Marathon Offshore Fishing: Hook Trophy Fish
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing adventure targeting snapper and grouperAll fishing licenses and professional gear provided onboardSmall group experience with maximum four guests
Picture this: you're six miles offshore in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Marathon, Florida, where the reef drops off into some of the most fish-rich waters in the Keys. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking a full 6-hour adventure that gives you serious time to work the waters and put multiple trophy fish in the cooler. Shark River Charters has been running anglers out to these productive reefs for years, and we know exactly where the big snapper, grouper, and barracuda like to hang out. With your fishing license and all the gear provided, you can focus on what matters most: setting hooks and fighting fish.
Your Marathon fishing adventure starts early when we fire up the engines and head out to the offshore reefs that make this area legendary among serious anglers. The ride out takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to rig up and get your game face on. We'll be targeting depths anywhere from 40 to 120 feet, depending on what's biting and where the current is setting up right. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, which means plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from your captain. Marathon's reef system is unlike anywhere else – it's a maze of coral heads, ledges, and sandy patches that hold different species throughout the day. We'll move around based on the bite, sometimes anchoring up on productive structure, other times drifting the edges where the big predators cruise. The 6-hour window gives us flexibility to adjust our strategy and really dial in on what's working.
We fish these Marathon reefs using a combination of bottom fishing and mid-water techniques that have proven deadly effective over the years. Your captain will have the boat rigged with quality conventional reels spooled with 30-50 pound test, depending on what we're targeting. For the bottom bite, we'll drop fresh cut bait – ballyhoo, pilchards, and squid – on circle hooks ranging from 5/0 to 8/0. The key is getting your bait down quick in this current and keeping it in the strike zone. When the barracuda are fired up, we'll switch to live pilchards on wire leaders or throw some flashy spoons and plugs. The grouper fishing requires heavy tackle and strong drag settings – these fish will try to cut you off in the rocks the second they feel the hook. We use 6-8 ounce sinkers to punch through the current and keep your bait tight to the bottom where the big gags and blacks are waiting. Circle hooks are mandatory for grouper and snapper, and your captain will walk you through the proper hookset technique if you're not familiar.
Grey Triggerfish are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters, and Marathon's reefs hold some real trophies. These fish have serious attitude and will test your drag system with their bulldogging runs back toward the structure. They're most active during the warmer months from May through September, and they love small pieces of cut shrimp or squid presented right on the bottom. What makes triggers so fun is their unpredictable fight – they'll make short, powerful runs and then completely change direction. The bigger ones, pushing 3-4 pounds, will surprise you with their strength.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the reef, and Marathon's clear waters offer some of the best 'cuda fishing in the Keys. These fish are visual hunters that respond to fast-moving lures and live bait, especially during the cooler months from November through March when they're most aggressive. A big barracuda hitting a surface plug is pure adrenaline – they'll launch completely out of the water and make screaming runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. The marathon reefs consistently produce 'cuda in the 10-20 pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus pounds.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of Keys fishing, and these Marathon reefs hold some of the biggest muttons you'll find anywhere. These fish are notorious for their finicky feeding habits and impressive size – a 10-pound mutton is a legitimate trophy that most anglers never see. They're most active during the full moon phases in spring and early summer when they move up shallow to spawn. Muttons have incredible eyesight and require light leaders and natural presentations. When you hook a big mutton, get ready for multiple long runs and head-shaking jumps that will test every knot on your rig.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system, with fish over 20 pounds being common on these Marathon structures. These fish are ambush predators that sit in caves and under ledges waiting for an easy meal to swim by. The best black grouper fishing happens during the cooler months from December through April when they're more active and feeding heavily. Landing a big black grouper is all about stopping their initial run to the rocks – once they get their head down and start driving for cover, it's game over. The fight is pure power, and a 15-pound black grouper will feel like 30 pounds of dead weight coming up from the deep.
Gag Grouper are perhaps the most consistent biters on these reefs and offer some of the best eating you'll find in salt water. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during the winter months when the water cools down. Gags are curious fish that will often follow your bait up from the bottom, giving you multiple chances to get a hookup. They're not as structure-oriented as black grouper, often roaming the sand patches and reef edges looking for food. A nice gag in the 5-8 pound range makes for perfect table fare and provides a strong, steady fight that's manageable for anglers of all skill levels.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of the reef, and they'll test your gear and your arm strength. Most run over 2 feet, but the monsters can reach 5 feet and 125 pounds - like the record one caught right here in the Gulf. They're ambush hunters that lurk around wrecks, ledges, and reef structure, usually hugging the bottom in 30-300 feet depending on the season. Winter brings them shallow, while summer pushes them deeper. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight down to the rocks. The meat is outstanding - mild, firm, and loaded with good stuff your body needs. They're not picky eaters, so most baits work as long as you get it down to them. Here's the deal: bring heavy tackle with at least 20 pounds of drag and 80-pound braid. When you feel that thump, start cranking immediately - don't give them time to get back to structure and break you off.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests, but they're solid fighters and great table fare. They typically run around 20 inches, though the big ones can push 4-5 feet and 80 pounds. Younger fish stick to inshore structure and grass beds, while adults head to offshore reefs and wrecks where they ambush crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish. They love rocky bottom and any kind of hard structure that provides cover. You'll often find them mixed in with kingfish and Spanish mackerel when they're chasing bait schools. Live mullet and pinfish are their favorites, but cut crab and squid work well too. What guests enjoy is that classic grouper fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The key is keeping your reel locked tight and not giving them an inch. Once you hook up, keep that rod tip low and muscle them away from structure fast, or they'll find a hole and cut you off every time.
Sphyraena BarracudaThese silver bullets are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Most barracuda we see run 2-4 feet, but the big ones can hit 6 feet and over 100 pounds. They cruise the surface waters around our reefs and mangroves, using that torpedo body to hit speeds of 35 mph when they strike. Spring brings the best action when they're more active and aggressive. What guests love is that explosive first run and those acrobatic jumps - just be ready for a short but intense fight since their stamina fades quick. You'll spot them by sight in clear water, and they're naturally curious so don't be surprised if one follows the boat. They hit hard and fast, so keep your drag tight and be prepared for that initial burst. Pro tip: use a landing net and gloves when boating them - those razor teeth can do serious damage even on a tired fish.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish are one of those fish that'll surprise you with their fight. Most run 12-17 inches and weigh up to 6 pounds, but their tough, leathery skin and strong build make them scrappy opponents. You'll find them around our offshore reefs and hard bottom areas, usually within 180 feet of the surface. They love picking at crabs and sea urchins with those sharp teeth, so they hang near structure where the good stuff hides. What makes them fun to target is their greedy nature - they'll charge at bait when they see other fish going for it. Use squid chunks about an inch wide since it stays on the hook better. Drop your bait to the bottom with a heavy sinker, then reel up immediately to feel those subtle bites. When you hook one, crank fast and keep steady pressure - they'll try to wedge into crevices using that unique body shape.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are the pink gold of our reefs, and one of the tastiest fish you'll pull up. They average around 20 inches but can reach nearly 3 feet and 30+ pounds. Look for that distinctive pinkish color with blue lines around the face - it's unmistakable when you see one coming up through clear water. They hang around our deeper reefs, typically 130-230 feet, near coral and rock formations where they pick at crabs and smaller fish. Adults are usually loners or in small groups, making them a prize catch. Spring through early summer gives you the best shot when they're more active. These fish are smart - presentation matters big time. Use the freshest bait you can get with light weight, and let it drift naturally in the current. Here's the key: when you see that pink color growing bigger as it comes to the surface, lead it smooth and steady to the boat.
Marathon