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Best Half-Day Snapper & Shark Fishing in Marathon
- Published Date: September 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon
- $650 - $1,795 price range
- Updated Date: September 28, 2025
Summary
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Snapper and Shark Action
Enjoying a peaceful day of fishing by the water.
Enjoying a day by the water with a catch of the day.
Enjoying a day on the water.
Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.
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!
Gone fishing on the lake.
Enjoying a peaceful day by the water.
Enjoying a peaceful day of fishing by the water.
Enjoying a day by the water with a catch of the day.
Enjoying a day on the water.
Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.
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!
Gone fishing on the lake.
Enjoying a peaceful day by the water.
Enjoying a peaceful day of fishing by the water.
Enjoying a day by the water with a catch of the day.
Enjoying a day on the water.
Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.
Snapper and Shark Fishing in Marathon's Waters
Ready for some real Florida fishing action? Join us on a half-day adventure out of Marathon, where we'll be chasing snappers and sharks in the rich waters of the Florida Keys. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4-hour trip is perfect for anyone looking to reel in some of the area's most exciting catches. We've got everything set up for you - just bring your sun protection, snacks, and a can-do attitude!
Trip Overview
Our half-day charter is all about giving you a taste of what Marathon fishing is all about. We'll head out in the morning or afternoon (your choice) on a boat that's rigged and ready for up to 6 anglers. The crew at Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for some prime fishing spots. We're talking about targeting grey and lane snappers, the always-exciting king mackerel, and if we're lucky, some blacktip and bull sharks that'll really get your heart pumping. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - we've got gear for everyone, and our first mate is there to show you the ropes.
What to Expect on the Water
Once we push off from the dock, it's all about finding the fish. We'll likely start by dropping lines for snapper - these guys love structure, so we might hit some reefs or wrecks. The key is to use light tackle and feel for that telltale tap-tap before setting the hook. For king mackerel, we might do some trolling, which is a great way to cover water and find where they're feeding. Now, if we're shark fishing, get ready for some serious action. We'll use heavier gear and maybe even chum the water a bit to bring them in close. There's nothing quite like seeing that dorsal fin break the surface - it's the kind of fishing that'll have you talking for weeks!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks love this trip because it packs a punch in just half a day. You're not committing to a full day on the water, but you still get a real shot at some quality fish. It's perfect if you're on vacation and want to squeeze in some fishing without losing a whole day. Plus, with the variety of species we target, there's always a chance for something unexpected. One minute you're reeling in a tasty snapper for dinner, the next you're locked in a battle with a shark that's trying to spool your reel. It's this mix of relaxed fishing and adrenaline-pumping action that keeps anglers coming back for more.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Grey Snapper: These crafty fish, also known as mangrove snapper, are a staple in the Keys. They're known for their quick bites and tasty fillets. Grey snappers hang around structure and can be caught year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months. They might not be the biggest fish in the sea, but they're fun to catch and even better to eat.
King Mackerel: The "kings" of the mackerel family, these speedsters can really make your drag sing. We typically see them in the 10-20 pound range, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. Kings are migratory, so we see them more in the cooler months. When they hit, hold on tight - their first run is explosive, and they're known for their aerial acrobatics.
Blacktip Shark: These are the acrobats of the shark world. Blacktips are known for their spectacular leaps and spins when hooked. They're usually in the 4-5 foot range, which makes them a perfect target for our half-day trips. Fast, aggressive, and always exciting to catch, blacktips give you a real taste of shark fishing without the need for heavy tackle.
Bull Shark: Now we're talking about some serious power. Bull sharks are stocky, aggressive, and can grow to impressive sizes. They're not as common as blacktips on our trips, but when we hook one, it's always memorable. These sharks can be found in surprisingly shallow water and put up a fight that'll test your strength and stamina.
Lane Snapper: Often overlooked but always appreciated, lane snappers are smaller than their grey cousins but just as tasty. They're typically found over sandy bottoms near reefs and are known for their beautiful pinkish color. Lane snappers are perfect for light tackle fishing and are often the "busy" fish that keep rods bent while we're waiting for bigger game.
