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Full-Day Wreck & Reef Fishing in Marathon, FL
- Published Date: September 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon
- $650 - $1,795 price range
- Updated Date: September 29, 2025
Summary
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Reels and Keels
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 Full Day Fishing Bonanza
Get ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action in the waters around Marathon, FL. With Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31, you'll be hitting prime spots for reefs, wrecks, and offshore fishing all in one epic 8-hour trip. Whether you're after the acrobatic Mahi Mahi or the hard-fighting Kingfish, this charter's got you covered. We'll customize the day to match your skill level and target species, making it perfect for newbies and seasoned anglers alike. So grab your sunscreen and let's get out there!
What's on the Menu?
This isn't your average fishing trip. We're talking about a smorgasbord of fishing opportunities here. One minute you might be bottom fishing over a wreck for some monster Grouper, the next you could be trolling the blue water for Mahi Mahi. The Gulf, reefs, and offshore waters are all on the table, giving you a taste of everything Marathon has to offer. With room for up to 6 anglers, it's the perfect setup for a group of buddies or the family. Don't sweat the gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a sandwich or two.
Fishing the Marathon Way
Alright, let's break down how we do things on the water. Depending on what's biting and where, we might start with some trolling for pelagics like Mahi or Kingfish. We'll drag a spread of lures or bait behind the boat, covering some serious water. When we hit a reef or wreck, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing. This is where the big boys like Grouper and Snapper hang out. We'll use heavy tackle and drop baits right into their living room. The first mate will be on hand to help you with everything from baiting hooks to landing fish. And trust me, these guys work hard, so a little tip at the end of the day goes a long way.
Fish Tales from the Deck
While we don't have any specific customer reviews to share, I can tell you that the reactions we get are priceless. There's nothing quite like seeing someone's face light up when they hook into their first big Mahi or feel the power of a Grouper trying to drag them back to the wreck. Many of our guests come back year after year, turning these fishing trips into a tradition. The mix of species we target and the variety of fishing techniques we use keep things exciting, even for the most experienced anglers.
The Big Five: Our Target Species
Black Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the reef. They love to hunker down in holes and ledges, so when you hook one, be ready for a fight. They can grow over 100 pounds, and their white, flaky meat is second to none. We typically target them year-round, but they're especially active in the cooler months.
Gag Grouper: Cousin to the Black Grouper, Gags are equally delicious and just as challenging to land. They're ambush predators, so we'll often find them around structure like wrecks or rocky bottoms. The thrill of pulling one of these guys up from the depths is hard to beat.
Grey Snapper: Don't let the name fool you - these fish, also known as Mangrove Snapper, are anything but dull. They're smart, quick, and put up a great fight on light tackle. We find them around reefs and wrecks, and they're a favorite for their tasty white meat.
King Mackerel: Also called Kingfish, these speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. When they hit, hold on tight because they're known for blistering runs that can smoke a reel. We often troll for them, and the sight of one skyrocketing on a bait is pure adrenaline.
Mahi Mahi: If there's a rock star in the offshore world, it's the Mahi Mahi. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, they're a favorite among anglers. We find them near floating debris or weed lines, and they often travel in schools. Once you hook one, get ready for some high-flying action!
Time to Wet a Line
Look, whether you're a die-hard angler or just looking to try something new, this full-day trip out of Marathon is the real deal. We're talking about eight solid hours on the water, hitting all the hot spots from the reefs to the wrecks and beyond. You'll get to try different fishing techniques, target a variety of species, and maybe even land that fish of a lifetime. The boat's comfortable, the crew knows their stuff, and the fishing... well, that's what memories are made of. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the Papa 31 and let's make some waves. Trust me, your future self will thank you for it.
Learn more about the species
Black Grouper
Black Grouper are hefty predators, typically 2-3 feet long but can reach 5 feet and 125 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and ledges from 30 to 300 feet deep. They're ambush hunters, using powerful jaws to snatch prey. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers love targeting them for their strong fight and tasty white meat. To land one, use heavy gear - at least 80-pound braid and a 100-pound leader. Bait choice isn't too picky, but live bait works best. Drop it right to the bottom where they hide. When you feel a bite, crank fast - these guys will try to dive back into structure if you give them a chance. Watch out for sharks trying to steal your catch on the way up!
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper average around 20 inches but can hit 50 inches and 80 pounds. They're fond of rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in coastal waters. Young ones hang inshore while adults prefer deeper offshore spots. Look for them in 30-300 foot depths, depending on the season. They're less colorful than some grouper, but what they lack in looks they make up for in fight. Anglers target them for their firm, white meat and challenging catch. Live bait like mullet or pinfish works great. Use stout gear - a 40-pound line at minimum. When you hook one, be ready for a tug-of-war. They'll try to dive back to their hole, so keep your rod low and reel steadily. Pro tip: scout for stone crab traps. Gags love crab, so they often lurk nearby.
Grey Snapper
Grey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are sneaky little fighters. They usually run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but can hit 20 pounds offshore. You'll find them around structures like mangroves, docks, and reefs. They're opportunistic feeders, most active at night. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they're spawning near full moons. Anglers love their white, flaky meat and the challenge of outwitting them. They're swift and cautious, so use light tackle and small hooks. Live shrimp is a top bait - hook it through the tail to keep it lively. Let it sink to the bottom near structure, then wait patiently. When you feel a tap, don't jerk - just start reeling. These guys are masters at throwing the hook, so keep steady pressure all the way in.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speed demons of the sea. They average 20-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in open water from 40-150 feet deep, often near wrecks or reefs. They're migratory, following bait schools up and down the coast. Summer and fall are prime seasons here. Anglers love Kingfish for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. To catch one, try trolling with large lures or live bait like Blue Runner. Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. When a King hits, hold on tight! They'll make screaming runs and often jump clear out of the water. Local tip: look for birds diving on bait schools. That's a good sign Kings are feeding nearby. Just be careful handling them - those teeth are no joke!
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. They average 15-29 pounds but can hit 80+. You'll spot them near floating debris and weed lines in open water. They're fast growers, maturing in just a few months, which keeps populations healthy. Spring through fall is prime time here. Anglers can't get enough of their stunning colors, hard fights, and excellent table fare. To catch Mahi, troll near floating objects or look for frigate birds working the surface. Live bait like ballyhoo works great, or try bright artificial lures. When hooked, Mahi go airborne, so keep your rod tip up and be ready for multiple jumps. Pro tip: when you catch one, leave it in the water. Others will often stay with it, giving you a shot at multiple fish.
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
