OFFSHORE FISHING CHARTERS MARATHON, FL.

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Here in the Florida Keys offshore fishing is a year round adventure offering exciting opportunities to catch a wide variety of hard-fighting and delicious fish, no matter the season. During the spring and summer months, anglers can target Mahi Mahi and Blackfin Tuna in the warm, tropical waters. In the fall and winter, the focus shifts to Sailfish, Kingfish, and the occasional Wahoo as they migrate through the area. Regardless of the season, the waters surrounding the Keys are consistently productive, ensuring there’s always something worth catching.

Located about 30 miles offshore, the Marathon Humps are one of the most renowned fishing spots in the Florida Keys. These underwater seamounts generate nutrient-rich upwellings that attract schools of sought-after game fish such as Blackfin Tuna, Bonita, and Mahi Mahi.

On the way to the Humps, we keep an eye out for key signs of activity, including birds, weed lines, or floating debris, which often signal opportunities to catch species like Triple Tail, Jacks, and more Mahi Mahi. Once we find the fish, our crew uses a variety of methods—live bait, cut bait, and lures—to maximize your chances of a productive and rewarding fishing experience.

If you’ve booked a full-day charter and the weather is calm, your Captain may recommend deep dropping—a specialized fishing method that takes place in depths ranging from 640 to over 1,000 feet. Using electric reels to handle the extreme depths, this technique targets some of the most prized eating fish in the ocean. Species commonly caught while deep dropping include Snowy Grouper, Yellowedge Grouper, Tilefish, Barrelfish, Queen Snapper, and more, making it a productive and rewarding option for anglers looking to bring home a delicious catch.

Marathon Shores is home to the vibrant and colorful dolphin, also known as mahi-mahi or dorado. Captain Charles and other game fish anglers worldwide love this fish for its fighting spirit, acrobatic nature, and superb quality as table fare. With its neon-bright blues, yellows, and greens splattered all over its body, the dolphin is easy to spot.

These tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas, are where the dolphin can be found. Although they only live for 4 to 5 years, they grow incredibly fast, reaching 2 to 3 pounds in under 3 months, 30 pounds in about a year, and some even exceed 60 pounds.

Dolphin typically gravitate towards large clumps of floating sargasso and other flotsam in search of cover and forage hiding underneath. The juveniles often travel in large schools of similar-size fish, while large adults usually travel in pairs or trios consisting of a bull (male) with a tall, square forehead, and 1 or 2 cows (females) with a round, less prominent forehead.

Although primarily a pelagic species, dolphin will dive hundreds of feet on occasion. Their favorite prey is flying fish, but they are opportunistic feeders and will happily consume squid, a wide range of baitfish, and juvenile finfish and crustaceans.

Offshore Blackfin Tuna fishing off Marathon, Florida, is one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences the Florida Keys has to offer. Known for their explosive strikes, fast runs, and high-quality meat, Blackfin Tuna are a top offshore game fish and a favorite target for both seasoned anglers and adventurous newcomers. These sleek, powerful tuna are the smallest species of true tuna, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in strength and speed. Found offshore in deeper waters, Blackfin are often located along current edges, temperature breaks, and near offshore wrecks and humps.

The best time to target Blackfin Tuna in Marathon is during the spring and fall months, with peak seasons in April–June and again in October–December. During these times, large schools of Blackfin move through the Middle Keys, feeding heavily on baitfish such as flying fish, sardines, and squid. Morning and evening hours often produce the best bites, and chumming with live pilchards is one of the most effective ways to bring them to the surface.

On our Marathon offshore Blackfin Tuna charters, we use a mix of live bait chumming, trolling small feathers or squid chains, and vertical jigging over deep structure to hook into these fast-moving fish. Tuna are notorious for testing tackle and stamina, making them a rewarding challenge on light to medium spinning or conventional gear. And when the bite is on, multiple hookups are common — turning a good trip into a great one in minutes.

In addition to their fight, Blackfin Tuna are prized for their excellent table quality, perfect for sashimi, searing, or grilling. Whether you’re looking to fill the cooler or experience one of the most exciting offshore bites in the Keys, Blackfin Tuna fishing off Marathon, Florida, delivers big-time action and unforgettable memories.

As a seasoned captain in Marathon, Florida, I know firsthand that wahoo fishing is unpredictable. This globally distributed species favors deep, warm ocean waters and can be caught up and down the Florida coast. However, there are certain places and seasons where the odds of catching one increase.

In my experience, the best place in Florida to target numbers of wahoo is the Florida Keys. While they can be caught year-round, the best time to chase them here in Marathon Fl is from November through February when they move in near the reefs. Wahoo seem to appear in waves for several days, then disappear for a week or more.

