%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F10711%2Fimages%2Fjohnny_maddox_logo.png&w=1200&q=100){kind=logo}
Marathon's Top Inshore Snapper & Grouper Charter
- Published Date: September 29, 2025
- Fishing
- Marathon
- $650 - $1,795 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F505fa406-4071-4ffc-8fac-b323c46423f0%2Fratecard%2Freeling_catch_day_112789-mg1qlcag.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Snapper and Grouper Action
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.
Hook Into Marathon's Inshore Fishing Hotspots
Ready to reel in some of the tastiest fish in the Florida Keys? Our Marathon inshore fishing trip is your ticket to snapper and grouper action. We'll cruise the local waters, hitting prime spots where these prized fish hang out. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with all the gear and know-how to make your day on the water a success.
What to Expect on the Water
We kick off bright and early at 8 AM, so be sure to roll up to the dock by 7:30 to get situated. Our trips are flexible – you can choose between a half day or full day, depending on how much fishing you're itching for. We've got room for 4-5 folks on board, making it perfect for a small group or family outing. The boat's decked out with everything you need: rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Plus, we've got the latest GPS and fish-finding tech to put you on the fish. Outriggers? Check. Bait tank? You bet. And don't worry about your catch going bad – we've got an ice-box to keep 'em fresh. Just bring your grub and drinks, and we'll handle the rest.
Fishing Tactics for Inshore Success
Inshore fishing in Marathon is all about precision and patience. We'll likely be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. For snappers, we might do some light tackle fishing around the bridges or patches of reef. When it comes to grouper, we'll often drop lines near underwater structure or use slow trolling techniques. The key is reading the water and adjusting our approach. Don't sweat it if you're new to this – we'll walk you through every cast and retrieve. And for you seasoned anglers, feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky streak with it.
Top Catches This Season
Folks have been hauling in some real beauties lately. Just last week, we had a group land a 15-pound black grouper that put up one heck of a fight. Yellowtail snapper have been biting like crazy around the reef edges, perfect for those who love a fast-paced catch. And let's not forget about the red snappers – they've been showing up in good numbers, especially during the warmer months. Remember, it's all about timing and knowing where to look, and that's where our local expertise comes in handy.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Red Grouper: These bad boys are the bread and butter of our inshore trips. They love hanging around rocky bottoms and reefs, typically in waters 50 to 300 feet deep. Red groupers are ambush predators, so we'll be dropping our lines right into their living rooms. They put up a solid fight and make for some of the best eating around. The best part? They're available year-round, but we tend to see bigger ones in the cooler months.
Yellowtail Snapper: If you're looking for non-stop action, yellowtails are your fish. These guys school up around the reefs and respond well to chum. They're quick and can be a bit tricky to hook, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be reeling them in left and right. They're most active during the summer months, and their bright yellow tails make for some great photos. Plus, they're delicious in fish tacos.
Red Snapper: The crown jewel of the snapper family, reds are prized for their firm, white flesh and sweet flavor. We usually find them hanging around natural and artificial reefs, often mixed in with other species. They can grow pretty big, with some monsters topping 30 pounds. The season for these beauties is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's game on. They put up a great fight and are a real trophy catch.
Black Grouper: These are the heavyweights of our inshore waters. Black groupers are known for their power and size, often growing over 3 feet long and weighing up to 100 pounds. They're a bit more elusive than their red cousins, preferring deeper waters and complex structures. When you hook into one of these, be ready for a workout. They're available year-round, but we tend to see more activity in the spring and fall.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Our trips offer a slice of the Florida Keys that you can't get any other way. You'll see the skyline of Marathon from the water, maybe spot some dolphins or sea turtles, and definitely soak in that famous Keys sunshine. Plus, there's nothing like the satisfaction of catching your own dinner. Many of our regulars tell us it's the highlight of their vacation, and we've got families that book with us year after year. It's fishing, sure, but it's also about making memories on the water.
Time to Book Your Spot
So, are you ready to get out there and tangle with some snappers and groupers? Our Marathon inshore fishing trips are perfect for anyone looking to experience the best of Florida Keys fishing without heading way offshore. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Whether you're planning a half-day quickie or want to make a full day of it, we've got you covered. Just keep in mind that spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for some of the best inshore fishing Marathon has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked!
Learn more about the species
Black Grouper
Black Grouper are a top trophy for Marathon anglers. These big boys can hit 100 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for them around reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so structure is key. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they move to shallower waters. Black Grouper are prized for their fight – they'll try to break you off in the rocks – and their excellent eating quality. Use heavy tackle with live bait like pinfish or blue runners. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, reel like mad to get them away from the bottom. If they make it back to their hole, you're probably losing that fish. The battle with a big Black Grouper is something you won't forget!
Red Grouper
Red Grouper are a prized catch in Marathon's waters. These rusty-red beauties typically run 5-10 pounds, but can reach over 50. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so look for structure. Red Grouper put up a solid fight and make for excellent eating with their mild, sweet flavor. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. When targeting these guys, use heavy tackle and drop your bait right to the bottom. Live pinfish or squid work great. Here's a local tip: once you hook one, reel fast and steady to pull them away from their rocky hidey-holes before they can break you off. It's a rush when you land a big one!
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are a favorite target here in Marathon. These beauties are bright red with big eyes and a distinctive hump above the head. Most run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but they can get up to 35 pounds. You'll find them near reefs, wrecks, and other structure in 30-600 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, with peak season from June to August. Snapper put up a great fight and are absolutely delicious – mild, sweet, and flaky. Use heavy tackle with cut bait or live pinfish. Here's a local trick: when you feel that first tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and start to run, then reel down and set hard. Red Snapper are crafty and will often spit the hook if you jump the gun.
Yellowtail Rockfish
Yellowtail Rockfish aren't common here in Marathon, but they're a fun catch if you're ever up the Pacific coast. These schooling fish usually run 11-13 inches, with some hitting 2 feet. Look for them around rocky reefs and walls in depths from 180 to 900 feet. They're most active during the day, often found in big schools. Spring and summer are prime seasons. Anglers love 'em for their tasty, mild meat and the fun of catching multiples. Use a long leader setup with small hooks and strips of squid or anchovies. Here's a tip: once you find a school, you can often catch your limit quickly. Just remember, unlike some other rockfish, Yellowtails can handle rapid depth changes, so they've got a better chance of survival if you need to release them.
About the New Papa
%2F%2Fusers%2F505fa406-4071-4ffc-8fac-b323c46423f0%2Fvehicle_picture%2Fjboat.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
