Nestled right between the blue waters of the Gulf and the mighty Atlantic, Marathon is the border between these two prolific fisheries with easy access to both. Fishing in Marathon is an art form that’s been evolving ever since the town was built, making it a major sportfishing destination today. It’s also a popular diving, snorkeling, and lobster tickling area owing to the bountiful reefs it boasts.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in beautiful nature, you’ll be happy to know that one of the last untouched tropical hardwood hammocks in the Keys is located at Crane Point Museum. You can explore some of the stunning natural beauty and cast for some prized fish species, all in one day. Spanning across seven Keys, Marathon has everything you need in one place.
Marathon is a fishing town first and foremost. Much of its livelihood comes from the ocean, which is why conservation efforts are very important in the area. They even have a hospital for turtles! The Turtle Hospital does the important work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles. So if you love variety, Marathon is the best place to visit for day of fun in the Keys.
Best Fish to Catch in Marathon
The waters of the Gulf splash the shores on the west, while the deep Atlantic lies off the east coast. With that in mind, listing the top fish species you can catch in and around Marathon is no easy feat. We’ve given it a try though, so keep reading to find out what you can target!
Tarpon
The “Silver King” is one of the most sought-after game fish in the world, and in Florida, it’s especially prized. Tarpon are known for their acrobatic skills, so reeling them in is a challenge that most anglers love. If you want to marvel at their strong leaps and spectacular endurance, come fishing in Marathon – it’s explosive!
Tarpon fishing here is a treat for anyone looking to break some personal records. These silver beasts love to roam the waters around Marathon – you’ll find them around the Seven Mile Bridge, as well as the Bahia Honda Bridge. These areas see heavy Tarpon action, but the Long Key Bridge and the bridges at Toms Harbor are great too.
Snook
Looking to stay closer to shore? Snook should be at the top of your list! These feisty creatures are beloved throughout the Keys, and Marathon is right up there as the top place to get them. The shallow waters here are wide open, creating the perfect playground for families with kids. Relax and enjoy the waters all while reeling in this Florida favorite.
Snook are one of the most recognizable inshore fish and are a rite of passage for any angler looking to leave a mark in Floridian waters. Growing to some impressive sizes, this is a great species to target in the area’s inshore waters. They’re always there if you’re looking for consistent rod-bending action.
Snapper
Are you looking to sink a line and get the big ones to bite? Bottom fishing out of Marathon can be prolific and fun, with beautiful natural reefs all around. Along with amazing views, there are a number of artificial reefs, wrecks, and ledges, where varieties of the Snapper family tend to congregate.
Yellowtail, Red, Mangrove, Mutton – whichever Snapper you’re after, you’ll find it here! No matter whether you’re a beginner or a pro, targeting any species of this family is a wholesome activity. Explore the stunning reefs and reel in your dinner, or maybe even break some personal records.
Blackfin Tuna
Looking to ride further offshore? When it comes to deep sea fishing, the Marathon Hump is the perfect place to cast a line for Blackfin Tuna. This fantastic fishery almost always has great numbers of this prized fish, so it’s your best bet if you’re looking to reel in a big one. Blackfin Tuna are known for their great game qualities, but also for their delicious meat.
Growing to sizes of up to 50 pounds, with 2–20 lb catches being most common, this Tuna species is a great combination of size, action, and table fare. You’ll find that chumming using live bait will yield some great results. If you’re using a fluorocarbon leader, you’ll have them biting like crazy.
Mahi Mahi
A favorite fish for anglers around the world, this photogenic creature is something you should catch at least once. The colorful Mahi Mahi is an elusive game fish, known for its impressive acrobatics and relatively low endurance. It can reach sizes over 40 pounds, making it a trophy among professional fishermen.
Are you looking to break some records? Head out to the Gulf Stream waters for your chance to reel in this prized vibrant species. You’ll have to work for it, but don’t worry – your efforts will pay off in the form of a delicious meal back home, as Mahi Mahi are lauded for their mouth-watering taste.
Billfish
We’d be doing a disservice to Marathon if we didn’t mention this hard-fighting, exciting family of fish. The Gulf Stream is the perfect place to hit for your fill of adventure, going after these strong pelagics. Whether it’s White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, or the mighty Swordfish, you’ll find that the waters off the coast of Marathon are as prolific as they get.
If you’re up to the challenge and wish to test your skills against one of the species in the Billfish family, make sure to visit the Marathon Hump. This is an underwater playground for numerous fish, making it the perfect place for these game fish to visit for dinner – and you’ll be waiting for them!
And you don’t have to stop there! Amberjack, Wahoo, Cobia, Grouper, Sharks, Mackerel, Barracuda – they’re all in the cards.
How to Go Fishing in Marathon
Seeing as Marathon is big, accessible, and surrounded by water, there’s a variety of ways you can go about your fishing adventure here. Read on to find out more about the best fishing styles to employ in these waters.
Charter Fishing
If there was ever a fishing town best explored aboard a charter boat, it’s gotta be Marathon! With incredible fishing options waiting for you just a few miles away from shore, hopping aboard a fishing charter will grant you amazing access. What’s more, nothing can beat the experience of a veteran fisherman, so having the captain with you is a surefire way to succeed!
