Marathon Keys Inshore Fishing Paradise
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Threehour inshore fishing adventure aboard spacious doubledecker pontoon boatCaptain provides expert guidance and cleans all keeper fishAccommodates up to six guests with sightseeing and swimming opportunities
Picture this: you're cruising the crystal-clear flats around Marathon aboard a spacious double-decker pontoon, lines in the water, and the Florida Keys stretching out in every direction. That's exactly what you get with Manicsportfishing's top-rated 3-hour private charter. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got one mission – putting you on fish while showing you the best of what the middle Keys have to offer. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new grounds, this trip delivers the perfect mix of action and relaxation.
This isn't your typical cramped fishing boat experience. The double-decker pontoon gives everyone plenty of room to spread out, cast comfortably, and enjoy the ride. Kids love climbing up to the upper deck for a better view, while serious anglers appreciate having space to work their rods without bumping elbows. Captain comes prepared with all the tackle and bait you'll need, plus he knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. The beauty of inshore fishing around Marathon is the variety – one minute you're drifting over a grass flat targeting snapper, the next you're anchored up near a channel marker working the bottom for something bigger. Most of what you catch gets released to fight another day, but anything you want to keep goes home cleaned and filleted, ready for the dinner table.
Inshore fishing in the Keys is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain runs light to medium tackle that's perfect for the species you'll encounter – think spinning reels loaded with 15-20 pound test and rods with enough backbone to handle a decent fish but still fun to fight. Live shrimp and cut bait are the go-to options, though artificial lures definitely have their place when the fish are aggressive. You'll spend time drift fishing over grass flats, bottom fishing near structure, and maybe even sight casting if conditions are right. The pontoon's shallow draft is a huge advantage here – it lets you access skinny water spots that bigger boats can't reach, putting you right in the strike zone where these inshore species love to hang out. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater fishing; Captain walks everyone through the basics and adjusts techniques based on your experience level.
White Catfish might not be the flashiest catch, but they're scrappy fighters that kids absolutely love. These guys are year-round residents in the Keys backcountry, hanging around grass flats and sandy bottoms where they root around for crabs and small baitfish. They hit baits hard and put up a solid fight on light tackle. What makes them special is their willingness to bite – when other species are being picky, catfish usually save the day and keep rods bent.
Bonnethead Sharks are hands-down one of the coolest catches you'll make on this trip. These smaller members of the hammerhead family cruise the flats in small groups, and seeing that distinctive shovel-shaped head break the surface gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. They're most active during warmer months and love shallow, sandy areas where they hunt for crabs. The fight is pure excitement – long runs, head shakes, and enough power to test your drag. Plus, they're perfectly safe to handle for photos before release.
Mutton Snapper are the prize catch that every angler hopes to connect with. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spot and reddish fins are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious if you decide to keep one. They hang around structure and drop-offs, often in 10-30 feet of water, and they're notorious for their finicky eating habits. Spring through fall offers the best action, and when you hook into a good mutton, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs toward cover and test every knot in your rig.
Lane Snapper are the bread and butter of Keys fishing, and for good reason. These smaller cousins of the mutton snapper are abundant, aggressive, and perfect for keeping the action steady throughout your trip. They school up around any kind of structure and compete with each other to grab your bait first. Their bright yellow stripes and pink-tinged fins make them beautiful fish to photograph, and they're outstanding table fare when cooked fresh. Lane snapper bite year-round, making them a reliable target no matter when you book your trip.
Here's the bottom line – this 3-hour private charter gives you everything you want in a Keys fishing experience without the full-day commitment. You get expert local knowledge, quality equipment, a comfortable boat with room for up to 6 people, and access to some of Marathon's best inshore fishing spots. The fact that Captain handles all the fish cleaning means you can focus on the fun parts and still take home a meal. Whether you're planning a family vacation, looking for a guys' trip, or just want to spend a few hours doing what you love most, this trip hits all the right notes. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit, some snacks, and plenty of sunscreen – the Florida Keys sun is no joke. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Marathon's inshore waters keep anglers coming back year after year.
Sphyrna TiburoThese small hammerheads are the friendly sharks of the Keys, running 3-4 feet and rarely over 28 pounds. Their shovel-shaped heads make them easy to spot, and they're harmless - only one human bite on record. You'll find schools of 5-15 cruising shallow bays, grass flats, and channels in 3-20 feet of water. They love warm months here but stick around year-round. What guests love is the fight - they're scrappy and will test your drag once hooked. Plus, there's something cool about catching a shark on light tackle. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Best bait is fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg - drives them crazy. Here's the trick: use a sliding sinker rig with 20-pound test and let it sit on the bottom. They'll pick it up and run before you know what hit.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are those pretty pink fish with yellow stripes that show up as bonus catches when you're targeting other species. They typically run 10-14 inches and make great action for kids and light tackle fans. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy patches with grass in 10-50 feet of water. March through September is prime time when they're spawning and feeding aggressively. They're not picky eaters and will hit shrimp, squid, or cut bait readily. What guests enjoy is they're easier to catch than other snappers but still put up a decent scrap for their size. Plus they make excellent table fare. They feed more at night but bite well during the day too. Pro tip: they school up, so when you catch one, keep fishing the same spot. Use small hooks and light sinkers - they're aggressive but small-mouthed.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are the prize snappers around here - pink beauties that can hit 20 inches and fight like crazy. Adults usually hang around coral heads and rocky structure in 15-40 feet, while smaller ones prefer sandy areas with grass. They're loners mostly, which makes each catch special. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when they're more active and feeding heavy. What makes them sought after is the combination of strong fight and excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat. They're smart fish that spook easily, so fresh bait and light weights are key. Once hooked, they'll dive straight for structure to cut you off. Here's my go-to trick: use a knocker rig with the freshest bait you can find and let it drift naturally in the current. That pink color coming up through the water never gets old.
Ameiurus CatusWhite Catfish are the smallest of North American catfish, usually running half a pound to 2 pounds, though some reach 10. They're rare catches that get anglers excited. You'll find them in freshwater areas with muddy bottoms - they love sluggish waters and can handle low oxygen levels. These bottom feeders have eight barbels they use to "taste" their surroundings. They're more active at dusk but will bite during morning hours too. What makes them special is their rarity - landing a decent-sized one is a real trophy. They taste great when kept. Best bait is live worms, shrimp, or chicken liver - anything smelly works since they detect food through their whiskers. Pro tip: let your bait drift slightly off the bottom rather than sitting dead in the mud. They need to sense it moving to strike.
Marathon