Gulfview Avenue Fishing Adventures in Marathon
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
3hour private inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesLight tackle fishing perfect for beginners and experienced anglersIncludes snorkeling, swimming, and island hopping activities
Looking for a solid inshore fishing trip that's perfect for both rookies and seasoned anglers? This 3-hour private charter out of Marathon puts you right in the heart of some of the Florida Keys' most productive shallow water fishing grounds. Captain and crew at Manicsportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're stoked to get you hooked up with Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, Mangrove Snapper, and whatever else is biting that day. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to escape the crowds and fish at your own pace while soaking up everything the Keys have to offer.
This isn't your typical "fish or bust" charter – the crew keeps things flexible and fun. Sure, fishing is the main event, but if the fish are being finicky or you just want to mix it up, there's snorkeling over grass flats, quick stops at secluded islands, or just cruising around taking in the scenery. The whole vibe is laid-back Florida Keys style, where nobody's stressed about checking boxes or rushing through a rigid schedule. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, whether that means working the mangrove edges for snapper or hitting the flats for sharks and barracuda. The boat stays in the shallows mostly, so you're always close to structure and cover where fish like to hang out.
All the gear is provided, and they keep it simple with light spinning tackle that's perfect for beginners but still plenty of fun for experienced anglers. We're talking 15-20 pound test line on medium-action rods – enough backbone to handle a decent barracuda or king mackerel, but light enough that even smaller fish put up a good fight. The crew will rig you up with whatever's working that day, whether it's live bait like pilchards and shrimp, or artificials like spoons and jigs. They'll walk you through the basics if you're new to inshore fishing, showing you how to work the bait and when to set the hook. The best part? They'll clean whatever you decide to keep, so you can head home with a cooler full of fresh fillets ready for the grill.
The Bonnethead Shark is hands down one of the most fun fish you'll tangle with in these waters. These smaller members of the hammerhead family cruise the grass flats and sandy areas looking for crabs and small fish. They typically run 2-4 feet long and are absolute bulldogs on light tackle, making long runs and giving you a real workout. Spring through fall is prime time for bonnets, and they're curious enough that they'll often investigate your bait multiple times before committing. What makes them special is their unique head shape and the way they fight – pure power with no quit in them.
Great Barracuda are the apex predator of the flats, and hooking one is guaranteed to get your heart pumping. These silver missiles can stretch 4-6 feet long and are built for speed, capable of hitting 35+ mph when they want to. They're year-round residents but really fire up during the warmer months when baitfish are thick. Barracuda are ambush hunters that lurk around structure like coral heads and channel edges, then explode on anything that looks like an easy meal. Their initial run is absolutely electric, and those razor-sharp teeth mean you better have wire leader if you want to land one. The fight is fast and furious – they'll jump, tail-walk, and do everything they can to throw your hook.
King Mackerel bring serious game fish credentials to the party, even the smaller ones you'll find inshore. These guys are built for the open ocean but smaller kings often hunt the deeper channels and edges around Marathon. They're incredibly fast swimmers with mouths full of sharp teeth, and they hit bait with authority. Fall and winter months tend to be best for kings in the inshore waters, especially when the baitfish are moving. A 10-15 pound king on light tackle will test every bit of your drag system and give you a fight you won't forget. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish cakes.
Marathon's inshore fishing scene is world-class, and this trip gives you the perfect taste of what makes the Florida Keys so special for anglers. The combination of diverse species, beautiful scenery, and top-rated guides creates an experience that works whether you're a hardcore angler or just looking for a fun day on the water with family and friends. The 3-hour timeframe is ideal – long enough to get into some fish and explore different spots, but not so long that anyone gets burnt out. With the crew handling all the details from gear to fish cleaning, all you need to worry about is having a good time and making some memories. Don't sleep on this one – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hot and the weather is perfect.
Our 2021 26-foot Grand Island pontoon boat delivers the perfect platform for your Marathon fishing adventure. Powered by a Mercury 115HP engine, this spacious vessel cruises comfortably at 25 knots while you and up to 5 fellow anglers explore the productive inshore waters around the Keys. The stable pontoon design makes it ideal for families and beginners targeting Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, and Mangrove Snapper using light tackle spinning gear. Essential fishing amenities include a fish finder to locate productive spots, GPS navigation for pinpoint accuracy, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The onboard toilet adds convenience for longer fishing sessions. Beyond the fishing action, this versatile boat handles snorkeling stops, swimming breaks, and island hopping between fishing holes. The roomy deck provides plenty of space for casting, fighting fish, and moving around safely while the crew cleans your catch.
Sphyrna TiburoThese small hammerheads are perfect for beginners wanting to catch their first shark. Running 3-4 feet on average, bonnetheads are the gentle giants of the shark family - shy and completely harmless. You'll find them cruising our shallow bays and channels year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What makes them special is that distinctive shovel-shaped head and their habit of traveling in small schools. They put up a decent scrap on light tackle without being overwhelming. The key to success is using fresh blue crab - cut it in half and hook it through a leg. That combo is like ringing the dinner bell for these guys.
Sphyraena BarracudaThe silver bullets of the flats, these sleek predators are built for speed and can hit 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can stretch to 6 feet and really test your drag. You'll spot them around coral heads, grass flats, and channel edges where they ambush baitfish. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, making them great targets for sight fishing. The fight is intense but short - they'll make a few blistering runs then tire quickly. Spring through fall offers the best action. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and keep your hands clear when landing them. Those razor teeth aren't for show.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons that make every angler's heart race when the drag starts screaming. These silver rockets typically run 20-30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds if you're lucky. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around structure and temperature breaks, especially during cooler months when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - nothing fights quite like a king. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. The secret is using a dual-hook rig with live bait like blue runners or threadfins. Hook one through the nose, let the stinger hook dangle free - kings love to hit from behind.
Marathon