Private Shark & Barracuda Charter in Marathon
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private 4hour offshore fishing charter targeting sharks and barracudaExpert captain explores Gulf waters, Marathon humps and wreck sitesTopquality gear provided with professional fish cleaning services included
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys, there's nothing quite like targeting the apex predators that cruise these legendary waters. This 4-hour private charter out of Marathon puts you right in the thick of world-class fishing, where shortfin makos, massive grouper, and lightning-fast wahoo call home. Captain and crew at Manicsportfishing know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're not messing around when it comes to putting you on fish. With only 6 anglers max, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and an epic one.
Your day starts at Marathon's harbor, where you'll meet your Florida Keys captain who's spent years mastering the art of offshore fishing in these productive waters. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip - every charter is tailored to what's biting and where the action is hottest. The crew runs you out to Marathon's famous humps and wrecks, legendary structure that holds some of the biggest fish in South Florida. These underwater mountains and artificial reefs create the perfect ambush points for predators, and that's exactly where you want your baits. The Gulf Stream influence keeps these waters rich with baitfish, which draws in everything from school-sized blackfin tuna to trophy goliath grouper that'll test your drag system to its limits.
The crew comes equipped with quality tackle that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait. When you're targeting species like makos and wahoo, having the right gear isn't optional - it's essential. Expect to see heavy conventional reels spooled with enough line to handle long runs, and rods with the backbone to turn big fish away from structure. Depending on conditions and what's feeding, you might be drift fishing with live or dead baits over the humps, trolling spreads for wahoo and mako sharks, or dropping heavy jigs down to grouper haunts on the wrecks. The captain reads the water, watches the electronics, and adjusts tactics throughout the day. When you hook up, the crew is right there coaching you through the fight and making sure you land your fish. After the action winds down, they'll clean your catch so it's ready for the dinner table - just remember to tip the mate who's working hard to make your day successful.
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the ultimate offshore predator and one of the most sought-after species in these waters. These speed demons can hit 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Marathon's offshore waters see good mako action from late fall through spring, with fish ranging from 100 to 300+ pounds. What makes makos so special is their aerial displays - when hooked, they'll often launch completely out of the water in spectacular jumps. The fight is pure adrenaline, and landing one is something you'll never forget.
Wahoo are another top target that keeps anglers coming back to these waters. Known locally as "ono," these torpedo-shaped speedsters are built for one thing: going fast. They cruise Marathon's offshore edges looking for baitfish, and when they strike a trolled bait, the hookup is explosive. Wahoo typically run 20-60 pounds in these waters, with occasional fish pushing 80. They're excellent table fare too - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Peak season runs from November through March, though you can find them year-round.
Black Grouper are the bread and butter of Marathon's wreck fishing scene. These powerful bottom dwellers hang around structure, waiting to ambush anything that swims too close. They're notorious for trying to get back to their holes when hooked, which makes for tough fights on heavy tackle. Fish from 10 to 50 pounds are common, with the occasional monster pushing 60-plus. They're available year-round but fish best during cooler months when they're more aggressive.
Goliath Grouper are the true giants of these reefs, and encountering one is always memorable. These massive fish can exceed 400 pounds and are strictly catch-and-release in Florida waters. When you hook into a goliath, you know it immediately - there's no mistaking that dead weight and stubborn power. They're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving everyone a chance to see their massive size up close. Summer months offer the best goliath action around Marathon's wrecks and ledges.
Blackfin Tuna school up around Marathon's offshore structure and provide consistent action when other species aren't cooperating. These smaller cousins to yellowfin rarely exceed 30 pounds but make up for size with numbers and fight. They're perfect for lighter tackle and great table fare. Blackfins are most active during early morning and late afternoon, often feeding in large schools that create surface commotion visible from long distances.
Marathon's offshore fishing scene is world-renowned for good reason - the combination of deep water, productive structure, and year-round action makes it a premier destination for serious anglers. This private charter gives you the flexibility to target what you want while working with a captain who knows how to find fish consistently. Whether you're after the rush of a mako's first jump, the screaming runs of a wahoo, or the bulldogging power of a big grouper, these waters deliver. The crew provides everything except the fish stories - you'll have to earn those yourself. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during peak season when the best captains book up fast.
Get ready to chase sharks and barracuda aboard this sweet 31-foot Steiger Craft cabin cruiser! Twin Yamaha 300HP engines push this fishing machine up to 50 knots, getting you to Marathon's productive humps and wrecks fast. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 anglers with plenty of room to fight big fish. Stay cool between hookups with onboard AC, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and take advantage of the fish finder to locate your targets. GPS and radar keep you on course to the hottest fishing spots in these Florida Keys waters. After battling trophy fish all day, relax on the bed or use the onboard head. This well-equipped sportfisher has everything needed for a successful day targeting the apex predators that call Marathon's offshore waters home.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the bulldogs of the reef - stocky, tough fighters that'll test your tackle. Most run 10-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders lurk around our deeper wrecks and ledges. They hang tight to structure 30-300 feet down, moving shallow in winter and deep in summer. Best fishing is fall through spring when they're more active. What makes them great targets is the pure strength - they'll try to bury you in the rocks the second they feel the hook. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Keys, mild and firm with great texture. Key tip: the moment you feel that thump, start cranking hard and don't give them an inch. They don't nibble - they inhale the bait whole, so set that hook fast and muscle them up.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the perfect size for great fights and better eating. These smaller tunas typically run 10-30 pounds and about 2-3 feet long - just right for most tackle. They school up in the blue water and around our offshore structure, staying in the top 100 feet. Prime time is fall through spring when water temps are in the 70s. What makes them popular is they fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, plus the meat is outstanding - dark, rich, and perfect for sashimi or blackened. They school with skipjacks sometimes, making for fast action. My tip: scale down your leaders to 30-pound fluoro and smaller circle hooks since these fish are sharp-eyed and leader-shy.
Epinephelus ItajaraGoliath groupers are the giants of our reefs - true monsters that can hit 400+ pounds and live 50+ years. These massive fish hang around shallow wrecks, ledges, and structure in 20-150 feet. Best action is summer through fall around Marathon's artificial reefs. What makes them special is the sheer size and power - that first run will nearly pull you overboard if you're not ready. They're protected, so it's catch and release only, but the experience is worth it. The meat is actually mild and sweet, though you'll only hear about it from old-timers. Gear tip: bring your heaviest tackle - 80-pound class minimum with 400-pound mono and massive circle hooks. Anchor close enough to draw them out but far enough to pull them off structure.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe fastest shark in the ocean, makos are pure adrenaline on a line. These sleek predators average 6-8 feet but can hit 12+ feet and over 1,000 pounds. They cruise the Gulf Stream and deeper waters around Marathon's offshore humps, usually 100-400 feet down. Best action happens April through October when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special? They leap 20 feet out of the water and fight like nothing else - pure speed and power. The meat's actually really good too, firm and clean tasting. One key tip: once you hook one, keep constant pressure and be ready for them to jump right into the boat. Seriously happens more than you'd think, so stay alert and give them space.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and gear. These torpedo-shaped fish average 3-5 feet and 30-50 pounds, but can push 8 feet and over 100 pounds. They cruise the blue water and around our offshore wrecks, usually in the top 60 feet. Peak season runs July through November when they're thick around Marathon. What guests love is the blistering runs - they hit 60 mph and make screaming drag runs that'll empty your reel fast. Plus, the meat is top-notch, white and flaky with a mild sweet taste - perfect for fish tacos. Pro tip for landing them: use wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through mono instantly, and troll fast at 12-15 knots to trigger strikes.
Marathon