Johnny Maddox Charters Sportfishing Adventures
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

Marathon FL's Premier Combo Fishing Charter

  • Published Date: September 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Marathon
  • $650 - $1,795 price range
  • Updated Date: October 1, 2025

Summary

This 6-hour fishing trip out of Marathon, FL gives you a ton of options. You can hit the reefs and wrecks for snappers and groupers, or head out to the deep Atlantic for bigger game fish. The boat takes 4-6 people and has all the gear you need, so it's great whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started. The flexible schedule means you can try different spots and techniques throughout the day. It's a real mix of fishing environments in one trip. Remember to pack some snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. The first mate works hard to make sure everyone has a good time, so a tip at the end is a nice gesture if you're happy with the service. Overall, it's a solid day on the water with plenty of variety.
Marathon FL's Premier Combo Fishing Charter

Rods, Reels, and Catches

previous-image
Enjoying a peaceful day of fishing 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 by the water with a catch of the day.

Enjoying a day on the water.

Enjoying a day on the water.

Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.

Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.

Spent a relaxing day on the water.

Spent a relaxing day on the water.

Reeling in a great catch on a peaceful day by the water.

Reeling in a great catch on a peaceful day by the water.

Hooked the big one at the lakeside.

Hooked the big one at the lakeside.

Heading out for some Florida fishing fun!

Heading out for some Florida fishing fun!

Gone fishing on the lake.

Gone fishing on the lake.

Enjoying a peaceful day by the water.

Enjoying a peaceful day by the water.

Enjoying a peaceful day of fishing 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 by the water with a catch of the day.

Enjoying a day on the water.

Enjoying a day on the water.

Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.

Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.

Spent a relaxing day on the water.

Spent a relaxing day on the water.

Reeling in a great catch on a peaceful day by the water.

Reeling in a great catch on a peaceful day by the water.

Hooked the big one at the lakeside.

Hooked the big one at the lakeside.

Heading out for some Florida fishing fun!

Heading out for some Florida fishing fun!

Gone fishing on the lake.

Gone fishing on the lake.

Enjoying a peaceful day by the water.

Enjoying a peaceful day by the water.

Enjoying a peaceful day of fishing 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 by the water with a catch of the day.

Enjoying a day on the water.

Enjoying a day on the water.

Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.

Spending the day on the water, reeling 'em in.

next-image

Marathon's Ultimate Combo Fishing Adventure

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a fishing trip that'll knock your socks off? Our 6-hour combo charter out of Marathon, FL is the real deal. We're talking reefs, wrecks, Gulf action, and offshore excitement all rolled into one. Whether you're after those tasty Snappers and Groupers or looking to tangle with some big game in the deep blue, we've got you covered. Grab your buddies - we can take up to 6 of you - and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Listen up, folks - this ain't your average fishing trip. We're mixing it up with a smorgasbord of fishing spots. One minute you might be dropping lines on a reef, the next we could be trolling past a wreck or heading out to where the big boys play offshore. Our boat's loaded with all the gear you need, so don't sweat it if you're new to this. Just bring your game face, some grub, and plenty of sunscreen. Oh, and a cooler for your catch - trust me, you'll need it!

Techniques That'll Fill the Box

Alright, let's talk shop. Depending on where the fish are biting, we might switch up our tactics faster than a Barracuda hits a lure. On the reefs, we'll likely be bottom fishing - think weighted lines, circle hooks, and tasty cut bait to tempt those Snappers and Groupers. If we're chasing pelagics offshore, get ready for some trolling action. We'll drag those lines behind the boat, mimicking fleeing baitfish. And for the wrecks? That's where the magic happens. We'll use a mix of live bait and jigs, working the structure to pull out some monsters. Don't worry if you're green - our first mate's got eyes like a hawk and will have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Great Barracuda: These toothy torpedoes are the speed demons of the reef. They'll hit your lure so fast it'll make your head spin. Best part? They put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. Look for them year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months. When one of these silver missiles skyrockets out of the water with your bait, you'll be hooked for life.

Yellowtail Amberjack: Don't let the name fool you - these bruisers are all muscle. They love hanging around wrecks and reefs, and when they hit, hold on tight! You'll find them most of the year, but fall is prime time. The fight is intense, and trust me, reeling one of these bad boys up from the depths is a workout you won't forget.

Black Grouper: These are the heavyweight champs of the reef. They're smart, they're strong, and they taste amazing. We target them year-round, but winter is when they really shine. When you feel that telltale thump and your rod doubles over, you better be ready for a battle. These guys will try to wrap you around every bit of structure down there.

Gag Grouper: Cousin to the Black Grouper, these guys are just as tough and twice as tasty. They love cooler water, so winter and early spring are your best bets. They're ambush predators, so we'll be dropping baits right into their living rooms. When a big Gag decides your bait looks good, it's like trying to stop a freight train with a fishing rod.

