Marathon Offshore Fishing Charter for Beginners
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
4hour offshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesAll equipment, bait, and licenses included for beginnersProfessional crew cleans catch for fresh takeaway
Looking to get your feet wet with offshore fishing in the Florida Keys? This 4-hour Marathon charter is designed specifically for first-time offshore anglers who want to experience the real deal without feeling overwhelmed. We're talking about heading out into the deep blue waters where the big fish live – sailfish, mahi, tarpon, and more. Our experienced crew handles all the technical stuff while you focus on learning the ropes and hopefully landing some serious fish. Everything's included: rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even your fishing license. Plus, we'll clean whatever you catch so you can head home with dinner ready for the pan.
Marathon sits right in the heart of some of Florida's best offshore fishing grounds, and this trip takes full advantage of that prime location. You'll be heading out into the Gulf Stream and nearby waters where the continental shelf drops off dramatically – that's where the action happens. The boat ride out gives you time to get comfortable with the gear and ask questions before the lines go in the water. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish while teaching you proper offshore techniques. With a maximum of 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets personal attention. The clear blue waters around Marathon offer excellent visibility, so you might even see your fish coming up from the depths before it hits the boat.
Offshore fishing is all about trolling – running multiple lines behind the boat at different depths and speeds to cover water and find actively feeding fish. We'll set you up with both flat lines and outriggers, using a mix of live bait, dead bait, and lures depending on what's working that day. The tackle is sized appropriately for beginners – heavy enough to handle big fish but not so heavy that you can't feel what's happening. You'll learn how to work a fish properly, when to pump and wind, and how to use the boat's momentum to your advantage. The crew handles all the rigging, bait selection, and boat positioning while explaining what they're doing and why. By the end of the trip, you'll have a solid understanding of how offshore fishing works and the confidence to book your next charter.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing around Marathon, and spring through fall offers the best chances to hook one of these spectacular fighters. These fish are pure athletes – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll get your heart racing. Sailfish typically run 6-8 feet long and fight way above their weight class. What makes them special is their unpredictability; you never know when one might come crashing on a bait or lure.
Mahi Mahi, also called common dolphinfish, are another favorite target that beginners absolutely love. These beautiful golden-green fish are aggressive feeders and spectacular jumpers. They typically run 10-30 pounds in these waters and are often found around floating debris, weed lines, or current edges. Mahi are also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, making them a perfect choice for your first offshore adventure.
Tarpon fishing peaks during the warmer months when these massive silver kings move through Marathon's waters. These prehistoric-looking fish can reach over 100 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays when hooked. Landing a tarpon on your first offshore trip would be the experience of a lifetime – they're called the "silver king" for good reason.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world, capable of hitting trolled baits at over 50 mph. These torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and make blistering runs that'll test your reflexes. They're excellent table fare and typically show up when you're targeting other species, making them a welcome bonus catch.
Cobia are unique-looking fish that often swim near the surface, making them exciting targets for sight fishing. These brown, shark-like fish are curious by nature and will often follow the boat or investigate baits. They're strong fighters and excellent eating, plus they're less common than other species, making each cobia catch feel special.
This beginner-friendly offshore charter gives you everything needed to experience world-class fishing in one of Florida's most productive areas. Marathon's location in the middle Keys puts you within easy reach of multiple fishing environments, from the Gulf Stream to nearshore reefs. The 4-hour format is perfect for first-timers – long enough to get into fish but not so long that you get worn out. With all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to learn and have fun. Small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of chances to get on the rod. Book your spot with Thrillseeker Fishing Adventures and discover why offshore fishing around Marathon keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Our 33' Catamaran cuts through Marathon's offshore waters with twin 300HP Suzuki engines, giving you the power to reach prime fishing spots quickly. This 2003 vessel offers plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and work their lines without crowding each other. The flybridge gives you elevated views to spot feeding birds and baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate structure and schools below. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, even when weather moves in. Between fishing runs, you can grab a break in the cabin with toilet facilities and a comfortable bed for anyone who needs to rest. The stable catamaran design means less rolling in swells, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of fighting seasickness. Perfect for families or groups wanting to experience deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys without the intimidation factor.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speed demons of our waters, hitting 30+ mph and putting on quite a show with their signature jumps. These fish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that iconic sail-like dorsal fin that makes them unmistakable. We find them in 30-65 feet of water, especially during winter months when they migrate through our area. They hunt in schools, flashing different colors to communicate while herding baitfish. Guests love the acrobatic fight - these fish will jump repeatedly trying to throw the hook. The meat is decent but most folks prefer the thrill of the catch. Pro tip: when one takes your bait, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let them run first, then work them back slowly. Their bills are sharp, so we'll handle the release for you.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are often called the brown shark because of their dark color and single dorsal fin, but don't worry - they're all fish. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds and can push 6 feet long, making them serious adversaries on medium tackle. We find them around reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water, often cruising just under the surface. Spring and fall offer the best shots when they're moving through during migration. What makes cobia special is their curious nature and excellent eating quality - firm, white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're usually loners, so it's often sight fishing when we spot one. Best technique: pitch a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose and be ready for a strong, bulldogging fight. They'll head straight for structure, so keep steady pressure and try to turn them early.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are hands down one of the prettiest fish we catch - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. These fish typically run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long, though we occasionally hook bigger bulls. You'll find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps warm up. What guests love most is the combination of good fight and fantastic eating - firm white meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. They often travel in small schools, so when we hook one, we'll quickly get more baits out. Here's a local trick: look for frigate birds diving on bait - that's where the mahi will be feeding underneath.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings that every angler dreams about - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and over 100 pounds. These prehistoric giants cruise shallow waters and flats, often rolling at the surface to gulp air. We target them year-round here in Marathon, but spring through summer offers the best action during their migration. What makes tarpon special is their incredible jumping ability - they'll launch 10 feet out of the water in explosive displays that'll get your heart pounding. Fair warning: they're not great eating due to bony meat, but the fight is legendary. These fish can live 50+ years, so we practice catch and release. My advice: use circle hooks and keep steady pressure - when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip to keep tension without breaking them off.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - these torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and will absolutely scream line off your reel. Most run 20-40 pounds and 3-4 feet, with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through regular leaders like butter. We find them in blue water around 100-300 feet, often near drop-offs and current edges. Best bite is typically fall through spring when they're migrating through our area. Guests get hooked on the blistering runs and the excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's premium eating. They're called "ono" in Hawaii, meaning delicious, for good reason. Key technique: we troll fast with wire leaders and skip baits on the surface. When one hits, hold on tight because that first run will test your drag and your arms. The bite often happens so fast you'll think you snagged bottom until it starts moving.
Marathon, FL