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Marathon's Premier Reef & Wreck Fishing Trip
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon, FL
- $1,100 - $2,500 price range
Summary
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Reef and Wreck Catches
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!
Reel in the Big Ones: Marathon's Full Day Wreck Trip
Get ready to drop lines and fill the cooler on this action-packed 8-hour fishing adventure off Marathon, Florida. We'll be cruising out on our smooth-riding Grady White Canyon 376, hitting prime reef and wreck spots just 5-10 miles offshore. This full day trip gives you plenty of time to target a mixed bag of hard-fighting game fish. Whether you're after tasty snappers for the dinner table or looking to tangle with a trophy amberjack, we've got you covered. Our seasoned crew knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you right on the fish. So grab your sunscreen and get ready for some rod-bending action!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll push off from the dock at 7:30 AM sharp, so don't be late! Once aboard, we'll zip out to some of Marathon's most productive nearshore wrecks and reefs. The beauty of fishing these structures is the sheer variety – one drop might produce a mess of yellowtail snapper, while the next could have you locked in battle with a bruiser grouper. We'll mix up techniques throughout the day, from bottom fishing with live bait to sight casting for cobia cruising the surface. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing, our crew is always happy to show you the ropes. We've got top-notch tackle aboard, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one. By the time we head back to the dock, your arms will be tired and your fish box will be full!
Reef and Wreck Tactics
Fishing the reefs and wrecks around Marathon is all about versatility. We'll likely start the day anchored up on a productive patch reef, using light tackle and live shrimp to target yellowtail and mutton snapper. As the sun gets higher, we might move to deeper water and switch to heavier gear. Dropping large live baits near shipwrecks is a great way to hook into monster grouper or amberjack. If conditions are right, we'll do some "run and gun" fishing, looking for birds working bait schools that often have cobia or sailfish underneath. Throughout the day, we'll be chumming to keep the fish fired up. Don't be surprised if a curious shark shows up in the slick – they're not uncommon out here and can provide some serious drag-screaming action if you're up for the challenge!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mutton Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a staple of the Florida Keys fishery. They love structure and can grow to impressive sizes – 10-15 pounders are not uncommon. Muttons have a reputation for being finicky eaters, so light tackle and stealthy presentations are key. They put up a great fight and are absolutely delicious on the grill.
Yellowtail Amberjack: Often called "reef donkeys" by local anglers, these powerful fish will test your stamina. They love to hang around wrecks and deep reefs. When hooked, expect long, powerful runs as they try to break you off in the structure. While smaller 'jacks make good eating, the big ones are often released after a photo. The fall and winter months are prime time for targeting trophy-sized amberjack in Marathon.
Black Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the reef. They grow big (40+ pounds is possible) and fight dirty, making a beeline for their rocky lairs as soon as they're hooked. Landing a big black grouper takes skill, patience, and some serious muscle. They're most active during the cooler months and are highly prized for their thick, white fillets.
Atlantic Sailfish: While not our primary target, sailfish encounters are always a possibility, especially in the winter months. These acrobatic gamefish are known for their incredible aerial displays when hooked. We practice catch-and-release with all sailfish, but you'll have plenty of time for photos before we send them back. Even a small "sail" will be the highlight of your trip!
Cobia: Often called "ling" or "lemonfish," cobia are opportunistic predators that love to hang around structures and even free-swimming sea turtles. They have a reputation for being curious, sometimes swimming right up to the boat. Cobia put up a great fight and are excellent eating. While we can catch them year-round, spring and fall tend to be the peak seasons in the Keys.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Our full-day reef and wreck trips offer the perfect mix of action and variety. You'll have a shot at filling the cooler with premium eating fish like snapper and grouper, plus the chance to tangle with some true heavyweights. The nearshore waters around Marathon are incredibly productive, and our experienced crew knows how to put you on the fish. We keep our groups small (max 6 anglers) to ensure everyone gets plenty of rod time. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time offshore, you'll find something to love about fishing the Florida Keys. Plus, there's nothing quite like ending the day with a fresh fish dinner at one of Marathon's waterfront restaurants – you can't get it any fresher than that!
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to experience some of the best fishing Marathon has to offer? Our full-day reef and wreck trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers max, so grab your fishing buddies and lock in your date now. Don't forget – while we provide all the necessary gear, you'll want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to document your catch. Oh, and maybe pack some advil... your arms are gonna be sore after battling these Florida Keys bruisers all day! Give us a call or book online to reserve your spot. We can't wait to show you why fishing in Marathon is world-class!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Sailfish
Sailfish are the acrobats of the ocean, known for their spectacular leaps and blazing speed. They average 6-8 feet long and 30-50 pounds. You'll find them in blue water from 100-300 feet deep, often following bait schools. Winter and early spring are prime sailfish season here in the Keys. Anglers chase them for the thrill of the fight and their stunning beauty. To hook up, troll rigged ballyhoo or live bait like blue runners. Here's a pro tip: when a sail shows in the spread, drop back a bait and let it eat before setting the hook. Once hooked, be ready for an aerial show - these fish will jump repeatedly, greyhounding across the surface. It's all catch-and-release for sails, so use circle hooks and bring 'em in quick for a healthy release. There's nothing quite like watching a lit-up sailfish swim away after an epic battle.
Black Grouper
Black groupers are the heavyweights of the reef, often topping 20-40 pounds with monsters pushing 100. You'll find them lurking around deep reefs and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. These ambush predators are masters of using structure to their advantage. Winter and early spring are prime times to target them. Anglers love black grouper for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To land one, use heavy tackle and big live baits like blue runners or pinfish. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first thump, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from the bottom. Once hooked, it's a battle of strength as they try to dive back into the rocks. Keep steady pressure and be patient - these fish have serious stamina. The meat is firm, white, and delicious, making the fight well worth it.
Cobia
Cobia are real brutes - they'll test your skills and gear. These fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. They're aggressive predators, often mistaken for sharks with their long, dark bodies. Spring and early summer are prime time as cobia migrate along the coast. Anglers love 'em for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight fishing with live bait or big jigs. A local trick is to chum heavily to bring them to the surface. Once hooked, be ready for some acrobatics - cobia are known for their spectacular jumps and powerful runs. Just make sure you've got heavy tackle, as these fish will make a beeline for structure and can easily snap lighter lines.
Mutton Snapper
Mutton snappers are sneaky fighters that'll surprise you with their strength. These olive-colored beauties typically run 5-15 pounds, but can reach up to 30. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas in 30-120 feet of water. They're most active during summer months, especially around the full moon. Anglers prize muttons for their excellent table fare and challenging fight. To catch one, use fresh bait like pilchards or squid on a light sinker. Here's a local trick: chum heavily to bring them up in the water column, then float your bait back in the slick. Muttons are wary, so use fluorocarbon leader and keep your presentation natural. Once hooked, they'll make a hard run for the bottom, so be ready to apply pressure and turn their heads. The fight isn't over until you see that flash of pink coming up - that's when you know you've got a mutton in the bag.
Yellowtail Amberjack
Yellowtails are powerhouses that'll give you a run for your money. These fish typically weigh 15-25 pounds, but 40-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 50-200 feet of water. They're fast, strong swimmers that hunt in schools, so when you hook one, get ready for a workout. Summer's the best time to target them when coastal waters warm up. Anglers love yellowtails for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty flesh - it's prized for sushi. To land one, use heavy tackle and live bait like blue runners or sardines. A pro tip: when you feel that first hit, don't set the hook right away. Let the fish run with it for a few seconds, then reel fast to catch up before setting. Once hooked, be ready for a long, powerful fight - these fish don't give up easily.
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
