Marathon Keys Fishing: Reef to Blue Water
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Choose between 4-hour reef fishing or 8-hour offshore adventuresTarget amberjack, cobia, and grey snapper with provided gearCaptain Anthony guides groups up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Anthony runs one of the most popular fishing operations out of Marathon, and for good reason. With No Limit Sportfishing, you get your pick between a solid 4-hour reef and wreck session or going all-out with an 8-hour offshore adventure. Both trips max out at 4 anglers, so you're never fighting for rod space or dealing with a crowded boat. The captain provides all tackle, bait, and ice – you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're targeting snapper around the wrecks or chasing bigger game in blue water, these trips deliver consistent action in some of Florida's best fishing grounds.
The 4-hour option focuses on reef and wreck fishing, which means you'll be dropping lines around structure where fish congregate. Captain Anthony knows every productive wreck and reef ledge in the area, and he's not shy about sharing what's been biting and where. The boat heads out to depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet, depending on conditions and what species are most active. For the 8-hour trip, you're looking at a true offshore experience that can take you anywhere from the edge of the reef out to the deep blue. Early morning departures give you the best shot at calm seas and active fish. The captain reads conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly – some days that means working the wrecks all morning, other days it's straight to the blue water for pelagics.
Captain Anthony runs a well-equipped sportfishing boat with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line. For reef fishing, you'll primarily use conventional tackle with circle hooks and enough weight to get your bait down in the current. Live bait is the go-to when available – pilchards, goggle eyes, and ballyhoo – but fresh cut bait works just as well when the fish are feeding aggressively. On the offshore trips, expect to see a mix of trolling and live bait fishing. The boat carries a spread of lures for trolling, plus downriggers and outriggers to cover more water. When the bite is hot, you might switch to live bait and kite fishing, which can be absolutely deadly for sailfish, mahi, and king mackerel. The captain handles all the rigging and knows when to switch tactics based on what the fish are telling him.
Amberjack are the heavyweight champions of the wreck fishing scene around Marathon. These bruisers typically range from 20 to 50 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 60-plus. They hang around deep wrecks and ledges, usually in 80 to 150 feet of water. Fall through spring offers the best action, when cooler water brings them up shallower and more aggressive. What makes amberjack so popular with anglers is their incredible fight – they'll test your drag system and your back muscles. They dive straight down when hooked and use every bit of structure to try breaking you off.
Cobia are another favorite target that gets anglers fired up. These fish are curious and often approach the boat, giving you a clear shot at sight fishing. They average 15 to 30 pounds in local waters, with spring migration bringing some real monsters through the area. Cobia are structure-oriented but also cruise open water, making them perfect targets for both reef and offshore trips. They're excellent table fare and put up a strong, bulldogging fight that's different from the speed runs of other species.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are the bread and butter of reef fishing in the Keys. They range from schoolie-size fish around a pound up to legitimate 8-pound slabs around deeper structure. These fish are year-round residents but feed most aggressively during warmer months. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is the steady action – when you find a good school, you can load the cooler fast. They're also some of the best eating fish in local waters, with sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Marathon sits right in the heart of the Florida Keys fishing scene, with easy access to both shallow reef fishing and deep offshore grounds. Captain Anthony's operation has built a solid reputation among local anglers and visiting fishermen alike, and his boat stays busy year-round. The 4-hour trips are perfect if you want to sample the local fishing without committing a full day, while the 8-hour adventures give you time to really explore different areas and techniques. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast during peak season. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or chase that personal best, No Limit Sportfishing delivers the kind of consistent action that keeps anglers coming back trip after trip.
Captain Anthony's restored 1986 SeaVee is your ticket to the productive fishing grounds off Marathon. This classic 25-foot center console runs smooth with its reliable 225HP Yamaha, cruising at up to 40 knots to get you to the reef and wreck sites where amberjack, cobia, and grey snapper are waiting. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and schools, while the GPS keeps you on the best spots. With space for up to four anglers, there's plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long fights with bottom dwellers. Whether you're dropping baits on 4-hour reef trips or heading to deeper water for 8-hour offshore adventures, this SeaVee delivers the stability and performance you need in Florida Keys waters. The 2020 restoration means reliable power when the fish are biting and you need to chase down that next productive spot.
Marathon