As a local captain, I can tell you that most captains believe the best bites are four days before or after the full and new moons. So if you're planning a fishing trip in Marathon, Florida, and want to target wahoo, make sure to plan your trip accordingly. With the right conditions and a bit of luck, you can land some impressive catches and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Fishing for Sailfish in Marathon, Florida is an exciting and challenging experience that requires the right skills, equipment, and techniques. The Florida Keys, particularly Marathon, is a prime location for Sailfishing because of its warm waters and abundant fish population.

Sailfish are pelagic species that migrate to the Florida Keys every winter to feed, spawn, and stay warm in the Gulf Stream current. They are fast, powerful swimmers that can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds, making them one of the most sought-after game fish in the world.

The most popular techniques for catching Sailfish is by using live bait, such as goggle eyes, and pilchards. Diving birds or baitfish jumping out of the water is a good sign. 

Once the live bait is ready, anglers will cast it in the direction of the Sailfish and wait for a strike. It is important to keep the bait moving naturally and to be patient, as Sailfish can be picky eaters. When a Sailfish does strike, anglers must be ready for a battle.

Sailfish are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs so be prepared for a long fight.

In conclusion, fishing for Sailfish in Marathon, Florida, is a thrilling and rewarding experience for anglers. With the right equipment and techniques, anglers can have a successful day on the water and potentially catch one of the most sought-after game fish in the world.

Tripletail fishing offshore of Marathon, Florida is a unique and rewarding experience for anglers looking to target one of the most elusive and prized species in the Florida Keys. Known for their unusual shape, camouflage coloring, and strong fights, Tripletail are a true offshore treasure. What makes them especially exciting to target is their preference for floating debris, buoys, and weed lines — often found far offshore in open water. These fish are masters of disguise, frequently lying motionless near the surface and mimicking driftwood or seaweed, which makes spotting and casting to them a thrilling game of precision and patience.

While Tripletail can be caught throughout the year, the best time to fish for Tripletail off Marathon is during the late spring through early fall, especially from May to September, when calm seas and warmer waters bring more floating debris and Sargassum lines offshore — the perfect habitat for Tripletail to ambush baitfish. Because they are not found in large numbers like other offshore species, Tripletail are considered a prized catch, and landing one is always a memorable achievement.

On our Marathon offshore fishing charters, we keep a sharp lookout for floating structures while running offshore. Once a Tripletail is spotted, we slow down and cast live shrimp, small crabs, or soft plastics near the fish. The bite is visual and exciting, and once hooked, Tripletail put up a stubborn, head-shaking fight that surprises many anglers. Their white, flaky meat is among the best-tasting in the ocean, making them not only a challenging target but also a highly prized addition to the dinner table.

Queen snapper are typically found in deeper waters, ranging from 200 to 400 feet, around rocky bottoms and other underwater structures. They are known for their delicate and delicious meat, making them a sought-after catch for both recreational and commercial fishermen.

To catch queen snapper, Captain Charles recommends using electric reels, which are designed to handle the heavy weights and depths associated with deep sea fishing. These reels make it easier to retrieve the bait and fish from the deep waters, allowing anglers to focus on the excitement of the catch.

Outbound fishing charters is one of the top fishing charter companies in Marathon, Florida, offering guided trips for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish, including queen snapper. Their experienced and knowledgeable guides, like Captain Charles, know the best spots and techniques for catching these elusive fish, and provide all the necessary gear and equipment to ensure a successful trip.

These fish are typically found in deep waters, ranging from 300 to 600 feet, around wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures that provide cover and attract baitfish. Yellowedge grouper are known for their delicious meat and challenging behavior, making them a sought-after catch for both recreational and commercial fishermen.

To catch yellowedge grouper, anglers typically use heavy-duty gear, including conventional reels, rods, and lines, and a variety of baits, such as dead baitfish, jigs, or cut bait. These fish are known to put up a strong fight, requiring patience and skill from the angler to successfully reel them in.

Swordfish fishing offshore of Marathon, Florida is the ultimate deep-sea adventure for anglers looking to battle one of the ocean’s most powerful and iconic predators. Known for their long, sharp bills, stamina, and deep-water strength, swordfish are among the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch in the Florida Keys. These apex predators inhabit depths between 1,200 and 1,800 feet during the day, making them a true deep-drop target for those seeking a bucket-list catch. The waters off Marathon offer quick access to the deep Gulf Stream, making it one of the best places in South Florida to target swordfish.

The best time of year to fish for swordfish in Marathon is generally from spring through fall, with peak seasons in April through October. During these months, weather conditions are more stable, and deep-drop opportunities are more frequent. However, swordfish can be caught year-round in the Florida Keys thanks to the area's proximity to deep water and consistently warm currents.

On our Marathon swordfishing charters, we use heavy duty electric reels with rigged squid, bonito belly, or other large baits to reach the dark depths where swordfish hunt during the day. 

Swordfish are not only an incredible catch for sport, but they're also highly prized for their firm, flavorful meat, making them one of the most sought-after fish in offshore cuisine.