Marathon Key 10-Hour Swordfish Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
10hour offshore swordfish charter departing at 8:00 a.m.Professional Captain William guides groups up to 6 guests.Deepsea fishing targets ocean's most challenging gamefish species.
Captain William knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to take you and five other anglers on a serious offshore adventure. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full 10 hours of deep-sea fishing in some of the most productive waters off Marathon Key. When that alarm goes off at dawn and you're heading to the dock, you'll know you're about to experience what makes the Florida Keys legendary among serious fishermen.
We shove off at 8:00 a.m. sharp, so don't be that guy showing up late with a gas station coffee. Captain William runs a tight ship, and punctuality means more time with lines in the water. The boat heads out past the reef line into the deep blue where the big fish live – we're talking 800 to 1,500 feet of water where swordfish patrol the depths. The ride out takes about an hour, giving you time to get your sea legs and watch the water change from that shallow Keys turquoise to the deep cobalt blue that means business. You'll spend the day switching between different techniques depending on what's biting, and with 10 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to adjust tactics and find the fish. The boat accommodates six anglers comfortably, so you're not bumping elbows when someone hooks up.
Swordfishing is a whole different ballgame from inshore fishing – we're talking heavy tackle, serious downriggers, and a lot of patience. Captain William runs top-quality gear designed for these brutes: electric reels loaded with 80-pound test, circle hooks, and weights that'll get your bait down to where the swords are cruising. The technique involves dropping baits deep – sometimes over 1,000 feet down – and waiting for that telltale bite. We'll also be trolling for mahi and blackfin tuna while we're positioning for swordfish, using spreader bars and ballyhoo rigs that these pelagic species can't resist. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS, so Captain William can put you on structure and temperature breaks where these fish congregate. Don't worry if you've never used electric reels before – the captain will walk you through everything, but be prepared for a workout when you hook into something big.
Let's talk about what you're really here for – the fish that make Marathon Key one of the top-rated offshore destinations in the Keys. These waters consistently produce trophy-class fish, and Captain William knows exactly where to find them. Each species we target offers a completely different fight and fishing experience, from the aerial acrobatics of mahi mahi to the deep, powerful runs of a big swordfish. The beauty of a 10-hour trip is that we have time to target multiple species using different techniques, so even if one bite is slow, there are always other options to keep the action going.
Swordfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing, and these waters off Marathon Key hold some real monsters. These fish average 50 to 150 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 200-plus-pound beast that'll test every ounce of your fishing skills. Swords are most active during dawn and dusk hours, which is why we start early and fish late. What makes them so special isn't just their size – it's their fight. When a big sword takes your bait, it's like hooking into a freight train. They'll make long, powerful runs and use their sword and size to their advantage. The best part? Swordfish are active year-round in these waters, though fall and winter tend to produce the biggest fish.
Blackfin Tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the ocean. These speedsters typically run 10 to 30 pounds and are absolute dynamite on the line. They school up around structure and temperature changes, making them a perfect target while we're positioning for swordfish. Blackfins are most active during the cooler months from October through April, and they're fantastic on the table – many charter captains consider them the best-eating tuna species. When you hook one, get ready for screaming runs and a fish that never gives up until it's in the boat.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are the most colorful fighters you'll encounter out here. These fish range from schoolie-size 5-pounders to bull dolphins pushing 40 pounds or more. What makes mahi special is their acrobatic fight – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat grabbing cameras. They're most abundant during the spring and summer months when the water warms up, but we see them year-round in these waters. Mahi travel in schools and are attracted to floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks – exactly the kind of structure Captain William knows how to find and fish effectively.
This isn't just another fishing trip – it's 10 hours of serious offshore action with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. Whether you're after that trophy swordfish for the wall or just want to experience what world-class deep-sea fishing is all about, this charter delivers. The boat's equipped with everything you need except food and drinks, so pack a cooler and get ready for a long day of fishing. With only six spots available, these trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Captain William's reputation for finding fish speaks for itself, and repeat customers know that booking early is the only way to guarantee your spot on one of the best offshore charters running out of Marathon Key.
This pristine 31' Egret center console is built for serious swordfish hunting in Marathon's deep waters. The spacious deck gives you full 360-degree fishing access, so whether you're working the stern or moving to the bow, there's plenty of room to battle these powerful fish. The large kill box keeps your prized catches fresh, while the oversized icebox handles all your drinks and snacks during those long 10-hour runs offshore. Captain William relies on top-shelf Garmin electronics to find the best swordfish grounds, with radar for those early morning departures and a fish finder that pinpoints exactly where the action is. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats sharing intel on hot spots. This boat handles the open ocean swells like a dream, getting you out to the deep drop-offs where swordfish roam. With space for up to 6 anglers, everyone gets their shot at hooking into one of the ocean's most coveted gamefish.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tuna family, blackfins are scrappy fighters that average 15-30 pounds but can hit 46. You'll find them in warm waters around floating debris and weed lines, usually in schools with skipjack. They're most active here in the Keys during fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special is their fierce fight - they punch way above their weight class. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with that classic tuna taste. These fish have sharp eyes, so here's the trick: scale down to #30 fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0-6/0 circle hooks. Vertical jigging works great, but don't overlook live pilchards as chum to draw them in close.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold with electric blue and green that puts on a light show when hooked. They average 15-29 pounds but the record is 87. You'll find them under floating debris, weed lines, or anything drifting on the surface in warm water. They're here year-round but peak in summer. What makes them awesome is the acrobatic fight - they jump, dive, and never quit. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean. Look for frigate birds working debris piles - that's your sign. Troll ballyhoo or small lures right on the surface and make them skip like flying fish. Once you hook one, work the area hard because they travel in schools.
Xiphias GladiusThese apex predators average 9 feet and 400 pounds, but can reach 15 feet and over 1,000 pounds. They live in deep water - we're talking 800-1,500 feet - and are most active at night when they come up to around 300 feet to feed. Peak season here runs April through September during spawning. What draws anglers is the ultimate challenge - these fish can hit 60 mph and fight like nothing else. The meat is premium too, firm and meaty. Night fishing is your best bet using squid or barracuda chunks. Here's what works: drop your bait to 300-400 feet with plenty of lights, use 80-120 lb line, and be patient. When one hits, it's game on for hours.
Marathon