Marathon's Premier Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Private wreck fishing adventure with Captain Greg in Marathon watersPremium safety equipment including Viking liferaft and emergency gear onboardProfessional fish cleaning service provided after successful fishing trips
When you're looking for the real deal in Marathon fishing, Captain Greg and the Manicsportfishing crew know exactly where to take you. This isn't your typical half-day trip around the flats – we're talking serious wreck fishing in some of the most productive waters off the Florida Keys. With a 3-4 hour window, you'll have plenty of time to work the structure and put some serious fish in the cooler. The boat's rigged with everything you need, from top-shelf tackle to safety gear that includes a Viking liferaft and EPIRB, because when you're fishing the deeper wrecks, preparation matters. Plus, they'll clean your catch at the dock, so you can focus on what counts – getting your line wet and making memories.
Captain Greg runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed and personal. You're not just another charter booking – he takes time to get to know his anglers and tailor the trip to what you want to accomplish. The boat accommodates up to six anglers comfortably, making it perfect for families or groups of friends who want their own private piece of Marathon's legendary fishing scene. Once you're out there, you'll be working artificial reefs, natural ledges, and some of the area's most productive wreck sites. The water around Marathon holds structure at various depths, giving you shots at everything from mid-water pelagics to bottom-dwelling monsters. Don't worry about bringing tackle – the boat's loaded with the right gear for wreck fishing, including heavy enough rods to handle whatever decides to eat your bait.
Fishing wrecks isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. Captain Greg knows how to read the structure and position the boat so you're fishing the productive zones where big fish like to hang out. You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting – sometimes that means vertical jigging with heavy spoons or bucktails, other times it's live bait fishing with circle hooks to target the bigger grouper that call these wrecks home. The electronics on board show you exactly what's down there, so you can see the fish before you catch them. When the current's running right, you might drift the edges with cut bait or live pilchards. If the pelagics are around, expect to see some serious runs on the spinning gear. The key to wreck fishing success is being ready for anything – one drop might bring up a mutton snapper, the next could be a goliath grouper that tests your drag system.
Wahoo are the speed demons of Marathon's offshore scene, and when they show up around the wrecks, get ready for some serious action. These fish can hit 40-50 pounds and they'll test every knot you tied that morning. Spring and fall are prime time for wahoo, especially when the water temperature sits in that sweet spot between 75-80 degrees. What makes them so exciting isn't just their size – it's that initial run that'll have you wondering if your reel's about to explode. They're also some of the best eating fish you'll find out there.
Mutton snapper are the bread and butter of Marathon wreck fishing, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious. They typically run 5-15 pounds around the local wrecks, but don't let their size fool you – they'll fight like fish twice their weight. Summer months bring the best mutton action, particularly around the full moon when they're feeding heavily. Captain Greg knows exactly which wrecks hold the biggest schools, and when you find them, you can load the cooler in a hurry.
Black grouper are the workhorses of the wreck fishing world in Marathon. These fish average 10-20 pounds but can push 40+ on the right day. They're year-round residents around the deeper structure, making them a reliable target no matter when you fish. What anglers love about black grouper is their dependability – when other species are finicky, you can usually count on finding grouper around the wrecks. They're also incredibly good eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Goliath grouper are the giants that make wreck fishing in Marathon legendary. These monsters can exceed 300 pounds and provide a fight you'll talk about for years. While they're catch-and-release only, hooking into a goliath is a bucket-list experience for any serious angler. They're most active during the warmer months and tend to be more cooperative early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The adrenaline rush of seeing one of these giants come up from the depths never gets old.
Blackfin tuna bring speed and stamina to your Marathon fishing adventure. These fish typically range from 10-30 pounds and they never stop fighting until they're in the boat. They're most active during the cooler months, making them perfect targets for winter trips when other species slow down. Blackfin tuna are also fantastic table fare – their meat is perfect for sashimi if you're into fresh fish preparation, or they grill up beautifully for a more traditional approach.
