Marathon Offshore Fishing: Grouper & Snapper
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore fishing charter targeting grouper and snapper speciesWinter season includes kingfish and sailfish using kite fishing techniquesAll fishing licenses and gear provided for fourguest capacity trips
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action in the Keys? This full-day offshore charter out of Marathon puts you right where the big grouper and snapper live - those deep reefs and ledges that produce year-round. We're talking about a proper fishing trip here, not some half-day tourist run. With only 4 anglers max, you'll get plenty of rod time and personal attention from your captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early - that's just how it goes when you're chasing quality fish offshore. We'll load up the boat with fresh bait, ice down the coolers, and head out to the productive reefs that Marathon is famous for. The ride out gives you time to wake up with some coffee while your captain fills you in on what's been biting and where we're headed. Once we reach the fishing grounds, it's game on. We're dropping baits to depths where the big boys hang out - sometimes 80 feet, sometimes 120 feet, depending on conditions and what's producing. Your fishing license and all tackle are covered, so just bring yourself and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between fish. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and a full spread of terminal tackle that can handle whatever we hook into out there.
Most of our time will be spent bottom fishing the reefs and wrecks where grouper and snapper call home. We're talking about heavy sinkers, circle hooks, and live or cut bait presented right where these fish feed. The captain will position the boat perfectly over structure using GPS and fish finder technology - this isn't guesswork, it's precision fishing. When winter rolls around, things get even more interesting. That's when we break out the kites for kingfish and sailfish. Kite fishing is an art form down here - flying baits on the surface while keeping them in the strike zone. It's a totally different technique from bottom bouncing, but equally effective when conditions are right. The gear switches from heavy bottom rigs to lighter tackle that can handle the runs these pelagic species are known for. Your captain will handle all the technical stuff, but be ready to grab the rod when something eats.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Marathon offshore fishing. These chunky bottom dwellers average 8-15 pounds but can push 20+ when you find the right spots. They hang around rocky bottom and ledges, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. Red grouper are active year-round, which makes them a reliable target no matter when you book. They fight hard initially but tire quickly - the real challenge is keeping them off the bottom before they can cut you off in the rocks. Great Barracuda add some excitement to the mix with their lightning-fast strikes and aerial displays. These toothy predators can reach 4-6 feet and are found cruising the reef edges where baitfish congregate. They're ambush feeders, so strikes often come out of nowhere. The fight is spectacular - multiple jumps and blistering runs that will test your drag system. Mutton Snapper are the premium eating fish on this trip. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spot and red-tinged fins are highly prized by local anglers. They're found around the same reefs as grouper but tend to be more finicky about bait presentation. Muttens average 3-8 pounds but can exceed 15 pounds in deeper water. Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the bunch. These bruisers can top 30 pounds and will give you a workout from the moment they're hooked. They're less common than their red cousins but worth the wait when one grabs your bait. Black grouper prefer deeper water and more complex structure, which is why having a captain who knows the territory makes all the difference. Gag Grouper round out the grouper slam possibility. These fish are known for their aggressive feeding behavior and excellent table fare. They're typically found in 60-100 feet of water around hard bottom and artificial reefs. Gags have a distinctive mouth pattern and fight differently than other grouper species - more like a large bass with their headshaking and bulldogging runs.
Marathon's offshore reefs produce fish year-round, but every season has its advantages. Winter brings the kite fishing opportunities for kings and sails, while summer offers the most consistent grouper and snapper action. The 4-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time and personal instruction from your captain. This isn't a cattle boat operation - it's quality fishing with a guide who wants to put you on fish. All your tackle and licensing are handled, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish and having a great day on the water. The Marathon fleet has earned its reputation for a reason - these are productive waters with experienced captains who know how to find and catch fish.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack Grouper are the bruisers of the reef, capable of reaching 100+ pounds though most run 20-40 pounds. They're ambush hunters hiding around wrecks, ledges, and rocky structure in 30-300 feet. Winter brings them shallower, making for easier targeting. What draws anglers is the serious fight - these fish are pure muscle and will test your tackle. The meat is outstanding with a mild flavor and firm texture. They're not picky about bait, eating anything from live pinfish to cut squid. The trick is heavy gear - at least 80-pound braid with 100-pound leader. When they hit, they suck the bait down whole, so set the hook immediately and crank hard. Don't let them get back to structure or it's game over.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are excellent table fare that provide solid fights on medium tackle. Most run 20 inches but can reach 50+ pounds. They prefer rocky bottoms, reefs, and drop-offs, with juveniles staying inshore while adults move to deeper offshore structure. You'll often find them mixed with kingfish and mackerel around baitfish schools. Fall and winter offer the best action when they're more aggressive. They love live bait like pinfish and mullet, but cut crab and squid work well too. The fight is all about keeping them out of the rocks - they'll dive straight down trying to cut your line. Keep your rod low and locked up tight once you hook one. Don't let them freewheel or they'll find a hole and you'll never get them out.
Sphyraena BarracudaGreat Barracuda are the speed demons of our reefs, hitting 35 mph in short bursts. Most run 2-4 feet long, but the big ones can reach 6 feet. You'll find them cruising shallow reefs, mangroves, and nearshore waters, especially around baitfish. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often checking out divers and boats. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active in warmer water. Anglers love the aggressive strikes and wild jumps - they put on a real show. The fight is intense but short since they burn out quick. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep shiny lures moving fast. They're attracted to flash and movement, so don't slow down your retrieve.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton Snapper are prized catches that fight harder than most snappers their size. They average around 20 inches but can reach 30+ pounds. Look for them around reefs, ledges, and sandy areas in 80-200 feet, though they'll come shallower during cooler months. Adults tend to be loners or in small groups. The olive-pink coloration with blue streaks makes them easy to spot coming up from the depths. Fresh bait presentation is critical - use light sinkers and let it drift naturally. They're smart fish that spook easily, so finesse matters. My go-to technique is a knocker rig with fresh shrimp or ballyhoo, keeping it moving in the current. Once hooked, they'll try to get back to structure, so be ready to apply pressure early.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are solid reef fighters that most anglers average 5-10 pounds, though they can hit 50+ pounds. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 30-120 feet of water. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, crabs, and cut bait all work well. What makes them fun is they hit hard and fight dirty, trying to get back to structure to break you off. The meat is excellent - firm, flaky, and sweet. Best fishing is during cooler months when they move shallower. Here's the key: once you hook one, keep that rod tip up and crank hard right away. Don't give them a chance to get their head down and run for the rocks, or you'll lose them every time.
Marathon