Marathon Fishing Charters: Half-Day Adventure
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Expert team provides all fishing equipment and safety gearThreehour saltwater fishing adventure near Seven Mile BridgePerfect beginnerfriendly experience with handson instruction included
Welcome to Marathon, where the fishing is legendary and the views are postcard-perfect. Our 3-hour fishing charters put you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive waters, just minutes from the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to get the kids hooked on saltwater fishing, this trip is designed with you in mind. We've got all the gear, the local knowledge, and the patience to make sure everyone on board has a blast. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting to experience what makes Marathon fishing so special.
Your day starts at the marina where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on safety and what we're targeting. Marathon sits in the sweet spot of the Florida Keys, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic, creating a perfect storm of fish activity. We'll head out to our productive spots - could be the shallow flats, deeper channels, or around structure where the big boys like to hang out. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, cruising past million-dollar views with that famous bridge towering overhead. Once we're on the fishing grounds, it's game time. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - our crew will show you everything from baiting hooks to landing fish. The beauty of a 3-hour trip is that it's long enough to get into some serious action but not so long that the kids get restless or beginners feel overwhelmed.
We fish these Marathon waters using proven methods that consistently put fish in the boat. Depending on conditions and what's biting, we might be bottom fishing with live or cut bait around structure, trolling for the speed demons like mackerel and barracuda, or working the flats for snappers. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included in your trip - we use quality gear that can handle everything from feisty snappers to heavyweight groupers. Our tackle boxes are stocked with circle hooks for easy releases, various sinker weights for different depths, and a selection of lures that have proven themselves in these waters. If you're new to saltwater fishing, you'll learn the basics of reading your rod tip for bites, setting the hook properly, and the fine art of reeling in a fish without giving it slack to throw the hook. For those targeting bigger species like grouper, we'll show you the pump-and-wind technique that saves your arms and keeps steady pressure on the fish.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Marathon fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters live around hard bottom and structure in 20-100 feet of water, and they're absolute bulldogs once hooked. Red grouper typically run 3-10 pounds in our area, with the occasional monster pushing 15-20 pounds. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes them so popular with anglers is their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare - there's nothing quite like fresh grouper for dinner.
Great Barracuda are the speed demons of the flats, and hooking into one is like grabbing a lightning bolt. These sleek predators can grow over 4 feet long and are built for speed, capable of explosive runs that will test your drag system. Spring and summer months bring the best barracuda action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively hunting. They're attracted to shiny lures and live bait, and their razor-sharp teeth mean we always use wire leaders. The fight is spectacular - long runs followed by acrobatic jumps that'll get everyone's attention on the boat.
Mutton Snapper are considered the prize catch by many local anglers, combining beautiful looks with incredible taste. These copper-colored fighters typically range from 2-8 pounds, though the occasional doormat can push 15+ pounds. They're most active during warmer months and can be found around coral heads, wrecks, and ledges. Mutton snappers are notorious for their light bite and tendency to steal bait, making them a challenging and rewarding target. Their firm, white meat is prized by local restaurants, and many consider them the best-eating fish in our waters.
Black Grouper are the heavyweights of the grouper family, and landing a big one is a true trophy experience. These bruisers can exceed 30 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and determination to reach the safety of their rocky homes. Black grouper prefer deeper water and more structure than their red cousins, and they're most active during the cooler months. The fight is legendary - they'll use every trick in the book to break you off, including diving straight down and trying to cut your line on the rocks. Successfully landing a black grouper requires patience, proper technique, and a little bit of luck.
Spanish Mackerel are perfect for beginners and kids, offering fast action and scrappy fights on lighter tackle. These streamlined speedsters rarely exceed 3 pounds but make up for size with attitude and numbers. They're most abundant during fall and winter months, often traveling in large schools that can provide non-stop action. Spanish mackerel are excellent on light spinning gear, and their willingness to bite makes them ideal for keeping young anglers engaged. They also make fantastic bait for larger predators and are delicious when prepared fresh.
This 3-hour Marathon fishing charter delivers everything you want in a Keys fishing experience - stunning scenery, productive waters, quality equipment, and expert guidance. Whether you're looking to introduce the family to saltwater fishing, celebrate a special occasion, or just spend a few hours doing what you love, this trip hits all the marks. Our experienced captains know these waters like their backyard and take pride in putting clients on fish while ensuring everyone stays safe and has fun.
This pristine 31' Egret center console is your ticket to Marathon's best fishing spots. With 360-degree fishing access around the entire boat, there's plenty of room for all six anglers to cast their lines without getting tangled up. The spacious deck layout means everyone gets a fair shot at landing that trophy catch. The large kill box keeps your fish fresh while the well-stocked icebox handles your drinks and snacks for the day. Top-tier Garmin electronics including GPS, radar, fish finder, and VHF radio ensure your captain can navigate safely and put you right on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this boat has everything needed for a successful day on the water around the Seven Mile Bridge. The professional captain provides all tackle and gear, so you can focus on perfecting your cast and enjoying the action when the fish start biting.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the bruisers of the reef - gray and olive with dark rectangular blotches, they can reach massive sizes though most average around 2-3 feet. They lurk around wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom in 30-300 feet, moving shallower during cooler months. These ambush predators will inhale anything you put in front of them, but once hooked, expect a serious battle. They use pure strength to try getting back to structure. The meat is mild and firm, making them highly sought after. Bring heavy tackle - 80lb braid minimum with 100lb leader. Here's the trick: when you feel that tap, set the hook hard and start cranking immediately. Give them any slack and they'll cut you off on the rocks.
Sphyraena BarracudaBarracuda are speed demons that patrol our shallow reefs and flats, usually running 2-4 feet long with that unmistakable silver torpedo shape. They hunt by sight and are naturally curious, often following lures or checking out shiny objects. Spring brings the best action when they aggregate for spawning. What guests love is the explosive strike and that initial blistering run - they'll hit 35 mph in short bursts. The fight is intense but brief since their stamina fades quick. We mainly target them for the sport since the meat can be risky. Here's the key: use wire leader and be ready when a big one jumps boat-side. Those razor teeth can do serious damage, so always use a net and gloves.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are prized catches around our local reefs and inlet areas with good tidal flow. These pinkish beauties average 16-20 inches but can push 30+ pounds in deeper water. They're often found in 80-200 feet near hard bottom and reef edges, though juveniles hang in shallower grass beds. The fight is solid for their size, and the meat is excellent eating. They can be picky, so fresh bait and light tackle make the difference. Adults are usually solitary or in small groups. My go-to technique: use a knocker rig with minimal weight and let your bait drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up through the water, you know you've got a keeper.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear around Marathon's reefs and wrecks. These rusty-red beauties with white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though bigger ones lurk in 30-100 feet of water near structure. They're aggressive eaters that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait without hesitation. What makes them special is the tough fight they put up - they'll try to dive straight back to the rocks once hooked. The meat is top-notch too, with that firm, flaky texture that makes great table fare. My tip: once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to think or they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge and break you off every time.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast-moving schooling fish that cruise our nearshore waters in silvery groups with distinctive yellow spots. They typically run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, swimming in large schools that can stretch for miles. Spring through fall brings the best action as they migrate through our waters. These speedsters hit lures hard and make blistering runs, perfect for light tackle fishing. The meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills, smokes, or fries beautifully. Look for diving birds or surface activity to locate schools. My tip: use small shiny spoons or jigs and keep moving. When you find a school, work it fast before they move on. Wire leader helps prevent those sharp teeth from cutting you off.
Marathon