There is a strong fishing heritage in the Florida Keys that has been passed from generation to generation—whether for recreation, serious sport or profession. The waters that encompass Marathon are stunningly beautiful and they provide the locals and tourists the opportunity to catch a wide array of fish—kingfish, yellowtail, tarpon, sailfish, tuna, snapper, mackerel, cobia, wahoo, and the amazing list goes on. Just tour the waters of Marathon and you’ll find folks fishing in spots both offshore and on, enjoying the serenity and the company of family and friends, or just spending time alone with nature. Locals are friendly and don’t mind sharing their wisdom with those who have Florida Keys vacation homes, whether it’s where to fish, or even how to get started. There’s no greater way than fishing to experience the spirit of the Keys.
FISHING CHARTERS
•Main Attraction; Key Colony Beach Marina; 400 Sadowski Causeway, Marathon; 305-289-0071; “No fish, no pay!” policy; good weather guarantee; no deposit required. The Main Attraction has four well-maintained and shaded boats with a/c., also providing deep sea, off-shore, wreck, reef and in-shore fishing. Open water is a quick five minutes from the dock, live bait is waiting for you, and they will filet and bag your fish. With over forty years of fishing and charter boat experience, this is one professional, safe and fun operation. Don’t forget their tournament fishing charters for half to full day ventures!
•SeaSquared; 1996 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-5305; owned and operated by Capt. Chris and Christy Johnson with four boats in their fleet, and the assistance of three other seasoned captains. “We invite you to join us for your own Marathon Florida Keys’ fishing, snorkeling, touring or exploring adventure with SeaSquared Charters!” Some options--reef and wreck fishing, offshore fishing, sailfish fishing, fishing in the gulf and bay, shark fishing, tarpon fishing, lobster snorkeling, and family fun and group fishing. SeaSquared is consistently rated #1 by Trip Advisor for family fun fishing.
•Two Conchs; 11499 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-481-0495; Capt. Jack Carlson and his son are second and third generation fishing guides who provide reasonably-priced charters in open fisherman boats with twin engines. Offshore fishing for dolphin (mahi-mahi), tuna, sailfish, marlin, swordfish and more; reef/wreck fishing for mutton snapper, African pompano, yellowtail snapper, kingfish, cobia, permit, grouper, amberjack, snapper, African pompano, yellowtail, barracuda, goliath grouper and more; Tarpon--live baiting the bridges during the am and pm tides; flats charters (fly or spin) for tarpon, permit, bonefish, redfish, trout, cobia, jacks, sharks, mackerel, barracuda, snook and more! Daily half and full day charters (Offshore, Reef, Wreck, Gulf, Tarpon, Flats & Backcountry Trips.)
•Florida Keys Reel Adventures; 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-481-0589; fishing, spearfishing, lobstering, snorkeling, and custom fishing trips on a spacious craft with plenty of shade; Capt. Kevin Johnsen is a licensed USGC Master Captain, with the expertise to ensure you’ll have a “reel” adventure. Rates are for up to 4 passengers but any trip can be customized by this 30-plus year Marathon and Middle Keys’ resident. All skills and interest levels accommodated.
•Coral Charters; 11601 Overseas Highway, Marathon; 305-481-9018; Captain Brent Kindell says, “Whatever fishing trip you have in mind, provided your target is in season, my Marathon fishing charters provide an adventure to remember.” Coral Charters can tailor fishing trips to suit your friends and family no matter their age and level. Target species--mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, grouper, and occasionally cobia. Available charters—offshore for dolphin and tuna; reef fishing charters; wreck fishing charters; tarpon fishing charters to the bridges; gulf fishing charters (try your hand at shark fishing); deep-dropping charters to the Marathon Hump. Charters usually half to full day.
•Ana Banana Fishing Company; 570 Sombrero Beach Road, Marathon; 813-267-4401; Captain Joel Brandenburg claims, “Other than keeping you healthy and happy, our mission is to target the kind of fish that YOU want to catch.” This family-run fishing company has been making locals and tourists happy for twenty years, and 300 days a year. They believe in fishing primarily with live bait on light tackle inshore off Marathon Key, and live bait on heavy tackle offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Their boats are outfitted for your creature comforts—shade and drink holders abound. Specializing in: group charters, corporate events, charity tournament directing, family reunions, youth programs, group fishing clinics and private fishing lessons.
