Best Half-Day Snapper & Shark Fishing in Marathon

Published Date: September 17, 2025
Fishing

Marathon
$350 - $1,795 price range

Summary

Looking for a quick fishing trip in the Florida Keys? This 4-hour charter out of Marathon hits the sweet spot. You'll head out on a well-equipped boat with room for up to 6 people, targeting snapper and sharks in the local waters. It's a great option whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started – the crew provides all the gear and know-how you need. Pick a morning or afternoon slot to fit your schedule. The first mate works hard to put you on fish and help you land them, so bring some cash to tip if you're happy with the service. Don't forget to pack snacks, drinks, and sun protection. It's a solid half-day on the water that gives you a real taste of Keys fishing without taking up your whole day. You'll get hands-on experience with different techniques, learn about the local marine life, and hopefully reel in some good catches to brag about later.

Best Half-Day Snapper & Shark Fishing in Marathon

Snapper and Shark Action

Spent a relaxing day on the water.

Reeling in a great catch on a peaceful day by the water.

Hooked the big one at the lakeside.

Heading out for some Florida fishing fun!

Half-Day Snapper & Shark Fishing in Marathon

Looking for a quick fishing fix in the Florida Keys? Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 has you covered with our half-day snapper and shark fishing trip out of Marathon. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour adventure is the perfect way to experience the thrill of Florida Keys fishing without eating up your whole day. We'll get you on the fish fast, targeting the local hotspots where snapper and sharks are biting. With morning and afternoon options available, it's easy to squeeze in some quality fishing time between your other Keys activities.

What to Expect on the Water

Our half-day charter is all about maximizing your time on the water. We'll head out from Marathon marina and make a beeline for the productive fishing grounds just offshore. The shallow waters around Marathon are teeming with snapper, and we know just where to find them. As we move into slightly deeper water, we'll switch gears and try our luck with some of the Keys' famous sharks. Our 31-foot boat is comfortable and well-equipped, with plenty of room for up to 6 anglers to fish at once. Don't worry about gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and sun protection, and we'll take care of the rest.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

For snapper fishing, we'll use a mix of live bait and cut bait, dropping lines near rocky bottoms and patch reefs where these tasty fish love to hang out. Light tackle and sensitive rod tips are key for feeling those subtle snapper bites. When we switch to shark fishing, we'll break out the heavier gear and use larger baits. We might chum a bit to get the sharks interested, then it's a waiting game until one takes the bait. Once hooked, hold on tight – even a smaller shark can put up one heck of a fight! Our first mate will be right there to help you land your catch and snap some photos before we safely release the shark back to the water.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these are some of the most common and delicious fish in the Keys. They're wary and quick, so a light touch is needed to hook them. Grey snapper average 1-3 pounds, but we occasionally hook into some real monsters in the 5-8 pound range. They're great eating if you decide to keep a few for dinner.

Lane Snapper: Smaller than their grey cousins, lane snapper make up for their size with their beautiful pinkish color and sweet, delicate meat. They're often found mixed in with other snapper species, so you never know what you might pull up. Lane snapper are most active during the warmer months, making them a perfect summer target.

King Mackerel: While we're primarily after snapper and sharks, don't be surprised if we run into some hard-fighting king mackerel. These speedsters can top 50 pounds and are known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Kings are migratory, with the best fishing typically in the fall and winter months.

Blacktip Shark: One of the most common shark species we encounter, blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. They typically range from 3-6 feet long and put up an awesome fight on medium tackle. Blacktips are found year-round in the Keys, but are especially active in the warmer months.

