Marathon FL Inshore Fishing for Snapper & Grouper
When you're looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure in the Florida Keys, this 4-hour inshore charter out of Marathon delivers exactly what local anglers and visitors have been raving about. Captain Rip and his crew at Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 know these nearshore waters like the back of their hand, and they've got the track record to prove it. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in South Florida waters—snapper, grouper, and mackerel—in productive spots that consistently produce fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip strikes the perfect balance between approachable and rewarding.
What to Expect on the Water
This top-rated charter accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, so you won't feel crowded while fighting fish or moving around the boat. You've got flexibility with morning or afternoon departure times, which is perfect if you want to plan other activities around your fishing trip. All your gear is covered—rods, reels, bait, and tackle—so you can travel light and focus on the fishing. The first mate works his tail off throughout the trip, rigging lines, netting fish, and keeping everything running smoothly, so don't forget to show some appreciation with a tip. Just bring your own food, drinks, and plenty of sun protection because the Florida sun can be relentless, even on shorter trips.
Techniques & Target Waters
Captain Rip runs a variety of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. You might start the day trolling for mackerel and other pelagics, then transition to bottom fishing over productive reefs and structure for snapper and grouper. The nearshore waters around Marathon offer perfect habitat—coral heads, ledges, and artificial reefs that hold plenty of fish year-round. When you're working the bottom, expect to use medium to heavy tackle with circle hooks and live or cut bait. The crew knows exactly how much weight to use in different depths and current conditions, and they'll coach you through the fight when you hook up. Don't be surprised if you anchor up on a hot spot and fill the cooler with keeper-sized fish in no time.
Customer Stories
"Captain Rip made my mother and me feel instantly comfortable, like we were long-time friends. The experience couldn't have been better." - RANDALL
"We had a fantastic three-quarter-day trip with Captain Rip. We started out searching for Mahi-Mahi, and my son quickly landed a good-sized one! When the trolling action slowed down, we moved and anchored near a reef. There, we caught another Mahi-Mahi, a Mangrove Snapper, and a huge haul of Yellow Tail snapper. The skipper was excellent—incredibly knowledgeable and very interesting to talk with. He was especially great with my 15-year-old son, offering solid advice while still letting him handle the fishing. As an extra touch, he even filleted our catch and dropped it off at our holiday home. I definitely recommend booking a trip with Captain Rip!" - Adrian
"Captain Rip successfully got us on the fish, and we had a great trip! We caught blackfin tuna, mahi, and a couple of "Rosies" (rosefish). As locals of Key West, we truly felt like we were just out fishing with family—it was a wonderful experience. We will certainly be back again, and we'll definitely be chartering with Captain Rip and Ripline Charters." - Vince
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lane Snapper are one of the most reliable species you'll encounter on this charter, and they're perfect for building confidence if you're new to bottom fishing. These colorful fish typically run 8-12 inches and are found around coral heads and rocky bottom in 20-80 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders and will hit live shrimp, cut squid, or small pieces of ballyhoo. Lane snapper are present year-round in these waters, but they really turn on during the warmer months. What makes them special is their willingness to bite—when you find a school, you can usually count on steady action.
Black Grouper represent the trophy potential of this fishery, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These bruisers can weigh anywhere from 5 to 30+ pounds and are known for their powerful runs straight back to the bottom. They prefer deeper structure—usually 40 feet or more—and ambush prey from ledges and holes. Black grouper are most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, making winter an excellent time for this charter. When you hook a keeper black grouper, expect a serious fight and some of the best table fare you'll find in South Florida waters.
African Pompano are the wild card species that can really make your day special. These silver bullets are built for speed and put up a fight that's way bigger than their size suggests. They're typically caught while trolling or when targeting other species around structure. African pompano can show up any time of year, but spring and summer months tend to be most productive. They're not as common as snapper, which makes landing one feel extra rewarding. Their distinctive body shape and fighting ability make them a customer favorite among anglers who appreciate both sport and quality table fare.
Gag Grouper are another prized bottom species that locals target year-round in these waters. They're typically larger than black grouper, often running 10-40 pounds, and they're known for their incredible strength and determination to reach cover when hooked. Gag grouper prefer hard bottom areas with plenty of structure, and they're most active during winter months when they move into shallower water to spawn. The key to success with gags is using heavy enough tackle and applying steady pressure to
5.0(6 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Marathon
Four
