Family Fun Fishing — Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly inshore fishing designed for younger childrenAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses provided onboardCalm waters with minimal travel for maximum fishing action
Look, I get it — finding a fishing trip that works for the whole family, especially with younger kids, can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That's exactly why we designed this Marathon inshore charter to be different. We're talking about a laid-back day on the water where everyone from your 6-year-old to grandpa can have a blast pulling in fish. No pressure, no complicated techniques, just pure fun fishing in some of the most fish-rich waters the Florida Keys have to offer. Our captain knows these flats and backcountry spots like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on the fish while keeping things comfortable for the whole crew.
This isn't your typical "we're heading 20 miles offshore" kind of trip. We stay close, fish smart, and focus on putting smiles on faces. Your captain will make the call based on what Mother Nature's dishing out that day — wind direction, tide, water clarity — all that good stuff that determines where the fish are biting. Maybe we'll work the grass flats for snapper, or drift along a channel edge where the jacks like to patrol. The beauty of inshore fishing around Marathon is that there's always a protected spot to fish, even when it's blowing pretty good outside. We're talking shallow water, minimal boat traffic, and plenty of opportunities for the kids to actually land some fish instead of just watching the adults have all the fun. Pack those snacks and drinks like we mentioned, slather on the sunscreen, and get ready for a day where the fish are cooperative and the atmosphere is as relaxed as a Sunday morning.
Forget about bringing your own tackle box — we've got you completely covered. Light spinning rods that are perfect for smaller hands, circle hooks that make releasing fish a breeze, and a variety of live and artificial baits that these inshore species can't resist. We're not talking about heavy-duty gear here; this is finesse fishing at its finest. Live shrimp under a popping cork is often the ticket, especially when we're targeting those grey snapper around structure. For the barracuda and jacks, we might switch it up with some flashy spoons or small jigs that really get their attention. The captain will show the kids how to feel for that telltale tap-tap-tap of a snapper, or the sudden screaming drag when a jack decides to make a run for it. Everything's sized appropriately so even the youngest angler can feel confident handling the rod and actually fighting their own fish to the boat.
Let me tell you about the fish that make Marathon's inshore waters so special for families. Grey snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery — they're abundant, they bite consistently, and they're just the right size for kids to handle. These guys average 12-14 inches and put up a respectable fight without being overwhelming. You'll find them around any structure: docks, channel markers, coral heads, even artificial reefs in shallow water. Best part? They're curious fish, so once you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up. Spring through fall is prime time, but honestly, we catch them year-round in Marathon.
Crevalle jacks are the muscle cars of the inshore world. When one of these silver torpedoes grabs your bait, everyone on the boat knows it. They average 3-8 pounds around here, and pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. Kids absolutely love the power these fish bring — it's like being hooked up to a freight train. They school up in big numbers, especially during their spring and fall migrations, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Fair warning though: they'll test your drag and probably leave your arms a little sore, but that's half the fun.
Barracuda bring the flash and the speed that makes inshore fishing so exciting. These prehistoric-looking predators are ambush feeders with teeth that'll make you respect them real quick. Don't worry — our captain knows how to handle them safely, and watching a 'cuda explode on a lure is something your family will be talking about for years. They're most active during the warmer months and love to patrol the edges of grass flats and around structure. The strikes are violent, the runs are blistering, and they'll often jump clear out of the water trying to throw the hook. Perfect for getting the kids amped up about fishing.
Here's the bottom line — this family-friendly charter takes all the guesswork out of introducing kids to saltwater fishing. You get experienced guidance, quality gear, fishing licenses, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters in the Florida Keys. We handle the details so you can focus on making memories and maybe even putting some fresh fish in the cooler. Marathon's inshore fishing scene is world-class, but it's also perfect for families who want to experience it without the complexity of offshore fishing. Our 6-person capacity means you're not crowded, everyone gets attention, and there's plenty of room to move around safely. The fish are here, the weather's almost always fishable, and your kids are going to have stories to tell their friends back home. Don't wait around — good family fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak season.
Jump aboard this spacious 34'9" SeaVee center console that's built for serious family fishing fun in Marathon's productive waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat cuts through the flats and nearshore spots where snapper, grouper, and tarpon love to hang out. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps us on the hottest fishing grounds. Parents will appreciate the onboard toilet and large icebox to keep drinks cold under the Florida sun. The wide deck gives everyone plenty of casting room, and the shallow draft gets us into those honey holes where the big fish hide. Whether you're teaching the kids to bait hooks or battling a monster cobia, this SeaVee handles whatever Marathon's inshore waters throw at you.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the silver missiles of the shallows, built for speed and aggression. Around Marathon, they cruise grass beds, reef edges, and structure in 5-20 feet of water. These torpedo-shaped predators typically run 2-4 feet long and can hit 35 mph when striking. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively hunting. Kids love them because they strike hard, fight strong, and jump when hooked. They hunt by sight, so bright, flashy lures work best. The meat's decent if you bleed them right away. Here's what works: use wire leader since their teeth will cut regular line, and retrieve your lure fast with an erratic action. When you see one following your bait, speed up - that usually triggers the strike.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the flats - aggressive, strong fighters that'll give kids a workout. These brassy-green fish average 3-5 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. They travel in schools around grass beds, shallow reefs, and anywhere baitfish gather. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and summer bring the best action when they're actively feeding. What guests love most is the fight - these fish pull hard and don't give up easy. Watch for diving birds; that's your best sign of feeding jacks underneath. They're not great eating, but the experience is worth it. Pro tip: cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school and retrieve them fast - jacks love the chase and aggressive movement triggers strikes.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are perfect for families since they're abundant around Marathon's docks, mangroves, and grass flats. These copper-red fish typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. They're smart and cautious, so patience pays off. What makes them special is their white, flaky meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They feed more actively at night and around structure where they ambush prey. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're most active. Here's the local trick: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Don't jerk when you feel the bite - let them take it before setting the hook.
Marathon