Marathon Offshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8-hour offshore fishing adventure departing at 8:00 AM dailyTarget Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and Sailfish in deep watersProfessional captain guides groups up to 6 guests
Looking for a serious day of offshore fishing in the Florida Keys? This 8-hour Marathon fishing charter puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about the deep blue waters where mahi mahi crash baits, blackfin tuna school up in feeding frenzies, and sailfish come flying out of the water on spectacular jumps. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish from the moment we clear the harbor at 8 a.m. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip gives everyone plenty of space to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Marathon sits right in the sweet spot of the Florida Keys, where the Gulf Stream pushes close to shore and creates perfect conditions for pelagic species. We'll be running offshore to depths ranging from 150 to 800 feet, depending on where the fish are holding that day. The ride out takes about 30-45 minutes, giving you time to get rigged up and talk strategy with the captain. Once we hit the fishing grounds, expect to spend your day trolling the blue water, working weed lines, and hitting structure that holds baitfish. The waters here change color from that shallow Keys green to deep cobalt blue, and that's when you know you're in the zone. Weather permitting, we'll cover a lot of water throughout the day, following birds, temperature breaks, and any signs of life that could mean fish below.
Offshore fishing here is all about covering water and presenting the right baits at the right speed. We'll be pulling a spread of lures - typically ballyhoo rigged with skirts, diving plugs, and sometimes live bait when conditions call for it. The boat comes equipped with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and all the tackle you need is provided. Most of the fishing is done from the cockpit using fighting belts and harnesses for the bigger fish. When we mark fish on the electronics or see birds working, we might switch tactics to live bait fishing or jigging. The captain will coach you through fighting techniques, especially important when a sailfish starts greyhounding across the surface or a big mahi makes its signature head-shaking runs. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - the crew will get you sorted out quickly.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Marathon offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are absolute fighters that put on a show both in the water and on the dinner table. They're most active during warmer months from April through October, though you can find them year-round in South Florida. Mahi typically run 10-25 pounds out here, with bigger bulls pushing 30-40 pounds if you're lucky. They love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. When you hook one, get ready for spectacular jumps and long runs that'll test your arms. The best part? They're phenomenal eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish tacos.
Blackfin tuna might not get the respect of their yellowfin cousins, but these fish are pure muscle and attitude packed into a torpedo-shaped package. Running 5-15 pounds on average, blackfins make up for their size with speed and stamina that'll leave your arms burning. They school up around bait concentrations and structure, often mixed with bonito and small dolphins. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though they can show up anytime. These fish hit trolled baits hard and fast, often multiple hookups when you find a school. While they're not the best table fare, they make excellent bait for bigger predators and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find offshore.
Atlantic sailfish are the crown jewel of any offshore trip, and Marathon's waters hold some beautiful fish. Peak season runs from December through May when cooler water temps bring them close to shore, but you can encounter them throughout the year. These fish average 40-60 pounds and are pure adrenaline on light tackle. When a sail takes your bait, you'll know it immediately - they often come completely out of the water in spectacular displays that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for cameras. The fights are typically aerial affairs with multiple jumps and long runs. Most captains practice catch and release with sailfish, so you'll get great photos and the satisfaction of releasing a healthy fish to fight another day.
This Marathon offshore fishing charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want - quality time on productive water with a captain who knows how to find fish. Eight hours gives you enough time to really explore different areas and techniques without feeling rushed. The boat handles the Gulf Stream conditions well, and with a maximum of 6 anglers, everyone gets plenty of fishing time and attention from the crew. Whether you're looking to put meat in the cooler, chase that bucket list sailfish, or just spend a day away from the dock pulling on some quality fish, this trip has you covered. The 8 a.m. start gets you out during prime fishing hours, and you'll be back at the dock with plenty of time to grab dinner and share stories about the day's action. Book early, especially during peak season - the best offshore trips fill up fast in the Keys.
This pristine 31' Egret center console is your ticket to Marathon's best offshore fishing grounds. Built for serious anglers, the spacious layout gives you complete fishing access around the entire boat - no crowded corners or fighting for rod space. The oversized kill box keeps your catch fresh while the well-stocked icebox handles all your drinks and snacks for the long haul. Captain comes equipped with top-tier Garmin electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder to locate those productive depths where Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and Sailfish cruise. VHF radio keeps you connected to the fishing fleet for real-time reports on what's biting. Whether you're targeting the weed lines for Mahi or dropping baits in deeper water for bigger game, this boat handles offshore conditions with ease. Perfect setup for up to 6 anglers ready to spend a full day chasing fish in Florida's productive waters.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing - there's nothing quite like watching that massive dorsal fin light up in electric blues and purples as they hunt. These speed demons average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, cruising the surface waters from 30-150 feet deep. Winter months are prime time in the Keys when they migrate through following baitfish. What hooks every angler is their aerial show - multiple jumps, tail-walking, and that classic bill-shaking fight that can last 20 minutes or more. We practice catch and release to keep this fishery strong. The key is patience during the initial hookup. Let them run that first time instead of pulling back hard, or they'll throw the hook. Use circle hooks and keep steady pressure once they settle down for the fight.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the scrappy little brothers of the tuna family, but don't let their size fool you - these 20-40 pound fish pack serious punch. You'll find them in 100-300 feet of water along the continental shelf, especially around structure and temperature breaks. They're most active here from fall through spring when water temps hit that sweet spot around 70°F. What guests love about blackfin is their incredible speed and stamina - they'll make blistering runs and test your drag system. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that rich, red tuna meat. My go-to technique is scaling down your tackle - use lighter fluorocarbon leaders since these fish have sharp eyes. Vertical jigging works great, but don't overlook chunking with pilchards when they're finicky.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are one of the most colorful fish you'll find offshore, with brilliant golds and blues that put on a real light show when they hit the deck. These fast-growing fish typically run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen some push 40+. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet of water. Peak season here in Marathon is spring through fall when the Gulf Stream pushes closer to shore. What makes mahi special is their aggressive strike, acrobatic jumps, and excellent table fare - firm white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep your lines in the water. Mahi school up, and where there's one, there's usually more waiting for an easy meal.
Marathon