Middle Keys Reef Fishing — Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly reef fishing with light spinning gear for all agesTarget kingfish, cero mackerel, wahoo and sailfish near MarathonSixguest capacity with short runs to productive fishing spots
Nothing beats the feeling of dropping lines over Marathon's world-class reef structure where the Gulf meets the Atlantic. This isn't your typical backcountry trip — we're talking about serious fishing action just minutes from the dock. The Middle Keys reef system creates the perfect hunting ground for some of Florida's most sought-after species, and with Superfish Charters, you'll experience it all with light tackle that keeps the fight fun for everyone aboard. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler, these reefs deliver the goods year-round.
Your day starts with a quick run to the reef structure that makes Marathon famous among serious anglers. We're talking short boat rides — usually under 20 minutes — which means more time with lines in the water and less time burning fuel. The beauty of reef fishing here is the variety. One minute you're battling a stubborn grouper trying to cut your line on the coral, the next you've got a kingfish screaming drag on a light spinning setup. The reef structure in these waters holds fish year-round, but the species mix changes with the seasons. Summer brings the pelagics — kings, ceros, and if you're lucky, wahoo that cruise the reef edges looking for an easy meal. Winter months see the bottom fish stack up thick, with mutton snapper and black grouper becoming the stars of the show. This trip accommodates up to 6 anglers, making it perfect for families or small groups who want that personal attention you just can't get on the larger headboats.
We fish these reefs with spinning gear that keeps the fight sporting without wearing out younger anglers. The technique here is straightforward but effective — we'll anchor up or drift over structure depending on current and wind conditions. Live bait is king on these reefs, and we'll typically start with pilchards, sardines, or ballyhoo depending on what's available at the bait shop that morning. The key to success is getting your bait to the right depth without hanging up on the coral. We use just enough weight to get down while keeping the bait lively. When the kings and ceros are running, we'll switch up to trolling the reef edges with spoons and diving plugs. The light tackle makes every fish feel like a monster, and there's nothing quite like watching a 10-year-old's face light up when a cero mackerel takes off on their first run. The coral structure provides ambush points for predators and creates that classic reef ecosystem where baitfish stack up thick, drawing in everything from snapper to the occasional sailfish that wanders in from deeper water.
King Mackerel remain the crown jewel of Middle Keys reef fishing, and these waters consistently produce fish in the 15-30 pound range with occasional monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. Kings are ambush predators that patrol reef edges looking for schools of sardines and pilchards. They hit hard and run fast, making multiple powerful runs that test both your drag system and your arms. The best action typically happens from April through October, with peak season running May through August when the water temperatures climb and baitfish are thick. What makes catching kings so addictive is their unpredictability — they might slam a slow-trolled ballyhoo or absolutely crush a live sardine drifted back from the boat. Either way, you'll know when you've got one hooked.
Cero Mackerel offer some of the most consistent action on the Middle Keys reefs, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These fish are smaller than their king mackerel cousins, typically running 3-8 pounds, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive feeding behavior. Ceros school up thick over reef structure and will hit everything from small jigs to live bait. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they fight hard but won't break your back, and they're excellent eating when prepared fresh. The key to finding ceros is looking for diving birds — when you see pelicans and frigatebirds working, there's usually a school of ceros pushing bait to the surface.
Mutton Snapper are the reef's prize bottom fish, known for their beautiful pink and yellow coloration and outstanding table fare. These fish are structure-oriented and extremely wary, making them a true test of angling skill. Muttons average 3-8 pounds in these waters, with occasional fish pushing double digits. They're most active during the warmer months and feed heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small fish around the reef structure. The fight isn't about long runs like the mackerel species — muttons use their body shape and the coral structure to their advantage, making powerful dives and trying to cut your line on the reef. Landing a quality mutton snapper requires good technique and a bit of luck.
