Marathon FL Wrecks Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Fourhour reef and wreck fishing charter departing 8:00 AM dailyExperienced captains provide stateoftheart equipment and local expertiseAccommodates up to four guests for personalized fishing adventure
Looking for some serious fishing action in Marathon? This 4-hour reef and wrecks charter kicks off at 8 AM and puts you right where the big fish hang out. We're talking about those deep structure spots where trophy fish cruise around looking for an easy meal – and that's exactly what you'll be offering them. With just 4 anglers max on board, you get plenty of room to work and our captains can focus on putting everyone on fish. The waters around Marathon hold some of Florida's best fishing secrets, and we know every productive wreck and reef patch that produces consistent action.
You'll be fishing over artificial reefs and historic wrecks that have become underwater oases for marine life. These structures act like magnets for baitfish, which naturally draws in the predators we're after. The trip starts early to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures and active feeding periods. Our experienced captains have been working these waters for years and know exactly which spots are firing on any given day based on current conditions, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so whether you're comfortable with spinning gear or prefer conventional reels, we've got you covered. Don't worry if you're new to wreck fishing – our crew will walk you through the techniques and help you feel confident dropping baits in 60-100 feet of water.
Wreck fishing requires a bit more finesse than your typical shallow water setup. We'll be using heavier tackle to handle the depth and potential for big fish, typically 30-50 pound class gear depending on conditions. The technique involves dropping live or cut bait down to the structure and keeping it in the strike zone where fish are feeding. Sometimes we'll drift over multiple wrecks in a morning, other times we'll anchor up on a hot spot and work it thoroughly. Circle hooks are the standard here – they're fish-friendly and incredibly effective for the species we're targeting. When fish are really aggressive, we might switch to vertical jigs or even troll the edges of the structure. Our captains read the electronics constantly, watching for bait schools and marking fish, then adjusting the approach to match what's happening below.
Atlantic Bonito show up in good numbers during cooler months, typically from November through March. These fish are built for speed and put up a fantastic fight on medium tackle. They school around wrecks chasing baitfish and will absolutely smoke a well-presented jig or live sardine. Most bonito we see run 3-8 pounds, but don't let the size fool you – they're pure muscle and will test your drag system. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and the sheer fun factor when you hook into a school.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Marathon. These fish are absolutely stunning with their bright colors and acrobatic fights. They're most common from late spring through early fall, and the bigger bulls often hang around floating debris or deeper structure. A good mahi will run anywhere from 10-30 pounds, with occasional fish pushing even bigger. They're curious by nature and often travel in small groups, so when you find one, there's usually more around. The bite can be explosive, and watching a mahi come completely out of the water during the fight is something every angler needs to experience.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the wreck scene. These fish are built like torpedoes and can reach speeds over 40 mph, making them one of the most challenging species to hook and land. They're most active during winter months and prefer the edges of deeper structure. A typical wahoo runs 15-40 pounds and has a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders in seconds. When one hits your bait, there's no question what you've hooked – the initial run is absolutely blistering. They're also fantastic table fare, which makes them a favorite among serious anglers.
Mutton Snapper are the bread and butter of wreck fishing in Marathon. These fish are smart, structure-oriented, and absolutely delicious. They typically run 2-8 pounds around the wrecks, with occasional larger fish that have learned to use the structure to their advantage. Muttons are most active during warmer months and can be incredibly picky about presentation. Success often comes down to using the right bait and getting it to the fish without spooking them. They're known for their excellent table quality and are a customer favorite for their consistent action and great eating.
Black Grouper are the heavy hitters of the wreck fishing world. These fish are powerful, smart, and absolutely determined to get back to their rocky hideouts once hooked. They're year-round residents around deeper structure and can range from keeper-sized fish around 5 pounds to true giants over 20 pounds. Black grouper require heavy tackle and quick reflexes – once hooked, you need to turn them away from the structure immediately or they'll cut you off in the rocks. They're ambush predators that wait in caves and overhangs for unsuspecting prey, making them perfect targets for bottom fishing around wrecks.
