“PAPA PAPA” Johnny Maddox Charters 

4.7/5 (214 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 3502 Gulfview Ave, Marathon, FL 33050, United States

“PAPA PAPA” Johnny Maddox Charters 

Federally permitted
Marathon, FL, United States
31 feet
6
4.7/5 (214 reviews)

Veteran Owned
Johnny Maddox Charters SportFishing Adventures runs year round fishing trips out of Marathon, FL. Whether you want to explore the reefs or head offshore towards the Atlantic, Capt. Johnny has you covered. These trips can work for novice anglers and veteran fishermen. You will be in safe hands, with one of the most knowledgeable captains in the area.

The waters out of Marathon offer amazing fishing. Around the reefs you can get Snapper, Grouper, and Critters Shark. When in season, Big Mackerel will also make their run around here. More seasoned anglers will love fishing offshore, targeting Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo & Mahi. Capt. Johnny loves fishing blue waters and will help you out, whether it's trolling or Deep Drop bottom fishing.

Capt. Johnny has started fishing at a young age. Fishing with his dad, Capt. Johnny mastered the craft and has perfected it over the years. He knows the Marathon waters well 25 years in and will make sure you have an enjoyable trip.

You will be fishing aboard a stable vessel that can take up to six people. She is a 31' Ocean Master Express boat, fit to rule these waters. The boat is powered by a twin 300 HP Suzuki engines and can reach the speeds of up to 40 knots. The boat features a flybridge which gives you great view of the area, a full private toilet, and a fighting chair. She is equipped with GPS, a fishfinder, has a live well, an ice box, and outriggers.

The crew will provide all the fishing gear and will take care of the license. You should pack food and drinks, as well as a cap, sunglasses, sunblock, and comfortable clothes.

The captain and first mate work hard to ensure that you have as much fun as possible on their trips, so gratuity is appreciated very much. The first mate works for tips, with 20% being the standard in this area.

Veteran Owned
Johnny Maddox Charters SportFishing Adventures runs year round fishing trips out of Marathon, FL. Whether you want to explore the reefs or head offshore towards the Atlantic, Capt. Johnny has you covered. These trips can work for novice anglers and veteran fishermen. You will be in safe hands, with one of the most knowledgeable captains in the area.

The waters out of Marathon offer amazing fishing. Around the reefs you can get Snapper, Grouper, and Critters Shark. When in season, Big Mackerel will also make their run around here. More seasoned anglers will love fishing offshore, targeting Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Wahoo & Mahi. Capt. Johnny loves fishing blue waters and will help you out, whether it's trolling or Deep Drop bottom fishing.

Capt. Johnny has started fishing at a young age. Fishing with his dad, Capt. Johnny mastered the craft and has perfected it over the years. He knows the Marathon waters well 25 years in and will make sure you have an enjoyable trip.

You will be fishing aboard a stable vessel that can take up to six people. She is a 31' Ocean Master Express boat, fit to rule these waters. The boat is powered by a twin 300 HP Suzuki engines and can reach the speeds of up to 40 knots. The boat features a flybridge which gives you great view of the area, a full private toilet, and a fighting chair. She is equipped with GPS, a fishfinder, has a live well, an ice box, and outriggers.

The crew will provide all the fishing gear and will take care of the license. You should pack food and drinks, as well as a cap, sunglasses, sunblock, and comfortable clothes.

The captain and first mate work hard to ensure that you have as much fun as possible on their trips, so gratuity is appreciated very much. The first mate works for tips, with 20% being the standard in this area.

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Rating

4.7
214 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (358)

What anglers say

92%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (214)

