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World-Class Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Marathon
  • $850 - $1,795 price range

Summary

Get ready for a full day of offshore fishing action in Marathon, Florida. We'll spend 10 hours on the water, heading out to prime spots like Marathon Humps and the Continental Ledge. Our target species include the colorful Mahi Mahi, powerful Swordfish, and fast-moving Tuna. For those up for a real challenge, we might even hook into a Marlin or Wahoo. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – we've got all the gear you need, and our experienced crew can show you the ropes. This trip is great for anglers of all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. Remember to pack some food and drinks to keep you fueled up during the day. We'll be out on the Atlantic, so be prepared for some sun and potentially bumpy seas. It's a long day, but trust us, when you're reeling in big fish, time flies. Just keep in mind there's a small fuel charge, and deposits can't be refunded. Now, who's ready to wet some lines?
World-Class Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Big Fish, Big Smiles

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

Epic 10-Hour Offshore Adventure in Marathon

Get ready to chase the big ones on this action-packed 10-hour offshore fishing trip out of Marathon, FL. We're talking serious deep-sea action, folks. You'll be hitting prime spots like Marathon Humps and the Continental Ledge, where the real monsters lurk. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got you covered with all the gear you need. Just bring your game face (and some snacks) - we'll take care of the rest.

What's the Deal?

Here's the scoop: we're launching from Marathon and heading straight for the good stuff. We're talking about venturing miles offshore where the water turns that deep cobalt blue. That's where the real action happens. You'll be targeting some of the most sought-after game fish in the Atlantic - mahi mahi (dorado for you West Coast folks), swordfish, tuna, and if lady luck's on our side, maybe even a marlin or wahoo. The boat's dialed in, the crew knows their stuff, and we're ready to put you on fish.

Fishing the Deep Blue

Offshore fishing is a whole different ball game compared to inshore. We'll be using heavy-duty gear and a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. Expect to do some trolling with spreader bars and ballyhoo rigs for mahi and billfish. If the tuna are running, we might switch to chunking or kite fishing. For swordfish, we're talking about dropping baits way down - sometimes over a thousand feet! It's not for the faint of heart, but man, when that rod doubles over, it's go time. The crew will be there every step of the way, coaching you through the fight of your life.

Reel Talk from Happy Anglers

"Had an awesome time on the water—caught plenty of fish! The captain and crew were top-notch from start to finish." - Brandon

"Awesome trip! The crew did a fantastic job—calm, easygoing, and no pressure the whole day. We limited out on yellowtail, and the recommendation to have them prepared at Lazy Days was spot on. Couldn't have asked for a better experience!" - Joseph

"Captain Brian and First Mate Nick were incredible! The weather had been rough and windy for days, and even though conditions were still bumpy this morning, they made it happen. I don't think I've ever seen a crew work so hard to get us on the fish. We landed our target — mahi — along with plenty of yellowtail snapper. Great trip with an even better crew. Highly recommend Johnny Maddox Charters to anyone looking for a solid day on the water!" - Christopher

Fish on the Menu

Blackfin Tuna: These speedsters might not get as big as their yellowfin cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Blackfins typically run 15-30 pounds, but they pull like they're twice that size. They school up around structure and ledges, making Marathon Humps a prime spot. Best of all, they make for some of the best sashimi you'll ever taste. Peak season is fall through spring, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.

Atlantic Sailfish: The acrobats of the ocean, sailfish are known for their incredible aerial displays when hooked. These bills can reach speeds up to 68 mph, making them one of the fastest fish in the sea. They average 6-8 feet in length and put on a show like no other. Winter and early spring are prime time for sails off Marathon. It's catch-and-release for these beauties, but the photos and memories last a lifetime.

King Mackerel: Also known as kingfish, these toothy predators are a blast to catch. They make blistering runs and can top 50 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. We often target them by slow-trolling live baits. Fall through spring is the best time to tangle with kings, and they make for some mighty fine eating if you don't mind picking through a few bones.

Blue Marlin: The holy grail of offshore fishing. Blues are the largest of the billfish, with some topping 1,000 pounds. Even an "average" blue of 200-400 pounds will test everything you've got as an angler. They're rare catches, but that's what makes them so special. Late summer and early fall give you the best shot at a blue, but it's always a longshot. Strict catch-and-release on these magnificent creatures.

Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish (though they're not related to dolphins at all), mahi are the perfect game fish. They're abundant, hard-fighting, and absolutely delicious. Plus, they're one of the fastest-growing fish in the sea, making them a sustainable choice. Look for them around floating debris or weed lines. They range from 5-30 pounds typically, with some bulls pushing 50+. Summer is prime time, but we catch them year-round in the Keys.

Time to Get Hooked Up

Listen, if you're itching for some world-class offshore action, this is your ticket. We're talking about a full day on the water with a crew that eats, sleeps, and breathes fishing. From the moment we clear the harbor 'til we're back at the dock, we're on a mission to put you on fish. Whether you're dreaming of your first mahi, hoping to cross a billfish off your bucket list, or just want to load the cooler with some of the tastiest fish the Atlantic has to offer, we've got you covered. The boat's ready, the fish are out there, and we're just waiting on you. So what do you say? Let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book your spot now before someone else beats you to it!

Customer Reviews

Fish Frenzy Fun

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Had an awesome time on the water—caught plenty of fish! The captain and crew were top-notch from start to finish.

