Ready for some serious action on the water? Our 6-8 hour offshore charter out of Marathon, FL is the real deal. We're talking about battling big fish, soaking up the Florida Keys sunshine, and making memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain Craig and the crew at Fun In The Sun Charters are here to put you on the fish and show you a darn good time.
We kick things off bright and early at 7:30 AM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety - one minute you might be dropping lines for grouper, the next we could be chasing after a school of mahi-mahi. We provide all the gear and know-how, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a sandwich or two. Speaking of which, if you want to keep it simple, we can hook you up with a box lunch from the local 7 Mile Grill. Just give us a heads up when you book.
Out here, we're not messing around with kiddie stuff. We use heavy-duty offshore gear and mix up our techniques based on what's biting. Might be some bottom fishing for those tasty grouper and snapper, or we could end up trolling for kings and mahi. If the tarpon are running, get ready for some heart-pumping surface action. Our first mate knows these waters like the back of his hand and will be right there to help you bait up, land your catch, and maybe even show you a new trick or two.
"Captain Craig was an excellent charter captain and put us on fish all day. He also gave excellent recommendations on where to take the fish to have it prepared. We also hired him to take our family to a sandbar and to take my younger kids fishing. We had a ton of fun at a gorgeous sand bar where we spent several hours playing in the unbelievably beautiful area. He then took us to a spot perfect for fishing with young children. My eight year old son caught lots of fish and had the time of his life. Thank you for a great time Capt. Craig!" - Jordan
Black Grouper: These bruisers are the kings of the reef. They love to hang around structure and put up one heck of a fight when hooked. Averaging 15-20 pounds but capable of growing much larger, black grouper will test your arms and your drag. They're most active in the cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for grouper fishing. The taste? Out of this world - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Gag Grouper: Often mistaken for their black grouper cousins, gags are another hard-fighting bottom dweller. They tend to be a bit smaller on average, but don't let that fool you - they'll still give you a run for your money. Gags are curious fish and often the first to investigate a bait, making them a favorite target for many anglers. Spring and fall are your best bets for gag grouper, and trust me, nothing beats fresh grouper tacos after a day on the water.
King Mackerel: Also known as "kingfish," these speedsters are the sprinters of the sea. They can hit speeds up to 60 mph, making for some explosive strikes when trolling. Kings typically range from 10-30 pounds, but we occasionally hook into some real monsters out here. Look for them spring through fall, with peak action in the summer months. Fighting a king is like trying to reel in a freight train - get ready for some serious runs and maybe even a few jumps.
Redfish: While we often target these copper-colored beauties inshore, bigger bull reds can be found offshore too. They're known for their distinctive spot near the tail and put up a stubborn, bulldog-like fight. Redfish are year-round residents, but the bigger ones tend to show up more in the fall. There's nothing quite like the thump of a big red taking your bait - it's a feeling every angler needs to experience.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These are the showstoppers of the offshore world. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights, hooking into a school of mahi is pure fishing magic. They're fast growers and can reach sizes of 30-40 pounds in our waters. Spring and summer are prime mahi seasons, and we often find them around floating debris or weed lines. The best part? Mahi are excellent table fare, so be ready for some of the freshest fish tacos you've ever had.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing out here, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to feel the rush of battling big game fish, our Marathon charter has got you covered. Remember, we're limited to 4 guests per trip to keep things personalized, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for a day of fishing you won't forget. Just a heads up - that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you book. See you on the boat!
June 9, 2025
Mahi Mahi, also called dolphinfish or dorado, are a colorful offshore species that put up an amazing fight. They average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80 pounds. You'll find them near floating debris and weed lines in warm, open waters. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak season. Mahi are known for their acrobatic leaps and long runs when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for their beauty, sporting qualities, and excellent eating. The meat is mild and versatile - great for grilling or searing. To increase your odds, look for frigate birds working an area. That often means mahi are feeding below. Try trolling with ballyhoo or lures that skip across the surface to mimic flying fish. Once you hook one, keep it moving to attract others in the school.
Redfish, or red drum, are a prized inshore species here in Florida. Most run 5-15 pounds, but trophy "bull reds" over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and near mangroves in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime seasons as they school up. Redfish put up a great fight on light tackle, often making long runs and dogged battles. Anglers love sight-fishing for them, watching that trademark spot near the tail as they cruise the flats. The meat is excellent too - mild and flaky. For best results, use live bait like shrimp or mullet. Or try gold spoons, soft plastics, or topwater lures early in the morning. A local trick: on windy days, fish the lee sides of islands where redfish gather to ambush bait pushed by the current.
King mackerel, or "kings," are hard-fighting speedsters that'll test your gear. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often near reefs or wrecks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Kings are known for scorching runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Anglers target them for the adrenaline rush and good eating. The meat is rich and flavorful - great for smoking or grilling. Trolling with live bait like blue runners or cigar minnows is deadly. Or try slow-trolling large spoons or diving plugs. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep the boat moving forward. Kings often travel in schools, so you might hook several fish off one spot.
Black grouper are prized bottom fish found on reefs and ledges. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 100. You'll find them in 60-250 feet of water, often mixed in with gags. Fall through spring is prime time before they move deep to spawn. Blacks are known for their initial powerful run to the bottom when hooked. Anglers target them for the fight and phenomenal eating. The meat is white, flaky and sweet - some of the best in the sea. Live bait like blue runners or pinfish is hard to beat. Or try jigging with butterfly jigs or soft plastics. Here's a local trick: when anchored up, put out a flat line with a live bait. Big blacks will sometimes come up in the chum slick to feed. Be ready for a scorching run when they realize they're hooked!
Gag grouper are a hard-fighting bottom species found around reefs and wrecks. Most run 10-30 pounds, but they can reach 80. You'll find them in 60-250 feet of water, with bigger fish generally deeper. Fall and winter are prime seasons before they move offshore to spawn. Gags are known for their powerful first run, trying to hole up in the structure. Anglers love the challenge and excellent table fare. The meat is white, flaky and mild - perfect for fish tacos. Live bait like pinfish or squirrelfish is tough to beat. Or try large jigs and soft plastics. Here's a pro tip: when you hook one, get it up fast and away from the bottom. Otherwise, it'll likely break you off in the rocks. Heavy tackle and a locked-down drag are musts.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 36
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 115
Captain Craig was an excellent charter captain and put us on fish all day. He also gave excellent recommendations on where to take the fish to have it prepared. We also hired him to take our family to a sandbar and to take my younger kids fishing. We had a ton of fun at a gorgeous sand bar where we spent several hours playing in the unbelievably beautiful area. He then took us to a spot perfect for fishing with young children. My eight year old son caught lots of fish and had the time of his life. Thank you for a great time Capt. Craig!