Fishing Guides, Charters and Services of the Florida Keys
Marathon Reef Fishing
Marathon, located in the heart of the Florida Keys, offers a prime location for reef fishing enthusiasts. Its proximity to the only living coral barrier reef in North America makes it a hotspot for anglers looking to experience the thrill of catching a variety of fish species. Here’s a guide to what you can expect when embarking on a reef fishing adventure in Marathon.
Marathon Reef Fishing Charters
Here you will find the best in Marathon reef fishing charters and guides.
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More About Marathon Reef Fishing
Reef fishing in Marathon offers anglers a diverse and rewarding experience, with the opportunity to catch some of the most prized fish in the Florida Keys. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a beginner looking to try something new, the reefs of Marathon provide a stunning backdrop and exciting fishing opportunities.
Species We Fish For
Yellowtail Snapper: One of the most sought-after fish in the Keys, yellowtail snapper are known for their vibrant color and delicious taste. They are commonly found near the reefs and are known to put up a good fight.
Grouper: This includes several species, such as the black grouper and red grouper. Grouper are strong fighters and can often be found hiding in the nooks and crannies of the reef.
Mutton Snapper: Another prized catch, mutton snapper are known for their size and strength. They are commonly found around deeper reefs and are a favorite among local anglers.
Hogfish: Known for their unique appearance and excellent taste, hogfish are typically caught using spearfishing methods, but they can also be caught on rod and reel around the reef.
Mangrove Snapper: These fish are common around the reef and mangrove areas and are known for their tasty fillets.
Barracuda: While often caught as a bycatch, barracudas are known for their aggressive nature and impressive leaps when hooked.
King Mackerel (Kingfish): These migratory fish are known for their speed and are often found near the reef during the cooler months.
Fishing Techniques
Bottom Fishing: This is one of the most common techniques for reef fishing in Marathon. Anglers use weighted lines to drop bait directly to the reef’s bottom, targeting species like grouper and snapper.
Chumming: This involves dispersing a mixture of fish parts and blood into the water to attract fish. It’s a popular method for targeting yellowtail snapper, as it brings them up from the reef and into the chum slick.
Live Baiting: Using live bait, such as pilchards or shrimp, is a highly effective method for attracting a variety of reef fish. It is particularly useful for catching larger predators like grouper.
Trolling: While more common in our deep sea fishing, trolling can be effective around the reef edges, especially for species like kingfish and barracuda.
Best Times To Fish
Reef fishing in Marathon is productive year-round, but certain species have peak seasons: Check out our Florida Keys Fishing Seasons Calendar.
- Winter: Cooler months bring an influx of kingfish and mackerel, making it an ideal time for anglers seeking these species.
- Spring and Summer: This is the prime time for yellowtail, mutton and mangrove snapper. The warmer waters also see an increase in grouper activity.
- Fall: As the water temperatures begin to cool, snapper and grouper fishing remains excellent.
About Marathon Reef Fishing Charters
Our reef fishing guides out of Marathon offer 4, 6, and 8 hour trips on board center console fishing boats that can accommodate up to 6 persons – however 4 is most comfortable and recommended.. Some of the boat will have bathrooms. We reccomend you call the charter and see what they have available.
Fishing The World Inc.
5555 College Rd.
Key West, FL 33040
Office 305-292-7212
info@fishingfloridakeys.com
Fishing Florida Keys is owned by Fishing The World Inc. All rights reserved.