Ready to chase some serious pelagics in the Florida Keys? Hop aboard with Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 for a full day of offshore action out of Marathon. We're talking 6 to 8 hours of prime fishing time, targeting the heavy hitters like mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Whether you're a seasoned salt or just getting your sea legs, our experienced crew will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.
We'll start the day early, loading up the Papa 31 with everything you need for a successful trip. As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build - there's nothing quite like heading out into the open Atlantic. The first few hours we'll be trolling the offshore waters, keeping our eyes peeled for weed lines, birds, and any other signs that might lead us to the fish. Once we find a productive spot, it's game on! You'll be battling hard-fighting pelagics and filling the fish box before you know it. On the way back in, we'll make a stop at the reef for some bottom fishing action, giving you a chance to add some tasty snappers or groupers to your haul. It's the perfect way to round out a full day on the water.
Out here in the deep blue, we primarily use trolling techniques to cover water and find the fish. We'll be pulling a spread of lures and baits designed to mimic the local forage and trigger strikes from passing gamefish. When we spot a weed line or floating debris, we might switch to pitch baits or live bait to target any mahi-mahi hanging around. For tuna, we might chum and chunk to bring them to the boat. At the reef, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait. Don't worry if you're new to any of these methods - our crew will walk you through everything and make sure you're comfortable with the gear. We provide all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, rigged and ready to go. Just bring your sun protection, some snacks, and a cooler for your catch!
"We caught fish all day long! Johnny and his mate were true professionals—extremely knowledgeable about the species we were targeting. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great fishing experience!" - Ed
"Fantastic trip! Captain Brian and First Mate Cody knew exactly what they were doing and had us hooked up with mahi in no time. Their experience really showed. Our whole group gives Johnny Maddox Charters a big thumbs up — thanks again!" - John
"Captain Brian and First Mate Nick did an excellent job adjusting to a quickly changing weather forecast that kept most boats docked. The 31' boat handled the wind and waves like a champ, and Captain Brian's experience really showed — he knew exactly how to adapt and put together a solid game plan. We ended up catching our limit and even had an exciting shark battle before releasing it. Big thanks to both of them for turning a rough weather day into a fun and successful trip. Looking forward to heading offshore with them next time when the seas are calm!" - Steve
Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters are a blast to catch and delicious on the plate. They school up around the Marathon Humps and other offshore structure, often mixing with their bigger cousins, the yellowfin. Blackfin put up a great fight on light tackle, and they're available year-round with peaks in spring and fall. When you see the water start to bubble and boil with feeding tuna, get ready for some fast-paced action!
Atlantic Sailfish: The acrobats of the ocean, sailfish are prized for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. These billfish are catch-and-release only, but the thrill of battling one is unforgettable. We typically target them in the winter months when they follow the bait migrations close to shore. Watching a sailfish light up with electric blue stripes as it charges a bait is a sight you won't soon forget.
King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these toothy predators are famous for their blistering runs. They can top 50 pounds in our waters, though 15-30 pounders are more common. Kings love to hit fast-moving baits, so trolling for them is a riot. They're around most of the year but really fire up in the cooler months. Be ready for some serious drag-screaming action when a big king hits!
Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these are the fish that put the Florida Keys on the map. Known for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors, mahi are a favorite target for good reason. They're most abundant in the warmer months, often found around floating debris and weed lines. When you find a school, it's not uncommon to hook multiple fish at once, leading to the controlled chaos we call a "fire drill" - pure fishing excitement!
Wahoo: The speed demons of the ocean, wahoo are like turbocharged barracudas. They're not as common as some other species, but when you hook one, hold on tight! Wahoo are famous for their blistering first run and their tender, delicious white meat. We typically target them by high-speed trolling around the full moons of summer and fall. Landing a big 'hoo is often the highlight of a trip.
Listen, if you're looking for a world-class offshore fishing experience in the Florida Keys, you can't go wrong with Johnny Maddox Charters. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to put you on fish and make sure you have an awesome time doing it. From the thrill of hooking up to a screaming reel, to the satisfaction of bringing home fresh fish for dinner, this trip has it all. Don't just dream about that big catch - get out here and make it happen! Give us a call or book online to lock in your date. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. See you on the water!
