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Expert-Guided Nearshore Fishing in Marathon, FL
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon, FL
- $1,100 - $2,500 price range
Summary
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Reels and Wrecks
Impressive African pompano!
Sleek permit catch!
Energetic tuna day!
Marathon Mahi-Mahi catch with Discovery Blue!
Powerful sailfish catch offshore!
Smiling crew aboard Discovery!
Colorful mutton snapper success!
Epic amberjack haul!
Shiny permit catch!
Diverse and productive haul!
Impressive African pompano!
Sleek permit catch!
Energetic tuna day!
Marathon Mahi-Mahi catch with Discovery Blue!
Powerful sailfish catch offshore!
Smiling crew aboard Discovery!
Colorful mutton snapper success!
Epic amberjack haul!
Shiny permit catch!
Diverse and productive haul!
Impressive African pompano!
Sleek permit catch!
Energetic tuna day!
Marathon Mahi-Mahi catch with Discovery Blue!
Reef & Wreck Fishing Bonanza in Marathon
Ready to reel in some monsters off the Florida Keys? Our private nearshore fishing charters out of Marathon are your ticket to hooking into some serious action. We're talking about half-day or full-day trips that'll have you battling everything from tasty snappers to hard-pulling groupers and maybe even a sailfish if you're lucky. Our seasoned captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so get ready for a fish-filled adventure you won't soon forget.
What's the Deal?
Jump aboard our smooth-riding Grady White Canyon 376 for either a 4-hour morning sprint or an 8-hour full day of fishing. We push off at 7:30 AM sharp, aiming for those sweet spots just 5-10 miles offshore where the reefs and wrecks are teeming with fish. This isn't some cattle boat operation – it's just you and your crew (up to 6 anglers) with our full attention. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty fillets or looking to test your skills against some bigger game, we've got you covered.
Rigs and Techniques
We'll be mixing it up depending on what's biting, but expect to do some bottom fishing with live bait for those reef dwellers like snapper and grouper. When the bite is on, we might switch to jigging or even break out the trolling gear if we spot some pelagics cruising by. Our deck is stocked with quality tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky stick. Don't sweat it if you're new to this kind of fishing – our guides are patient teachers and will have you dropping baits like a pro in no time.
Top Catches This Season
The reefs have been on fire lately with some real slob mutton snappers coming over the rails. Guys have been limiting out on yellowtails too, perfect for some fresh ceviche back at the dock. The wrecks? They've been holding some bruiser amberjacks that'll test your back muscles and make you question your life choices. And let's not forget about those random cobia encounters – nothing like seeing one of those brown bombers cruise up to the boat to get the blood pumping.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Cobia: These "mud marlin" are the prize of many a wreck trip. They can push 100 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Cobia tend to show up more in the warmer months, often hanging around structures or following large rays. When you hook one, hold on tight – these fish don't give up easy.
Yellowtail Amberjack: Don't let the name fool you, these aren't your average reef jacks. Yellowtail amberjack, or "YTs" as we call 'em, are open water speedsters that can really put a bend in your rod. They school up around the deeper wrecks and reefs, usually in the 15-30 pound range. When you find a hot YT bite, it's non-stop action that'll leave your arms burning.
Mutton Snapper: These are the prime targets for many of our reef trips. Muttons are crafty bottom dwellers, known for their hard pulls and delicious white meat. They average 5-15 pounds but can get much bigger. We see them year-round, but spring and fall tend to be peak seasons when they really stack up on the reefs.
Black Grouper: The bruisers of the reef, black grouper are ambush predators that'll test your drag and your patience. They love to hole up in the gnarliest parts of a wreck or reef, so getting them out takes skill and strong tackle. The bigger ones push 40-50 pounds and put up a fight you won't soon forget. They're most active in the cooler months.
