Marathon Offshore Fishing Charter for Families
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour offshore fishing charter targets Snapper and Grouper speciesAll fishing gear, bait, and licenses included for six guestsProfessional crew cleans catch for fresh dinner takeaway
Want to get the kids hooked on fishing? Our 4-hour family charter out of Marathon is hands-down the best way to introduce young anglers to offshore fishing. We're talking about crystal-clear Florida Keys waters where the action stays hot all day, and our crew knows exactly how to keep everyone engaged – from first-timers to seasoned anglers. This top-rated charter includes everything you need: rods, reels, bait, tackle, and even your fishing licenses. Plus, we'll clean whatever you catch so you can head home with dinner already prepped. It's fishing made simple, so families can focus on making memories instead of worrying about gear.
Marathon sits right in the sweet spot where the Gulf meets the Atlantic, giving us access to some of Florida's most productive offshore waters. We'll cruise out about 3-8 miles from shore, depending on where the fish are biting that day. The boat can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, which makes it perfect for multi-generational trips or families with several kids. Our captains have been working these waters for years, so they know the reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs where big fish like to hang out. The atmosphere stays relaxed and educational – we love teaching kids proper casting techniques, how to read their rod tip, and the thrill of fighting their first real fish. Parents often tell us they're amazed at how patient and encouraging our crew is with younger anglers who need extra help.
We'll be bottom fishing over structure and doing some drift fishing depending on conditions and what's biting. Bottom fishing means dropping baited hooks down to the reef where snapper and grouper like to hide, while drift fishing lets us cover more water as we float with the current. All our gear is family-friendly – we've got lighter tackle for smaller hands and heavier setups for anyone wanting to tangle with bigger fish. Live bait works best out here, so we'll have pilchards, pinfish, and sometimes live ballyhoo ready to go. The kids get a kick out of watching the bait swim around in our live wells. We'll also have dead bait like cut squid and shrimp, which work great for bottom species. Our crew handles all the rigging, so families can focus on the fun part – dropping lines and hauling in fish.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Marathon's offshore waters. These speed demons can hit 60 mph and put on an aerial show that'll have the whole family cheering. Peak season runs from December through April, when cooler water temperatures bring them closer to shore. They typically run 6-8 feet long and fight like nothing else in our waters. Kids absolutely lose their minds when they see a sailfish jumping, and even though they're challenging to land, our crew knows how to coach young anglers through the fight. We practice catch and release with these beauties since they're such an important part of our ecosystem.
Tarpon fishing in Marathon is legendary, and for good reason. These silver kings can weigh over 100 pounds and jump clear out of the water when hooked. They show up in big numbers from April through October, with peak action in late spring and early summer. What makes tarpon special for families is that even smaller 20-30 pound fish provide an amazing fight that kids can handle with some help. They're prehistoric-looking fish with massive scales, and watching a tarpon roll on the surface before taking your bait gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Fair warning – they have mouths like concrete, so getting a good hook set takes some skill.
Mahi Mahi are probably the most family-friendly offshore target we have. These colorful fish hit hard, fight strong, and taste incredible on the dinner table. They're most abundant from spring through fall, often traveling in schools around floating debris or sargassum weed lines. Mahi typically run 10-30 pounds in our waters, which is perfect for kids to fight with minimal help. Their brilliant yellow and green colors fade quickly after being caught, so we always make sure to get photos while they're still showing off their natural beauty. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish in the ocean, which makes them a sustainable choice for dinner.
Wahoo are the speed freaks of the offshore world, capable of hitting 40+ mph when they strike your bait. These torpedo-shaped fish have razor-sharp teeth and typically weigh 20-60 pounds in our area. They're most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, and they love trolled baits or fast-moving lures. What kids love about wahoo is the explosive strike – there's no mistaking when one hits your line. They're also fantastic eating, with firm white meat that grills up perfectly. Wahoo don't jump like sailfish, but their blistering runs will test any angler's skills.
Cobia are the gentle giants that often surprise families with their curious nature. These brown, shark-like fish frequently swim right up to the boat to investigate, giving everyone a close look before deciding whether to take your bait. They're most common from March through June, and they can weigh anywhere from 20-50 pounds in our waters. Cobia have a unique personality – they're smart, cautious, and incredibly strong fighters that prefer long, steady runs over flashy jumps. Kids love how interactive cobia fishing can be, since you often see the fish following your bait before they commit to biting. They're also outstanding table fare with thick, meaty fillets.