January 6, 2024
My dad, fiancée, and I had an incredible day on the water with Captain Brian and Nick! We kicked things off by heading offshore in search of dolphin. The morning conditions were a bit rough, but Brian and Nick still managed to put us right on the fish. When the offshore bite started to slow, we moved over to the reef and started flatlining for yellowtail snapper. We ended up filling the cooler with plenty of snapper, along with four nice dolphin. To top it all off, we even caught and released a goliath grouper! It was an unforgettable day on the water, all thanks to Brian and Nick. They really know how to find the fish and make the whole experience fun and educational. We’d recommend this charter without hesitation!
May 10, 2024
Fantastic trip! Captain Brian and First Mate Cody knew exactly what they were doing and had us hooked up with mahi in no time. Their experience really showed. Our whole group gives Johnny Maddox Charters a big thumbs up — thanks again!
April 30, 2025
Went out for a 6hr trip and it was spot on! Brian and Nick are a great team and know how to get it done. They put us on fish and everything went flawless. Both truly enjoy what they do and are a wealth of knowledge about fishing in the keys and where to go for the best of local favorites. Went to Lazy Days South with our catch per thier recommendation and it was fantastic. Johnny was on hand as well at the docks and he is just as helpful and friendly as his guys. His equipment is well taken care of and service is top notch.
December 23, 2024
The crew was outstanding taking us on the trip we desired and we had a great time catching a good amount of Dolphin! Highly recommend!
June 27, 2024
My Dad, Fiancée and I had an awesome day on the water with Captain Brian and Nick! The day started running offshore for dolphin, and even though the conditions in the morning were a little rough, Brian and Nick were able to put us on the fish! Once the bite slowed offshore, we headed to the reef and flatlined for yellowtail snapper. We filled the box with a bunch of snapper, along with our 4 dolphin. We even caught and released a goliath grouper! It was an amazing day on the water thanks to Brian and Nick! They know how to find the fish and are great at showing how to operate the gear. We would recommend this charter any day!
May 10, 2024
We had a great time with Captain Johnny and Nick today. He put us on the fish right away, was very funny, entertaining and friendly. We can not wait to come back and fish with him again!!
April 26, 2024
Captain Brian and First Mate Nick did an excellent job adjusting to a quickly changing weather forecast that kept most boats docked. The 31’ boat handled the wind and waves like a champ, and Captain Brian’s experience really showed — he knew exactly how to adapt and put together a solid game plan. We ended up catching our limit and even had an exciting shark battle before releasing it. Big thanks to both of them for turning a rough weather day into a fun and successful trip. Looking forward to heading offshore with them next time when the seas are calm!
March 28, 2024
Had a great time caught a lot of fish captain and crew were top notch.
March 12, 2024
Caught fish all day. Johnny and his mate were professional and very knowledgeable about our targeted species! Would definitely recommend to anyone!
January 6, 2024
The weather wasn’t what we wanted but Brian and Alex provided the best possible fishing experience you could have in the conditions we had. We caught fish had some great opportunities at some big game and these guys definitely know what they are doing !!!!
October 18, 2023
We set out hoping to catch mahi, but they just weren’t biting. So we headed out to the Marathon Humps and landed some blackfin tuna instead. On the ride back, the first mate spotted a mahi and it went for one of our lures — gave us a great jump before throwing the hook. Still an exciting moment and a solid trip overall!
October 8, 2023
Brian knew exactly where to go and got us right on the fish, and Nick was an excellent mate. It was a great day on the water — just what we were hoping for!
August 26, 2023
This was my fourth trip with Johnny Maddox — and that speaks for itself! We brought in blackfin tuna and king mackerel today, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The boat’s in great shape, and the crew is top-notch. I’d book this trip again in a heartbeat!
October 26, 2022
Awesome day! Highly recommend Captain Jim and Chance! We will be back soon!
