Offshore Fishing — Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Marlin offshoreAtlantic side trolling and drifting for pelagic speciesAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included
Marathon sits right in the sweet spot where the Gulf Stream swings closest to the Florida Keys, making it one of the hottest offshore fishing destinations on the East Coast. When you step aboard with Superfish Charters, you're heading into deep blue water where the big boys live. This isn't your typical backcountry flats fishing — we're talking serious open-ocean action where anything can happen. The Atlantic side of Marathon offers consistently productive waters, and our captains know exactly where to find the fish when they're biting. Pack your sunscreen and get ready for a day that'll have you talking for years.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active. We'll cruise out past the reef line into the deep blue where the water drops to hundreds of feet. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so bring your crew or make new friends with fellow fishing fanatics. Don't worry about gear — we've got you covered with top-shelf tackle, proven lures, fresh bait, and all your licenses sorted. The vibe is relaxed but focused, and our crew will keep you in the action whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The Marathon offshore scene is known for consistent action, and you'll quickly understand why locals and visitors keep coming back to these productive waters.
We run two main techniques out here, and both are proven fish-catchers in Marathon's offshore waters. Trolling is our bread and butter — we'll pull a spread of lures and baits at varying depths and distances behind the boat. This covers maximum water and triggers aggressive strikes from fast-moving pelagics like wahoo and mahi. When we find fish or good structure, we'll switch to drift fishing, letting the current carry us over productive bottom while we work jigs, live bait, or chunks. The beauty of Marathon's location means we don't have to run far to hit the good stuff — the Gulf Stream's edge is right in our backyard. Our tackle selection includes everything from light spinning gear for smaller tunas to heavy conventional setups capable of handling marlin. Circle hooks are standard for conservation, and we practice catch-and-release on billfish to keep these fisheries healthy.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of Marathon's offshore scene, and they're available year-round with peak action from fall through spring. These 10-20 pound speedsters are pure muscle and will test your stamina on light tackle. They school up around structure and baitfish, making them perfect targets for both trolling and chunking. What makes blackfins special is their willingness to bite — when you find a school, you can often catch them until your arms give out. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take fish home.
Atlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of any offshore trip, and Marathon's waters see good numbers from December through April. These acrobatic billfish average 6-7 feet and put on aerial displays that'll have everyone on deck cheering. Sailfish are caught primarily on trolled baits and lures, and the fight is pure excitement — multiple jumps, long runs, and plenty of line-peeling action. We practice catch-and-release with all billfish, so you'll get great photos and the satisfaction of releasing a magnificent predator back to the depths.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize, and Marathon's proximity to the Gulf Stream puts us in prime marlin territory. These giants can exceed 500 pounds and are the fish of a lifetime for most anglers. Marlin season peaks from May through August, when these apex predators follow baitfish along the stream's edges. A marlin bite is unforgettable — the initial strike, the spectacular jumps, and the bulldogging power that tests every component of your tackle. Landing a blue marlin is a badge of honor in the offshore fishing world.
Mahi Mahi bring non-stop action and stunning beauty to any offshore trip. These golden-green fighters are most abundant from spring through fall, often found around floating debris, weed lines, or birds working baitfish. What makes mahi special is their aggressive nature — they'll attack almost any lure or bait, and where you catch one, there are usually more. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, with larger bulls occasionally pushing 40-50 pounds.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of blistering runs that'll make your reel scream. These toothy predators are most active during cooler months and are prized for both their fighting ability and exceptional table quality. Wahoo strikes are explosive — they'll often take trolled lures at full speed, resulting in immediate hookups and long runs. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their speed makes them one of the most exciting fish to battle on appropriate tackle.
Marathon's offshore fishing scene delivers world-class action just minutes from the dock, and Superfish Charters has the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're chasing your first sailfish, looking to load the cooler with blackfins and mahi, or hoping for that marlin of a lifetime, these waters have the potential to make it happen. The combination of year-round fishing opportunities, diverse species, and relatively short runs to productive water makes Marathon a smart choice for serious offshore anglers. Book your trip now and experience why Marathon has earned its reputation as one of Florida's premier offshore fishing destinations.
This 34'9" SeaVee center console is built for serious offshore action in Marathon's deep Atlantic waters. With room for 6 anglers, she's perfectly rigged for chasing pelagic fish like mahi, tuna, wahoo, and billfish. The GPS and fish finder will put you right on top of the action, while the spacious deck gives everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Cold drinks and snacks stay fresh in the icebox during those long runs to the fishing grounds. The onboard head means you can stay out longer without cutting trips short. This boat handles the offshore swells with ease, getting you to productive waters where the big predators roam. Whether you're trolling the edges or drifting with live bait, she's got everything you need for a productive day targeting Florida's premier gamefish in the deep blue water off Marathon.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are pure adrenaline on a line. These blue-silver rockets average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, cruising the surface waters 30-65 feet down along current breaks and temperature changes. Winter months bring the best action here in the Keys when they migrate through following baitfish. What hooks anglers is their spectacular aerial show - they'll jump, tailwalk, and put on a display you'll never forget. Plus, that iconic sail makes for great photos. We usually find them trolling ballyhoo or live bait at 8-10 knots near weedlines. Here's the key: when one comes up on a teaser, get that bait to them fast and keep tension light until they fully commit. They'll inspect the bait, so patience pays off big time.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest members of the tuna family, typically running 15-25 pounds around Marathon. These bronze-colored speedsters school up in open water, usually 30-100 feet down near temperature breaks and current edges. They're most active here during fall, winter, and spring when water temps drop below the mid-80s. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll pull drag and make long runs despite their size. The meat is outstanding too, perfect for sashimi or searing. They've got sharp eyes, so we scale down to 30-pound fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. My tip: when you find one, stay put and work the area with live pilchards or small jigs. Where there's one blackfin, there's usually a school.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the giants of the offshore world, with females reaching 400-1000+ pounds while males stay under 300. These cobalt-blue bruisers patrol deep blue water along current edges and drop-offs, usually in 400+ feet. Summer through fall gives us our best shot at them here off Marathon. What draws people is the ultimate big game experience - the power, the jumps, and bragging rights that come with a marlin. The fight can last hours. We troll big baits like horse ballyhoo or artificial lures at 8-12 knots, watching for bird activity and temperature breaks. My advice: when you hook one, clear the other lines fast, settle in, and let the fish tire itself out. Don't try to horse them - they'll win that battle every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are the crowd-pleasers of offshore fishing. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a color show that's amazing to watch. They love floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in blue water, usually near the surface. Spring through fall are prime time here, especially when the water warms up. What makes them special is the combination of great fighting, stunning looks, and excellent eating - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. They're aggressive feeders too, so once you find a school, the action can be non-stop. We troll ballyhoo or cast live bait around any floating objects we spot. Pro tip: when you hook one, leave it in the water while rigging another rod - mahi travel in schools and will often stay with a hooked fish.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of the deep, hitting 50+ mph and averaging 30-60 pounds around here. These silver torpedoes with blue stripes patrol open water near drop-offs and current edges, typically in 200+ feet. Fall and winter are our hot months when they move through following baitfish. What gets people fired up is their blistering runs - they'll smoke line off your reel like nothing else. The meat is top-shelf too, white and flaky like premium tuna. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders since their razor teeth will cut through anything else. Bullethead lures and skirted ballyhoo work great. Here's the trick: when you get bit, don't set the hook hard - just keep steady pressure and let the fish hook itself. These guys will throw the hook if you get too aggressive early on.
Marathon