Marathon's wreck fishing scene is world-class, and Captain Greg's operation gives you the best shot at experiencing it right. With professional-grade safety equipment, top-notch tackle, and a captain who genuinely cares about putting you on fish, this 3-4 hour private charter delivers everything serious anglers want. The fact that they'll clean your catch means you can spend more time fishing and less time worrying about the work afterward. Whether you're after bragging-rights fish or just want to fill the cooler with dinner, these Marathon wrecks produce consistently. The boat's limited to six anglers, so you're not fighting crowds or dealing with the chaos of larger charters. Book your spot and get ready to see why
Get ready to hit Marathon's prime fishing grounds aboard this sleek 31-ft Steiger Craft cabin cruiser! With twin Yamaha 300HP engines pushing you up to 50 knots, you'll reach those offshore wrecks where the big fish hang out in no time. Captain Greg knows these waters like the back of his hand and keeps safety first with Viking liferaft and EPIRB onboard. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Air conditioning keeps everyone comfortable between hook-ups, and there's even a multimedia system for tunes. With a private head and bed onboard, up to 6 anglers can fish in total comfort. Best part? They'll clean your fish when you return to the dock. This isn't just another fishing charter - it's your ticket to some of Florida's best wreck fishing with a captain who actually cares about putting you on fish.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 2-3 feet but capable of reaching 5 feet and over 100 pounds. These ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and coral heads in 30-300 feet, moving shallow in winter and deeper in summer. They're solitary hunters with massive mouths that can inhale prey whole. What makes them special is the raw power - once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is outstanding, mild and flaky. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallower. You'll need heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum with 100lb leader. Here's the key: when you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you up in the structure below.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smaller cousins in the tuna family, but don't let size fool you - they're fierce fighters. Most run 15-30 inches and pack serious speed and stamina. They school up in blue water around Marathon, usually near current edges and temperature breaks. Fall, winter, and spring are peak seasons here in the Keys when water temps are right. These fish have incredible eyesight, so you need to scale down your tackle - 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks work best. The meat is fantastic, dark red and rich like their bigger cousins. Vertical jigging and chunking with live pilchards is deadly effective. Pro tip: once you find a school, work fast - they move quickly and won't stick around long if the action slows down.
Epinephelus ItajaraThese are the giants of the reef - true monsters that can reach 8 feet and 800 pounds, though most we see run 100-300 pounds. Goliaths hang around shallow structure like wrecks, bridges, and ledges, usually in 30-150 feet. They're curious fish that will often approach divers and boats. Remember, these fish are protected - it's strictly catch, photo, and release. The thrill is in the battle; that first pull can literally drag you around the boat. They're most active during warmer months when they gather to spawn. You'll need serious heavy tackle - 50-80 wide reel with 400-600lb mono. My advice: anchor close enough to draw them out but far enough to keep them from the rocks. Bounce your bait off the bottom to get their attention - they have no fear and will come investigate.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are one of the prettiest fish we target, with their olive-pink coloring and distinctive blue lines around the eyes. They typically run 15-20 inches, though the occasional 30+ incher will surprise you. These fish love sandy areas near reefs and structure, usually in 80-200 feet of water. Spring and fall tend to be best when they're more active. What makes muttons special is their solid fight - they'll make strong runs for the bottom when hooked. The meat is excellent table fare, sweet and firm. They're naturally cautious, so presentation matters. My go-to trick is using the freshest bait possible on a light knocker rig, letting it drift naturally in the current. Keep your drag smooth - once they realize they're hooked, they'll bolt for cover fast.
Acanthocybium SolandriThese torpedo-shaped speedsters are among the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. Most wahoo we catch here run 3-5 feet long, though the occasional giant can reach 8 feet. They love the deep blue water around Marathon, typically found in 60+ feet near weedlines and current edges. July through November is prime time when they're most active in our area. Guests love wahoo for their blistering runs and jumps, plus the meat is top-shelf - white, flaky, and mild. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, which means delicious, and it's spot-on. Pro tip: use wire leaders since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. High-speed trolling with skirted ballyhoo at 12-15 knots usually does the trick.
Marathon