Marathon's Top-Rated 6 Hour Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore charter targeting Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and SailfishProfessional captain guides groups up to six guestsDeep sea fishing adventure in Marathon's productive waters
Get ready to fish some of the most productive waters off the Florida Keys with Top Notch Sportfishing's premier 6-hour offshore adventure. Marathon sits right in the sweet spot where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic, creating perfect conditions for world-class pelagic fishing. You'll head out into deep blue water where Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and Atlantic Sailfish cruise year-round. This isn't your typical half-day trip – six hours gives you real time to work the water and find where the fish are biting. With space for up to 6 anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone serious about getting on some quality fish.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using decades of local knowledge. The boat launches from Marathon, and within 30 minutes you'll be in prime offshore territory where the water turns that deep cobalt blue that screams billfish country. The Gulf Stream pushes warm water loaded with baitfish right past Marathon's doorstep, making it a magnet for pelagics. You'll spend your day working proven spots where structure, current breaks, and temperature changes create the perfect storm for feeding fish. The captain watches the electronics constantly, looking for bait schools, temperature breaks, and that telltale sign of fish underneath. When conditions are right, you might see birds working the surface or even spot Mahi Mahi under floating debris – those are the moments that make offshore fishing so addictive.
This charter runs a serious spread of trolling lures designed to fool the smartest fish in the ocean. You'll pull a mix of skirted ballyhoo, diving plugs, and flashy lures that mimic the flying fish and squid these pelagics feed on. The boat carries quality spinning and conventional tackle matched to the target species – heavy enough to handle a charging sailfish but balanced enough that you'll actually enjoy the fight. When the bite is hot, the captain might switch tactics and break out live bait or chunk bait to keep fish around the boat longer. The key to offshore success is covering water and reading conditions, so expect to move around throughout the day as your captain follows temperature breaks, works current edges, and hunts down active fish. All the tackle, bait, and lures are included, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Mahi Mahi are the crown jewel of Marathon offshore fishing and the fish most anglers dream about catching. These beautiful dolphins (not the mammal) are known for their electric colors – brilliant gold, green, and blue that light up when they're hooked. They're incredibly aggressive feeders that often travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Mahi love floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks where baitfish congregate. They're most active during spring through fall, with peak season running May through September when water temperatures hit their sweet spot. What makes Mahi so special is their acrobatic fight – they'll jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that'll have you whooping and hollering. Plus, they're absolutely delicious on the table, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Blackfin Tuna are the perfect fish for anglers who want to test their tackle and their arms. These compact powerhouses rarely exceed 30 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. Blackfins are speed demons that make blistering runs and never give up until they're in the boat. They school up around structure and current breaks, often mixed with other pelagics. The great thing about Blackfin Tuna is their consistency – they're here year-round, though they're most active during cooler months from November through April. They're also fantastic eating, with red meat that's perfect for sushi or searing. When you hook into a school of hungry Blackfins, you might catch a dozen in an hour – it's fast-paced action that keeps everyone on the boat engaged.
Atlantic Sailfish are the fish of a lifetime for most anglers, and Marathon's waters offer some of the best sailfish opportunities in Florida. These majestic billfish are pure adrenaline on a fishing line, known for their spectacular jumps and lightning-fast runs. Sailfish are most active during winter months from December through April when they migrate through South Florida waters. What makes catching a sailfish so special isn't just their impressive size – they regularly reach 6-8 feet long – but their incredible athleticism. When hooked, they'll launch themselves completely out of the water in a series of jumps that'll have your heart pounding. Most captains practice catch and release with sailfish to preserve this amazing fishery, but the photos and memories will last forever. Landing your first sailfish is a rite of passage that puts you in an elite club of anglers.
Marathon's offshore fishing is world-class, and this 6-hour charter gives you the perfect window to experience it all. The combination of productive waters, experienced captainship, and quality tackle sets you up for success whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The Florida Keys fishing scene is legendary for good reason – the variety of species, year-round action, and stunning scenery make every trip memorable. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions – the best fishing day is the one you're actually on the water. Book your offshore adventure with Top Notch Sportfishing and get ready to see why Marathon is considered one of Florida's premier fishing destinations. The fish are out there waiting, and six hours gives you plenty of time to find them.
Step aboard this pristine 31' Exorcist Center console and get ready to chase some serious game fish in Marathon's productive offshore waters. This spacious fishing machine gives you 360-degree casting room, so whether you're battling a screaming Mahi or working a stubborn Blackfin Tuna, you'll have plenty of space to move around. The large kill box keeps your catch fresh while the well-stocked icebox handles your drinks and snacks during those long fights. Captain runs top-shelf Garmin electronics including fish finder, GPS, and radar to put you right on the fish, plus VHF radio for safety. With room for up to 6 anglers, this center console is built for serious offshore action. Whether you're targeting Sailfish on the edge or trolling for Mahi in the weed lines, this boat has everything you need for a successful day on the water. The clean layout and professional setup make it perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to experience Florida's world-class offshore fishing scene.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the crown jewel of offshore fishing here. These lightning-fast billfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that signature sail dorsal fin they flash when excited. We target them in 80-400 feet along the reef edge and blue water. Winter months are magic - December through March brings them close to shore following bait schools. What sets them apart? Pure athleticism. They'll jump, tail-walk, and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Most get released to fight another day. The secret is patience when they take the bait. Let them run with it before setting the hook, and don't rush the fight. Use circle hooks with live bait or slow-troll with teasers to get them fired up.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious punch for their size. Most run 10-25 pounds, though we see some pushing 40. They school up along the continental shelf in 150-600 feet, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Winter through spring is prime time here in the Keys when they move inshore following baitfish. These fish are pure muscle - they'll test your drag and your patience with long, burning runs. The meat's outstanding, perfect for sashimi or searing. Pro tip: scale down your tackle and use fluorocarbon leaders. Blackfins are spooky with excellent eyesight, so lighter gear and live pilchards work way better than heavy setups. Vertical jigs and chunk baits are deadly when you find the schools.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here. These golden-sided speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ on a good day. They love hanging around floating debris, weed lines, and anything drifting offshore in 100-1000 feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps climb above 70°F. What makes them special? They put on a wild color show when hooked - flashing blues, greens, and gold - plus they jump like crazy. The meat's fantastic too, firm and sweet. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and watch for others. Mahi travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more circling below.
Marathon