Tarpon Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target tarpon during peak season April through JuneDawn and dusk trips maximize feeding activity chancesAccommodates up to 6 guests on wellequipped sportfishing boat
When you're talking about world-class tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys, Marathon is where serious anglers come to test their skills against the silver king. Our 4-hour morning and evening charters put you right in the heart of the action during peak tarpon season, from April through June when these legendary fish are most active in our waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone looking to cross tarpon off your bucket list, this charter delivers the authentic Keys fishing experience you've been dreaming about.
We run two prime time slots that give you the best shot at hooking into these magnificent fish – early morning trips that catch the dawn bite and evening charters that let you fish into the sunset. Both windows are when tarpon are actively feeding, cruising the flats and channels around Marathon looking for baitfish. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped boat with up to 5 other anglers, creating that perfect balance of camaraderie and space to work your fish. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning you over the productive spots where tarpon congregate during their seasonal migration through the Keys. Don't expect a relaxing day of casual fishing – when a 100-pound tarpon takes your bait, you're in for a workout that'll have your arms burning and your heart racing.
Tarpon fishing in Marathon requires specific techniques and heavy tackle to handle these powerful fish. We primarily use live bait – pilchards, crabs, and shrimp – presented on circle hooks with 60-80 pound test line and wire leaders. The boat comes equipped with heavy action rods and reels loaded with enough line to handle those legendary tarpon runs that can strip 200 yards in seconds. You'll learn the art of sight fishing, spotting rolling tarpon and making precise casts to feeding fish. The captain will teach you proper fighting techniques – how to pump and wind, when to apply pressure, and how to keep the fish from jumping into the boat. Live bait fishing is the name of the game here, though we'll also work artificial lures when the fish are aggressive. The key is staying ready because tarpon strikes are explosive and you need to react fast to set the hook properly.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of Marathon's fishing scene, and for good reason. These silver giants can reach lengths of 8 feet and weights exceeding 200 pounds, making them one of the most challenging gamefish in Florida waters. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatic ability. When hooked, tarpon launch themselves completely out of the water in spectacular displays of power and grace that'll have you scrambling for your camera. Peak season runs from April through June when massive schools migrate through the Keys, though we see fish from March into July. The best fishing happens during the morning and evening hours when tarpon move into shallower water to feed. These fish are ancient – some of the tarpon you'll be fighting could be 50+ years old, and they've learned every trick in the book. They'll test your drag, jump repeatedly to throw the hook, and make blistering runs toward structure. Landing a tarpon is considered one of fishing's greatest achievements, and Marathon's waters offer some of the most consistent tarpon action in the world.
Marathon's tarpon season is legendary among serious anglers, and these 4-hour charters book up fast during peak months. Top Notch Sportfishing has built a reputation for putting clients on fish when other boats are struggling, thanks to local knowledge and commitment to fishing the most productive times of day. Whether you choose the morning trip to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic or the evening charter for those spectacular Keys sunsets, you're signing up for a fishing adventure that could very well be the highlight of your Florida vacation. The silver king is waiting – now it's time to see if you're up for the challenge.
Step aboard our spotless 31' Egret center console and get ready to chase some serious tarpon in the waters around Marathon. This fishing machine gives you complete 360-degree access to cast your lines, whether we're drifting over productive wrecks or positioning for that perfect shot at rolling silver kings. The spacious layout means all six anglers can fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's gear. Our large kill box keeps your catch fresh while the well-stocked icebox handles your beverages and snacks during those long battles with heavyweight tarpon. The boat's loaded with top-tier Garmin electronics including fish finder technology to locate schools and GPS navigation to hit those prime wreck sites where the big fish hang out. VHF radio and radar keep us connected and safe when visibility drops. Your professional captain knows these Marathon waters inside and out, from the productive morning bite to those magical evening feeds when tarpon are most active. The center console design puts everyone in the action - no bad spots on this boat when a 150-pound silver king decides to put on an aerial show right next to the gunwale.
Marathon