Full-Day Wreck & Reef Fishing in Marathon, FL

Marathon FL Full Day Wreck & Reef Adventure

Get ready for an epic 8-hour fishing adventure that'll take you to Marathon's best-kept secrets – from legendary wrecks to pristine reefs, Gulf waters, and offshore hotspots. Captain Rip and the Johnny Maddox Charters team know exactly where the fish are biting, and they'll put you right on top of them. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this full-day charter gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's running hot. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from a crew that's passionate about putting fish in the box.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early with a fully rigged boat – rods, reels, bait, and tackle are all covered. Captain Rip reads the conditions like a book, adjusting the game plan based on weather, fish movement, and what you're hoping to target. Maybe you'll start the morning working a productive wreck for grouper and snapper, then move offshore to troll for mahi and kings when the sun gets higher. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – if the bite's hot on the reefs, you'll stay put. If conditions offshore are perfect for pelagics, that's where you'll head. The crew keeps close tabs on fish activity and water conditions, so you're always fishing where the action is. Just bring your food, drinks, and sun protection – everything else is handled. And don't forget to tip the mate who'll be working hard all day to keep you on fish.

Wrecks, Reefs & Open Water

Marathon sits at the heart of some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds, and this charter takes full advantage. The artificial reefs and historic wrecks create perfect ambush points for bottom species like grouper and snapper. These structures hold baitfish, which draws in the predators you're after. When targeting wrecks, expect to fish with heavier tackle and circle hooks – these fish know how to use structure to their advantage, so you need gear that can turn them before they cut you off. Reef fishing often means lighter tackle and finesse presentations, especially for species like yellowtail snapper that can be finicky. Offshore, the game changes to trolling spread with ballyhoo, diving plugs, and teasers to attract mahi, kingfish, and whatever pelagics are moving through. The Gulf side offers different opportunities depending on conditions – sometimes calmer water when the Atlantic is rough, with its own population of snappers, groupers, and seasonal species.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Rip is great! As a charter captain myself, my main goal was to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and I certainly chose the right person! He is extremely knowledgeable, and we had a great day on the water successfully catching fish." - Ross

"We had an amazing trip with Captain Rip! My son and I had a blast, creating memorable moments from start to finish. To top it off, we landed our first-ever sailfish in addition to a fully stacked cooler of Dolphin fish (mahi)." - Stefan

"My day on the water with Captain Rip was absolutely incredible! He is truly an expert when it comes to locating fish and ensuring you get hooked up. Despite the challenging weather, we started with a bang, landing a massive 52-inch Wahoo within the first two hours! Our focus then shifted to finding a Sailfish, and Captain Rip delivered once more. Following a thrilling fight, I successfully brought her to the boat for a legal catch before releasing her safely." - Dave

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Grouper are the kings of the wreck scene around Marathon, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 30+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, so getting bit often means dropping your bait right into their living room. Black grouper are most active during warmer months from spring through fall, though you can catch them year-round. What makes them special is their willingness to eat big baits and their bulldogging fight – they'll try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find. The meat is outstanding, making them a top target for anglers who want both the fight and the feast.

Gag Grouper offer a different challenge than their black cousins. They tend to roam more and can be found on reefs, wrecks, and even in open bottom areas. Gags average smaller than black grouper but make up for it with aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're particularly active in fall and winter months when water temperatures start dropping. These fish are smart – they've seen plenty of hooks and can be line-shy, so Captain Rip often uses fluorocarbon leaders and natural presentations. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.

Grey Snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are the bread and butter of reef fishing around Marathon. These fish are available year-round and provide consistent action when other species aren't cooperating. Don't let their size fool you – a 5-pound mangrove snapper on light tackle is a blast to catch. They're incredibly smart and structure-oriented, often requiring light leaders and small hooks to get them to bite. What anglers love about greys is their reliability and excellent table fare. They're also perfect for beginners since they bite readily once you figure out their mood.

King Mackerel are the speed demons of Marathon's offshore waters, and when they're around, the action is non-stop. These fish are pure adrenaline – blazing runs, spectacular jumps, and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through wire if you're not careful. Kings are most abundant from spring through fall, following baitfish migrations and temperature breaks. They're typically caught trolling