5.0(125 Reviews)Marathon Combo Charter: Reefs and Wrecks
5.0(125 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
68 hour offshore charter targeting Dolphin, Tuna, and WahooIncludes reef fishing stop on return trip for varietyAll gear provided with 6person maximum capacity
Looking for the real deal when it comes to offshore fishing in the Florida Keys? This 6 to 8-hour combo trip out of Marathon puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive waters in South Florida. We're talking about a proper offshore run targeting premium pelagics like mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo, followed by reef action on the way back. Captain Rip and the Johnny Maddox crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll work their tails off to put you on fish. All gear's included, so just bring your cooler, snacks, and get ready for a day that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This isn't your typical half-day nearshore trip – we're heading out to where the big boys live. The day starts with a run to the offshore grounds where the blue water holds schools of mahi, blackfin tuna, and the occasional wahoo that'll test your drag system. The boat's equipped with top-shelf tackle, outriggers, and all the essentials you need for serious trolling. Once we've worked the offshore bite, we'll hit the reefs and wrecks on the return trip, adding variety to your day and giving you shots at different species. The Papa 31 handles the Atlantic swells like a champ, and with a six-angler capacity, there's plenty of room to fish without getting in each other's way. Just remember there's a buck-per-gallon fuel charge, but that's standard for these longer offshore runs.
The offshore portion starts with trolling spreads designed to attract fast-moving pelagics. We're running a mix of ballyhoo, diving plugs, and teasers at varying depths to cover the water column. The key is reading the water – looking for temperature breaks, weed lines, and bird activity that signals baitfish concentrations. Once we locate fish, it's all about staying on the school and keeping lines tight. When we transition to reef fishing, we switch gears completely. Bottom rigs with circle hooks, lighter tackle, and live or cut bait work the structure for snapper, grouper, and whatever else calls these reefs home. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so you can focus on the fun part – fighting fish.
"We had a great catch: a sailfish, some skipjack, and some blackfin tuna. Captain Rip went above and beyond, keeping us out on the water longer in hopes of landing the Mahi I was really hoping for." - David
"Captain Rip is a fun, knowledgeable, and highly skilled fishing guide. My 11-year-old sons and I had a fantastic trip, even managing to catch our limit of yellowtail snapper on a day when others were struggling. His lifetime experience as a "waterman" shines through in his masterful handling of the boat and tackle, as well as his resourcefulness in dealing with changing weather." - Gerald
"What an amazing day! The Captain is a great guy who absolutely loves to fish. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, and even luckier with the fishing success. We limited out on blackfin tuna in under an hour! Then, we went back to a weed line we had marked and limited out on mahi-mahi in only about 30 minutes." - Christopher
Blackfin tuna are the bread and butter of Marathon's offshore scene, especially around the famous "Hump" – an underwater ridge that concentrates baitfish and predators. These hard-fighting speedsters typically run 10-20 pounds and are absolute dynamite on medium tackle. They school up tight, so once you find them, multiple hookups are common. Blackfins are most active during cooler months from November through March, but you can find them year-round in deeper water. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and the sashimi-grade meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of any offshore trip, and Marathon's waters see good numbers during the winter months. These acrobatic billfish put on a show like no other fish in the ocean, with their trademark tail-walking and line-peeling runs. Most sails run 6-8 feet and 40-80 pounds, providing battles that'll test your endurance and the boat's fighting chair. Peak season runs December through April when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. Even if you practice catch-and-release, landing a sail is a bucket-list moment that every angler remembers.
King mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are year-round residents that provide fast action and excellent eating. These toothy predators love structure and temperature changes, making them perfect targets during the reef portion of your trip. Kings range from schoolie-sized 10-pounders to trophy fish over 40 pounds. Spring and fall see the biggest fish as they migrate through the area. Their aggressive strikes and smoking runs make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate a fish that fights as hard as it bites.
