Marathon Key Fishing Charters & Guides

Marathon Key Fishing Charters

In the middle of the Florida Keys is the city of Marathon, spread across 13 islands including Knight’s Key, Boot’s Key, Vaca Key, Long Point Key, Little Crawl Key, Crawl Key, and Grassy Key. The bountiful reefs and nearby Gulf Stream make Marathon a major sport fishing destination. Anglers who choose to fish the waters of Marathon will find a variety of locations and species to fish. Whether it’s inshore or offshore adventures, Marathon Key has it all. While offshore fishing is a big draw for anglers, fly fishing for tarpon is another favorite Marathon excursion. Tarpon, also known as the silver king, is one of the most coveted species in the world. They are so difficult to catch that many anglers will count how many they have hooked in, along with how many they have brought to the boat. Many captains have stated that as many as 63% of tarpon break off after the initial hook up. The adrenaline rush of hooking your first tarpon will have you back for more before you know it. Fly fishing for tarpon in the Keys is best from April to June during the peak of migration. Although, to be honest, it’s good fishing in early fall and spring too. Tarpon fly fishing is an art form, stalking and sight casting once you find the school. The most important ingredient for success is presentation, how you present your fly in an appealing way and make sure not to spook your target. Flies, or patterns, used for fly fishing for tarpon come in a variety of materials and colors. Many fly fishermen/women will custom create their own flies. Tarpon is catch-and-release only, and any over 40” must remain in the water for after-catch photos.

Marathon Key Inshore Fishing

From Marathon Key anglers can access backcountry fishing, flats and shallows, and nearshore or inshore waters. Among the reefs you’ll find mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, gag groupers, and more. Mangrove snapper, also known as gray snapper, are found along the bottom of the ocean floor near structures. Use 8-to-20 pound test line with a medium spinning reel for the fight. Shrimp is the best live bait for catching mangrove snapper, or try jigs and soft baits that imitate shrimp. Mangrove snapper are a great species to load up your cooler with, but you must comply with the local regulations. Any mangrove snapper under 10’’ must be safely released. Often times Marathon anglers will go for a Florida Keys Inshore Grand Slam: catching tarpon, permit, and bonefish all in the same trip. Bonefish are smaller (2-14lbs.) and usually found near grassy flats. Shrimp or lures that imitate shrimp are best for bait for bonefish. Due to their declining population, Bonefish are heavily regulated and are strictly catch and release. Preparation is key when fishing for bonefish, if you hire a professional Marathon guide they will have everything you need. The toughest of the three is permit. Fishing for permit is best from March to May during their spawning season. They are a tough fight and can grow as much as 60 pounds and are found in the shallow flats. Permit are so tough to catch because they spook very easily. At the slightest noise, movement, or vibration they will bolt. Presentation of the bait is key, and once they are on the hook, prepare for a long, stubborn fight.

Marathon Key Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing in Marathon will take you either to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. Many anglers head to the Gulf Stream, an underwater current just a few miles off the coast of Marathon. Think of it as a highway where fish travel from the Keys, around the Florida peninsula and along the east coast of the United States. It’s only ten miles from Marathon, meaning you’ll get to the monster-sized fish in no time at all. The Gulf Stream is a great place to target mahi mahi, also known as dorado or dolphin. They are a topwater species usually found under floating grass or debris. Fishing for mahi mahi is fun for anglers because they hit fast and fight hard. They run in schools so once someone has one hooked up, keep it in the water near the back of the boat so other anglers onboard can continue to target others in the school. Once you get one on the hook, it’s very typical to be able to land a couple of other members of the school. Marathon anglers enjoy fishing for mahi so much that they’ve created its very own tournament. Each spring the biggest tournament in Marathon is the Tom Thumb Marathon Bull & Cow Dolphin Tournament. In the middle of the Gulf Stream, twenty-seven miles SE of Marathon, is the Marathon Hump. Humps are also called seamounts because they look like mountains rising from the ocean floor. Originally called the West Hump, it’s a favorite fishing spot for Marathon charters for the variety of pelagic species. Marathon Hump is a great place to target large amberjack, tuna, sailfish, white marlin, blue marlin, and sharks.

Book A Marathon Key Fishing Charter

Those who decide to fish Marathon Key will have tons of opportunities. From fly fishing the flats to trolling the Gulf Stream, there’s so much to choose from. Find the perfect captain for your Marathon fishing excursion here.