Atlantic Sailfish: While not an everyday catch on our nearshore trips, hooking into a sailfish is always a possibility here in the Keys. These acrobatic billfish are known for their incredible speed and those gravity-defying leaps. Even a smaller 30-40 pounder will give you the thrill of a lifetime on lighter tackle. We see more sails in the winter and early spring, often while trolling the edges of the reefs.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Look, there's a reason our charter calendar fills up fast. We're not just taking you fishing – we're putting you on fish. Our captains have spent years learning these waters, finding those honey holes that consistently produce. Plus, we keep things fun and laid-back. No stuffy attitudes here, just good times and bent rods. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll make sure you have a blast and probably learn a thing or two along the way.
Time to Book Your Spot
So what are you waiting for? Those fish aren't going to catch themselves. Whether you've got a free morning or want to make a full day of it, we've got the trip for you. Remember, our 4-hour and 8-hour options are both private charters, so it's just you and your crew. Spaces fill up quick, especially during peak seasons, so don't sleep on this. Give us a call or hit that booking button to lock in your date. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're reeling in that monster mutton or battling a beefy amberjack. Let's get out there and make some fishing memories!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the sea, known for their blazing speed and acrobatic jumps. These billfish average 6-8 feet long and 40-60 pounds. Look for them in blue water from 100-300 feet deep, often following bait schools. Winter's prime time as they migrate through our area. Anglers prize sailfish for their spectacular aerial displays and hard fights. That tall, colorful sail makes for an unmistakable sight when they're lit up. To target them, troll rigged ballyhoo or live bait. A local tip: watch for frigate birds diving - that often means sailfish are feeding below. Once hooked up, be ready for blistering runs and multiple jumps. Most are released, but the memories of battling these beautiful fish last a lifetime.
Black Grouper
Black grouper are heavyweight fighters that'll test your arms. These reef dwellers average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them around rocky bottoms and ledges in 60-250 feet of water. Winter and early spring are prime as they move shallower to spawn. Anglers target them for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. Their dark coloration with brass-colored spots makes for easy ID. To hook up, use heavy tackle and drop large live baits to the bottom. A local trick: once you feel that initial thump, reel fast and hard to pull them away from their rocky lairs. Be ready for a battle - black grouper use their bulk to dive for cover. Landing one of these brutes is always a memorable experience, and the firm white fillets are a bonus.
Cobia
Cobia are tough fighters that'll give you a real workout. These solitary fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring's the prime time when they migrate through our area. Cobia are prized for their firm, tasty meat, making them popular targets. They're often mistaken for sharks due to their long, sleek bodies. To land one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live bait. A local tip: cobia love structure, so focus on areas with good bottom features. When you hook up, be ready for powerful runs and even some jumps. These fish put up an impressive battle that'll test your skills and leave you with a great story to tell back at the dock.
Mutton Snapper
Mutton snapper are a prized catch around here, known for their excellent table fare. These fish typically run 5-15 pounds but can reach over 20. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas in 30-120 feet of water. Spring and early summer are peak seasons as they gather to spawn. Anglers love targeting muttons for their hard fighting ability and delicious, firm white meat. They're often confused with lane snapper, but look for those distinctive blue lines on the face. To improve your odds, use fresh bait and a light sinker. A local tip: try drifting your bait in the chum slick when fishing shallow. Once hooked, muttons will make a run for structure, so be ready to apply pressure. Landing one of these beauties is always a highlight of the trip.
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtail amberjack are hard-fighting fish that'll really make you work. They average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40 or more. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 50-200 feet of water. Summer's prime time when warm coastal waters draw them in. Anglers love targeting these fish for their strong runs and acrobatic jumps. Their yellowish fins make for easy identification once you get them boat-side. To hook up, try live bait like sardines or squid. A local trick is to chum them up near the surface, then cast into the frenzy. When you feel that hit, hang on tight - yellowtails are known for blistering initial runs. Use heavy tackle and be ready for a prolonged fight. The meat's popular in sushi too, so you might want to keep one for dinner.
About the 38-foot Henriques Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Volvo
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
