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Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL
- Published Date: September 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon
- $650 - $1,795 price range
- Updated Date: October 1, 2025
Summary
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Offshore Catches
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.
Marathon's Offshore Blitz: Mahi, Tuna & Wahoo
Buckle up, folks! This 6-hour run and gun fishing trip out of Marathon, FL is the real deal. We're talking about chasing down some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish - Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and the speed demon Wahoo. Captain Johnny Maddox knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned salt or it's your first time wetting a line offshore, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your shades and let's hit the blue water!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll be shoving off at 7:30 AM sharp from Marathon, aiming to make the most of the morning bite. The name of the game is covering water, and lots of it. We'll be running and gunning, hitting the famous Ups & Downs Humps where the big boys like to hang out. This isn't your grandpa's lazy day fishing - we're talking fast-paced action, quick stops, and hopefully, bent rods all around. The Papa 31 can handle up to 6 anglers comfortably, so bring your crew and get ready for some friendly competition. All the gear's provided, so you just need to bring your A-game (and maybe a sandwich or two).
Techniques & Tactics
On this trip, we'll be mixing it up with a variety of fishing methods to maximize our chances. Expect to do some trolling with spreader bars and ballyhoo rigs to cover ground and attract those pelagics. When we mark fish or spot a weedline, we might switch to live baiting or even break out the light tackle for some casting action. The Ups & Downs Humps are known for holding bait, which in turn attracts the predators we're after. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface - that's often a dead giveaway for feeding fish below. Captain Johnny's got all the latest electronics to help put us on the fish, but sometimes nothing beats good old-fashioned visual scanning of the water.
Top Catches This Season
Anglers have been crushing it lately on these Marathon offshore trips. The Mahi bite has been on fire, with several bulls in the 30-pound class hitting the deck. Blackfin Tuna have been schooling up nicely, providing non-stop action and some tasty sushi-grade fillets to take home. And let's not forget about the Wahoo - we've had a few speedsters in the 50-pound range that nearly spooled reels before we could turn them. It's not just about the targeted species either; we've been pleasantly surprised by some bonus Sailfish hookups and even a White Marlin release last month. Every trip's different out here, and that's what keeps folks coming back for more.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Mahi Mahi (Dorado): These acrobatic beauties are a favorite for good reason. Known for their stunning colors and aerial displays, Mahi can be found around floating debris and weedlines. They're fast growers and can reach up to 30 pounds in their first year. The "peanuts" (smaller Mahi) often travel in schools, while the bigger bulls might be lurking nearby. When you hook one, keep it in the water - others will often follow, giving you a shot at multiple hookups.
Blackfin Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Blackfin Tuna punch well above their weight class. These torpedo-shaped speedsters can be found in good numbers around the humps, often feeding aggressively on the surface. They're known for their blistering runs and deep dives. While they average 15-25 pounds, we occasionally see some pushing 40 pounds. Blackfin make for excellent eating, whether you're into sashimi or prefer them grilled.
Wahoo: If you're looking for a real test of your fishing skills, Wahoo are the ticket. These streamlined predators are built for speed, capable of short bursts up to 60 mph. They're often found along depth changes and current edges. Wahoo strikes are legendary - one second your line is slack, the next it's screaming off the reel. They're not called "sea rockets" for nothing! While they can grow over 100 pounds, a 40-50 pounder will give you the fight of your life.
Atlantic Sailfish: While not our primary target, Sailfish are always a welcome surprise on these trips. Known for their incredible aerial acrobatics, a hooked Sailfish will often jump multiple times, creating a spectacle you won't soon forget. They're most abundant in our waters from late fall through early spring. We practice catch and release with these beautiful billfish, ensuring the population stays healthy for future generations.
