Marathon, Florida has some of the best fishing waters with the blue Gulf and rough Atlantic. But what are some popular fishing charters that you could enjoy?
Callion Fishing Charters, Captain Buddy LaPointe Charters, and Jersey Key Charters are a few examples of quality fishing charters in Marathon. These trips typically range between $400 and $1,500 depending on the charter and have options for several hours or full-day.
No matter which one you choose, there are plenty of options for inshore, offshore, or whichever is best for certain species of fish you are hunting. As you will notice, some charters are geared towards chasing specific fish.
15 Featured Fishing Charters in Marathon
With a surplus of fishing charters in Marathon, you cannot go wrong if you were to blindly pick one. However, each one will likely cater to families or will take you to specific locations to find certain species of fish. (Note: this is a recommendation list but certainly not an exhaustive list of the best charters operating out of Marathon. Additionally, the prices and information below are accurate as of the time I’m writing this. It can change over time.)
1. Callion Fishing Charters
Captain John Callion takes you and your family on an adventure with Callion Fishing Charters. With his relatively new boat, GPS, experience, and fish finder, you can ride in comfort and find the fish you are searching for.
Costs: 4hr at $800
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing
Targeted Species: Great barracuda, Permit, Bonefish, King mackerel, Tarpon, Snapper
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Callion Fishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Callion Fishing Charters (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
2. Captain Buddy LaPointe
Captain Buddy LaPointe showcases 30 years of experience on the water and can help you save time trying to find the perfect fish. This can be a family trip or just enough for a few people wanting to have a good time.
Costs: 4hr at $600, 6hr at $800, 8hr at $900
This charter is recommended for:
- Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Flats Fishing, Backcountry Fishing
Targeted Species: Great barracuda, Permit, Bonefish, Cero mackerel, Tarpon, Sharks, Grouper, Snook
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Captain Buddy LaPointe Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Captain Buddy LaPointe (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
3. Jersey Key Charters
Jersey Key Charters can hope you enjoy the perfect fishing experience on the water, whether they physically help you fish or just take you to the best spots. With their 35-foot boat, there is plenty of room to have multiple people or your family to catch whatever you desire.
Costs: 4hr at $825, 6hr at $950 to $1,050, 8hr at $1,300
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Snapper, Black grouper, Snowy grouper, King Mackerel
State Licensed: No/Not listed
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Jersey Key Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Jersey Key Charters (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
4. Captain Jay Charters
Captain Jay Charters is a great option if you enjoy a variety of options, such as plenty of time slots for the day and just about any fishing experience you could imagine. If you book, check out the opportunities to catch sharks and other difficult fish.
Costs: 3hr at $625, 4hr at $750 to $825, 6hr at $900 to $1,200, 8hr and 9hr at $1,400
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Backcountry Fishing
Targeted Species: Goliath grouper, Mahi-Mahi, Black grouper, Great barracuda, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Captain Jay Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Captain Jay Charters (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
5. Foodchain Fishing
Captain Carl Bish operates a 26-foot McKee Craft center console boat for Foodchain Fishing. For a handful of people on a budget, you can enjoy a variety of options while having fun with old-fashioned fishing techniques.
Costs: 3hr at $450, 4hr at $550, 5hr at $650
This charter is recommended for: Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Red grouper, Great barracuda, Black grouper, King mackerel, Snapper, Spanish Mackerel
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Foodchain Fishing Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Foodchain Fishing (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
6. Fishing Kings Charters
Fishing Kings has a 28-foot Shamrock boat that can accommodate six guests. Even with a few options, they offer a good time at a great bargain. This is a great opportunity to get the family together and hunt down lobster or Mahi Mahi.
Costs: 4hr at $494, 6hr at $740
This charter is recommended for: Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, King mackerel, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, Yellowtail
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Fishing Kings Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Fishing Kings (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
7. Riplines Charters
Riplines Charters is both USCG licensed and insured, meaning you are in quality hands. Captain Rip Slendak also happens to be an award-winning fisherman that can help you catch anything in the water.