Mahi-mahi are what offshore dreams are made of – beautiful, fast, and absolutely delicious. These dolphinfish (no relation to the mammal) are pure gold when you find a school under floating debris or weed lines. Marathon's Gulf Stream proximity means mahi action can happen any time, but summer months are prime time. Bulls can hit 30-50 pounds while females typically run smaller. Their aerial displays rival sailfish, and their incredible table fare makes them a top target for any serious angler.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of 60+ mph runs that'll smoke your reel in
This restored 31' Ocean Master is your ticket to Marathon's best offshore fishing grounds. Built for serious anglers, she's powered by twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get you out to the deep water fast, cruising at 40 knots to maximize your fishing time. The 2023 refit means everything runs smooth and reliable when you're chasing mahi, tuna, and wahoo in the Atlantic. The flybridge gives you excellent visibility for spotting birds and bait, while the fish finder helps locate those productive bottom structures. When the bite slows offshore, we'll hit the reefs on the way back for some variety. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with big fish. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the lines without getting tangled up. The boat comes equipped with radar and GPS, plus a head for comfort during extended trips in Marathon's productive waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansThese are the speedsters of the deep, reaching up to 10 feet long but averaging around 7.5 feet and 50 pounds. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water, though they'll dive deeper when hunting. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys - that's when they migrate through in good numbers. What gets anglers hooked is the show they put on. When a sailfish takes your bait, expect jumping, diving, and that iconic sail fully spread as they try to throw the hook. They're also gorgeous with those color changes from blue to black during the fight. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties. My tip: when you see that sail up behind your bait, don't get excited and gun the engines. Keep trolling steady and let them eat it properly before setting the hook.
Thunnus AtlanticusThese smaller tunas average 15-30 pounds and pack serious fight for their size. Blackfins prefer warm water over 68°F and we find them in 40-150 foot depths around wrecks and reef edges. They're most active during fall, winter, and spring here in the Keys. What makes them special is that fierce tuna attitude - they'll test your drag and stamina. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that rich, red meat perfect for sashimi or searing. The key to landing these sharp-eyed fish is scaling down your tackle. I always use 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks - their eyesight is incredible, so heavy gear will spook them. Live pilchards work great, but don't overlook vertical jigging when you mark them on the bottom machine.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons that'll make your reel scream. These fish average 20-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. We typically find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, wrecks, and reef edges. They love water temps between 68-84°F, so spring through fall fishing is prime time. What makes kings so popular is that blistering initial run - they're almost as fast as wahoo. The meat's excellent too, though it's got higher mercury levels. For the best success, use a two-hook rig on wire leader since their teeth are razor sharp. Hook your live bait through the nose with the first hook, then let the treble dangle near the tail. Kings typically attack from behind, so that back hook is your insurance policy.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the golden beauties that put on a color show when hooked. They average 15-29 pounds and rarely live past 4 years, but they grow fast and fight hard. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, or any structure in blue water. They're surface dwellers, so we usually find them in the top 20 feet. Spring through fall is best when water temps are warm. What guests love most is watching their colors change from brilliant gold and green to silver during the fight. Plus, mahi are some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white meat with a mild, sweet flavor. The trick is to look for frigate birds working floating debris. Where you see birds diving, there's usually mahi underneath feeding on the same baitfish. Keep one hooked fish in the water while you cast to the school - mahi are loyal and won't leave their buddy.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the reef, hitting speeds up to 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. Most run 3-5 feet long and 30-80 pounds. We find them in open blue water, often around floating debris or structure in 60+ feet. July through November is prime time here in Florida waters. What makes wahoo special is that screaming initial run - nothing sounds like a wahoo taking line off your reel. They're also premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The challenge is their razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through anything but wire. For best results, high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots works great with wire leaders and diving lures. Pro tip: when you hook one, don't horse it - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook easily. Keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work.
5.0 out of 5.0We spent a beautiful day fishing on the water. Although we had several bites, we didn't manage to land anything. Our Captain was i...
Joshua S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Sam R., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Brian H., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
My granddaughter and niece were very successful, catching plenty of fish, and we all thoroughly enjoyed our time out. Thank you, C...
RAYMOND D., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We had a great catch: a sailfish, some skipjack, and some blackfin tuna. Captain Rip went above and beyond, keeping us out on the ...
David D., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We had an amazing day out on the water with Captain Rip. He taught us a ton about deep water fishing, which was a completely new e...
Jeremy L., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. tight lines to you,...
We had another great trip this week for our second outing! The weather was foul, but Captain Rip expertly adjusted his strategy an...
Jerry P., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Captain Rip is a fun, knowledgeable, and highly skilled fishing guide. My 11-year-old sons and I had a fantastic trip, even managi...
My 15-year-old son and I spent a great six hours with Rip. He helped us successfully land a variety of fish, including Bonita, Kin...
Captain Rip was fantastic. We started by trolling for Sails, but since conditions weren't favorable, we quickly shifted our focus ...
Captain Rip gave us a great day, offering a fantastic variety of fishing experiences. He worked hard to get us on the fish and cle...