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Showing 15 of 214 reviews
Gary Mentzel
Gary Mentzel
Repeat angler
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2023
4 trips
1
5.0
Verified
Another Great Trip
Half Day – Reef Inshore Gulf (AM) on March 9, 20262 adults
For the fifth year in a row we fished with Johnniy Maddox Charters. This was our second charter this year so far. Captain Brian always puts on the fish and Mate Cody has the rods ready for action and is quick to unhook fish and get us rebaited for another hook up. Fishing with these guys is like fishing with a couple of your buddies. This trip we had 15 yellowtails and a mutton. When we got back to the dock Brian and Cody cleaned and filleted the catch ready to go to Lazy Days for a great dinner of fresh fish. Thanks Captain Johnny, Captain Brian, and Cody
Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper
Joseph Loving
Joseph Loving
us
Leavenworth, KS, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great Charter on a rough day
Full Day – Offshore Mahi or Combo on May 28, 20264 adults1 child
First of we had a great Capt and Mate! they tried there absolute hardest to get out there and find the fish but tough conditions made it impossible. we did mangage to end up with a great bunch of yellow tail for the box. Would recommend this charter for anyone looking to book in this area.
Scott Davis
Scott Davis
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2025
0
4.7
Verified
Mahi trip
6 Hour Run & Gun- Mahi,Tuna,Wahoo on June 15, 20252 adults
We had a great time for a Father's Day trip with Brian and Cody. The crew worked hard to put us on the fish and make sure that we had a great trip. I would recommend them for anyone looking for a great experience. My only complaint was actually with Fishing Booker and not because of Johnny Maddox. I would think most trips would be shared and Fishing Booker has no option to partially pay for the trip so everyone can pay in advance. That simple fix would help greatly. Luckily the captain was good about splitting the trip on the morning of our trip, but would be nice to have everyone pay in advance through Fishing Booker.
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Heath Batwell
Heath Batwell
gb
United Kingdom
Member since 2026
0
4.7
Verified
great afternoon out for the family
Half Day–Reef/Wreck/Insh/Gulf (PM) on April 1, 20262 adults2 children
My family of four had a great time out with Captain Brian and first mate Cody. We fished along the grass flats and caught - 15 Mangrove snapper keepers, 1 Bonnethead shark, 1 puffer fish, over a dozen smaller bait fish. The crew were great with my 10 and 6 year old boys. The crew also fileted our snappers, which we then had perfectly cooked at the Key fisheries. We would highly recommend!!
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Response from Captain
April 8, 2026
thank you for your very positive review. Please hurry back next year for another great experience. 
Scott Hauk
Scott Hauk
us
Alabama, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip!
3/4 Day Trip – Reef, Wrecks,Combo on May 29, 20262 adults2 children
Captain Johnny and Cody were great. We had an 8 and 10 year old and they had a blast!
Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
June 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Half Day – Reef Inshore Gulf (AM)
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
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US $795
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day – Snapper Grouper Sharks
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
US $795
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day–Reef/Wreck/Insh/Gulf (PM)
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
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US $895
Entire boat: up to 6 people
3/4 Day Trip – Reef, Wrecks,Combo
6 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
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US $1,095
Entire boat: up to 6 people
6 Hour Run & Gun- Mahi,Tuna,Wahoo
6 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
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US $1,295
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day Trips–Reef,Wrecks,Gulf
8 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
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US $1,395
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day – Offshore Mahi or Combo
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
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US $1,495
Entire boat: up to 6 people
8-10hr–BigGame Bluewater Mahi Tuna
10 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
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US $1,795
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 15 people looking at this charter.

Rating

4.7
214 reviews
4.7
Boat & equipment
4.8
Captain & crew
4.7
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (358)

What anglers say

92%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
90%
Caught fish

All reviews (214)

Filter
Frequently mentioned
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Showing 15 of 214 reviews
Gary Mentzel
Gary Mentzel
Repeat angler
us
New Jersey, US
Member since 2023
4 trips
1
5.0
Verified
Another Great Trip
Half Day – Reef Inshore Gulf (AM) on March 9, 20262 adults
For the fifth year in a row we fished with Johnniy Maddox Charters. This was our second charter this year so far. Captain Brian always puts on the fish and Mate Cody has the rods ready for action and is quick to unhook fish and get us rebaited for another hook up. Fishing with these guys is like fishing with a couple of your buddies. This trip we had 15 yellowtails and a mutton. When we got back to the dock Brian and Cody cleaned and filleted the catch ready to go to Lazy Days for a great dinner of fresh fish. Thanks Captain Johnny, Captain Brian, and Cody
Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper
Joseph Loving
Joseph Loving
us
Leavenworth, KS, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great Charter on a rough day
Full Day – Offshore Mahi or Combo on May 28, 20264 adults1 child
First of we had a great Capt and Mate! they tried there absolute hardest to get out there and find the fish but tough conditions made it impossible. we did mangage to end up with a great bunch of yellow tail for the box. Would recommend this charter for anyone looking to book in this area.
Scott Davis
Scott Davis
us
Georgia, US
Member since 2025
0
4.7
Verified
Mahi trip
6 Hour Run & Gun- Mahi,Tuna,Wahoo on June 15, 20252 adults
We had a great time for a Father's Day trip with Brian and Cody. The crew worked hard to put us on the fish and make sure that we had a great trip. I would recommend them for anyone looking for a great experience. My only complaint was actually with Fishing Booker and not because of Johnny Maddox. I would think most trips would be shared and Fishing Booker has no option to partially pay for the trip so everyone can pay in advance. That simple fix would help greatly. Luckily the captain was good about splitting the trip on the morning of our trip, but would be nice to have everyone pay in advance through Fishing Booker.
Reported catch:
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Heath Batwell
Heath Batwell
gb
United Kingdom
Member since 2026
0
4.7
Verified
great afternoon out for the family
Half Day–Reef/Wreck/Insh/Gulf (PM) on April 1, 20262 adults2 children
My family of four had a great time out with Captain Brian and first mate Cody. We fished along the grass flats and caught - 15 Mangrove snapper keepers, 1 Bonnethead shark, 1 puffer fish, over a dozen smaller bait fish. The crew were great with my 10 and 6 year old boys. The crew also fileted our snappers, which we then had perfectly cooked at the Key fisheries. We would highly recommend!!
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Response from Captain
April 8, 2026
thank you for your very positive review. Please hurry back next year for another great experience. 
Scott Hauk
Scott Hauk
us
Alabama, US
Member since 2026
0
5.0
Verified
New
Great trip!
3/4 Day Trip – Reef, Wrecks,Combo on May 29, 20262 adults2 children
Captain Johnny and Cody were great. We had an 8 and 10 year old and they had a blast!
Reported catch:
Yellowtail Snapper

FAQs about “PAPA PAPA” Johnny Maddox Charters

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The fish you can target

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What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Sportfishing boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
31 ft
Year built
2005
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
Ocean Master
Boat type
Sportfishing
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots
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