5.0(6 Reviews)Marathon FL Run and Gun Fishing Charter
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Top Rated
6hour offshore charter targeting Mahi, Tuna, and WahooCovers productive Ups & Downs Humps fishing grounds quicklyAll tackle included, accommodates 46 anglers of any skill level
Get ready for some serious offshore action with Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31's top-rated run and gun fishing adventure. This 6-hour marathon starts at first light – 7:30 AM sharp – and takes you straight into the Atlantic's blue water hunting grounds where the big boys live. We're talking Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and screaming Wahoo runs that'll test your drag and leave you grinning from ear to ear. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip welcomes everyone from weekend warriors to seasoned salts looking to put some serious fish in the box.
The name says it all – this is run and gun fishing at its finest. Captain Johnny knows these waters like the back of his hand, and we'll be covering serious ground to find the bite. Our main target zone is the legendary Ups & Downs Humps, a series of underwater structures that act like fish magnets in the deep blue. These productive spots consistently hold quality game fish, and we'll work them hard to put you on the action. The boat's rigged and ready with all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle you'll need – just bring your appetite for adventure, some grub, plenty of water, and don't forget that sunscreen. The Florida sun doesn't mess around out there. Fair warning: if we need to run extra far to find the hot bite, there might be additional fuel charges, but trust me, it's worth every penny when you're hooked up to a screaming reel.
This is classic blue water trolling territory, where we'll be pulling a spread of lures at varying depths and distances to cover the water column effectively. We'll run ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, colorful skirted lures that drive Mahi crazy, and high-speed wahoo bombs designed to trigger violent strikes from toothy speedsters. The key to run and gun success is reading the water – looking for color changes, temperature breaks, floating debris, and bird activity that signals feeding fish below. When we mark fish on the sounder or spot promising structure, we'll work it thoroughly before moving on. This isn't sit-and-wait fishing; we're constantly adjusting our approach based on conditions, bait movements, and what the fish are telling us. The Atlantic offshore waters around Marathon offer incredible diversity, from the brilliant turquoise shallows to the deep cobalt blue where the Gulf Stream influence brings in pelagic species from the open ocean.
"The Captain was great and incredibly knowledgeable. We will absolutely be contacting Riplines for all of our future fishing trips." - Megan. "Had a wonderful day" - Yvon. "Fantastic experience! Both the captain and the boat were great. We highly recommend them and will definitely return." - John.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the offshore scene here in Marathon, and these muscular fighters will give you a workout you won't forget. These smaller cousins of the giant bluefin typically run 10-25 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're year-round residents in our waters, but late fall through early spring sees the biggest concentrations when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to structure. What makes blackfins so special is their incredible stamina – they'll make multiple screaming runs and test your endurance on light tackle. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table, with rich, red meat that's perfect for searing or making into sashimi-grade steaks.
Atlantic Sailfish are the glamour species that get every angler's heart pumping. These acrobatic speedsters can reach 60+ mph and put on aerial displays that'll have you fumbling for your camera between fighting the fish. Peak sailfish action in the Keys runs from December through April when they migrate through our waters in good numbers. Most sails we encounter range from 6-8 feet long and 40-80 pounds, and they're notorious for their unpredictable fighting style – one minute they're jumping clear of the water, the next they're making deep, powerful runs that test your backing. Many anglers consider catching their first sailfish a rite of passage in saltwater fishing.
King Mackerel, or "smoker kings" as the locals call the big ones, are toothy predators that patrol the reef edges and offshore structure. These silver bullets can reach impressive sizes – anything over 30 pounds is considered a quality fish, and the real trophies push 50+ pounds. Kings are most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and they're ambush predators that crush baits with explosive strikes. What makes king fishing so exciting is the variety of techniques that work – from slow-trolling live baits to pulling high-speed lures, these versatile predators will eat just about anything that moves. Their razor-sharp teeth and powerful runs make for memorable battles, and they're excellent eating when prepared fresh.