September 4, 2022
Great time was had by all!
May 19, 2022
Great trip. Would definitely recommend it. Lots of fun and action all day
April 27, 2022
Had a fantastic day fishing with the crew from Johnny Maddox Charters! Captain Jim, Roy, and Evan handled the tough weather like pros and made sure we had a great time out on the water.
November 11, 2021
Went out for a 3/4 day trip with Captain Johnny and Brian — and it was an awesome day on the water! We landed a nice mix of tuna and mahi. Captain Johnny kept us on productive spots, while Brian made sure we stayed baited and hooked up the entire time. Top-notch crew and a great experience!
September 17, 2021
Captain Jim and Roy were outstanding! We had a great time and will definitely be booking with Johnny Maddox Charters again.
August 3, 2021
Captn John and Captn Jim were great.
June 27, 2021
We had an incredible and memorable experience! Captain Jimmy and First Mate Donny were amazing — couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Highly recommended!
July 15, 2021
You really can’t go wrong with this charter. They’re experienced, welcoming, and it feels just like heading out on the water with old friends.
June 1, 2021
Great time, great boat, great guys and most of all- great fishing!
May 28, 2021
Johnny "Legend" and Donny the Mahi master absolutely delivered! While other boats were struggling, we headed out to deeper waters — and it paid off big time. Hands down the best trip we’ve ever had. Great fishing, great memories. We’ll definitely be back with them again!
May 24, 2021
Great day of Fishing
May 6, 2021
Captain Jim and Mate Roy were fantastic! We went out as two couples, and they were incredibly patient and helpful with our wives. We caught so many fish, we actually got tired! Big thanks to Johnny for an unforgettable day!
April 18, 2018
Johnny and Jim we excellent for our fishing charter! They brought us to a great spot and we caught fish all day! The best charter we ever taken!
April 10, 2021
They put us on the fish. This was my 8th charter on the keys, hands down the best one.
August 21, 2020
Amazing owner, Captain, and first mate. Chris and Dylan took patience with us, they know how to find the fish signs and put us on Dolphin. They were all laid back and I really appreciate the experience!!
June 21, 2021
We had a wonderful time!!!Michael F
August 13, 2020
Great fun and excellent crew....
July 9, 2020
My boyfriend, 16-year-old daughter, and I took a 6-hour trip—and it was incredible. It was our first time ocean fishing, and the captain and crew made it such an easy and enjoyable experience. They were so patient and helpful, especially with us being new to it all. We learned a lot and had an unforgettable time on the water. If you're looking for a fun and welcoming fishing trip, I can’t recommend this crew enough!
September 17, 2018
We had a great time on our charter. Crew was great. We would recommend them..
April 10, 2019
We had an awesome time reeling in mahi-mahi! It was our first time trolling and learning how to spot schooling fish, which made the whole experience even more engaging. The anticipation of more fish joining the catch added to the excitement—nonstop action and a great learning experience all around!
July 16, 2018
We chose Captain Johnny Pip because of his solid reviews, well-equipped boat, and extensive experience—and he didn’t disappoint. We brought our 15-year-old with special needs, and he had an amazing time reeling in yellowtail. The captain knew exactly where to take us, and Donny was incredibly patient, helping out the beginners every step of the way. We fished right up until the lines had to come in, even landing a couple Little Tunny on the way back. Afterward, the crew stuck around at the dock, sharing stories and laughs. It was a top-notch experience—we’ll absolutely be booking with Captain Pip again!
September 3, 2016
I took my brother and dad out for a trip, and for the time of year, it couldn't have gone better. The crew was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and professional—just an all-around great team. Captain Johnny was helpful from start to finish, making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. It was a fantastic day on the water, and we truly appreciated everything. Big thanks to the crew!
August 16, 2017
The three of us hit our limit well before the trip was over—couldn't have asked for a better day on the water. The captain and crew were incredibly knowledgeable and went out of their way to ensure we had a top-notch experience. Their effort really made the difference. We capped it off with an amazing fish dinner at Lazy Days Restaurant that evening. —Bob, John, and Scott
February 10, 2017
Our first mate was Donnie. Both capt Johnny and first mate Donnie were great. Put us on fish and it was constant after that, I would recommend these guys to anyone.
