Marathon FL Offshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore fishing charter departing at 8:00 AM dailySmall group experience accommodating maximum 2 guests per tripProfessional captain targets deep-sea species in Florida Keys waters
When you're looking for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys, Marathon delivers the goods. Our 10-hour deep-sea charter puts you right in the middle of some of the best fishing grounds in South Florida. Starting at 8 AM sharp, you'll have the entire day to work the blue water where the big fish live. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding and fighting the species that make Marathon famous among serious anglers.
You and one other angler will have the boat practically to yourselves, which means personal attention from our captain and plenty of room to work. We'll head out past the reef line where the Gulf Stream currents bring in the pelagics. The water changes from that shallow Keys green to deep cobalt blue, and that's when you know you're in fish country. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – where the drop-offs are, which weed lines are holding bait, and how the current affects fish movement on any given day. Expect to cover some serious ground as we follow the bite, whether that's working structure for grouper and amberjack or trolling the blue water for sailfish and mahi. Pack your own lunch and drinks since we don't provide meals – you'll want to stay fueled for what could be a long day of steady action.
We run a mix of trolling spreads and live bait depending on conditions and what we're targeting. For the pelagics, we'll pull a combination of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and lures at different depths. The outriggers get the baits away from the boat's wake, and we'll often run a flat line or two closer in. When we find a good weed line or piece of floating debris, that's when things get interesting – mahi love to hang under anything that provides shade and attracts baitfish. For the bottom species like grouper and amberjack, we'll anchor up on structure and drop live bait or heavy jigs. The tackle is sized for the fish we're after – you don't want to be undergunned when a big wahoo decides to eat your bait at 40 knots. We provide all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but if you have favorites, feel free to bring them along.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here, and Marathon's waters see good numbers from fall through early spring. These acrobatic fighters average 6-8 feet and put on a show like no other fish in the ocean. When a sail eats your bait, get ready for multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. The cooler months from December through March are prime time, when the fish move in closer to the reef line following bait schools.
Mahi Mahi are year-round residents but really turn on during the warmer months. These colorful speedsters love structure – weed lines, debris, anything floating on the surface. Bulls can push 50 pounds and provide fast, aggressive fights with impressive aerial displays. The key to finding mahi is covering water and looking for birds, weeds, or any kind of floating cover where they like to hang.
Greater Amberjack are the bruisers of the reef, with fish over 50 pounds common around Marathon's deeper structures. These are pure power – when you hook a big AJ, it's going straight down and you're going to earn every inch of line you get back. Spring and early summer are peak times when these fish move shallow to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of runs that'll smoke your reel if your drag isn't set right. These torpedo-shaped predators can reach 60+ pounds in these waters and are known for their razor-sharp teeth and blistering initial runs. Winter months are prime wahoo time in Marathon, when the water cools slightly and these fish move in from the deeper blue water.
Black Grouper are the reef kings, lurking around rocky bottom and structure in 80-200 feet of water. These chunky fighters use their powerful tails and knowledge of the bottom to try to cut you off in the rocks. A good black grouper will go 20-40 pounds and provides that classic bottom-fishing experience – heavy tackle, strong current, and a fish that knows every rock on the reef.
A 10-hour charter gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting and really explore Marathon's offshore potential. Whether you're after your first sailfish or looking to tangle with a monster amberjack, this trip puts you in position for the kind of fishing that makes the Florida Keys legendary. The intimate 2-person capacity means you won't be fighting for rod time, and our experienced crew will put you on the fish. Book now and get ready to see why Marathon is considered one of the top offshore fishing destinations in the Keys.
Our 29-foot SeaVee center console is your ticket to Marathon's legendary offshore fishing grounds. This restored 2000 beauty runs on a powerful 315HP Yanmar engine that'll get you out to the deep water at a smooth 26 knots, putting those productive fishing spots within easy reach. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to work the rods and fight those hard-pulling pelagics that call these waters home. Whether you're targeting mahi, kingfish, or whatever's running, you'll have GPS navigation and radar to locate the fish and keep you safe in changing conditions. Perfect for couples or small groups looking to experience what makes the Florida Keys a world-class fishing destination.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our waters - these beautiful fish can hit 30+ mph and put on quite a show when hooked, leaping and diving repeatedly. Most run 6-8 feet and weigh around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin they flash when hunting. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, usually near the surface around floating debris or weed lines. Winter months are prime time here in the Keys - that's when they migrate through in good numbers. What makes them special is that fight - they'll test your endurance with long runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties. Here's a local tip: when you see one lit up with those bright colors and that sail raised, get ready - they're in hunting mode and about to strike.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These bottom dwellers average 10-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds, with mottled gray and black coloring that helps them blend into the rocks. They live around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 30-300 feet, ambushing prey with those massive mouths. Winter and spring are prime time when they move shallower to spawn. What guests love is the initial power dive straight for the rocks - it's a true test of angler vs fish. The meat is outstanding too - mild, firm fillets that are restaurant quality. Here's the deal: once you hook one, clamp down hard on that drag and start cranking immediately. You've got maybe 10 seconds before they reach cover and break you off on the rocks.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are the bulldogs of the reef - thick, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ pounds, with that distinctive amber stripe down their sides. They hang around wrecks, reefs, and ledges in 60-200 feet of water, ambushing baitfish from cover. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially when the water warms up. What makes them popular is that bone-jarring initial run followed by a long, tough fight straight down to the structure. They're excellent eating too - firm white meat that grills perfectly. Just watch out for ciguatera in bigger fish. Here's the key: once you hook one, clamp down on that drag immediately and pull hard - you've got about 10 seconds before they reach the reef and cut you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish we catch - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. They average 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we've seen them bigger. These surface dwellers love hanging around floating debris, sargassum lines, and current breaks in blue water. They're around year-round but really fire up in spring and summer. What guests love is the aggressive strike and steady fight, plus they're absolutely delicious eating - sweet, firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. They often travel in small schools, so when you hook one, keep your lines in. Pro tip: once you boat the first one, work that same area hard and fast - his buddies are usually nearby and the commotion often gets them fired up.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the open ocean, capable of hitting 60 mph and making blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. These sleek predators average 20-40 pounds and 3-5 feet long, with razor-sharp teeth and distinctive blue stripes. We find them in blue water over deep drop-offs and around floating debris, usually in the top 60 feet. Peak season here runs July through November when they're moving through in good numbers. The speed and power make them a favorite - that initial run is absolutely explosive. Plus they're premium eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilled. Here in the Keys, we high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - those teeth will slice right through mono. When one hits, hold on tight and let that drag work, because they're going to make you earn it.
Marathon