Marathon Wreck Fishing: 6-Hour Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour fishing charter targeting reefs, wrecks, and bay watersSmall group experience accommodating up to six guests maximumMorning and afternoon departure options available daily
If you're looking for a fishing trip that covers all the bases, our 6-hour Marathon charter with Top Notch Sportfishing hits the sweet spot. We're talking about a solid day on the water that takes you from shallow bay flats to deep wrecks where the big boys hang out. This isn't your typical half-day quickie – we've got the time to really explore what makes Marathon one of Florida's top-rated fishing destinations. With room for up to six anglers, you'll have plenty of space to spread out and work different techniques without bumping elbows.
This trip is all about variety, and that's what makes it special. We start by reading the conditions – wind, current, and what the fish have been doing lately. Some days we'll hit the wrecks first thing in the morning when the water's calm and the pelagics are active. Other times, we might work the reef structure before moving to the deeper stuff. The beauty of a 6-hour window is we're not rushed. If the Spanish mackerel are tearing up bait on one wreck, we can stay put and capitalize. If the action slows, we've got time to move and find where they're biting. You'll experience the full spectrum of what Marathon's waters offer – from the adrenaline rush of a screaming reel on a wreck to the technical finesse required for reef fishing.
Wreck fishing is a whole different animal from flats or reef fishing, and we'll have you dialed in from the start. We're trolling to locate schools of baitfish and the predators following them, then switching to live bait and jigs once we mark fish on the sounder. The wrecks around Marathon sit in 80 to 200 feet of water, creating perfect ambush points for kingfish, blackfin tuna, and mahi. We'll rig you up with circle hooks and wire leaders for the toothy critters, plus have lighter tackle ready when the dolphinfish show up. Expect to work with both conventional and spinning reels depending on what we're targeting. When we're over structure, it's all about getting your bait down quick and keeping it in the strike zone. The current can be tricky around these wrecks, so we'll show you how to read the water and adjust your drift.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of wreck fishing around Marathon, especially from spring through fall. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds and fight way above their weight class. They school up tight around baitfish, and when you find them, you can usually count on steady action. What makes them exciting is their speed – they'll take a bait or lure and immediately go airborne, making multiple jumps before you get them to the boat. They're also excellent table fare, perfect for the grill or smoker.
Blackfin Tuna are the workhorses of the deep wrecks, and they're built like little torpedoes. Running anywhere from 5-20 pounds around Marathon, these fish are pure muscle and stamina. They typically show up in late fall through early spring when the water temperatures drop into the mid-70s. What gets anglers fired up about blackfins is their fighting style – no fancy jumps, just a bulldogging, line-stripping battle that'll test your drag system. They're also fantastic sashimi fish if you bleed them properly.
King Mackerel are the apex predators we're really after on these wreck trips. Marathon's kings can push 40+ pounds, and they're notorious for their blistering runs and aerial displays. Peak season runs from October through March, when they're feeding heavily before spawning. These fish are smart, so we often have to vary our presentation – sometimes they want a slow-trolled dead bait, other times they'll crush a fast-moving spoon. The adrenaline rush of hooking into a big king over a wreck is something every angler needs to experience.
Mahi Mahi bring the color and acrobatics to offshore fishing. These common dolphinfish are stunning to look at – brilliant gold, green, and blue that lights up when they're fighting. They're most active during the warmer months, often found around floating debris or following the weed lines. What makes mahi special is their unpredictability – they might jump a dozen times, then sound deep, then come back to the surface. Plus, they're incredible eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for just about any preparation.
Indo-Pacific Sailfish are the crown jewel of Marathon's offshore scene, though they're more of a bonus fish on our wreck trips. These magnificent creatures can push 7-8 feet long and put on a show like no other fish. When a sail lights up a bait, it's pure magic – they'll come up behind the bait with their sail fully extended, then crash the spread in an explosion of spray. The fight is all about the jumps and tail-walking displays. While we don't specifically target them on wreck trips, having one show up is always a possibility, especially when we're working the deeper structures.