Exploring the offshore waters out of the Keys is a unique experience, as you can cover a lot of ground. Head over to the Gulf of Mexico and hit the reefs, or venture out into the blue Atlantic for some deep sea action. There’s something here for everyone, and you can rely on your captain to make sure you have the adventure you yearn for.
Party Boat Fishing
If you’re looking for an affordable but productive way of exploring the beautiful waters out of Marathon, consider booking a trip on a party boat. It’s a shared trip on a charter boat, so you’ll get all the benefits of charter fishing without the high price tag. This limits the amount of time the captain can dedicate to you – but you’ll be making new friends along the way!
Sounds interesting? Feel the wind in your hair as you cruise to some of the best fishing spots in the area and fill your bags, all while experiencing some rod-bending action. You’ll have fun, but you’ll also be working hard to reel in some of the most prized fish.
Kayak Fishing
Looking for a more personal feel for your fishing excursion? Kayak fishing might be exactly what you need! You can launch a kayak from a variety of places in Marathon. Oceanfront Park and Sombrero Beach are great places to visit to start your adventure. Explore the Marathon coastline, and enjoy some of the most stunning views while tackling some prized fish.
Kayak fishing is a great way to explore some of the secluded mangrove areas with rich wildlife. The shallow seagrass flats extend all the way into the ocean, so you’ll feel at one with the water. Another great place to visit is Curry Hammock State Park, a park with stunning views and untouched nature. Paddle out and start exploring!
Shore Fishing
If you’re just looking for a nice day of relaxing fishing, you’ll be happy to hear that surf fishing in Marathon is just as fun as heading out to the deep offshore waters. Walk along the Bahia Honda and Sombrero beaches to soak in the sun and dip your rod. You can visit Boot Key or Fat Deer Key for some great action as well.
When you enter Marathon, one thing’s overwhelming – there’s water everywhere! So when it comes to fishing on foot, there’s no shortage of spots. Don’t forget to test the waters under the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. It’s known to produce some of the best action when it comes to shore fishing around Marathon.
Marathon Fishing Spots
There are seven keys that fall under the Marathon area, so you can bet there are a lot of fishing spots left unexplored here. It’s not easy to pick out the best ones, but we’ve given it a shot! Read on to find some inspiration for where to start your next fishing adventure.
- The Marathon Hump: 27 miles southeast of Marathon, this is the absolute favorite spot for charter boats. The waters here drop from around 400 to over 1000 feet, making it the perfect habitat for some bottom feeders, as well as pelagics gorging on dinner.
- Sombrero Beach: This is a beautiful beach on the south side of Marathon, looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great place to come and spend the day surf fishing while soaking in the sun. You can expect Tarpon, Snook, and a variety of other species here.
- Oceanfront Park: Another great spot to visit, with many fun activities for the whole family. You can rent a kayak or sink a line from the shore, enjoying your day while waiting for the bite.
- Seven Mile Bridge: If you’re looking for a prolific spot to explore, this iconic bridge should be at the top of your list. Fish love congregating in the waters around the bridge, and it’s especially good for Tarpon fishing.
- Bahia Honda State Park: Crossing over the Seven Mile Bridge will see you land in this beautiful oceanside park. Here you can relax with a rod in your hand, and enjoy your day fishing for Snook, Trout, and Tarpon.
- The Gulf: We know, this is a vague statement. But having in mind all the different spots you can explore when it comes to Gulf waters, there’s no other way to put it! The sheer number of natural and artificial reefs full of Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack is astounding.
When to Go Fishing in Marathon
When it comes to fishing in the Keys, you’re sure to do great whenever you decide to go. It’s one of the best, truly year-round fisheries, and it never disappoints. Having said that, even though you can catch anything anytime doesn’t mean you should.
Some fish species fall under strict regulations and bag and size limits, so you should consult the FWC website before you decide to cast a line here.
| Species | Open Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Billfish | Year-round | 1 |
| Blackfin Tuna | Year-round | 2 |
| Snook | 1 Mar–31 Apr & Oct 1–Nov 30 | 1 |
| Red Snapper | TBD | 2 |
| Mahi Mahi | Year-round | 10 |
| Tarpon | Year-round | Catch and release |
Marathon Fishing Regulations
One of the surefire ways to know you’re fishing within the law is booking a fishing charter, where the captain will take care of everything for you – including the license. If you’re fishing on your own, make sure to buy a Florida fishing license ahead of time. You can read more about the types of licenses and how to purchase them in our Florida Fishing License blog.
Besides the fishing license, you must respect season, size, and bag limits. Apart from our table above, please don’t forget to consult the official Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website for the latest updates.
Marathon: A Slice of Fishing Heaven
You’ll find amazing fishing opportunities throughout the Keys, that’s for sure. However, few places are as friendly and relaxing as Marathon. Add to that the convenient location in the middle of the Keys, and you get a rich fishery with great access to a variety of fishing grounds. There’s really nowhere else like it!
Do you have any questions? Have you ever been to Marathon? What are your favorite fishing memories in the area? Let us know all about it in the comments below!