•Sundance Sportfishing; 1996 Overseas Highway, Marathon; 305-699-8485; Captain Bob Brown offers half-day trips—mahi or off-shore combo; reef and wreck fishing; shark fishing; tarpon fishing; full-day trips—sail fish, edge of reef fishing; off-shore combo trip; reef and wreck fishing; tournament charters all on the finest fishing boats—the Sundance Eagle and the Sea Fox Bay provide state of the art amenities and safety too.
•Captain Buddy LaPointe; Grassy Key Marina, 59073 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-393-1145; this is backcountry, flats, and tarpon fishing at its best with Capt. LaPointe and his 30-plus years experience guiding you and your family and friends. He says, “I believe my role as your captain is to not only do the best job possible to catch you fish, but to also provide you with a quality recreational experience.” Half day charter will give you the time needed to get out and introduce beginners to fishing. He’s great with kids and his “bent rods and smiling faces” trips. Check out Capt. LaPointe on ESPN and other media outlets.
LOCAL DRIFT PARTY BOATS
•Marathon Lady Party Boat; 11711 Overseas Hwy, Marathon Shores; 305-743-5580; “the finest party boat fishing in the Florida Keys.” The 73' U.S. Coast Guard licensed and inspected Marathon Lady is run by a courteous crew who are there to help you catch fish. They’ve been at this since 1958, and captured the People’s Choice Award for 13 consecutive years. They run both winter and summer trips that boast a short travel time to the reef and special all day rates that include bait—mullet, squid, ballyhoo as well as a temporary fishing license.
•Sea King; 11699 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-289-0827; “The Keys largest, most comfortable and experienced party boat…” Reservations are recommended, and 10 fares are required to sail. The air conditioned Sea King holds up to 75 people and has a popular sun deck. Private charters are available for all occasions. Winter schedule runs until the middle of May; daily five-hour trips; Monday half-day trip and Saturday special trip and rates.
TACKLE & BAIT SHOPS
Tackle and bait shops are some of the best spots to pick up some helpful tips, hear a little local lore, and discover the salt of the earth folks of Marathon when you’re spending time in yourFlorida Keys vacation homes. You’ll find nothing but a relaxed pace, some old-fashioned conversation and camaraderie as you discover the ideal bait for your fishing excursion, or what restaurant will cook up your fresh catch that very evening! Here are a few shops you should not miss:
• Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center; 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-743-2444; all your bait and tackle needs will be met at this prestigious marina where there are plenty of experts to give you guidance for any fishing excursion you desire in the Keys. You’ll find an excellent selection of fishing tackle, sun resistant apparel and live bait. Located on Vaca Cut, they have fuel, ice and beer. They also have a second location in Big Pine Key, so no matter where you are, they’re close by to stock up on fishing supplies.
•The Tackle Box; 1901 Overseas Hwy, Marathon; 305-289-0540; one of the largest in-store salt-water fishing product lines around! Some of what they carry: live shrimp, pinfish, and crabs; frozen squid, shrimp, ballyhoo, thread herring, Spanish sardines, mullet, finger mullet, silversides, glass minnows; rigged ballyhoo; fresh ballyhoo (seasonal); and Chum Menhaden Products. The Tackle Box will also clean recondition or repair any Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, and other reels quickly (3-5 days) and for a reasonable price. Tell the owner Chris, we sent you. He’ll take good care of you.
•Marathon Bait & Tackle; 3740 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, 305-289-2248; this can be your one stop for everything needed to fish the waters of the Florida Keys. Whether you’re a seasoned fishing pro, in search of the freshest live bait and accessories, or you need to have your hand and reel held as you head out on your first fishing venture, these folks are the ones to hook you up! Known as being courteous and informed, with all the proper bait, tackle and advice you could need.
The beauty of having our own Florida Keys vacation homes is that on almost any given day, you can fish til your heart’s content, whether you’re casting in the ocean, or the Gulf, inside the reef or offshore. The water and the sky’s the limit, and it’s your time for some spectacular downtime!
We’re glad to be your Florida Keys connection. Let us know when you’re ready to explore waterfront property.
Call 305-680-3272 now!