Top Catches This Season
Lately, we've been killing it with the grey snappers. The reefs have been holding some solid fish in the 3-5 pound range, which is great eating size. King mackerel have been showing up more consistently too, especially on the offshore edges where we've been finding some schools of bait. As for sharks, it's been a mix of blacktips and the occasional bull, with most of the action happening in the afternoon trips. Remember, every day on the water is different, and that's what makes fishing so exciting!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and test your skills against some of Marathon's finest finned residents, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our half-day charters are perfect for fitting some serious fishing into your Florida Keys vacation. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty snapper or want the thrill of battling a shark, we've got you covered. Don't forget, our first mate works hard to make sure you have a great time, so a little extra appreciation goes a long way. Grab your hat, slap on some sunscreen, and let's go fishing - the snappers and sharks are waiting!
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Sharks are one of the more common sharks we encounter in the Keys. They're on the smaller side for sharks, usually 4-5 feet long and 40-50 pounds, but they make up for it with their acrobatics. These guys are known for leaping clear out of the water, sometimes even landing in boats! You'll find Blacktips in shallow coastal waters, often around 30-100 feet deep. They love hanging around artificial reefs and areas with plenty of baitfish. Summer's the best time to target them, when water temps are in the mid-70s to 80s. For bait, oily fish like mackerel or herring work great. Chum helps bring them in close. Blacktips put up a good fight and are fun to catch and release. Just remember, they can be a bit skittish, so sometimes you need to be patient. Pro tip: Use circle hooks to make release easier and safer for both you and the shark.
Bull Shark
Bull Sharks are the bruisers of the shark world here in Marathon. These stocky fighters can reach 8-12 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds. What makes them unique is their ability to tolerate freshwater - you might spot them in rivers or even miles inland. In the Keys, we find them in shallow coastal areas, often less than 100 feet deep. They're aggressive feeders and not picky eaters, which makes them exciting to target. Summer's prime time when water temps are warmest. For bait, fresh cut fish or live bait like mullet works well. Bull Sharks put up a powerful fight, so heavy tackle is a must. They're known for their short, powerful runs and head-shaking. Here's a local trick - if you're specifically after Bulls, try fishing near river mouths or in areas with freshwater runoff. Just remember, these are big, powerful fish, so always prioritize safety when handling them.
Grey Snapper
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are a favorite target around Marathon. These fish typically run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds in open water. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work well. Grey Snapper put up a good fight for their size and make excellent table fare with their white, flaky meat. They're most active at night, especially around the full moon when they spawn. For the best action, fish the falling tide near structure. Here's a local trick - use a light fluorocarbon leader since these fish can be leader shy in clear water. Grey Snapper are fun to catch year-round, but summer and fall tend to be peak seasons.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your gear and skills. These sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in 40-150 foot depths, with bigger fish often hanging in deeper water up to 600 feet. Kings love warm water in the 70-80°F range, so summer and early fall are prime times. They're migratory, following bait schools up and down the coast. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures is the go-to method - we often use blue runners or Spanish mackerel. The fight is where Kings shine - blistering runs and acrobatic leaps make them a blast to catch. Just watch those teeth when you're landing one! For eating, smaller Kings are better. Here's a tip: when you hook up, let them run to tire them out before reeling. It'll save you some arm strength on those long fights.
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper are a colorful treat for both the eyes and the dinner table. These pink and yellow-striped beauties typically run 10-14 inches, though you might luck into a 20-incher. Look for them around coral reefs and vegetated sandy bottoms in 20-200 foot depths. They're most active at night, making evening trips productive. Lane Snapper are opportunistic feeders, so small pieces of cut bait, shrimp, or squid all work well. Light tackle makes for a fun fight with these scrappy little snappers. They're great eating fish too, with sweet, white meat. Spring and summer are peak seasons when they gather to spawn. Here's a tip from the locals - if you're having trouble finding them, try chumming to draw them out from the structure. Lane Snapper might not be the biggest catch, but they're a reliable target that can really fill out a day's fishing.
About the Papa 23
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
