Get ready for a rip-roaring good time on the water with Fun In The Sun Charters! We're talking about a 3-hour fishing bonanza that'll have the whole family hooked. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. Our trips out of Marathon in the Florida Keys are all about making memories and maybe landing the catch of a lifetime.
Picture this: You're cruising out on our comfy boat, the sun's shining, and the Florida Keys are looking postcard-perfect. We'll get you set up with everything you need – rods, reels, bait, the works. No need to sweat the small stuff; we've even got your fishing license sorted. Our crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll take you right where the action is. And let me tell you, when those fish start biting, it's a whole different ballgame. Kids love it, grandparents get a kick out of it – it's a blast for everyone.
We're not messing around when it comes to gear. You'll be working with top-notch rods and reels that can handle whatever the ocean throws at you. We'll show you the ropes on how to use everything, from setting up your line to the art of the perfect cast. Trolling? Bottom fishing? We've got techniques for all of it. And our lures and bait? Let's just say the fish can't resist 'em. We'll have you jigging and reeling like a pro in no time.
Alright, let's talk fish. The waters around Marathon are teeming with some real beauties. Mahi Mahi are always crowd-pleasers – these guys put up a fight that'll have your arms burning (in a good way). Hogfish are tricky little devils, but man, are they tasty if you're lucky enough to land one. And don't even get me started on the Tripletail – they're like the ninjas of the sea, masters of camouflage but oh-so-worth it when you spot one.
Mahi Mahi, or as some folks call 'em, Dorado, are the rockstars of our waters. These guys are fast, they're strong, and when they leap out of the water, it's like watching fireworks. They're most active in the warmer months, and trust me, when you see that electric blue and yellow, your heart's gonna skip a beat. They can grow up to 30 pounds out here, so get ready for a workout!
Hogfish are the sneaky ones. They hang out near the bottom, often around rocky areas and reefs. They're not the biggest fish in the sea, usually about 1-3 pounds, but what they lack in size, they make up for in taste. Spring and fall are prime times for hogfish, and if you're patient and quick with the rod, you might just outsmart one of these clever critters.
Now, Tripletail, they're the oddballs of our fishing trips. These guys like to float near the surface, often disguising themselves as debris. They're ambush predators, so when you spot one, it's game on. They're year-round residents, but summer's when they really show up in numbers. Don't let their lazy appearance fool you – when they bite, they mean business.
African Pompano are the prize fighters of the deep. These silver bullets can weigh up to 50 pounds, and they've got stamina for days. They love hanging around structures like wrecks and reefs, and when you hook one, be prepared for a battle. They're a catch-and-release favorite because of their fierce fight and sleek looks.
Last but not least, we've got the Gag Grouper. These guys are the heavyweights of the bottom-dwelling world. They love to hide in holes and caves, so when you feel that tug, you better start cranking fast or they'll dive back into their hidey-hole. Fall and winter are prime grouper seasons, and landing a big one is like winning the lottery – it doesn't happen every day, but when it does, it's something to write home about.
Look, I've been running these trips for years, and there's nothing quite like seeing a kid's face light up when they reel in their first fish. Or watching a couple work together to land a big one. It's not just about the fish – it's about the laughs, the stories, and yeah, maybe a little friendly competition. We've had families come back year after year, making it their tradition. And let me tell you, there's no better office than out here on the water, watching folks make memories.
So, what do you say? Ready to get out there and see what you can catch? Our 3-hour trips are perfect for fitting in some fishing fun without taking up your whole day. Remember, we've got everything covered – from gear to drinks. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a snack or two. Oh, and don't forget to take care of our first mate – those folks work hard to make sure you have a great time, so a little extra appreciation goes a long way. Give us a call or hop online to book your trip. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this!
African Pompano are sleek, silvery fish that put up a heck of a fight. You'll find the adults in deeper water from 30-250 feet, usually near structure. They average 15-25 pounds but can top 50. Spring through fall is prime time when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting them for their hard runs and acrobatic jumps. Their meat is also top-notch. To catch one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or goggle-eyes. A local trick is to look for bait schools near the surface - pompano are often feeding below. When you hook up, hang on tight and be ready for some drag-screaming runs.
Gag Grouper are powerful bottom-dwellers that give you a real workout. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas in 60-250 feet of water. Most are 10-30 pounds, but they can reach 70+. Summer and fall are prime seasons before they move to deeper water. Anglers target them for their bulldog fighting style and excellent table fare. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and large live baits like pinfish or grunts. My go-to trick is to use a long leader and let your bait swim naturally near the bottom. When a gag hits, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from their rocky hideouts before they can break you off.
Hogfish are unique-looking reef dwellers with a pig-like snout they use to root for crustaceans. You'll find them around coral and rocky areas in 30-100 feet of water. Most are 2-10 pounds, but they can reach 20+. Hogfish are craftier than they look - they're known for stealing bait without getting hooked. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and their sweet, flaky meat. To improve your chances, use live shrimp or small crabs on a light leader. My go-to trick is to make some noise by tapping your rod on the gunwale - it often draws curious hogfish right to the boat. Just be ready for a quick bite and set that hook fast.
Mahi Mahi are colorful, fast-growing fish that put up an exciting fight. You'll find them near floating debris and weedlines in the open ocean. Adults average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+. They're most active in warmer months, from spring through fall. Mahi are prized for their acrobatic jumps and delicious meat. To catch one, look for frigate birds circling - that often means Mahi are feeding below. Use live bait like ballyhoo or squid, or try bright lures that mimic flying fish. Keep your gear ready, because when Mahi strike, it's fast and furious. Land them quickly to preserve that golden-green color before it fades. Whether you're after a trophy bull or some tasty fillets for dinner, Mahi fishing is always a blast.
Tripletail are odd-looking fish that get their name from their rounded fins. You'll spot them floating near the surface by buoys, markers, and floating debris. Most are 2-15 pounds but can reach 30+. They're around all year but really active in summer. Anglers love sight-casting to tripletail - it's like hunting. They put up a good fight and taste great too. To catch one, ease up quietly and drop a live shrimp or small crab right in front of its nose. Here's a local tip: if you spook one, wait a few minutes. They often circle back to the same spot. Just be careful of those razor-sharp gill plates when you land one.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 36
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 115