Marathon FL Full Day Wreck & Reef Fishing
Looking for a serious fishing adventure that covers all the best spots around Marathon? This 8-hour charter with Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 is exactly what you need. Captain Rip and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on everything from structure-loving grouper to open-water mahi. Whether you're targeting wrecks for big grouper, working the reefs for snapper, or heading offshore for kings and dolphin, this trip gives you the full Marathon fishing experience in one epic day.
What to Expect on the Water
Your full-day adventure starts early, giving you eight solid hours to fish multiple spots and techniques. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – Captain Rip reads the conditions and adjusts the plan to put you where the fish are biting best. Some days that means starting on the wrecks for grouper before the current gets too strong, other days it's running offshore first for mahi and kings before working back to the reefs. The boat handles groups of up to 4 anglers perfectly, so everyone gets plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up. All your rods, reels, bait, and tackle are provided, plus you've got an experienced mate working hard all day to keep you hooked up. Just bring your food, drinks, and sun protection – everything else is handled.
Wrecks, Reefs, and Open Water
The waters around Marathon offer some of the most diverse fishing in the Keys, and this charter takes full advantage of that variety. Wreck fishing here means dropping baits down 80-120 feet to structure-loaded spots where big gag and black grouper hole up. These artificial reefs hold serious fish, and the fight coming up from that depth will test your arms. Reef fishing targets the natural coral formations where yellowtail and mutton snapper school up, often requiring lighter tackle and finesse techniques. When conditions allow, you'll head offshore into the blue water for high-speed trolling, covering ground to find mahi schools and cruising kingfish. The Gulf side offers different opportunities depending on conditions, with cooler water often holding different species. Captain Rip switches techniques throughout the day – from bottom fishing with heavy weights to trolling ballyhoo, from live bait fishing to jigging structure.
Customer Stories
"My day on the water with Captain Rip was absolutely incredible! He is truly an expert when it comes to locating fish and ensuring you get hooked up. Despite the challenging weather, we started with a bang, landing a massive 52-inch Wahoo within the first two hours! Our focus then shifted to finding a Sailfish, and Captain Rip delivered once more. Following a thrilling fight, I successfully brought her to the boat for a legal catch before releasing her safely. I can't recommend Captain Rip enough. He's a fantastic guide, an expert fisherman, and just a great person to spend the day with. It was an unforgettable and fun experience, and I eagerly await my next trip with him!" - Dave
"Captain Rip is great! As a charter captain myself, my main goal was to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and I certainly chose the right person! He is extremely knowledgeable, and we had a great day on the water successfully catching fish." - Ross
"We scheduled our Mahi trip with Captain Johnny Maddox to cap off our two-week vacation in Marathon. Captain Brian was our guide, and he delivered—he definitely knew where to find the fish! We had an amazing day and a wonderful time out on the water. Without a doubt, we'll be booking another charter with Johnny Maddox Charters the next time we're in Marathon!" - Rick
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi, or Common Dolphinfish as they're officially known, are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Marathon. These gorgeous fish show up in good numbers from late spring through early fall, with peak action in summer months. Mahi are aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits hard, and their aerial acrobatics make every hookup exciting. They school under floating debris, weed lines, and around structure, often in groups that keep you busy for hours. The brilliant gold and green colors are stunning when they come to the boat, and they're fantastic eating too. What makes mahi special is their willingness to bite – when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, and they'll test your drag system like no other fish. Kings cruise the offshore waters year-round but really turn on during winter months when cooler water brings them closer to shore. These fish are pure predators, hitting fast-trolled baits with bone-jarring strikes that often result in spectacular jumps. They've got razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed, making them one of the most challenging fish to land consistently. The bigger kings, often called "smokers," can exceed 40 pounds and will take you well into your backing. They're excellent table fare when prepared right, and the fight alone makes them worth targeting.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the wreck fishing game, and Marathon's deeper structures hold some real monsters. These bottom dwellers can exceed 50 pounds and have the power to break you off in the rocks if you're not ready. Black grouper are ambush predators that sit tight to structure, waiting for bait to drift within range. They hit hard and immediately try to get back to their holes, so you need stout tackle and quick reflexes. The best fishing is typically in 80-150 feet of water around wrecks and hard bottom. They're most active during cooler months, and larger specimens are often found in deeper water.
Gag Grouper are slightly smaller than blacks but just as hard-fighting and maybe even better eating. These fish love both natural and artificial reefs,
5.0(14 Reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Top Rated
Marathon
Eight