This top-rated Marathon fishing charter fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. With only 4 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing time. The early 8 AM start puts you on the water when fish are most active, and the 4-hour duration gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and adapt to conditions. Memory Maker Sportfishing has built a reputation on putting clients on fish and creating those stories you'll be telling for years. Whether you're looking to check some new species off your list or just want to experience world-class wreck fishing in one of Florida's best fishing destinations, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Marathon's wrecks produce some of the
Our restored 2000 SeaVee 29' center console is built for serious wreck fishing in Marathon's productive waters. This solid fishing machine features a reliable 315HP Yanmar engine that cruises comfortably at 26 knots, getting you to those prime wreck sites efficiently. The boat's center console design gives all four anglers plenty of room to work their lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. GPS navigation and radar systems help us locate the best wrecks and navigate safely in any conditions. The 2021 restoration means everything runs smooth and clean, so you can focus on dropping baits and hauling up grouper, snapper, and whatever else is lurking around those bottom structures. Perfect setup for targeting the bigger fish that call Marathon's wrecks home.
Sarda SardaAtlantic Bonito are sleek, fast-moving fish that look like small tuna but with zebra-like stripes running down their silver sides. They typically run 3-8 pounds and travel in massive schools that feed aggressively on the surface. You'll spot them by watching for diving birds - these fish chase baitfish so hard they actually jump out of the water. They prefer open water around 60-70 degree temps and show up best in spring and fall when baitfish are moving. Guests love them because once you find a school, the action is non-stop - they'll hit almost any lure you throw. The fight is strong and fast, though they're pretty oily so most folks use them for bait. Pro tip: when you see that feeding frenzy, get your lures in quick before the school moves on.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing - thick-bodied ambush predators with dark rectangular blotches covering their olive-gray bodies. They average 5-15 pounds but monsters over 50 show up on the deeper wrecks and ledges. Find them around hard bottom, coral heads, and artificial reefs from 60-300 feet deep. Winter months are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them special is that incredible strength - they'll try to drag you straight back into the rocks. The meat is top-shelf too, mild and firm like the best restaurant fish. These guys live 30+ years and get seriously big. They're ambush hunters that suck prey into those massive mouths. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get their head down - if they make it back to structure, you're probably done.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see - bright gold sides with electric blues and greens that light up like a rainbow when they come to the boat. They average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. Look for them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when water temps hit the 70s. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they jump, run, and put on a real show. Plus they're absolutely delicious, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. The males have that distinctive square forehead while females are more rounded. My trick is to keep one hooked fish in the water while you work the school - mahi are curious and will stick around to check out their buddy.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the prize of our reef fishing - beautiful pinkish fish with olive backs and distinctive blue lines around their eyes. Most run 3-8 pounds, though 15+ pounders show up on the deeper wrecks. They hang around coral heads and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet, with bigger fish preferring deeper structure. Spring and summer offer the best action when they're feeding heavy. What guests love is they're both great fighters and excellent table fare - sweet, firm meat that rivals grouper. They're smart though, so fresh bait and light tackle work best. You'll know you've got one when you see that pink flash coming up through clear water. Key tip: use a knocker rig with the freshest ballyhoo or pilchards you can find, and let it drift naturally in the current near the structure.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and will test your drag like nothing else. They average 20-40 pounds but giants over 80 are caught here. You'll find them in blue water from 100-500 feet, often around wrecks and drop-offs. July through November is our best season when they're moving through. What sets them apart is that blistering initial run - they'll strip line faster than you can blink. The meat is absolutely premium, white and flaky like the best restaurants serve. They've got razor-sharp teeth and that distinctive blue striping along silver sides. Wire leaders are a must because they'll cut through anything else. The trick is trolling fast - 12-15 knots with diving lures. When one hits, hang on tight because the fight is just getting started.
Marathon