Costs: 5hr at $675, 6hr at $775, 10hr at $1,175
This charter is recommended for: Nearshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Inshore Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, King mackerel, Black grouper, Tarpon, Snook, Blackfin Tuna
Federally Permitted: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Riplines Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Riplines Charters (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
8. Manicsportfishing – Pontoon 2
Manicsportfishing Pontoon 2 is arguably one of the best family fishing charters you can find in Marathon. Whether you are fishing, snorkeling, or want to enjoy the view, they have you covered. They even have a slide on top of the boat.
Costs: 2hr at $399, 3hr at $499, 4hr at $649, 6hr at $999
This charter is recommended for: Nearshore Fishing, Inshore Fishing
Targeted Species: Javelin grunter, Bonnethead shark, Great barracuda, Mangrove snapper, Spanish Mackerel
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Manicsportfishing Pontoon 2 & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Manicsportfishing – Pontoon 2 (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
9. Just The Tip Charters
Just The Tip Charters offers you a great experience to catch everything you want, within a given season. With a variety of techniques, this team will help you succeed in your fishing adventure.
Costs: 3hr at $800, 4hr at $850 to $1,000, 5hr at $1,200 (seasonal), 6hr at $1,000 to $1,200, 8hr at $1,200 to $1,500
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Amberjack, Great barracuda, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon, King Mackerel
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Just The Tip Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Just The Tip Charters (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
10. March Forth Charters
March Forth Charters has you hooked up, courtesy of Captain Brian, who has plenty of experience on the water with charter fishing. With four guests, this is a great opportunity to catch specific species and learn from one of the best.
Costs: 4hr at $650, 6hr at $775, 8hr at $900
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Cero mackerel, Black grouper, Bonito, Mahi-Mahi, Tarpon, Snapper
Federally Permitted: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with March Forth Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. March Forth Charters (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
11. Jersey Key “Whitewater” Charters
Captain Michael from Jersey Key “Whitewater” Charters has essentially grown up on the water since his dad was a boat captain. He fell in love with fishing and has now wanted to share that passion with others.
Costs: 3hr at $650, 4hr at $700, 6hr at $900
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing
Targeted Species: Sailfish, Black grouper, Mangrove snapper, Blacktip shark, Blackfin Tuna
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Jersey Key “Whitewater” Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Jersey Key “Whitewater” (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
12. Wayne Gatling Guide Service
Wayne Gatling Guide Service offers a complete package for the entire family or large group up to four people. While Captain Wayne specializes in techniques such as light tackle spinning and bottom fishing, the adventure is up to you.
Costs: 4hr at $650, 7hr at $950
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Nearshore Fishing
Targeted Species: Bluefish, Black grouper, Cobia, King mackerel, Tarpon, Spotted Seatrout, Spanish Mackerel
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Wayne Gatling Guide Service & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Wayne Gatling Guide Service (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
13. Johnny Maddox Charters
Captain Johnny in Johnny Maddox Charters has you covered for all things fishing offshore or nearshore. In fact, you can reach just about anywhere and search for a specific fish with a handful of people.
Costs: 4hr at $795, 6hr at $995, 8hr at $1,195 to $1,395, 10hr at $1,595
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Flats Fishing
Targeted Species: Blue marlin, White marlin, Cobia, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, Grouper, Snapper
Federally Permitted: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Johnny Maddox Charters & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31′ (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
14. Noreaster Sport Fishing
Noreaster Sport Fishing offers a variety of fishing activities for newbies and experienced enthusiasts alike. No matter which option you take, Captain Nick knows the waters like the back of his hand.
Costs: 4hr at $900, 6hr at $1,100 to $1,300, 8hr at $1,300 to $1,500, 9hr at $1,500
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Backcountry Fishing
Targeted Species: Cobia, Great barracuda, Amberjack, Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, Jack Crevalle
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Noreaster Sport Fishing & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Noreaster Sport Fishing (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
15. Sundance Sportfishing
Sundance Sportfishing invites you to an amazing experience on their 34-foot center console boat. They can handle a variety of depths, from three feet to deep ocean to allow you the opportunity to find the fish you are looking for.
