Offshore Fishing — Marathon, FL
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Marlin offshoreAll tackle, bait, and fishing licenses included in packageAtlantic waters accommodate up to 6 guests per charter
When you're looking for serious open-water action in the Florida Keys, this offshore charter out of Marathon delivers exactly what seasoned anglers crave. We're talking about heading out to the deep blue Atlantic where the real heavyweights cruise — Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Blue Marlin. This isn't your typical inshore trip; we're running miles offshore where the water turns that deep cobalt blue and anything can happen. Superfish Charters has this game dialed in, and with space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work without stepping on each other when the bite gets hot.
Picture this: you're rolling out of Marathon's harbor before sunrise, watching the lights of the Keys fade behind you as we make the run to blue water. The Atlantic side of Marathon offers some of Florida's most consistent offshore fishing, thanks to the Gulf Stream's influence and the deep water that sits relatively close to shore. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand — where the temperature breaks set up, which weed lines hold fish, and how the current affects the bite. Everything you need is already on board: top-shelf tackle, a variety of lures and baits, plus your fishing license is covered. You just need to bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and plenty of sunscreen. The vibe out here is pure fishing — no frills, just you, your crew, and some of the ocean's most sought-after gamefish.
We're running two main techniques out there, and both are proven fish catchers in these waters. Trolling is our bread and butter for covering water and finding active fish — we'll pull a spread of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving lures at varying depths to trigger strikes from Mahi, Wahoo, and Tuna. The key is reading the water and adjusting speed based on conditions and what we're marking on the fish finder. When we find a good weed line or temperature break, we might switch to drifting with live bait or chunks to target bigger fish that are hanging deeper. The boat carries everything from spinning reels loaded with 30-pound test for the Mahi to heavier conventional setups for when we hook into something substantial like a Marlin. Your captain will match you with the right gear based on your experience level and what we're targeting that day.
Let's talk about what's swimming out there and why each species makes this trip worth every minute on the water. The Blackfin Tuna are absolute rockets — these fish rarely exceed 30 pounds, but they fight like they're twice that size. They show up year-round in Marathon's offshore waters, though they're most reliable from fall through spring. When you hook one, expect screaming runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag and your arms. They're also fantastic table fare, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of many offshore trips, and Marathon's waters see solid numbers during their peak season from December through April. These fish are pure spectacle — when a Sail comes up behind a trolled bait and lights up with those electric colors before smashing your offering, it's a sight you won't forget. They'll go airborne multiple times during the fight, and at 6-8 feet long, they provide the kind of photo opportunities that make your buddies back home jealous. Most captains practice catch and release with Sailfish to keep the fishery healthy.
Blue Marlin represent the ultimate offshore prize, and while they're less predictable than other species, Marathon's proximity to deep water gives you a legitimate shot at one. These fish can exceed 400 pounds, and even smaller ones in the 150-200 pound range will provide the fight of a lifetime. Summer months tend to be most productive for Marlin, particularly when baitfish concentrations draw them closer to the continental shelf. Landing a Blue Marlin is a bucket-list experience that serious offshore anglers dream about.
Mahi Mahi, or Dolphin as locals call them, are probably the most consistent performers on these trips. They're attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and structure, making them relatively predictable to locate. These fish are gorgeous — bright gold and green colors that fade quickly after landing — and they're aggressive feeders that often travel in schools. When you find one Mahi, there are usually others nearby. They're excellent eating and provide steady action when other species are being finicky.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting 50+ mph when they want to. They're most active during cooler months and are notorious for their explosive strikes on high-speed trolled lures. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and can slice through light leader material, so proper rigging is crucial. At 30-60 pounds on average, they provide blistering runs and make for outstanding table fare with their white, flaky meat.
Marathon's offshore scene doesn't wait around, and neither should you. This trip combines everything that makes Florida Keys fishing world-class: easy access to deep water, diverse species, and captains who know how to put you on fish. Whether you're chasing your first Sailfish or hoping to tangle with a Marlin, these waters deliver opportunities that many destinations simply can't match. The fact that all your tackle, bait, and licensing is handled means you can focus on what matters — being ready when that rod doubles over and the drag starts screaming. Book your spot with Superfish Charters and get ready to see why Marathon's offshore fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This 34'9" SeaVee center console is built for serious offshore action in Marathon's deep waters. With room for 6 anglers, she's perfect for chasing mahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and billfish on the Atlantic side. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure where the big ones hang out. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, and the onboard icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long runs. The head means no cutting trips short, so you can stay out there as long as the bite is hot. Whether you're trolling the blue water or drifting baits over structure, this boat handles the offshore conditions with ease. She's designed to get you out to where the real action happens and bring you back with a cooler full of fish.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic Sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, clocking up to 35 mph with their signature sail raised high. These beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, cruising the surface down to about 65 feet deep. Winter months bring the best action here in the Keys when they migrate through our warmer waters. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - they'll jump, dive, and put on a display you won't forget. Plus, they change colors from blue to black when excited, which is wild to see. We typically find them hunting baitfish in schools, using their sails to herd prey. My advice: when you see that sail pop up behind your bait, don't get too eager - let them eat it properly before setting the hook, or you'll pull it right out of their mouth.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds and live short, intense lives - rarely making it past 5 years old. You'll find them in warm Atlantic waters, usually in the top 100 feet, often schooling with skipjacks. Here in Marathon, they're most active during fall, winter, and spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their aggressive fight and excellent table fare - sweet, firm meat that's perfect for sashimi or grilling. They've got sharp eyesight, so we scale down to lighter leaders and smaller circle hooks. Pro tip: when you hook one, there's usually more around, so have a second rod ready with live pilchards.
Makaira NigricansBlue Marlin are the holy grail of offshore fishing - true giants that can push 400+ pounds for males and over 1,000 for females. These apex predators cruise deep blue water along current edges and temperature breaks, usually 100+ feet deep. Here in the Gulf Stream off Marathon, summer through fall gives you the best shot at one. What makes them legendary is their raw power and acrobatics when hooked - they'll sound deep, then come up jumping and tail-walking. The fight can last hours. They feed on tuna, mackerel, and other pelagic fish, so we troll big baits at around 8-10 knots. Key tip: when a blue marlin shows up behind your spread, resist the urge to do anything fancy. Just keep your course and speed steady - they'll either eat or they won't, and sudden moves usually spook them.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi Mahi are pure eye candy with their electric blues, greens, and golds that light up like a neon sign when they're fired up. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds and live only about 4 years, but they make the most of it. You'll find them under floating debris, weed lines, and current edges in the top 30 feet. Spring through fall is prime time here in Florida waters. What makes them a favorite is their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and incredible table fare - sweet, firm white meat that grills perfectly. They're also acrobatic fighters that'll jump and shake their heads trying to throw the hook. Here's the deal: when you find one mahi, there's usually more around. Keep that first fish in the water while you grab a second rod with live bait - the others will often stick around to investigate.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed kings of the deep blue, hitting 60 mph with razor-sharp teeth and a nasty attitude. These sleek predators typically run 30-50 pounds but can push 100+, cruising open water from 30 to 200 feet deep. Fall and winter are prime time here in the Keys when they move through following bait schools. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - they'll scream drag like nothing else, then their delicate white meat rivals any fish in the sea. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders because those teeth will slice through anything else. Pro tip: when you hook a wahoo, don't horse it - their mouths are soft and they'll pull the hooks if you get too aggressive. Let them make that first run, then work them steady with moderate pressure.
Marathon