BK
Brandon k

March 12, 2024

Mahi Magic Marathon

quotes

Awesome trip! The crew did a fantastic job—calm, easygoing, and no pressure the whole day. We limited out on yellowtail, and the recommendation to have them prepared at Lazy Days was spot on. Couldn't have asked for a better experience!

Read More
JB
Joseph B

March 16, 2024

Mahi Madness

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My son and I had an amazing introduction to fishing in the Keys! We spent the day reeling in mahi with the help of an outstanding captain and deckhand. Their skill and determination made the trip a success — we’ll be eating well for the rest of our stay in Marathon. Huge thanks for an unforgettable day out on the water!

Read More
SB
Stephen B

June 12, 2025

Crew Conquers Waves

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It was mahi day! Captain Brian did great. Mahi on fire.

RW
Robert W

June 7, 2024

Tuna Mahi Triumph

quotes

Captain Brian and First Mate Nick were incredible! The weather had been rough and windy for days, and even though conditions were still bumpy this morning, they made it happen. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a crew work so hard to get us on the fish. We landed our target — mahi — along with plenty of yellowtail snapper. Great trip with an even better crew. Highly recommend Johnny Maddox Charters to anyone looking for a solid day on the water!

Read More
CL
Christopher L

August 23, 2023

quotes

Awesome trip — we came back with mahi and blackfin tuna! Couldn't have asked for a better day on the water.

TC
Tiffany C

August 13, 2023

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Sailfish

Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean - they're built for speed and can hit 70 mph in short bursts. You'll spot their tall, sail-like dorsal fin slicing through the water as they hunt. Most sailfish we catch are 6-8 feet long and 80-120 pounds. They like warm surface waters and often hunt in packs, using those big dorsal fins to corral baitfish. Spring and summer are prime sailfish seasons here. Anglers prize them for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked - they'll greyhound across the surface and tailwalk. It's pure excitement on light tackle. Sailfish are mostly catch and release, but make for great photos. When targeting them, we'll often slow-troll live baits like goggle-eyes or ballyhoo. A local tip: watch for frigate birds diving, they'll lead you right to the sailfish.

Atlantic Sailfish

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family, but don't let that fool you - they put up a great fight. Usually weighing 15-30 pounds, these speedy fish hang out near the surface down to about 250 feet deep. We find them around underwater structures and floating debris. Blackfin tuna school up, so when you hook one, there's often more nearby. They're most active in our waters from fall through spring. Anglers love targeting blackfin for their hard-pulling runs and acrobatic jumps. The meat is also excellent eating - deep red and flavorful. To catch them, we'll often troll with small lures or live bait like pilchards. A local trick is to chum heavily to bring them to the surface, then cast light tackle into the frenzy. It's an exciting way to hook into these little powerhouses.

Blackfin Tuna

Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are the heavyweight champions of the offshore world. These massive billfish can top 1,000 pounds, though most we see are in the 200-400 pound range. They roam the deep blue waters, usually beyond the continental shelf. Blues are warm-water fish, so summer and early fall are prime time here. Anglers dream of hooking a blue marlin for the sheer power and endurance they bring to a fight. It's not uncommon for battles to last hours. When hooked, they'll make incredible runs and spectacular jumps. We mainly catch and release these magnificent fish. To target blues, we'll troll large artificial lures or rigged baits like bonito. A local tip: watch for frigate birds working - they often follow marlin feeding on the surface. Seeing a blue marlin's bill slice through a bait spread is a sight you'll never forget.

Blue Marlin

King Mackerel

King mackerel, or "kingfish," are sleek predators that'll test your drag. They typically run 10-30 pounds but can top 50. Kings hunt near the surface down to about 150 feet, often around reefs and structure. They're migratory, so we see them most in spring and fall as they pass through. Anglers love kings for their blistering runs - they'll smoke a reel in seconds. They also make for great eating, with firm, flavorful meat. To target them, we usually troll with live bait like blue runners or dead cigar minnows. Kings have razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are a must. A local trick is to use two hooks - one in the bait's nose, one trailing - since kings often strike the tail first. When a king hits, hang on tight and get ready for some drag-screaming action.

King Mackerel

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi-mahi, also called dorado or dolphinfish, are one of the most colorful fish in the sea. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them near the surface around floating debris and weedlines. Mahi are here year-round but really fire up in summer. Anglers love targeting them for their acrobatic fights and stunning electric blue and gold colors. They're also excellent eating, with mild, flaky meat. Mahi often travel in schools, so hooking one can lead to non-stop action. We usually troll with small lures or live bait, or sight-cast when we spot them. A local trick is to keep a hooked mahi in the water - others will often stick around out of curiosity. Whether you're a seasoned angler or first-timer, mahi-mahi are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

About the New Papa

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for an epic day of offshore fishing in Marathon, Florida? Our 10-hour charter takes you to prime spots like Marathon Humps and the Continental Ledge, where big game fish await. You'll be targeting sought-after species like Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, and Tuna, with the chance to hook a mighty Marlin or speedy Wahoo. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to deep sea fishing, our experienced crew will ensure you have a great time on the water. We provide all the necessary gear, so you just need to bring snacks and drinks for the day. Our spacious boat comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests, giving you plenty of room to reel in your catch. Keep in mind there's a small fuel surcharge of $1 per gallon used. Book now for an action-packed day of offshore fishing in the beautiful Florida Keys!
Johnny Maddox Charters Sportfishing Adventures

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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!

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