Bull Shark: The bruisers of our local shark population, bull sharks are thick-bodied and incredibly strong. They can grow to over 8 feet long and will test both your gear and your stamina. Bull sharks are less common than blacktips, but when we hook one, it's always memorable. These big guys are around all year but seem to be most active in the spring and fall.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our half-day trips are perfect for folks who want to squeeze in some quality fishing without committing to a full day on the water. It's long enough to get into some serious action, but short enough that you won't wear yourself out. Plus, with our experienced crew and well-equipped boat, even novice anglers have a great shot at landing some impressive fish. The variety is another big draw – one minute you're finessing snapper, the next you're battling a toothy shark. It's the kind of trip that gives you a real taste of what Florida Keys fishing is all about.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to get out on the water and tangle with some Florida Keys snapper and sharks? Our half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Whether you're looking for a morning bite or an afternoon adventure, we've got options to fit your schedule. Remember, all the gear is provided, so you can just show up ready to fish. And hey, don't forget to bring a little extra cash to tip the first mate – these guys work hard to make sure you have a great time and go home with some fish stories to tell. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call or book online, and let's go catch some fish!

Learn more about the species

Blacktip Shark

Blacktip Sharks are a blast to catch around Marathon. These energetic predators usually run 4-5 feet long and put up a great fight. You'll find them patrolling artificial reefs and muddy bays in waters up to 100 feet deep. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they follow bait fish inshore. Blacktips are known for their acrobatic leaps, sometimes clearing 20 feet out of the water. That makes for an exciting hook-up. To target them, use heavy tackle with a wire leader. Chum the water with oily fish like mackerel to get them fired up. Once they're in a feeding frenzy, it's game on. Live bait like blue runners works well, but cut bait is fine too. Just be ready when they hit – Blacktips are fast and will make blistering runs. It's catch-and-release for these sharks, but the thrill of the fight is what it's all about.

Bull Shark

Bull Sharks are the heavyweights of inshore shark fishing here in Marathon. These stocky brutes can hit 8-12 feet and 300 pounds, so be ready for a serious battle. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, and they're one of the few sharks that can handle freshwater too. Summer is prime time when they come inshore to pup. Bulls are aggressive feeders and will eat just about anything, which makes them fun to target. Use heavy tackle with wire leader and big circle hooks. Fresh cut bait like bonito or mackerel works well. Chum the water to get them interested, then hang on when they hit. Bulls make powerful runs and can really test your gear. One local trick is using fresh eel as bait – the high oil content drives them crazy. Remember, it's all catch-and-release with these guys, but the adrenaline rush of hooking into a big bull shark is hard to beat.

Grey Snapper

Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are a favorite target here in Marathon. They typically run 1-2 lbs inshore, but can hit 20 lbs in deeper water. You'll find them around structures like docks, reefs, and mangroves in depths of 10-100 feet. These opportunistic feeders are most active at night, so early morning or evening trips can be productive. Anglers love Grey Snapper for their tasty white meat and the fun fight they put up. To improve your chances, try using a live shrimp hooked through the tail. Let it sink near structure and be patient – these fish can be cautious. When you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook. Grey Snapper are around year-round, but summer months tend to be best as they gather to spawn during full moons.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel are speed demons of the sea, giving anglers an exciting fight. These streamlined fish average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in waters 40-150 feet deep, with bigger ones hanging out in harbors and inlets. Kings love warm water, so late spring through fall is prime time. They're voracious predators, chasing smaller fish like blue runners and menhaden. Trolling with large spoons or live bait is the go-to method. Kings are known for their blistering runs, so make sure your drag is set right. When you hook one, hang on – they'll often make several long runs before tiring. For the best shot at a big one, try slow-trolling a live blue runner on a stinger rig. Kings make for some tasty smoked fish dip, too, just watch out for the bones.

Lane Snapper

Lane Snapper are a great species for both new and experienced anglers here in Marathon. These colorful fish average 1-3 pounds, with bigger ones hitting 7-8 pounds. You'll find them around coral reefs and vegetated sandy areas in 20-200 feet of water. They're most active at night, so early morning or evening trips can be productive. Lanes are aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of baits – live shrimp, squid, or small fish all work well. Use light tackle with a small hook for the best results. When you feel a bite, give it a second before setting the hook. Lanes put up a fun fight for their size and are excellent eating. One local tip: try fishing near the edge of a reef where it meets sand. That's a favorite hangout for Lane Snapper looking for an easy meal. They're around year-round, but spring and summer can be especially good when they gather to spawn.

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