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are hands-down the most beautiful fish in the ocean with their brilliant golden flanks and electric blue-green backs. These fast-growing fish typically range from 10-40 pounds in our waters, though bull males can exceed 50 pounds and sport distinctive blunt heads. Mahi are structure-oriented fish that love floating debris, weed lines, and anything that provides cover for the small fish they feed on. What makes them so popular with anglers is their aggressive feeding behavior – they'll often travel in schools and compete for baits, leading to multiple hookups that keep everyone on the boat busy. They're also world-class table fare with firm, white meat that's mild and versatile in the kitchen.
Wahoo Fish represent the speed demons of the deep, capable of reaching 60+ mph and armed with razor-sharp teeth
The 31' Ocean Master is built for serious offshore fishing in Marathon's Atlantic waters. This dedicated sportfisher got a complete makeover in 2023 and runs on twin 300HP Suzukis that'll push you to the fishing grounds at 40 knots. Perfect for run-and-gun tactics when chasing mahi, tuna, and wahoo around the Ups & Downs Humps. The flybridge gives you excellent sight fishing opportunities, while the fish finder helps locate those deeper schools. Essential gear includes GPS, radar for those early morning runs, an icebox for your catch and cold drinks, plus a head for comfort during long days on the water. Handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with plenty of room to work multiple lines when the bite gets hot.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speedsters of our waters, hitting 30+ mph with that iconic sail raised high. They average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, though we see some pushing 80+. These fish cruise the surface waters from 30-100 feet deep, often following the Gulf Stream edge and temperature breaks. Winter months from December through March are peak season here in the Keys - that's when they migrate south in good numbers. What anglers love most is the show they put on, jumping and tailwalking when hooked. They're also beautiful table fare with firm white meat. The key to landing one is patience - when a sail comes up on your bait, let it eat before setting the hook. They often grab the bait sideways first, so give them time to turn it around.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, typically running 15-30 pounds with some reaching 40+. They're schooling fish that love warm water around 70°F and hang near structure like the humps we fish. You'll find them from the surface down to about 150 feet, often mixed with skipjack. Spring through fall is prime time here in the Keys when they move through following baitfish. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they're fast, strong, and stubborn for their size. Plus they make excellent sashimi with that deep red meat. My tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders since these fish have sharp eyes. A 5/0 circle hook with live pilchards works magic when you find a school feeding.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are one of our most popular targets. They average 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. These speed demons cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often hanging around structure, ledges, and temperature breaks. Fall and winter are prime time here - October through March when they migrate south along our coast. Kings are prized for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, plus they're excellent eating with flaky white meat. The trick is rigging two hooks on a wire leader - one through the nose of your live bait, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the tail first, so that stinger hook back there saves the day. Ballyhoo and blue runners work great.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish we target, flashing gold, green, and blue until they fade after the catch. They typically run 10-25 pounds, though bulls can hit 40+. These surface dwellers love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks from the surface down to about 200 feet. Spring through fall is prime season, with May through September being the hot months around here. What guests love is their spectacular fight - they jump, dive, and never give up. Plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The males have that distinctive square forehead while females are more rounded. My go-to trick is once you hook one, leave it in the water while you rig more lines. Mahi travel in schools, and that hooked fish will keep the others around for more shots.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph with their torpedo-shaped bodies. They typically run 20-60 pounds, with some monsters pushing 100+. These loners cruise open water from the surface to 200+ feet, often around drop-offs and current edges. July through November is our best stretch here in the Keys, though we see them year-round. What makes wahoo special is that initial run - absolutely screaming drag that'll test your tackle and nerves. They're also premium table fare, with delicate white meat that's perfect for the grill. The challenge is their razor-sharp teeth that'll cut right through mono, so wire leaders are a must. High-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo does the trick. Just make sure your drag is set right - too tight and they'll break you off on that first run.
5.0 out of 5.0The Captain was great and incredibly knowledgeable. We will absolutely be contacting Riplines for all of our future fishing trips.
Had a wonderful day
Fantastic experience! Both the captain and the boat were great. We highly recommend them and will definitely return.
Marathon