Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters 

4.9/5 (247 reviews)
 
State licensed
 3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon, FL 33050, United States

Riplines Charters welcomes you to Marathon, Florida to enjoy some of the world’s best fishing. USCG licensed and insured, Captain Rip Slendak is a tournament-winning angler who invites you to an interactive approach to the Riplines Charter fishing experience by being an integral part of the fishing team. Hop aboard and fish offshore, inshore, reefs, wrecks, the Atlantic, and the Gulf. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned angler, the crew welcomes you aboard its fishing adventure.

Your boat for the day is a 23’ Tidewater center console that fits up to 4 guests. It runs on a 250 HP Yamaha engine, uses all the modern navigation electronics… For a better fishing experience, the boat uses a live well, for live bait and outriggers for trolling.

Using light and heavy tackle, you and Captain Rip will attract fish by bottom, deep sea, drift, and kite fishing, as well as trolling, spinning, and jigging. Some of the species you can expect to chase are Mahi Mahi, Yellowtail Snapper, Tarpon, Blackfin Tuna, Black Grouper, and Blue Marlin. If you choose to keep the fish you catch, the captain will clean and fillet it for you, free of charge. You’re welcome to bring your kids aboard.
Captain Rip provides all the fishing tackle and licenses are provided, so just bring your sunglasses, food, drinks, and sunscreen.

PLEASE NOTE ANGLERS:  Effective 06/05/2025
Captain Rip & Riplines Charters have established a partnership with Captain Johnny Maddox & Sportfishing Adventures to carryout Riplines scheduled charters for our customers.  Captain Johnny Maddox is an iconic Captain/Guide in Marathon with over 25 years of experience and performs at the highest standards to fulfill our anglers' expectations. Captain Johnny is also a 5-Star rated captain.

At this time a Proline 24' with a 250 hp Suzuki outboard, and a 31' OceanMaster with twin Suzuki 300 hp outboards are available for Riplines anglers.
Please send me a message with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Captain Rip

Rip Slendak

Captain

Rip Slendak

36 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Drinks
 Toilet
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
AM 4-hour Half Day–Reef/Wreck-$695
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
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US $695 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 HR SUNSET REEF TRIP/$695 SEASONAL
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 Hour Trip, starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip Oct 15 - Apr 15
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US $695 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip - 6 Hour / $850
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:45 AM
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US $850 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 - Hour Full Day / $1050
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
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US $1,050 
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 8 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 247 reviews
Boat
4.9/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (581)

A great morning's fishing
Strawberry Grouper
Great trip
+578

Angler rating

239
7
1
0
0

Anglers claimed

Good experience

98%

Appropriate for children

92%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

99%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

93%

Powered by Ai
 
Review summary
These summary reviews were generated by AI based on recent reviews
Captain Rip's charter stands out for expert local knowledge, diverse catches in a single trip, and a clean, comfortable boat that suits all experience levels.
Weather and trip duration can affect the experience, but the crew's adaptability ensures guests still enjoy a productive day on the water.
What Guests loved
Keep in mind
  • Captain Rip's deep local knowledge and adaptable fishing strategies consistently put guests on a variety of species, even in challenging weather conditions.
  • Guests frequently land multiple species in a single trip, with reports of catching snapper, cobia, shark, and tarpon all in one outing.
  • The charter boat is described as clean, organized, and comfortable, providing a reliable platform for both novice and experienced anglers.
Showing 1 - 5 of 247 reviews
Brian W.
Brian W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Another great day in the Keys!

VERIFIED

AM 4-hour Half Day–Reef/Wreck-$695 on July 3, 2025

My kids and I had a blast with Riplines and Captain Johnny Maddox! From start to finish, the experience was top-notch. Great communication after booking and prior to the trip. We booked a half day trip out to the reef with my teens and Captain Johnny had us on the fish in no time — the day flew as we were reeling in Yellowtail and some Mangrove's one after another. You could tell he really knows the area and how to put you in the right spot. Beyond the great fishing, Captain Johnny and his crew were friendly, professional, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and had a great time. All around great guys and I enjoyed our conversations. Whether you're an experienced angler or just looking to have some fun on the water, this is the charter to book. Highly recommend and we'll definitely be back!

My kids and I had a blast with Riplines and Captain Johnny Maddox! From start to finish, the experience was top-notch. Great communication after booking and prior to the trip. We booked a half day trip out to the reef with my teens and Captain Johnny had us on the fish in no time — the day flew as we were reeling in Yellowtail and some Mangrove's one after another. You could tell he really knows the area and how to put you in the right spot. Beyond the great fishing, Captain Johnny and his...  

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 Brian W. recommends Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters
Rip Slendak
Rip Slendak (The Captain)
Replied on August 5, 2025
Thank you Brain, for your booking and 5-Star review. We appreciate your business and getting out on the water with iconic Captain Johnny, great day. Hopefully we can have you aboard again soon. Sincerely, Captain Rip & Captain Johnny

Dave M.
Dave M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Awesome Day on the Water with Captain Rip!

