Ready for a real Florida Keys fishing experience? Our 4-hour charter out of Marathon is your ticket to some of the best angling action in the Keys. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Capt. Craig and the crew will put you on fish and make sure you have a blast doing it. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring your sense of adventure and let's hit the water!
This isn't your average boat ride, folks. We're talking about a full-on fishing frenzy across the rich waters of Marathon. From the backcountry flats to the deep blue offshore, we've got options. You might be sight-casting to tailing redfish one minute and battling a hard-charging kingfish the next. Our 4-hour trip is perfect for getting a taste of what the Keys have to offer without committing to a full day. And don't worry about licenses or gear - we've got you covered. Just remember to bring some cash to tip the mate if they do a good job for you (20% is the norm around here).
In Marathon, we're spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing grounds. Inshore, we might hit the grass flats or mangrove shorelines for snook and redfish. If the weather's right, we could run offshore to troll for mahi-mahi or drop baits for grouper. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility - we'll go where the bite is hot. We use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, and we'll show you the ropes on everything from bottom fishing to sight casting. You'll be working the rods, so get ready for some hands-on action!
"I caught the biggest fish of my life with capt. CRAIG. THANK YOU!!" - Timothy
Red Grouper: These bottom-dwelling brutes are a staple of the Florida Keys fishery. They love structure and put up a mean fight when hooked. Red grouper typically range from 5-15 pounds, but bigger ones are out there. They're available year-round, but the cooler months often see the best action. Anglers love targeting these fish not just for the fight, but because they make for some of the best fish tacos you'll ever taste.
Mahi Mahi (Common Dolphinfish): Don't let the name fool you - these aren't dolphins, they're fish, and they're a blast to catch. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and beautiful colors. They can grow over 30 pounds, but even the smaller "schoolies" are a ton of fun. Summer is prime time for mahi, and they're often found near floating debris or weedlines offshore. The thrill of watching a school of these neon-colored fish chasing your bait is hard to beat.
Yellow Jack: These speedsters are often overlooked but can provide non-stop action. Yellow jacks are found around reefs and wrecks, usually in schools. They're not the biggest fish (typically 2-5 pounds) but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These guys will test your drag and your stamina. They're available year-round but seem to be most active in the warmer months.
Black Grouper: The bigger, badder cousin of the red grouper, black grouper are the prize many bottom fishermen dream of. These fish can easily top 20 pounds and put up a stubborn, powerful fight. They're structure-oriented, so we'll be targeting them around reefs and ledges. While they're around all year, winter tends to be prime time. Landing a big black grouper is often the highlight of any fishing trip.
African Pompano: These silvery, disk-shaped fish are a real treat when we come across them. They're not as common as some other species, which makes catching one even more special. African pompano are strong fighters and can reach weights of over 20 pounds. We typically find them around structures like wrecks or deep reefs. They're available year-round but seem to be more common in the warmer months. Their firm, white flesh makes them excellent table fare too.
Look, if you're itching for some real Florida Keys fishing action, this 4-hour trip with Fun In The Sun Charters is your ticket. We've got the local know-how, the right gear, and the drive to put you on fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling a big grouper or want to fill the cooler with tasty snapper, we've got you covered. Just remember, our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait around - grab your spot now and get ready for some rod-bending, drag-screaming fun. See you on the water!
July 10, 2025
Black Grouper are bruisers that'll test your strength. These olive-gray fish with dark blotches typically run 2-4 feet long and 20-50 pounds. You'll find them lurking around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 30-300 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so we target structure. Fall through spring is prime Black Grouper season here. They're not picky eaters, so we'll use live bait or cut fish. These grouper put up a stubborn fight, using their bulk to dive for cover. Be ready for a battle when you hook one. Anglers love targeting Black Grouper for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Their mild, firm white meat is a real treat. My top tip is to crank hard as soon as you feel the bite. Don't give them a chance to run back to their rocky home and break you off. We use heavy tackle - 80 pound braid and 100 pound leader at minimum. You need the stopping power. Keep an eye out for sharks trying to steal your catch too. Overall, landing a big Black Grouper is always a highlight of any trip.
African Pompano are a real treat to catch around here. These silvery, round jacks typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach over 50. You'll find adults hanging out near the bottom in 30-250 feet of water, while the young ones with long trailing fins stick close to shore. They're fast swimmers that roam far, so we target them over reefs and wrecks. African Pompano put up an awesome fight and taste great too. Spring through fall is prime time to hook one. They love shiny, moving objects, so we'll use live bait or jigs to entice a bite. My top tip is to keep your eyes peeled for birds working the water - that often means pompano are feeding below. These fish are attracted to structure, so we'll look for them around artificial reefs. Once you hook one, hold on tight! Their initial run is powerful. Overall, African Pompano offer an exciting catch for anglers of all levels. The combination of their fighting ability and excellent table fare makes them a popular target on our trips.
African Pompano are sleek silver fish that put up a great fight. Adults typically run 15-30 pounds and hang out near the bottom in 30-250 feet of water. The youngsters, with their long trailing fins, stick closer to shore. These fast swimmers roam far, so we target them over reefs and wrecks. Spring through fall is prime time for African Pompano. They love shiny, moving objects, so we use live bait or jigs to get their attention. My top tip is to watch for birds working the water - that often means pompano feeding below. These fish offer an exciting catch for all skill levels. They make blistering runs when hooked and taste great too. We look for them around structure like artificial reefs. Once you hook one, hold on tight! Their initial run is powerful. The world record African Pompano was just over 50 pounds, caught right here in Florida. While that size is rare, even average ones give you a real battle. Their combination of fighting ability and excellent table fare makes them a popular target on our trips.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 36
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 115
I caught the biggest fish of my life with capt. CRAIG. THANK YOU!!