Shark Fishing Charter in Marathon, Florida Keys
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
4hour shark fishing charter targeting hammerhead, blacktip, lemon, bull sharksCaptain Anthony provides expert guidance for novice and experienced anglersInshore waters of Marathon, Florida Keys with 4person capacity
If you're looking for some serious adrenaline on the water, Captain Anthony's shark fishing charter out of Marathon is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical day of fishing – we're talking about going head-to-head with some of the ocean's most powerful predators right here in the Florida Keys. You'll spend four hours targeting hammerheads, blacktips, lemon sharks, and bull sharks in waters that consistently produce trophy-sized catches. Whether you've never held a rod before or you're just new to shark fishing, Captain Anthony knows how to put you on fish and make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.
This top-rated charter kicks off from Marathon, putting you right in the heart of some of Florida's best shark fishing grounds. Captain Anthony runs a tight ship with room for up to four anglers, so you're not crowded and everyone gets plenty of action. The boat heads out to proven spots where these apex predators cruise the flats and channels around the Keys. You'll be fishing in relatively shallow water – this is inshore territory – which means when you hook up, you're in for a fight that'll test your muscles and your nerve. The captain provides all the heavy tackle you'll need, plus he's got the bait situation dialed in with fresh chunks and live offerings that sharks can't resist. Don't expect a leisurely day of casting – shark fishing is about patience followed by pure chaos when one of these beasts takes your bait.
Captain Anthony rigs his boat with serious gear designed for handling big sharks. We're talking heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test, circle hooks to ensure solid hooksets, and wire leaders that can handle razor-sharp teeth. The technique here is all about bottom fishing and drift fishing with chunks of fresh bait – usually bonito, mackerel, or barracuda. You'll drop baits down to structure and channels where sharks patrol for easy meals. The captain reads the tides and positions the boat perfectly so your baits stay in the strike zone. When a shark picks up your offering, there's no mistaking it – the rod doubles over and the drag starts screaming. Circle hooks do most of the work setting themselves, but you'll need to keep steady pressure and let the fish run when it wants to. These battles can last anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour depending on the size and species you've hooked into.
Smooth Hammerheads are the crown jewel of this fishery, and Marathon's waters hold some real giants. These prehistoric-looking sharks can push 8 to 10 feet and fight like bulldozers once hooked. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, and they love cruising the deeper channels and edges. What makes hammerheads so special is their unique head shape that gives them incredible sensory abilities – they can detect prey from amazing distances. When you see that distinctive silhouette come alongside the boat, you'll understand why shark anglers get addicted to this fishery.
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for jumping completely out of the water when hooked. These fast-moving predators typically run 4 to 6 feet and are incredibly common in the Keys year-round. They hunt in shallow water and around bait schools, making them perfect targets for this type of inshore charter. Blacktips fight dirty – expect multiple jumps, long runs, and plenty of head shaking. They're also one of the most photogenic sharks you'll catch, with their sleek build and distinctive black-tipped fins.
Lemon Sharks are the bulldogs of the bunch, using their broad heads and powerful bodies to put up stubborn fights. These yellowish sharks can grow quite large – 6 to 8 footers are common in Marathon waters. They prefer sandy bottoms and grass flats, which makes the Keys perfect habitat. Lemons are year-round residents, but they're most active during the spring and fall migrations. What anglers love about lemon sharks is their tendency to make long, powerful runs followed by dogged battles near the boat. They're also known for their docile nature once brought alongside, making them great for photos.
Bull Sharks are the heavyweights you hope to tangle with on every trip. These thick-bodied bruisers can exceed 8 feet and are pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in the ocean. Bulls are famous for their aggressive nature and their ability to tolerate both salt and fresh water. In Marathon, they're most common during the summer months when baitfish are abundant. When you hook a big bull shark, be prepared for a battle that'll push both you and your tackle to the limits. They don't jump like blacktips, but they make up for it with raw power and endurance that can last well over an hour.
Captain Anthony's shark fishing charter offers something you won't find everywhere – consistent action with world-class predators in one of Florida's most renowned fishing destinations. The combination of his local knowledge, quality equipment, and the productive waters around Marathon makes this a customer favorite for good reason. You'll leave with sore arms, amazing photos, and stories that'll last a lifetime. Plus, all sharks are caught and released, so you're participating in sustainable fishing that ensures future generations can experience the same rush. Whether you're looking to cross shark fishing off your bucket list or you want to introduce someone to the sport, this charter delivers the goods every single trip.
Captain Anthony's restored 1986 SeaVee is your ticket to serious shark action in Marathon's waters. This 25-foot center console packs a reliable 225HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots. The boat's classic design handles the choppy waters of the Florida Keys like a champ while keeping up to four anglers comfortable during those intense shark battles. Essential gear includes an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus GPS navigation and a fish finder to locate where the hammerheads, blacktips, lemons, and bull sharks are prowling. The wide deck gives everyone plenty of room to fight these apex predators without getting tangled up. Whether you're new to shark fishing or looking to add another species to your list, this boat puts you right where the action happens in some of the best shark waters around.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most exciting sharks to target here in Marathon. They average 4-5 feet but can reach up to 9 feet, and they're famous for their acrobatic jumps - sometimes launching 20 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around reefs and structure where they hunt sardines, herring, and mackerel. They're social sharks that often travel in small groups, making for great action when you find them. Spring through fall is prime time when baitfish are thick. What guests love is their aerial show - few sharks put on a jumping display like blacktips. They're also pretty cooperative once you get them to the boat. My go-to technique is using oily baits like cut sardines or mackerel, and don't be afraid to chum heavy - these guys respond well to a good slick.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the bruisers of our local shark scene - thick, powerful sharks that average 8-10 feet and pack serious muscle. What makes them unique is their ability to handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them everywhere from deep channels to shallow bays. They're aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything, making them great targets for newer shark anglers. Summer months are best when they move into our warmer coastal waters. Guests love the raw power these sharks bring - no fancy jumps, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your gear and your arms. They're found in 20-60 feet around structure, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish concentrate. The secret weapon for bulls is fresh eel - its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most reliable targets here in the Keys, especially around the shallow flats and mangrove areas. These golden-colored sharks typically run 6-8 feet and have a reputation for being smart fighters - they don't jump much but they'll use their powerful body to test your drag. They love our warm, shallow waters year-round, often cruising in 10-30 feet around grass beds and sandy bottoms where they hunt crabs, rays, and smaller fish. What makes them special is their bright yellow coloration and their habit of hanging around structure. Guests appreciate their steady, determined fight and the fact that they're one of the more predictable sharks to find. Best bait is fresh cut fish like bonito or barracuda. Here's the trick: fish them on the bottom with a sliding sinker rig and be patient - lemons are cautious but worth the wait.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe smooth hammerhead is the second-largest of the hammerhead family, averaging around 8-10 feet with that distinctive curved, wide head. Unlike other hammerheads, theirs has no center notch - completely smooth across the front. These sharks prefer our shallower waters, usually staying above 60 feet, and they're most active during cooler months when they migrate through our area. What makes them special is that unique head shape gives them amazing electroreception to hunt prey. They put up a solid fight with their size and power. Here in Marathon, we find them around structure and drop-offs where they hunt rays and smaller sharks. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel and keep it moving - they're visual hunters and that movement triggers their strike response.
Marathon