Black Grouper represent the heavyweight division of reef fishing in Marathon. These fish can reach impressive sizes, with 10-20 pound fish being common and occasional monsters exceeding 30 pounds. Blacks are notorious for their initial run straight back to their hole in the reef, and stopping that first dive often determines whether you land the fish or donate some tackle to the reef. They're most active during the cooler months and prefer deeper sections of reef structure. Black grouper are excellent eating and highly prized by local anglers, but they require heavy drag pressure and quick action to keep them away from their rocky homes.
Gag Grouper round out the grouper family on these reefs and are known for their lighter coloration and slightly different habitat preferences compared to blacks. Gags typically prefer areas where hard bottom meets sand, and they're often found in slightly shallower water than their black grouper cousins. They average 5-15 pounds in local waters and provide excellent table fare. Gag grouper are more common during the spring and fall months when water temperatures are moderate, an
This 34'9" SeaVee center console is built for serious reef fishing in Marathon's crystal-clear waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines while targeting kingfish, cero mackerel, and seasonal wahoo. The GPS and fish finder will put you right on the reefs where the white meat fish are biting, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold under the Florida sun. Light spinning gear makes this perfect for kids and beginners, plus there's a toilet onboard for longer fishing sessions. Short runs to productive reefs mean more time with lines in the water and less time traveling – exactly what you want when the fish are cooperating in the Middle Keys.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bulldozers of the reef - thick, powerful fish that average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds. They hang tight to structure like ledges, wrecks, and coral heads in 30-300 feet, moving shallower in winter. These fish are ambush predators that inhale their prey whole, so when they hit, there's no mistaking it. What guests love is the pure strength - they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks. The meat is top-notch, mild and firm. You need heavy tackle because once hooked, it's a tug-of-war. The secret is the first few seconds after hookup - lock down that drag and don't give them an inch. If they get back to structure, you're probably done. Most people make the mistake of fighting them too gently.
Scomberomorus RegalisCeros are the sleeper hit of our reef trips - they're fast, fight hard, and taste better than most mackerels. Usually running 5-10 pounds, they hang around patch reefs and clear water in 10-60 feet. You'll find them year-round here, but they're most active during warmer months when bait is thick. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. The meat is actually sushi-grade, perfect for ceviche or sashimi if you're into that. They've got great eyesight, so lighter leaders work better than heavy wire. My go-to tip: once you get one fired up with some chum, they'll hit almost anything. Keep your baits moving - a slow retrieve or drift often triggers them when they're being picky.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGags are excellent table fare and put up a solid scrap, typically running 20-25 inches around our reefs. They prefer rocky bottoms, ledges, and any structure that offers cover, from 60 feet out to 200+. Winter and spring are best when they're more active and feeding heavy before spawn. What makes gags fun is they're scrappy fighters that don't give up easy, plus the meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for any recipe. They love live bait, especially pinfish and small grunts. The trick with gags is keeping constant pressure once hooked. They'll try every trick to get back to the rocks, so stay tight on them. Look for stone crab traps on your electronics - gags hang around them feeding on crabs that fall out.
Scomberomorus CavallaKingfish are some of the fastest fish we target out here, averaging 20-30 pounds with bigger ones pushing 50+. They cruise our reefs in 40-150 feet, especially during cooler months when they move closer to shore. What makes kings special is their speed - they'll take off like a rocket when hooked, making screaming runs that get everyone's attention. The meat is excellent grilled or smoked, though it's rich and oily. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so we always use wire leaders. Here's a local trick: when trolling, slow down right after the hookup. Most people speed up, but kings often throw the hook when you do that. Let them make their first run, then work them steady.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the prize of our reef fishing - beautiful pinkish fish that typically run 15-20 inches, though we see some pushing 30+. They love sandy patches near coral heads and ledges, usually in 80-200 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're more aggressive and closer to shore. What makes muttons special is their strong, steady fight and incredible table fare - some of the best eating fish in these waters. They're smart fish with great eyesight, so fresh bait and light tackle work best. The key trick is once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to the rocks. When you see that pink color coming up through the clear water, you know you've got something special on the line.
Marathon