Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 Customer Reviews

100% would recommend

5/5

From 217
verified reviews

Jack AI Customer Experience Snapshot

Johnny Maddox and his crew consistently deliver exceptional fishing results, with customers regularly catching their limits on yellowtail snapper, mahi-mahi, and blackfin tuna. Captain Brian and first mates Nick, Cody, and Chance demonstrate remarkable skill in locating fish quickly and adapting to changing weather conditions when other boats stay docked. The team excels at reef fishing and offshore targeting, with many trips featuring non-stop action from the first drop. Their well-maintained 31-foot boat handles rough seas expertly while providing a stable platform for successful fishing. Customers consistently praise Johnny's humor and entertainment value, with many mentioning his jokes and family-like treatment that makes every trip memorable. The crew shows exceptional patience with children and beginners, answering endless questions while keeping lines baited and gear ready. Families particularly appreciate how the team creates a relaxed, pressure-free environment where everyone from young kids to grandparents can enjoy success on the water. Multiple customers book repeat trips year after year, with several noting this was their third or fourth time choosing Johnny Maddox Charters over other operators.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Yellowtail Snapper

Mahi-Mahi

Reef Fishing

Patient Crew

Family Friendly

Repeat Customers

Rough Weather

Non-Stop Action

Photos from Real Customers

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Fresh caught Greater Amberjack fish displayed on cleaning table at marina dock

Successful yellowfin fishing trip with multiple fish displayed on dock

Fresh caught yellowfin fish displayed on ice at marina dock with fishing boats

Deep sea fishing catch with blue parrotfish on boat deck

14 fish caught in unknown location during fishing

Two people fishing in an unknown location

Photo of an Atlantic Bonito fish being caught while fishing

Two anglers fishing in an unknown location.

A person fishing at an unknown location.

Four anglers with two large fish on a fishing trip

A single black drum fish caught while fishing

3 fish caught during a fishing trip at an unknown location

Successful catch of a king mackerel fish by a fisherman

A group of 9 blackfin tuna and Atlantic bonito fish caught while fishing

Four people fishing at an unknown location

Four anglers fishing in a scenic location

One person fishing in an unknown location

Two people fishing at an undisclosed location

3 freshwater fish caught by 6 anglers on a fishing trip

Four people fishing in an unknown location

11 Greater Amberjack fish caught while fishing

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All Reviews

Patti G

June 23, 2026

Trip - on June 23, 2026

We had a wonderful trip and caught plenty of fish. The crew was fantastic, friendly, and helpful throughout the day. I would highly recommend this boat to anyone looking for a great fishing experience.

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Joseph L

May 28, 2026

Trip - on May 28, 2026

We had an excellent captain and mate who worked incredibly hard to find the fish. Tough conditions made the bite challenging, but they stayed determined and still helped us put a nice catch of yellowtail snapper in the box. We would definitely recommend this charter to anyone fishing in the area.

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Dan Levine

April 29, 2026

Trip - Marathon FL Family Friendly Fishing Charter for Kids and Beginners on April 29, 2026

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

caught 12+ yellowtail, a triggerfish, 2 suckerfish and 3 grunts (blue and yellow). Some where thrown back due to size or species. had to sit at the fueldock for a bit, but was madeup at end of trip with extra time. Saving them for next years trip to the keys, hope they can accomodate more people gishing, as more than 3 will be fishing. Fished about 5 miles out, on the reef, not much current, but did catch lunch and dinner for the three of us, with 18 yellowtail fillets and 2 triggerfish filets.

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Captain JohnnyReplied on May 13, 2026

Dan Levine, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Heath B

April 1, 2026

Trip - on April 1, 2026

My family of four had a wonderful time fishing with Captain Brian and First Mate Cody. We worked the grass flats and caught 15 keeper mangrove snapper, a bonnethead shark, a pufferfish, and more than a dozen smaller baitfish. The crew was patient and fantastic with our 10- and 6-year-old boys, making the trip enjoyable for the whole family. They also cleaned and filleted our snapper, which Key Fisheries cooked perfectly for us afterward. We highly recommend this charter!

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Gary M

March 9, 2026

Trip - on March 9, 2026

For the fifth year in a row, we booked a trip with Johnny Maddox Charters, and this was already our second charter of the year. Captain Brian always puts us on the fish, while Mate Cody keeps the rods ready, quickly unhooks each catch, and gets us rebaited for the next bite. Fishing with them feels like spending the day on the water with good friends. We finished the trip with 15 yellowtail snapper and one mutton snapper. Back at the dock, Brian and Cody cleaned and filleted everything so we could take our fresh catch to Lazy Days for dinner. Thanks again to Captain Johnny, Captain Brian, and Cody for another fantastic trip!

