Marathon FL Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore fishing charter departing at 8:00 AM dailyExpert captain and crew target deepsea species in Florida KeysSmall group experience accommodates maximum 2 guests per trip
Looking for serious offshore action in the Florida Keys? Our 10-hour Marathon fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of the best deep-sea fishing waters on the Atlantic side. Starting at 8:00 AM sharp, you'll spend a full day targeting trophy fish that call these waters home. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about getting out to the real fishing grounds where the big boys live. With spots for just two anglers, you get personalized attention from our experienced captain and crew who know exactly where to find the fish. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're new to the offshore game, we'll put you on fish and make sure you have the skills to land them.
We push off from Marathon right at 8:00 AM, so plan to be at the dock about 15 minutes early to get your gear sorted and go over the game plan. The run out to our fishing grounds takes us through some of the most beautiful water you'll see anywhere – that crystal-clear blue that the Keys are famous for. Once we hit our spots, you'll be fishing the edge where the continental shelf drops off, creating perfect ambush points for pelagic species. The water here ranges from 100 to 800 feet deep, giving us access to different species depending on what's biting. Our boat is rigged with top-shelf tackle and all the gear you need, including outriggers for proper trolling spreads. We provide rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait – you just need to bring yourself, sun protection, snacks, and drinks for the day. The intimate two-person capacity means you won't be fighting for rod time or competing with a crowd when the action heats up.
Most of our fishing happens while trolling, which is the most effective way to cover water and target the species we're after. We run a spread of baits and lures designed to attract everything from sailfish to mahi mahi. Our typical setup includes ballyhoo rigged on circle hooks, skirted trolling lures, and sometimes live bait when conditions are right. We use outriggers to spread the baits wide and keep them in the clean water outside the boat's wake. The captain reads the water constantly – looking for color changes, temperature breaks, floating sargassum, and birds working. When we mark fish on the electronics or see surface activity, we'll switch tactics and might start jigging or live baiting. All our tackle is heavy enough to handle whatever we hook, but balanced so you can actually fight the fish without getting completely worn out. Circle hooks are standard for most of our fishing, which means better hookups and easier releases if you want to let fish go.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of our offshore fishing here in Marathon. These incredible gamefish show up year-round, but peak season runs from December through April when cooler water temps bring them closer to shore. Sailfish average 6-8 feet long and put on an aerial display that's second to none – jumping, tail-walking, and fighting like nothing else in the ocean. They're not huge fish weight-wise, usually running 30-60 pounds, but pound for pound they're the best fighting fish out there. The sight of a lit-up sailfish coming up behind your bait with that massive dorsal fin spread is something you never forget.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as locals call them, are another favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their brilliant gold and green colors are aggressive feeders and excellent table fare. They school up around floating debris, sargassum lines, and current edges. Mahi range from small schoolies around 5-10 pounds up to big bulls that can push 40-50 pounds. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their acrobatic fights – plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Peak season runs from April through September, but we see them year-round in varying numbers.
Greater Amberjack are the powerhouses of our reef fishing. These fish live around wrecks and deep structure, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They make long, powerful runs straight toward the bottom, testing your tackle and your endurance. Amberjack in our waters commonly run 40-80 pounds, with fish over 100 pounds possible. They're available year-round but are most active during cooler months from October through March. The fight is what draws anglers to target amberjack – it's a test of strength between you and a fish that doesn't give up easily.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of reaching speeds over 60 mph. These torpedo-shaped predators have razor-sharp teeth and hit trolled baits like freight trains. Most wahoo we catch run 20-40 pounds, though bigger fish up to 80 pounds are always possible. They're notorious for their initial screaming runs that can take hundreds of yards of line in seconds. Wahoo are excellent eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. They're more common during cooler months but can show up anytime we're trolling the deep water.
Black Grouper round out our target species list and represent some of the best bottom fishing available. These fish live around hard bottom, ledges, and structure in 80-200 feet of water. Black grouper are ambush predators that can grow quite large – fish over 50 pounds are caught regularly, with monsters over 100 pounds lurking in the deep. They're prized for their incredible table quality, with firm white fillets that are perfect for any cooking method. The challenge with grouper is getting them away from the structure before they cut you off – it's a power game from start to finish.
Marathon's offshore fishing scene is world-class, and this 10-hour
Our restored 29-foot SeaVee center console is perfect for serious offshore fishing in Marathon's deep waters. This 2000 boat got a complete makeover in 2021 and runs on a powerful 315HP Yanmar engine that cruises at 26 knots, getting you to the fishing grounds fast. Built for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with GPS navigation and radar to locate fish and handle changing conditions out there. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. With Marathon's legendary offshore fishing just a boat ride away, this SeaVee is your ticket to tarpon, sailfish, mahi, and whatever else is biting in the Gulf Stream. Whether you're targeting specific species or just want to see what's out there, this boat handles the big water with ease.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the absolute prize catch out here in Marathon waters. These beautiful fish average around 7 feet and 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin and incredible speed - they're honestly one of the fastest fish in the ocean. We typically find them in 30-65 feet of water, especially during winter months when they migrate through the Keys. What makes them so special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and put on a real show that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. The meat's decent, but most folks release these beauties. Here's my tip: when one takes your bait, don't horse it. Let them run first, then work them steady. They'll try to throw the hook with those acrobatic jumps, so keep your rod tip down and maintain pressure.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack groupers are the heavyweight champions of our reef systems. These chunky predators average 10-20 pounds, but we regularly see 30-50 pounders around wrecks and ledges in 60-200 feet of water. They move shallower in winter, deeper in summer heat. What makes them a favorite is that powerful, stubborn fight - they'll try to pull you straight down into the rocks. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. These ambush hunters aren't picky eaters, so live bait, dead bait, or jigs all work. My advice: use heavy gear with at least 80-pound braid and crank hard the second you feel that thump. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the bottom structure.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjacks are serious bruisers that'll test your tackle and endurance. These silver-sided fighters typically run 30-40 pounds around our waters, though we see some pushing 60+ pounds on deeper wrecks and reefs. They hang around structure in 80-200 feet - old wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom where they ambush smaller fish. Spring through fall gives you the best shots at big ones. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight - they'll pull straight down and make long, powerful runs that'll burn your arms. The meat's excellent too, though watch for ciguatera in bigger fish. Here's the key: use heavy tackle with at least 50-pound line. Once hooked, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the wreck or you'll get cut off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are some of the most exciting fish we target on our charters. They average around 15-30 pounds but can get up to 50+ if you're lucky. These golden beauties love floating debris and weed lines in deeper offshore waters. They're year-round residents here, but fishing picks up during warmer months when they school up. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - plus they're absolutely delicious on the table with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos. The colors they flash when hooked are amazing too. Pro tip: when we find one mahi, there's usually more around. Keep your other lines out while fighting the first fish - we often get doubles or triples when they're feeding together.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are pure speed demons that'll smoke your reel in seconds. These torpedo-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds but can hit 80+ pounds in our waters. We find them year-round here, but July through November is prime time when they move through in good numbers. They cruise open water and edges, usually in the top 60 feet. What gets people hooked is that initial run - absolutely blistering fast with line screaming off your reel. Plus they're fantastic eating - white, flaky meat that's mild and sweet. The key to wahoo is high-speed trolling with wire leaders since their razor teeth will slice through anything else. Run your lures fast, around 12-15 knots, and hang on tight when one hits.
Marathon