Marathon Key 10-Hour Swordfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10-hour offshore swordfish charter departing 8:00 a.m.Captain William guides deep-sea fishing for trophy swordfish.Six guests maximum aboard Top Notch Sportfishing vessel.
This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – we're talking about a serious 10-hour deep-sea adventure that'll put you face-to-face with some of the ocean's most powerful predators. Captain William knows these Marathon waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to take you and up to five other anglers on a swordfish hunt that'll have you talking for years. We'll push off the dock at 8 a.m. sharp and won't head back until we've given you the best shot at hooking into something truly special.
Once we clear the harbor and hit the deep blue, you're in for a completely different world. We're running way offshore to where the bottom drops off into the abyss – that's where these swordfish like to hang out during the day. The ride out takes us over some beautiful water, and you'll see the color change from that shallow turquoise to the deep cobalt blue that means serious fishing. Captain William runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, so whether you're a seasoned angler or this is your first time chasing billfish, you'll feel right at home. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to move around and everyone gets their shot at the action.
Daytime swordfish fishing is a whole different game than the nighttime sword fishing most people think about. We're dropping baits down 1,500 to 2,000 feet using electric reels – trust me, you don't want to hand-crank from those depths. The technique involves precise weight management and keeping your bait in that sweet spot where the swords are cruising. Captain William has all the right gear dialed in: heavy tackle that can handle the depth and the fight, plus the electronics to mark fish and structure down there in the dark. We'll also be watching for other species while we're working the deep – mahi mahi love to follow floating debris, and blackfin tuna can show up when you least expect them.
Swordfish are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These fish are absolute beasts – we're talking about fish that can push 200 pounds or more, with that iconic sword and an attitude to match. They're active year-round in these Florida Keys waters, but the best action typically runs from late fall through early spring. What makes swordfish so special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. They'll sound deep, then come up jumping and thrashing on the surface. Every swordfish fight is different, and landing one is something most anglers never forget.
Blackfin tuna might be smaller than swordfish, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the toughest fighters in the ocean. These speedsters usually run 10 to 30 pounds in our waters and they're built for pure speed. When a school of blackfins fires up, the action can be non-stop. They hit hard, run fast, and never give up until they're in the boat. The best part about blackfins is they're excellent eating – firm, red meat that's perfect for searing or even eating raw.
Mahi mahi bring the color and the acrobatics to your fishing day. These beautiful fish with their bright yellows and greens are ambush predators that love structure – whether that's floating sargassum, debris lines, or even our fishing lines. They typically range from 10 to 40 pounds in our area, with the occasional bull mahi pushing 50-plus. When a mahi hits, get ready for a show. They'll jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial display that's pure fishing magic. Plus, mahi are hands-down some of the best eating fish in the ocean.
This 10-hour swordfish charter represents some of the best deep-sea fishing Marathon Key has to offer. Captain William's experience and local knowledge give you the edge you need to connect with these amazing fish. Remember, this is serious offshore fishing – we're talking about traveling miles from shore to hunt fish that most people only see in pictures. The combination of swordfish, blackfin tuna, and mahi mahi means you've got multiple shots at different species throughout the day. Just bring your sense of adventure and get ready for some real fishing – we'll handle the rest. Book now and get ready to experience why Marathon Key is considered one of the top deep-sea fishing destinations in the world.
This spotless 31' Egret center console is built for serious offshore fishing around Marathon Key. The boat gives you fishing access from every angle with plenty of elbow room for up to 6 anglers working the water. Captain William keeps this vessel equipped with top-tier Garmin electronics including fish finder and GPS to track down swordfish in deep water. The large kill box handles your catch while the icebox keeps your drinks and snacks cold during those long 10-hour runs. VHF radio and radar ensure safe navigation when weather rolls in. The center console design means easy movement around the boat whether you're fighting fish or just enjoying the ride to the fishing grounds.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little fighters of the tuna family, typically running 15-25 pounds around Marathon Key. These beautiful fish show off brilliant yellow stripes that fade once landed, but their dark fins and bronze highlights make them easy to spot. They love hanging around continental shelf waters in 100-400 feet, especially during our cooler months from October through March. What makes them special is their fierce fight - they'll make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sashimi or searing. They school with skipjacks, so when you find one, there's usually more. My go-to tip: scale down your leader to 30-pound fluoro and use smaller circle hooks. Their eyesight is razor sharp, so finesse beats brute force every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure eye candy with electric blues and golds that light up like a neon sign when hooked. These 15-30 pounders are surface dwellers that love floating debris, weedlines, and any structure in 100-800 feet of water. Best action runs May through September when they're thick around Marathon Key. What makes them special is the acrobatic show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a real spectacle. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. Look for frigate birds working debris piles, that's your money shot. When trolling, make your baits skip on the surface like flying fish. Once you hook one, keep a rod ready - where there's one mahi, there's usually a school.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the ultimate deep-sea challenge, averaging 200-400 pounds with that iconic flat bill. These giants cruise 800-1500 feet down during the day, then move up to 300 feet at night to feed. We target them year-round here off Marathon, but spring through fall gives us the most consistent action. What draws anglers back is the raw power - imagine hooking into a freight train with an attitude. The meat is exceptional too, firm and meaty like a good steak. We use heavy tackle with 80-100 pound line and squid baits dropped deep with plenty of lights. Here's the key: patience wins. These fish take their time deciding, so let them run with the bait before setting the hook. When they commit, hang on tight.
Marathon