Costs: 2hr at $450 to $550, 4hr at $800 to $875, 5 and 6hr at $1,000 to $1,275, 8hr at $1,375 to $1,475,
This charter is recommended for: Inshore Fishing, Nearshore Fishing, Offshore Fishing, Reef Fishing, Wreck Fishing, Backcountry Fishing
Targeted Species: Cobia, Great barracuda, King mackerel, Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna
State Licensed: Yes
Private Trips Offered: Yes
To book a charter with Sundance Sportfishing & read all the anglers’ reviews, click on the link. Sundance Sportfishing (Marathon) – Updated 2023 Prices – FishingBooker
Best Times to Find Certain Fish in Marathon
When booking your charter, you want to account for the time of year when specific fish are biting. Some species might be illegal to fish for, so it is crucial to be aware of this.
Most fish will be present from one month to the next, with some being more relevant than others. Below are the best examples of fish to look for.
January: Tuna, Wahoo, Redfish, Snook, Seatrout, Cannot fish for grouper
February: Barracuda, Shark, Mackerel, Cannot fish for grouper
March: Tarpon, Bonefish, Snapper, Cannot fish for grouper
April: Tarpon, Permit, Yellowtail, Cannot fish for grouper
May: Tarpon, Grouper, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi
June: Shark, Barracuda, Yellowtail, Grouper
July: Snook, Yellowtail, Tarpon, Redfish
August: Cobia, Snook, Grouper, Marlin
September: Mackerel, Tarpon, Marlin, Grouper
October: Bonefish, Seatrout, Grouper, Mahi-Mahi
November: Shark, Snapper, Grouper, Mahi-Mahi
December: Snook, Snapper, Last month for grouper, Yellowtail
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Marathon, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of how good Marathon fishing is, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the average fishing charter costs in Marathon, check out this guide.
FAQs
What are the best fishing months in Marathon Florida? ›
Fishing in Marathon, Florida Spring Months March – April – May. This is one of the times best times of year to experience fishing in the Florida Keys. The winds are finally starting to come down making it easier for us to get to the fishing grounds.
Where is the best place to fish in Marathon Florida? ›Sombrero Beach: This is a beautiful beach on the south side of Marathon, looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great place to come and spend the day surf fishing while soaking in the sun. You can expect Tarpon, Snook, and a variety of other species here.
What is the best time of day to fish in Marathon FL? ›Best Time of the Day to Fish Marathon. The fishing Marathon is best done during the early hours of the morning and late hours of the evening.
Where do you fish for Marathon Key? ›Bridges can be a fisherman's best friend for landing a catch on both land and water. There are several bridges located throughout marathon and middle keys considered prime grounds by locals. Keep the wind and tide in mind when fishing from land, since many bridges only allow you fish easily in a single direction!
What is the hardest fish to catch in Florida? ›Blue marlin
Inarguably the most prized sport fish, the blue marlin is a formidable foe. It's massive, difficult to find, and will put up an enormous fight. These 800-pound acrobatic beasts have hard mouths, making the hook difficult to set, and their bills are a force to be reckoned with.
Winter is considered the best time to deep-sea fish in Florida because of its cooler water temperatures, especially from January to March.
What is the best bait for the Marathon key? ›Some of the best tarpon baits include live blue crabs, live mullet, and live pinfish. If I run out of live bait, allowing a dead bait to sit on the bottom is another reliable option. You can buy these baits are most bait shops in the Keys or attempt to catch your own bait.
What's biting in Marathon FL? ›- Mahi-mahi.
- Yellowtail Snapper.
- White Grunt.
- Gray Snapper.
- Bluestriped Grunt.
- Hogfish.
- Tomtate.
- Bar Jack.
The best way to catch a mangrove snapper is to use a small hook like a #2 J hook or a 1/0 circle hook and a small piece of shrimp because these snappers are excellent bait stealers. You will also want to use a light 8 to 10 pound fluorocarbon leader because they have great eyesight.