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Don Opferman

February 17, 2026

Trip - Half Day to Full Day Inshore Fishing in Marathon Florida for Snapper and Sharks on February 17, 2026

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

It was a perfect morning on the water! Nice ride out to the Atlantic and in minutes we were catching fish. It didn’t take long until we met our limits for yellow tail, in addition to catching mackerel and a rainbow runner. Brian and Cody were awesome! Thanks for the great trip.

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Captain JohnnyReplied on May 13, 2026

Don Opferman, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. hurry back soon thanks Captain Johnny

Jesse Painter

January 8, 2026

Trip - Half Day to Full Day Inshore Fishing in Marathon Florida for Snapper and Sharks on January 7, 2026

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This was ineof the best fishing trips we’ve been on. Caught fish from the time we got there until it was time to keave. We caught our limit before out alotted time was up. Can’t say enough for captain and first mate, they were some if the best! Thank you so much, we had a blast.

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Captain JohnnyReplied on May 13, 2026

Jesse Painter, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. you guys were great to have on board. Thanks for the great review. We try our best to have a good time for a customers. Hurry back soon we’ll be looking for you.

Martin D

December 21, 2025

Trip - on December 21, 2025

Captain Brian and Isaak were incredible! We started early with a run-and-gun approach, landed a small mahi and a huge bonito, and even had an epic hit that sent the drag screaming—though we eventually lost that one. Later, they got us on yellowtails, and we ended up catching our limit. Rip and Johnny were also fantastic, handling all the setup and answering every question we had. Highly recommend the whole crew!

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Captain JohnnyReplied on April 6, 2026

Martin D, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Brady N

November 20, 2025

Trip - on November 20, 2025

The guides were fantastic! We caught plenty of fish, and the boat was comfortable and well-equipped. Highly recommend for a great day on the water!

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Captain JohnnyReplied on April 6, 2026

Brady N, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Jason C

November 6, 2025

Trip - on November 6, 2025

We hit our limit on yellowtail! Brian and Johnny were knowledgeable, fun, and made us feel like old friends swapping fish stories. An all-around fantastic operation—I’d recommend them to anyone!

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Captain JohnnyReplied on April 6, 2026

Jason C, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip. Hurry back soon

Robert Z.

September 25, 2025

Trip - 6 or 8 Hour Combo Trip Reefs and Wrecks Fishing Charter in Marathon Florida on September 25, 2025

7:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Our fishing trips on the 23rd and 25th with Captain Brian and Mate Cody were outstanding. We successfully hit our tuna limit on one day and, as we requested, brought in a great haul of yellowtail snapper on the other. Brian and Cody are incredibly friendly, helpful, and have an instant rapport—it felt like we were long-time friends. Having fished with numerous guides globally over the years, I can honestly say I had the most fun with this crew. The head of the operation, Captain Johnny Maddox, is excellent—so responsive and caring. He made sure every detail for our trips was taken care of beforehand. This is a very professionally and efficiently run business.

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Captain JohnnyReplied on April 6, 2026

Robert Z., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

Lisa S.

September 21, 2025

Trip - Marathon FL Half Day Fishing Charter for Snapper and Sharks on September 21, 2025

7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Captain Brian quickly got us onto a hot spot! We reached our fishing limit within the first hour, and spent the rest of the trip having a blast with catch-and-release fishing. It was an absolute pleasure fishing with Captain Brian.

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Captain JohnnyReplied on April 6, 2026

Lisa S., Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.

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About Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 Business Reviews

Discover the magic of Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 through the ecstatic voices of our delighted guests. Our reviews paint a vivid picture of thrilling and joyous fishing experiences that have garnered an impressive array of five-star ratings. Embark on a Marathon fishing charter adventure with Captain Johnny Maddox, and you'll find yourself immersed in the heart of Florida Keys fishing excitement. Guests rave about the unparalleled offshore and deep-sea fishing escapades, where every cast promises an adrenaline-pumping encounter with the sea's most coveted treasures. The reviews echo the sentiment of satisfaction and exhilaration, solidifying Johnny Maddox Charters' reputation as the go-to choice for fishing charter excellence in Marathon, Florida. Join the chorus of happy clients who have discovered the ultimate blend of expertise and fun on our Papa 31 vessel. Book your unforgettable Florida Keys fishing experience with us and become a part of the resounding praise that defines our charter adventures.

Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 31 Customer Reviews are provided by our guests. We focus on providing our Marathon Fishing Charter guests the very best experience. Our Fishing reviews are from trips in Atlantic Ocean.