June 12, 2017
Deep sea fishing has always been on my list, and I finally got to experience it—and it was even better than I imagined. The crew made everything simple and enjoyable, creating a laid-back, fun atmosphere. We caught way more fish than I expected and had an amazing time start to finish. I’m already looking forward to going again on my next visit!
April 5, 2016
Awesome day Great captain Johnny and first mate Ross on the fish
July 23, 2016
Had a blast!
September 28, 2016
Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean, known for their incredible speed and acrobatic jumps. These beauties average 6-8 feet long and 60-90 pounds. We typically find them within 15 miles of shore in 100-300 feet of water. Sailfish season peaks from November through May, with the best action often in January and February. Anglers love targeting sails for their spectacular aerial displays and hard-fighting spirit. Nothing beats watching a lit-up sailfish charge a bait on the surface. To hook up, we'll slow troll live bait like goggle eyes or ballyhoo. A local trick is to fish two baits at different depths - one on the surface and one deeper. Keep your eyes peeled for free-jumping fish or birds working bait schools. Sailfish are strictly catch and release, giving you an unforgettable battle before sending them back to fight another day.
Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but they pack a punch for their size. These speedy fish typically weigh 15-30 pounds and can be found in the warm waters off Marathon from fall through spring. Look for them near offshore humps and wrecks in 100-300 feet of water. Blackfin are prized for their rich, dark meat and put up an exciting fight on light tackle. They often travel in schools, so hooking one can lead to multiple hookups. To target blackfin, try vertical jigging or trolling small lures and ballyhoo. A local trick is to chum heavily with live pilchards to get a feeding frenzy going. The best bite is usually early morning or late afternoon. Blackfin make great eating whether served as sashimi or lightly seared. Just be sure to bleed and ice them quickly to preserve that premium flavor.
King mackerel, or "kings," are one of the fastest fish in these waters. They average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. Look for kings from spring through fall, cruising the reefs and wrecks in 30-150 feet. These toothy predators hunt in packs, slashing through schools of bait fish. Anglers love kings for their smoking runs and aerial leaps when hooked. To target them, we'll troll with live bait or artificial lures. A local trick is to use a stinger rig with two hooks to prevent short strikes. Kings make for some tasty eating too, with firm white meat that's great for smoking or grilling. Just be sure to remove the bloodline before cooking. The fall mullet run is prime time, as kings follow the bait schools down the coast. Keep your drag set light - these speedsters can spool you in seconds if you're not careful!
Mahi mahi, also called dorado or dolphin, are one of the most colorful and acrobatic fish out here. These neon-bright beauties average 10-30 pounds in our waters. We find mahi year-round, but peak season is April through September. They love to congregate around floating debris and weedlines offshore. Mahi are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They also travel in schools, so hooking one often leads to multiple fish in the boat. To target them, we'll troll ballyhoo or artificial lures, or pitch live baits to fish we spot. A local trick is to keep a hooked fish in the water to draw in the rest of the school. Mahi make for excellent eating, with light, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening. Just be ready for their colors to fade quickly once they're out of the water.
Wahoo are the fastest fish in these parts, capable of smoking runs over 60 mph. These streamlined torpedoes average 20-40 pounds but can top 100. We find wahoo year-round, but the bite is best from July through November. They prefer deep, open water and often hang around offshore humps and ledges. Anglers prize wahoo for their blistering speed and delicious white meat. Nothing beats the scream of a reel when a wahoo hits a trolled lure at high speed. To target them, we'll troll fast - 12-18 knots - with wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. A local trick is to use purple/black lures on bright days and brighter colors when it's overcast. Wahoo make for some of the best eating out here. Their firm, white fillets are perfect for grilling or searing rare like tuna. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are razor sharp!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
We caught fish all day long! Johnny and his mate were true professionals—extremely knowledgeable about the species we were targeting. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great fishing experience!