Is fishing better day or night? ›Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
What hour of day is best to fish? ›
The best time to go fishing is typically either early morning or late evening when food is abundant and fish naturally feed. Within an hour of sunrise and an hour after sunset are the times when fish are likely to bite the most. Fishing for some species of fish is much better at night than during the day.
Is it better to fish in the morning or afternoon in the ocean? ›TIME OF DAY
Specifically, dawn or dusk are generally the best time to go saltwater fishing if the weather and tidal movements are favorable. Remember to reference a saltwater tide chart to see which range of hours during the day will be the best fishing tide times.
Blackfin tuna is the most common variety in the Florida Keys. With oval-shaped bodies, they weigh up to about 50 pounds and are a treat on any restaurant menu. Tarpon are a popular game fish in the Florida Keys and anglers come from far and wide to reel in these strong, silver-glinting fish when they're in season.
Which key is better Marathon or Islamorada? ›Marathon Key is better for a vacation if you are looking for more nightlife and activities. Islamorada Key is great if you are looking for a quieter, more relaxed getaway. Both islands offer beautiful beaches and plenty of places to stay and eat.
Where can you not fish in the Keys? ›Sanctuary Preservation Areas and Ecological Reserves in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are marked by 30" diameter yellow buoys around the perimeter of the zone. Mooring buoys within these zones will be marked with a sticker which denotes that fishing is not allowed.
What is the most sought after fish to catch? ›#1 Blue Marlin
The most sought-after prized game fish is the Blue Marlin. These stunning fish are fast, clever, powerful, and very acrobatic. The Blue Marlin is considered to be one of the toughest to catch and highest valued.
The Florida Pompano is one of the most prized fish in Florida.
What fish pulls the hardest? ›- BLACK MARLIN. ...
- BLUEFIN TUNA. ...
- SWORDFISH. ...
- YELLOWFIN TUNA. ...
- STRIPED MARLIN. ...
- WAHOO. ...
- SAILFISH. ...
- WHITE MARLIN.
Fish are More Active
The fish were active during the evening and perhaps they've had their fill once the sun rises. That's one of the reason why many anglers prefer to hit the water at night. If you're interested, call Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises.
The best time to go 'deep-sea fishing for a variety of medium and larger fish is June or July.
What is the best time to shore fish? ›
The best time of day to surf fish is usually the first few hours around dawn the final few hours around dusk. With that said, the tide is still the most important factor. If you really want to increase your chances, find the days where the high tide coincides with dawn or dusk.
How do you win a Marathon tips? ›- Stay hydrated and fueled up. ...
- Wear proper shoes and running gear. ...
- Mind the surface on which you run. ...
- Be careful of injuries. ...
- Listen to your body. ...
- Taper before the race.
To this day, Marathon maintains its claim to some of the best fishing in the world. Great fishing, along with beautiful beaches, warm weather and residents proud to call Marathon home are some of the reasons many visitors from all over the world choose to spend time in Marathon, the Heart of the Florida Keys.
How far offshore are the Marathon Humps? ›Make Every Day Hump Day
Islamorada Hump: Rises to 290 feet below the surface. 409 Hump: Rises to 409 feet below the surface. Marathon Hump: Rises to 500 feet below the surface.
Bridge Fishing at Night-- Bridges are a great place to fishing for snook, tarpon, redfish, speckled trout, sharks, grouper, snapper, sheepshead and many other species of fish at night.
Is it safe to swim in the canals in Marathon Florida? ›Answer. It is not recommended that anyone swim in the canals. There is a variety of wildlife in the canals that could be dangerous as well as health concerns associated with warm, stagnant water. The use of gas-powered watercraft is prohibited in the freshwater canals, but it is permitted in saltwater canals.
What movies were filmed in Marathon FL? ›- True Lies (1994) R | 141 min | Action, Comedy, Thriller. ...
- Red Dragon (2002) ...
- Licence to Kill (1989) ...
- The Leisure Seeker (2017) ...
- Devil Fish (1984) ...
- Tony Rome (1967) ...
- Tadpole and the Whale (1988) ...
