keys days. Navigation is handled by the GPS system, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools beneath the surface. Whether you're teaching kids their first cast or targeting that keeper snapper, The Whitewater provides a solid, reliable platform for your bay fishing experience. The shorter runs to productive spots mean more time with lines in the water and less time getting there.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the heavy hitters we target in deeper water - thick, powerful fish with dark rectangular blotches covering their olive-gray bodies. Most run 2-3 feet, but the big ones can push 4+ feet and really test your gear. They hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky structure, moving shallow in winter (30 feet) and deeper in summer (up to 300 feet). What makes them fun? Pure brute strength - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks and snap your line. The meat is top-shelf too, firm and mild with great texture. These ambush predators don't nibble - they suck prey right into that massive mouth. Here's the key: once you feel any pressure on your line, start winding fast. Don't give them time to think or they'll bury you in the structure below.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are Marathon favorites, especially for families - they're exciting but manageable, averaging 4-5 feet with those signature black-tipped fins. We find them cruising shallow bays and around structure in 30-100 feet, particularly active during warmer months when baitfish are thick. What's cool about them? They're acrobatic fighters that can jump 20+ feet out of the water, putting on quite a show. They're also pretty social, so where you catch one, there's usually more around. The key to success is oily bait - fresh mackerel or sardines work great. Set up multiple lines and use plenty of chum to get their attention. Pro tip: these guys can get excitable and even jump in the boat sometimes, so stay alert and give them space when they're alongside.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the prize catch everyone talks about - bright red beauties that average 1-2 feet and fight hard when hooked. Around Marathon, we find them hanging near structure and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet of water. They love our cooler months from fall through early spring when water temps drop into that sweet 50-70 degree range. What makes them special? They're pure warriors - once hooked, they'll run straight for cover trying to cut your line on the rocks. Plus, the meat is absolutely fantastic - mild, nutty flavor that's perfect for the dinner table. My local tip: use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish on heavy tackle, and the moment you feel that bite, start cranking immediately. Don't give them a chance to reach the bottom structure or you'll lose them every time.
Marathon, FL