King Mackerel: Often referred to as "Kingfish" by locals, these toothy predators are a blast to catch. They're known for their smoking runs and tend to hunt in the upper part of the water column. Kings can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 40 pounds not uncommon. They're often found around structures and edges where bait congregates. While they're not the best table fare when large, smaller Kings can be quite tasty when properly prepared.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the waters off Marathon. Maybe it's the crystal-clear blue water, or the way the sun glints off a school of feeding tuna. Could be the rush of adrenaline when a big Mahi skyrockets behind the boat, or the satisfying weight of a cooler full of fresh fillets at the end of the day. Whatever it is, folks who fish with Captain Johnny tend to become regulars. His knowledge of these waters is second to none, and he's always working hard to put clients on fish. Plus, the variety of species we encounter keeps things interesting - you never know what might grab your bait next!
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen, if you're still on the fence about this trip, let me tell you - the time to go is now. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and Captain Johnny's calendar is filling up fast. Whether you're looking to put some meat in the freezer, want to test your skills against some hard-fighting gamefish, or just want to experience the thrill of offshore fishing, this is the trip for you. Bring your buddies, bring your family, heck, bring your boss if you have to - just don't miss out on this opportunity. Remember to pack some snacks, plenty of water, and don't forget the sunscreen. Oh, and maybe leave a little room in the cooler for your catch. Give Johnny Maddox Charters a call and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting!
Learn more about the animals
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic Sailfish are the showstoppers of the ocean. These beauties can grow up to 10 feet long but usually average around 7 feet and 50 pounds. You'll spot them by their iconic sail-like dorsal fin and long, pointed bill. They're built for speed, clocking in at 22 to 34 mph. We find them in the warm waters off Marathon, often near the surface or around floating debris. Sailfish are most active in the winter months here in the Florida Keys. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic jumps and incredible fight. They're catch-and-release only, which keeps the population healthy. When we're after sailfish, we'll often use live bait like ballyhoo or squid. Here's a pro tip: keep your drag light at first - these guys are known for their initial burst of speed when hooked.
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna are the smallest of the Thunnus family, but don't let that fool you. These guys pack a punch, usually weighing in around 15-30 pounds. You'll find them in the warm Atlantic waters off Marathon, often hanging out near the Ups & Downs Humps. They're fast swimmers and hard fighters, making them a blast to catch. Blackfin love to feed on smaller fish and squid, so we often use live bait or chunk fishing to attract them. Fall through spring is prime time for Blackfin in the Keys. Anglers love 'em for their tasty meat and the sporty fight they put up. Here's a local tip: when you see birds diving, there's a good chance Blackfin are feeding below. Get your lines in the water quick and be ready for some action.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are the speedsters of our local waters. These sleek predators can hit 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 90. You'll find them cruising the waters off Marathon, usually in depths from 40 to 150 feet. They're most active here from July to November. Kings are famous for their blistering runs and sharp teeth, so we use wire leaders to prevent cut-offs. Anglers love targeting them for their challenging fight and tasty fillets. We often troll for Kings using large planers and heavy tackle. Live bait like blue runners or mullet works great too. Here's a local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks. Kings are known to bite the back half of the bait, so that second hook increases your chances of a solid hookup.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi, also called dorado, are the chameleons of the ocean. These colorful fish average around 15-29 pounds but can get up to 87. You'll find them in the warm Atlantic waters off Marathon, often near floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. They're fast growers and year-round spawners, which keeps the population strong. We target them mostly in the warmer months. Anglers love Mahi for their beautiful colors, sporty fight, and excellent table fare. We often troll for them using ballyhoo or squid, but they'll hit artificial lures too. Here's a local tip: when you hook one Mahi, keep it in the water. Others in the school will often stick around, giving you a shot at multiple fish.
Wahoo Fish
Wahoo are the drag-screamers of the deep. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet and 180 pounds. You'll find them in the open waters off Marathon, often near the surface down to about 60 feet. Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the sea, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. We target them year-round, but fishing really heats up from July to November. Anglers love Wahoo for their blistering runs and top-notch eating quality. We often troll for them at high speeds, around 12-15 knots, using wire leaders to prevent bite-offs. Here's a local secret: try using purple and black lures - Wahoo seem to have a thing for those colors out here.
About the New Papa
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