I really appreciated the phone contact and his genuine concern that we have a fun trip. He went out of his way to fit us in after ...
He dedicated extra time to explaining procedures and offering tips to my son. He definitely went above and beyond to ensure we had...
I've fished with countless charter captains across Florida, and I have to say it's genuinely difficult to find someone who can out...
I genuinely wish I could give Captain Rip more than five stars. He embodies everything you want in a guide: friendly, knowledgeabl...
Captain Rip has been fishing Marathon and the Keys for many years, and his experience and local knowledge were key to a great day....
Fantastic trip! The Captain was knowledgeable, always put safety first, and was incredibly patient. He worked hard to make sure we...
Best trip ever! Captain Rip called the day before to ask exactly what I wanted to target. On the charter day, he was fully prepare...
Great trip! We started seeing signs of fish and got on the bite before we even reached our spot. The Captain and mate worked incre...
We had an incredibly successful trip! We caught our limit of mangrove snapper very quickly.
We caught a lot of fish, though sadly we had to throw many back because they were just shy of the keeper length. Despite that, the...
During our week in the Keys, we spent three days of relentless fishing with Captain Rip and Kevin. While the catching was slow, th...
The Captain and mate were incredibly knowledgeable and such great guys to spend the day with. They deserve the highest ratings on ...
What an amazing day! The Captain is a great guy who absolutely loves to fish. We were incredibly lucky with the weather, and even ...
The fishing day was fantastic! The Captain was very knowledgeable and great with the kids, ensuring my boys both caught tons of fi...
A very good experience! The crew was highly experienced and knowledgeable. We would highly recommend them.
The Captain and Mate worked incredibly hard all day to keep us on the fish. We ended up catching tons of fish and had a great time...
The Captain and crew were very knowledgeable and truly excellent. I would highly recommend this charter!
Awesome Captain and crew! They were friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us a great fishing trip.
We caught fish all day long! Johnny and his mate were true professionals—extremely knowledgeable about the species we were targeti...
Our fishing trips on the 23rd and 25th with Captain Brian and Mate Cody were outstanding. We successfully hit our tuna limit on on...
Robert Z., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Since the seas were a bit rough heading to the hump, he quickly adapted and had us trolling for dolphin (mahi) on the way, where w...
Anthony N., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. hurry back soon
Captain Rip successfully navigated us out to the "Hump," even though the conditions were challenging. He quickly put us onto some ...
Robert S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. hurry back soon
We booked two consecutive eight-hour fishing charters, and both were fantastic! We managed to catch a significant amount of mahi-m...
Tim A., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. hurry back real soon
We really enjoyed our trip with Captain Rip. He got us onto the fish immediately the second we stopped the boat. Thanks for a very...
Keith C., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Fantastic trip! Captain Brian and First Mate Cody knew exactly what they were doing and had us hooked up with mahi in no time. The...
John B, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Went out for a 6hr trip and it was spot on! Brian and Nick are a great team and know how to get it done. They put us on fish and...
Eric P, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Scott W, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We had a great time with Captain Johnny and Nick today. He put us on the fish right away, was very funny, entertaining and friendl...
Captain Brian and First Mate Nick did an excellent job adjusting to a quickly changing weather forecast that kept most boats docke...
Had a great time caught a lot of fish captain and crew were top notch.
Caught fish all day. Johnny and his mate were professional and very knowledgeable about our targeted species! Would definitely rec...
The weather wasn’t what we wanted but Brian and Alex provided the best possible fishing experience you could have in the condition...
We set out hoping to catch mahi, but they just weren’t biting. So we headed out to the Marathon Humps and landed some blackfin tun...
Brian knew exactly where to go and got us right on the fish, and Nick was an excellent mate. It was a great day on the water — jus...
This was my fourth trip with Johnny Maddox — and that speaks for itself! We brought in blackfin tuna and king mackerel today, and ...
Awesome day! Highly recommend Captain Jim and Chance! We will be back soon!
Great time was had by all!
Great trip. Would definitely recommend it. Lots of fun and action all day
Had a fantastic day fishing with the crew from Johnny Maddox Charters! Captain Jim, Roy, and Evan handled the tough weather like p...
Went out for a 3/4 day trip with Captain Johnny and Brian — and it was an awesome day on the water! We landed a nice mix of tuna a...
Captain Jim and Roy were outstanding! We had a great time and will definitely be booking with Johnny Maddox Charters again.
Captn John and Captn Jim were great.
