Full Day Offshore Charter with Wet Tails
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday offshore charter targeting Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, and SailfishCaptain Ed Taylor navigates Atlantic waters exceeding 1500 feet deepProfessional fish mounting services available for trophy catches
Marathon's offshore waters offer some of Florida's best big game fishing, and Captain Ed Taylor knows exactly where to find the action. This full-day charter pushes beyond the shallow flats into the deep Atlantic, where water depths drop past 1500 feet and the real monsters live. You'll be out on the water for eight solid hours, starting at 8 am when the bite is hot and the Gulf Stream current is prime for trolling. With space for up to four anglers, this trip gives everyone room to fight fish without bumping elbows.
Captain Ed runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed – this is fishing, not boot camp. The day kicks off early because that's when offshore species are most active, especially during summer months when the thermocline sets up perfectly. You'll cruise out past the reef line where the bottom drops off fast, and that's where the magic happens. The boat's rigged with top-shelf trolling gear, outriggers spread wide, and lures that have proven themselves in these waters time and again. Don't expect to anchor up and wait – offshore fishing is all about covering ground and finding where the fish are stacked up. The GPS shows plenty of structure and weed lines that hold bait, and where there's bait, there are hungry gamefish ready to crush your spread.
Offshore trolling is an art form, and Captain Ed has it dialed in. The boat runs a spread of four to six lines at different depths and distances, using a mix of ballyhoo, cedar plugs, and diving plugs that work the water column from surface down to about 40 feet. The outriggers keep lines spread wide to avoid tangles when multiple fish hit at once – and trust me, it happens more than you'd think out here. Wire leaders are essential when wahoo are around since their teeth can slice through mono like butter. The captain adjusts boat speed constantly, reading the water and watching the fish finder for bait schools and temperature breaks. When you hook up, the drill is simple: stay in the chair, keep the rod tip up, and let the drag do its job. These fish can peel line fast, so don't try to muscle them – work with the captain and crew to boat your catch safely.
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These brilliant green and gold fighters show up in schools around floating debris, weed lines, and current edges. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action during summer months when water temperatures climb into the low 80s. What makes them special is their aerial display – mahi jump repeatedly when hooked, showing off those amazing colors before they fade after the fight. Bulls can push 30 pounds or more, while smaller schoolies still put up a great fight on lighter tackle. The captain often keeps the boat positioned near debris fields where multiple fish hold, so once you hook one, there's usually more waiting.
Wahoo fishing gets your heart pumping because these speed demons hit lures like freight trains. They patrol drop-offs and current edges, especially early morning and late afternoon. Marathon's offshore waters see wahoo year-round, but fall and winter months produce the biggest fish. These toothy critters can stretch six feet and weigh 60 pounds, making screaming runs that test your drag system. Their razor-sharp teeth and aggressive strikes make them a favorite target, plus they're fantastic table fare. The captain typically runs wire leaders and high-speed lures specifically for wahoo, trolling faster than you would for other species.
Blackfin tuna might be smaller than their yellowfin cousins, but they make up for size with pure attitude. These 20-30 pound torpedoes show up around structure and temperature breaks, often feeding in schools that create surface commotion you can see from distance. They're present year-round in Marathon's deep water but peak during cooler months when bait is thick. Blackfins fight with incredible stamina, making long runs and testing your endurance. Many anglers target them specifically because they're phenomenal sashimi fish when handled properly on ice.
Atlantic sailfish represent the pinnacle of offshore sport fishing around Marathon. These magnificent billfish show up when conditions align – clean blue water, good current flow, and plenty of baitfish. Winter through spring offers the best sailfish action, with fish ranging from 40 to 80 pounds. What sets sailfish apart is their spectacular jumping ability and the chess match they create between angler and fish. Many captains practice catch and release for sails, but the photo opportunities and bragging rights last forever. The captain uses circle hooks and proper handling techniques to ensure healthy releases when requested.
Marathon's offshore fishing scene delivers world-class action, and Captain Ed's experience puts you on fish consistently. This full-day format gives you maximum time in productive water, increasing your odds of connecting with multiple species. The four-angler limit means personalized attention and room to work without crowding. Whether you're after a wall-hanger mount or just want to experience big game fishing at its finest, this charter has the knowledge and equipment to make it happen. Professional mounting services can preserve your trophy catch, but the memories and photos last just as long. Book early because prime offshore dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hottest.
This restored 1987 Grady White Cuddy Cabin is your ticket to Marathon's best offshore fishing grounds. Powered by twin 150HP Suzuki engines from 2023, she'll get you out to the deep blue at a smooth 35 knots, cutting through swells like butter. The 24-foot layout gives your crew of four plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows when the bite gets hot. Captain Ed knows exactly where to find the mahi, tuna, and wahoo that cruise these waters over 1500 feet deep. The cuddy cabin keeps you covered during rough weather, while the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during those long fights with sailfish. GPS navigation means more time with lines in the water and less time searching. When nature calls during those marathon battles, the onboard head keeps you comfortable without heading back to shore.
Istiophorus AlbicansThe ultimate offshore trophy fish, sailfish average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds of pure athleticism. They cruise near-shore waters in 100-400 feet, following bait schools along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter brings the best action to our waters when they migrate south following warm water. What sets sailfish apart is that massive dorsal fin and the aerial show they put on - multiple jumps, tail walks, and long runs that'll leave you breathless. Most are catch-and-release, so it's all about the fight and photos. The trick is keeping steady pressure without pulling too hard. When they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - this prevents the line from snapping on those wild head shakes. Patience wins the day with these magnificent fish.
Thunnus AtlanticusThe smallest of the tunas but don't let size fool you - these 10-20 pounders are absolute bulldogs. They school up in deep water near the continental shelf, usually hunting in the top 100 feet. Fall through spring gives us the best action here in the Keys when water temps cool down just right. What makes blackfin special is that ferocious fight in a compact package, plus they're fantastic eating - rich, red meat that's perfect for sushi or searing. We catch most by chunking with live pilchards or vertical jigging over structure. The secret is scaling down your tackle - use light fluorocarbon leaders and smaller circle hooks. These fish have sharp eyes and will shy away from heavy gear. Once hooked, they'll dive deep and fight every inch back to the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what offshore dreams are made of. Running 15-30 pounds on average, mahi put up one heck of a fight with plenty of jumps and long runs. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in that deep blue water beyond the reef. The colors are something else - electric blues and greens that flash like neon before fading once boated. Peak season here in Marathon runs spring through fall, but we see them year-round. What guests love most is the combination of great action and even better eating - firm, mild white meat that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving and look for more. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually others nearby.
Acanthocybium SolandriPure speed demon of the deep - these fish can hit 60 mph and will test every bit of your drag system. Most wahoo we see run 20-50 pounds with that unmistakable torpedo shape and razor-sharp teeth. They cruise the blue water offshore, often solo or in small groups near temperature breaks and drop-offs. Best fishing happens during our cooler months when they move closer to shore. Guests go crazy for the blistering runs and screaming reels, plus the meat is top-shelf - firm, white, and mild like premium tuna. The key to landing wahoo is running your trolling spread fast, 12-15 knots, and always use wire leaders. Those teeth will slice through anything else like butter. When one hits, hang on tight because the ride's just getting started.
Marathon