Grey Snapper: Also known as Mangrove Snapper, these guys are the tricksters of the reef. They're wary, smart, and have eyes like eagles. But man, are they worth the effort. We can target them year-round, but summer is when they really school up. Light tackle, small hooks, and a stealthy approach are key. When you see that flash of pink and yellow coming up from the depths, you know dinner's gonna be good.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running these waters for years, and I still get a kick out of every trip. There's something special about the Keys that keeps folks coming back. Maybe it's the crystal-clear water, or the way the sun hits the ocean just right at dawn. Or maybe it's that moment when your reel starts screaming and you know you're in for the fight of your life. Whatever it is, I guarantee you'll leave with stories to tell and an itch to come back for more.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a fishing trip that's got it all - variety, action, and some of the best darn fishing in Florida - you've found it. We've got the boat, we've got the spots, and we've got the know-how to put you on fish. All we need is you. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pick a date, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are biting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this. See you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Grouper

Black grouper are bruisers that'll put your arms and gear to the test. These olive-gray fish with dark blotches can reach 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. You'll find them lurking around reefs and wrecks in 60-250 foot depths. They're ambush predators, so look for structure. Colder months are best as they move shallower. Anglers prize black grouper for their firm, white meat and the sheer challenge of landing one. These guys fight dirty, trying to wrap you in rocks or structure. Use heavy tackle - at least 50-pound test - and be ready to muscle them up fast. Live bait like pinfish or blue runners works well. Once hooked, it's all about keeping them from getting back to their rocky lairs. The fight and flavor make black grouper a top target on our trips.

Black Grouper

Gag Grouper

Gags are heavy hitters that'll make you work for your dinner. These olive-brown fish with dark worm-like markings average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 60-250 foot depths. They prefer cooler water, so winter and spring are prime. Gags are ambush predators, using structure for cover. Anglers love their firm, white meat and the arm-burning fight to get them to the boat. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well. Use stout tackle - 50-pound test minimum. Once hooked, crank hard to get them away from their rocky homes. Gags fight dirty, so be ready for some give and take. A local trick: when you feel that thump, reel fast and lift your rod tip to keep them from diving back into cover. The challenge and table fare make gags a favorite target.

Gag Grouper

Great Barracuda

These torpedo-shaped predators are a blast to catch around Marathon. Barracuda can grow over 5 feet long, with most in the 2-4 foot range. They hang out near reefs, wrecks, and other structures, often in 20-80 foot depths. Barracuda are ambush hunters with serious speed, known to hit lures and bait hard. Summer's the prime time, when water temps warm up. Anglers love 'cudas for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Their meat isn't prized, but the fight is worth it. To up your odds, try trolling shiny lures or drifting live bait near structure. Watch those teeth when you land one - they're no joke. Barracuda make for an exciting catch, especially if you're after something with more teeth than your average reef fish.

Great Barracuda

Grey Snapper

Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are sneaky fighters that'll keep you on your toes. These bronze-colored fish with a dark stripe through the eye usually run 1-5 pounds inshore, but can hit 20 pounds offshore. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and reefs in 5-100 foot depths. They're most active at night and during lower light conditions. Anglers love their flaky white meat and the finesse needed to catch them. Grey snapper are wary, so use light tackle and small hooks. Live shrimp or small baitfish work well. They're known for short, sharp bites, so stay alert. A local tip: when fishing structure, let your bait sink naturally and resist the urge to work it. Grey snapper are opportunistic feeders, so patience pays off. Once hooked, get them away from cover quickly. Their fight and flavor make them a fun, tasty catch.

Grey Snapper

Yellowtail Amberjack

Yellowtails are hard-fighting fish that'll test your arms and your gear. These sleek, powerful swimmers average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 50-300 foot depths. They're most active in warmer months when they move closer to shore. Yellowtails are prized for their tasty meat, popular in sushi. Anglers love 'em for their strong runs and stamina on the line. To hook one, try live bait like blue runners or speedo mackerel. Chum helps bring them up from deeper water. When you feel that tell-tale thump, be ready - these guys don't give up easy. Set the hook hard and hang on tight. It's a battle getting them away from structure, but worth it when you see that flash of yellow in the water.

Yellowtail Amberjack

About the Papa 23

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Hop aboard for a flexible 6-hour fishing adventure out of Marathon, FL. This combo trip lets you explore reefs, wrecks, the Gulf, or head offshore based on your preferences. With room for 4-6 anglers, you'll have plenty of options to chase different species. Try your luck at Snapper and Grouper near the reefs, or test your skills against bigger game fish further out in the Atlantic. The boat comes fully equipped with rods, reels, bait and tackle - perfect whether you're a seasoned pro or new to fishing. There's time built in to check out various fishing spots, giving you a well-rounded experience. Just bring some snacks, drinks, and sun protection to keep you going throughout the day. Your first mate will be working hard to ensure a great trip, so consider bringing some cash to show your appreciation at the end. Get ready for a fun day on the water with a variety of fishing opportunities all packed into one exciting outing!
Johnny Maddox Charters Sportfishing Adventures

Follow Us

Facebook

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

Gift Card

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Things To Do

Lobster Hunt

Deep Sea Fun

Shark Snag

Inshore Hooks

Inshore Reel

Offshore Catch

Family Fish Fun

Wreck Quest

Inshore Snappers

Wrecks Bounty

Wreck Combo

Run n Gun

Harbor Glow

Marathon's Finest Fishing Thrills!

Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime with Captain Johnny Maddox and experience the thrill of deep sea fishing like never before aboard the Papa 31. Don't let another moment slip by without booking your spot for an unforgettable day on the crystal-clear waters of Marathon – grab your fishing buddies and make it happen today! Get ready to reel in memories that will last a lifetime – book now and secure your place for an epic deep sea angling experience with Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31!

More about Johnny Maddox Charters Sportfishing Adventures

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap