10 Hour Offshore Fishing Charter in Marathon Florida
When you're ready to test your skills against some of the Atlantic's most prized game fish, this 10-hour offshore charter out of Marathon puts you right where the action happens. We're talking deep blue water fishing at its finest—heading out to legendary spots like Marathon Humps and the Continental Ledge where the big fish roam. Captain Brian and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work their tails off to put you on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with a departure from Marathon, heading straight for the productive offshore grounds that make this area famous among serious anglers. The Continental Ledge drops off into serious depths, creating the perfect conditions for pelagic species to cruise and feed. With 10 hours on the water, you've got plenty of time to work different areas and techniques—no rushing, no feeling like you're watching the clock. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with crowded conditions. All your gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so just bring your cooler with food and drinks for the day. The only extra cost is a buck per gallon for fuel used, which is pretty standard for offshore trips these days. Plus, you can cancel up to 3 days out without any penalties if the weather doesn't cooperate or plans change.
Trolling Tactics & Offshore Gear
Out here in the deep water, trolling is king. The crew sets up a spread of outriggers and flat lines, running everything from ballyhoo to artificial lures that mimic the baitfish these game fish can't resist. When we're targeting mahi, we're looking for floating debris, weed lines, or birds working the surface—classic signs that predators are feeding below. For tuna and marlin, it's all about finding the right water temperature breaks and current edges where the food chain stacks up. The tackle is matched to the target species, with heavy enough gear to handle a big fish but light enough that you still get a good fight. Circle hooks are the standard for live bait presentations, while the trolling spread might include cedar plugs, skirted baits, or diving plugs depending on what's been producing. The crew handles all the rigging and knows when to switch tactics based on conditions and what's showing on the fish finder.
Customer Stories
"Had an awesome time on the water—caught plenty of fish! The captain and crew were top-notch from start to finish." - Brandon
"My son and I had an amazing introduction to fishing in the Keys! We spent the day reeling in mahi with the help of an outstanding captain and deckhand. Their skill and determination made the trip a success — we'll be eating well for the rest of our stay in Marathon. Huge thanks for an unforgettable day out on the water!" - Stephen
"Captain Brian and First Mate Nick were incredible! The weather had been rough and windy for days, and even though conditions were still bumpy this morning, they made it happen. I don't think I've ever seen a crew work so hard to get us on the fish. We landed our target — mahi — along with plenty of yellowtail snapper. Great trip with an even better crew. Highly recommend Johnny Maddox Charters to anyone looking for a solid day on the water!" - Christopher
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi are the bread and butter of Marathon offshore fishing, and for good reason. These bulls and cows are absolutely gorgeous fish with their bright gold and green colors, and they fight like crazy once hooked. Mahi are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they love hanging around floating debris or weed lines. A good-sized bull can push 30-40 pounds, and they're known for their spectacular jumps and long runs. What really gets anglers fired up about mahi is that where you find one, you usually find more—they travel in schools, so it's not uncommon to have multiple hookups at once. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
Blackfin Tuna are the speed demons of these waters, and they'll test your stamina and your drag system. These fish typically run 10-25 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to their yellowfin cousins, they make up for in pure attitude. Blackfins are year-round residents in South Florida waters, but they really turn on during the cooler months when bait is abundant. They're suckers for a well-presented trolled bait or a chunk of ballyhoo, and once hooked, they'll take you straight to the backing with their initial run. The fight is all about speed and endurance—they don't jump much, but they'll pull steady and hard until they're boat-side.
Atlantic Sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world and landing one is a badge of honor for any angler. These fish are built for speed, with that massive dorsal fin and streamlined body allowing them to hit 60+ mph when they want to. Peak sailfish season in the Keys runs from December through April, when they migrate through in good numbers. Most sails run 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds, but it's not about the weight—it's about watching one of these fish come completely out of the water, tail-walking and gill-rattling in an attempt to throw your hook. They're mostly catch-and-release fish, so you get that hero shot and the fish swims away to fight another day.
King Mackerel are the perfect mix of size, fight, and table fare. These toothy predators can range from school-sized fish around 10-15