A 6-hour wreck fishing trip gives you the perfect balance of adventure and variety without committing to a full day offshore. You'll experience multiple fishing styles, target several world-class species, and have enough time to really get into the rhythm of offshore angling. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or someone wanting to step up from inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. The wrecks around Marathon are consistently productive, and with Top Notch Sportfishing's local knowledge, you're setting yourself up for success. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Our pristine 31' Egret center console is built for serious fishing in Marathon's waters. With 360-degree fishing access around the entire boat, you'll have plenty of space to work those wrecks without getting tangled up with other anglers. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 6 guests while maintaining easy movement around the deck. The large kill box keeps your catch fresh all day, while the well-stocked icebox handles your drinks and snacks during those long battles with big fish. Our top-tier Garmin electronics package includes GPS navigation, radar for those hazy morning runs, VHF radio for safety, and fish finder technology that'll put you right on top of structure and schools. Your professional captain knows these Marathon wrecks inside and out - from the shallow patch reefs to the deeper offshore structure where the bigger fish hang out. Whether you're targeting snapper around the wrecks or waiting for that grouper to come up from the depths, this boat has everything needed for a productive day on the water. Clean, well-maintained, and ready to get you into fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin Tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch. These 15-30 pound torpedos have dark backs with distinctive bronze finlets and live fast, rarely making it past 5 years. You'll find them in deep blue water from 100-600 feet, often mixed with skipjacks around weedlines and current breaks. Fall through spring is prime time here in Marathon when they move into warmer Gulf Stream waters. Guests love the challenge - they're known for blistering runs and tough fights on medium tackle. The meat is outstanding, perfect for sushi or searing. Best technique is vertical jigging or chunking with pilchards. Scale down your tackle though - use 30lb fluoro leaders and 5/0 circle hooks since these fish have excellent eyesight and will shy away from heavy gear.
Istiophorus PlatypterusSailfish are the ultimate trophy fish - 6-11 feet of pure athleticism weighing 120-220 pounds. That massive dorsal fin isn't just for show; they use it to herd baitfish while hunting with their sword-like bill. These open-ocean nomads cruise the thermocline but will surface-feed when conditions are right. Winter months bring the best action here as they migrate south following bait schools. What sets them apart is the fight - expect multiple jumps, long runs, and battles that can last hours. Most are released for conservation, making the experience even more special. Trolling ballyhoo or whole mullet works well, but be ready with 50-80 pound tackle. Key tip: when one comes up behind the bait, don't pull it away - let the fish eat, then slowly increase drag as it takes line. Patience pays off with these magnificent fish.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are the speed demons of our waters, reaching 30+ pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These olive-backed predators cruise 40-150 feet deep around reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs, hunting everything from blue runners to squid. Peak season runs October through April when cooler water brings them closer to shore. What makes them special is their blistering speed - only wahoo can match them. The fight is spectacular with long runs and acrobatic jumps. Their rich, flaky meat is prized despite higher mercury levels. Trolling with large spoons or rigging live bait works best. Here's the key trick: use a double-hook rig with wire leader - one hook in the bait's nose, another trailing behind, because kings love to attack the tail end of their prey.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing - brilliant gold and blue colors that change like a light show when hooked. These fast-growing fish average 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+. They live short lives, rarely past 4 years, but spawn constantly, keeping populations strong. Look for them under floating debris, sargassum lines, and around structures in 100+ feet of blue water. Spring through fall is best when water temps climb above 75°F. Guests go crazy for their aerial show and color changes during the fight. Plus, the white, mild meat is restaurant-quality. Trolling ballyhoo or rigging live bait around weedlines works great. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep others around by leaving hooked fish in the water while rigging fresh lines - mahi are curious and will stick around their hooked buddy.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around Marathon. You'll spot their silvery bodies with yellow spots as they cruise in schools near the surface, especially around structures and grass flats. They're active year-round here, but spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are up. These speedsters put up a solid fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. They'll hit spoons, jigs, and live bait like sardines or shrimp. Pro tip: when you find a school, work fast with small lures since they spook easily, and always use a wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in seconds.
Marathon