- Birds in Paradise (1984 TV Movie)
Some of the best live baits for mangrove snapper include shrimp, pinfish, and blue crabs. These baits are best when they are fresh and lively, as they will attract the snapper and make them more likely to bite. In addition to live bait, these little savages can also be caught using cut bait.
What is the best depth for mangrove snapper? ›“So if you want some bigger fish, you need to travel a little bit and get to 80 to 200 feet of water — maybe 15 to 20 miles offshore.”
What is the best bait for mangrove fishing? ›All kinds of baits work for mangrove snapper. Small live baits such as cigar minnows, pilchards, pin fish and grunts are perfect gum drops. More mangroves have been caught on grunt plugs and lips than any other bait there is and the frozen sardine or cigar minnow is a close second.
What is the best months to go fishing? ›
Fishing can come alive in the dead of winter on a mild afternoon, but spring and fall usually present the best action. Generally, I try to avoid extremes of heat and cold and times when the water temperature falls rapidly. My best days tend to happen when the temperatures are mild and the weather conditions stable.
What fishing is in season in the Florida Keys? ›Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Baby Tarpon. September and October are without a doubt the best in flats fishing we have here in the Florida Keys. Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit are everywhere.
What are the best months to bass fish in Florida? ›In Florida, bass can be caught casting to isolated cover year round, but spring and summer are the best times to catch a trophy because of the spawn. January through April bass will spawn in isolated cover like lily pads, reeds, hydrilla or Kissimmee grass.
What day of the week is best to get fish? ›There are many great benefits to eating fish throughout the week, but we think Friday is by far the best day to indulge in some of the ocean's best provisions, here are 7 reasons why: Your eyes, heart, lungs and skin will thank you all weekend for loading up on omega-3s.
Is morning or night fishing better? ›Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
In which season fishes do not go for fishing? ›Monsoon is when the fish breed and during this time, fishermen are banned from fishing. Thus, fishermen do not go fishing in monsoon to ensure that there can be enough fish for a full year.
What bait to use fishing in the Florida Keys? ›Smaller Baits would consist of Pilchards, Sardines, Pinfish and Pigfish and glass minnows. Pretty much catching bait consist of chumming them up to get them near the back of the boat and then either cast netting or hooking them with small hooks.
What is the best time of year to catch a marlin in the Florida Keys? ›May to October is considered high season for Marlin fishing, and late July to October is ideal. The prime time for a rod-bending catch near The Wall is the latter part of August, when adult Marlin congregate there. Low season is January to March and October to December.
Which Florida Key has best fishing? ›- Key West – Flats Fishing.
- The Marquesas Keys – Bottom Fishing.
- Sugarloaf Key Islands – Backcountry Fishing.
- Cudjoe Key – Fishing the Channels.
- The Bahia Honda Bridge – Tarpon Fishing.
- Marathon Humps – Best Deep Sea Fishing.
- Islamorada – Inshore Super Grand Slam.
While Key Largo is undoubtedly the prettiest of all the Florida Keys, it's also one that's home to plenty of activities for the avid beachgoer. With scenic views like this, it would be tough not to fall in love with such a beachside beauty!
What is the most common fish in the Florida Keys? ›
Blackfin tuna is the most common variety in the Florida Keys. With oval-shaped bodies, they weigh up to about 50 pounds and are a treat on any restaurant menu. Tarpon are a popular game fish in the Florida Keys and anglers come from far and wide to reel in these strong, silver-glinting fish when they're in season.
What time of day is best to catch bass? ›Generally speaking, the best time to fish for bass is at dawn and dusk. Catching bass requires you to wake up early in the morning and to stay out later in the evening. Why is this? Because bass like to hunt and feed in low-light environments.
What time in the morning is best to fish for bass? ›Best Time of Day to Fish For Bass
The best time to bass fish in the early morning would be between the hours of 5:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. This may change based on the season but typically the activity increases as you approach sunrise (while it's still low light).
Without question, the best time of day to fish for bass is at night. Bass are known to feed more heavily at night than during any other time of day. Not only is night the best time to fish for bass due to bass being more active, there are often fewer anglers and less commotion on the waterways during the evening hours.