We had an incredible and memorable experience! Captain Jimmy and First Mate Donny were amazing — couldn’t have asked for a better ...
You really can’t go wrong with this charter. They’re experienced, welcoming, and it feels just like heading out on the water with ...
Great time, great boat, great guys and most of all- great fishing!
Johnny "Legend" and Donny the Mahi master absolutely delivered! While other boats were struggling, we headed out to deeper waters ...
Great day of Fishing
Captain Jim and Mate Roy were fantastic! We went out as two couples, and they were incredibly patient and helpful with our wives. ...
Johnny and Jim we excellent for our fishing charter! They brought us to a great spot and we caught fish all day! The best charter ...
They put us on the fish. This was my 8th charter on the keys, hands down the best one.
Amazing owner, Captain, and first mate. Chris and Dylan took patience with us, they know how to find the fish signs and put us on ...
We had a wonderful time!!!Michael F
Great fun and excellent crew....
My boyfriend, 16-year-old daughter, and I took a 6-hour trip—and it was incredible. It was our first time ocean fishing, and the c...
We had a great time on our charter. Crew was great. We would recommend them..
We had an awesome time reeling in mahi-mahi! It was our first time trolling and learning how to spot schooling fish, which made th...
We chose Captain Johnny Pip because of his solid reviews, well-equipped boat, and extensive experience—and he didn’t disappoint. W...
I took my brother and dad out for a trip, and for the time of year, it couldn't have gone better. The crew was incredibly friendly...
The three of us hit our limit well before the trip was over—couldn't have asked for a better day on the water. The captain and cre...
Our first mate was Donnie. Both capt Johnny and first mate Donnie were great. Put us on fish and it was constant after that, I wou...
Deep sea fishing has always been on my list, and I finally got to experience it—and it was even better than I imagined. The crew m...
Awesome day Great captain Johnny and first mate Ross on the fish
Had a blast!
Captain Rip called me the day before to give us a heads-up about the expected weather. Unfortunately, we couldn't reschedule, so w...
Jason B., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. we still had a great...
Captain Rip was amazing! We had a fantastic time, and he truly went the extra mile to make our trip the best experience possible. ...
Bill S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Matthew G., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. hurry back soon. T...
I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Rip! We were hooking up with fish non-stop all day long. We landed several differen...
Edward H., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
My nine-year-old son and I had an absolute blast! Captain Rip did a fantastic job; he is both very nice and highly skilled. We cau...
Jason B., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Our fishing trip was fantastic! Once we arrived at the hump, the action was hot and consistent. We successfully caught nine Blackf...
Mark S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Devon R., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We had a fantastic trip! The water was rougher than any of us anticipated, but we still managed to catch our limit of Blackfin Tun...
Ben S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
My apologies for christening your deck—or, well, contributing to the chum line! Despite my brief episode of seasickness, we absolu...
Shane W., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Julia C., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
We got off to a fantastic start with an exciting double hook-up of Mahi-Mahi! Unfortunately, the very choppy seas caused the actio...
Melinda B., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. we still had...
My sons and I had a fantastic charter experience with Captain Rip today. We spent time trolling and also fished the reef. We broug...
Pete S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. another great d...
You can't limit out on every trip, and while Captain Rip certainly tried with us, the conditions were fair to poor (even after del...
Dave C., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. yes, hard to control ...
We had a beautiful day on the water with Captain Rip two days ago. As a mom and I brought my 12-year-old son, who is an avid fishe...
Kathryn R., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
The crew was outstanding taking us on the trip we desired and we had a great time catching a good amount of Dolphin! Highly recomm...
Joseph M, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. thanks Joseph for yo...
What a wonderful time! We had a great day of fishing, and Captain Rip actually changed the date of our trip to avoid incoming bad ...
Cheryl G., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. tight lines Ripline...
I truly wish I could rate Rip higher than five stars. He's amazing and simply an expert when it comes to catching fish. I would hi...
John P., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. hurry back soon. Glad...
My first trip with Captain Rip in December was extremely windy, yet we still managed to land a king mackerel. I returned this past...
Eli B., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. glad to have you on bo...
My Dad, Fiancée and I had an awesome day on the water with Captain Brian and Nick! The day started running offshore for dolphin, ...
David P, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. thank you for a...
James H. I., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
He is highly skilled and knows all the best places to find the exact fish you're hoping to catch.
Tj O., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
My dad, fiancée, and I had an incredible day on the water with Captain Brian and Nick! We kicked things off by heading offshore in...
Marathon