This world-class family charter fills up fast, especially during peak season and school holidays. Marathon's offshore waters consistently produce fish year-round, but booking ahead ensures you get the date that works best for your family's schedule. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure everyone's ready for an awesome day on the water before you
Step aboard our reliable 33-foot catamaran and get ready for some serious offshore fishing action in Marathon's productive waters. This 2003 vessel packs twin 300HP Suzuki engines that'll get your family out to the fishing grounds quickly and smoothly. The spacious catamaran design means everyone has room to cast their lines without getting tangled up - perfect when you've got kids learning the ropes alongside seasoned anglers. Our boat comes equipped with all the fishing essentials: GPS to find the hotspots, radar for safe navigation, and a fish finder to locate those prized Snapper and Grouper hiding below. The flybridge gives our captain a clear view of the action while providing shade for guests. When someone needs a break from reeling in fish, there's a comfortable bed for resting and a private toilet onboard. With space for up to 6 guests, this catamaran is ideal for multi-generational fishing trips where grandparents, parents, and kids can all enjoy the Florida Keys fishing experience together. The stable twin-hull design cuts through offshore swells smoothly, so even those new to deep-sea fishing stay comfortable while targeting the area's abundant marine life.
Istiophorus AlbicansAtlantic sailfish are the speedsters of our waters, hitting 30+ mph when hooked. These metallic blue beauties average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, with that signature sail-like dorsal fin. You'll find them in 30-65 feet of water, often near current breaks and weedlines. Winter through spring is prime time here in the Keys when they migrate through our area. What makes them special? Pure athleticism - they jump, dive, and put on a real show once hooked. The fight can last 20-30 minutes with a decent fish. They're catch-and-release only, so it's all about the experience. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your spread tight and use bright pink or blue/white lures. When one hits, be ready - they'll try to throw the hook immediately with those aerial acrobatics.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - big, strong fish that cruise alone and fight like trucks. They average 30-50 pounds but can push 80+ pounds. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and markers in 20-60 feet, often swimming just under the surface. Spring through fall is best, especially during their spawning runs. What makes them special? They're curious fish that will follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Plus, they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. They eat everything - crabs, jigs, live bait. Sight fishing is the game here. Local secret: when you spot one, don't cast directly at it. Lead the fish by 20 feet with a bucktail jig or live crab. They spook easy if you drop bait right on their head, but they'll usually circle back to investigate a well-placed offering.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are the colorful fighters that make offshore trips memorable. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds. You'll spot them around floating debris, weedlines, and current edges in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most abundant. What makes them popular? Amazing colors that flash when fighting, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean - firm, white, and mild. They often travel in small schools, so landing one usually means more action. We typically troll ballyhoo or hit-and-run style around floating objects. Here's a tip: once you hook one, keep a second rod ready with live bait. The hooked fish will often call in the school, and you can sight-cast to the others following it to the boat.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the "silver king" - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and over 100 pounds around here. These prehistoric giants cruise shallow waters, channels, and harbor areas, often rolling on the surface. Spring through fall is peak season, especially on the new and full moons when they're most active. What draws anglers? Pure power and those legendary jumps - they can launch 10 feet out of the water. The fight is all about endurance; a good tarpon will test you for an hour or more. They're strictly catch-and-release since the meat isn't great eating. We typically sight-fish them in 10-30 feet, using live crabs or pinfish. Local trick: when you see one roll, cast your bait about 10 feet ahead of where it surfaced. They usually circle back through that same area.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the rockets of the deep - sleek, silver bullets with blue stripes that can hit 50+ mph. Most run 20-40 pounds, but we see some pushing 60+ pounds. They cruise open water and edges in 100-400 feet, often around structure or temperature breaks. Best fishing is fall through spring when water temps drop and baitfish move through. What gets people hooked? That blistering initial run and the fight that follows. Plus, wahoo makes premium table fare - white, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill. They're loners mostly, so it's usually one-and-done. We high-speed troll at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor teeth will slice mono in a heartbeat. Pro tip: use diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo with dark skirts. When you see that screaming run, don't touch the drag - let them burn line until they slow down.
Marathon, FL