VERIFIED

8 - Hour Full Day / $1050 on February 25, 2025

I had an amazing day out on the water with Captain Rip! He really knows his stuff when it comes to finding fish and getting you hooked up. In spite of the challenging weather conditions, I landed a 52-inch Wahoo within the first two hours—what an incredible start! We then continued our search for a Sailfish, and Captain Rip delivered again. After an exciting fight, I was able to get her to the boat for a legal catch, and we released her to be caught another day. I can’t recommend Captain Rip highly enough. He's not only an expert fisherman but also a great guy to spend the day with. It was a fun, unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to fish with him again!

I had an amazing day out on the water with Captain Rip! He really knows his stuff when it comes to finding fish and getting you hooked up. In spite of the challenging weather conditions, I landed a 52-inch Wahoo within the first two hours—what an incredible start! We then continued our search for a Sailfish, and Captain Rip delivered again. After an exciting fight, I was able to get her to the boat for a legal catch, and we released her to be caught another day. I can’t recommend Captain Rip...  

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 Dave M. recommends Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters
Rip Slendak
Rip Slendak (The Captain)
Replied on March 16, 2025
Dave, what can I say... To get 2 fish off your bucket list on the same day, both very challenging pelagics to catch. We did it, and you stayed in the fight with rough and challenging sea conditions. We can't wait to do it again. Thank you for your 5-Star review and an unforgettable day. Captain Rip
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Steven P.
Steven P.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Strawberry Grouper

VERIFIED
NEW

AM 4-hour Half Day–Reef/Wreck-$695 on July 31, 2025

Yup, our group managed to snag a strawberry grouper and a mackeral that became delicious dockside sushi! We went feef fishing and the yellowtail red snappers were biting. There were plenty enough for lunch and dinner. The captain obviously knew where to take us, kept the rods ready, and kept us entertained with storied of the Keys. We enjoyed it so much we are taking a full day trip this week with the same captain.

Yup, our group managed to snag a strawberry grouper and a mackeral that became delicious dockside sushi! We went feef fishing and the yellowtail red snappers were biting. There were plenty enough for lunch and dinner. The captain obviously knew where to take us, kept the rods ready, and kept us entertained with storied of the Keys. We enjoyed it so much we are taking a full day trip this week with the same captain.  

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 Steven P. recommends Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters
Rip Slendak
Rip Slendak (The Captain)
Replied on August 5, 2025
Thank you Steven, for your booking and your 5-Star review. We appreciate your business and fishing with the iconic Captain Johnny and his crew. Awesome day on the water. Hopefully we can have you aboard again soon. Sincerely, Captain Rip & Captain Johnny

Jez W.
Jez W.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

A great morning's fishing

VERIFIED
NEW

AM 4-hour Half Day–Reef/Wreck-$695 on August 2, 2025

We had a fantastic morning with skipper Brian. My son, Adam hooked into a fish on the very first drop and the fish just kept on coming... A couple of Blue Runners, too many Yellow Snappers to count, a Rainbow Runner and a small Bonito to round off things. We took our catch to a restaurant recommended by Brian and it tasted fantastic. Highly recommended !

We had a fantastic morning with skipper Brian. My son, Adam hooked into a fish on the very first drop and the fish just kept on coming... A couple of Blue Runners, too many Yellow Snappers to count, a Rainbow Runner and a small Bonito to round off things. We took our catch to a restaurant recommended by Brian and it tasted fantastic. Highly recommended !  

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 Jez W. recommends Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters
Rip Slendak
Rip Slendak (The Captain)
Replied on August 5, 2025
Thank you Jonathan, for your booking and your 5-Star review. We appreciate your business and fishing with Captain Brian and his crew. It's great to put smiles on the faces of our anglers. Hopefully we can have you aboard again soon. Sincerely, Captain Rip & Captain Johnny

Francine F.
Francine F.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Awesome experience

VERIFIED

5 HR SUNSET REEF TRIP/$695 SEASONAL on February 5, 2025

Captain Rip is very knowledgeable of the area and marine life. He was accommodating to our group of 3 and one of the friendliest charter captians we have dealt with. He was patient with each of us and explained the various fishing techniques and target fish. The conditions were a little sporty for reef fishing so he took us out along the 7 Mile Bridge, which was a smooth and very enjoyable ride. Fishing was a bit slow at first but we got into some yellowtail & mangrove snapper as well as a few other species that were interesting to catch and see up close. Highlights of the trip were catching a young Goliath grouper and a HUGE barracuda. We would definitely recommend Rip for the 5 hour fishing & sunset trip.

Captain Rip is very knowledgeable of the area and marine life. He was accommodating to our group of 3 and one of the friendliest charter captians we have dealt with. He was patient with each of us and explained the various fishing techniques and target fish. The conditions were a little sporty for reef fishing so he took us out along the 7 Mile Bridge, which was a smooth and very enjoyable ride. Fishing was a bit slow at first but we got into some yellowtail & mangrove snapper as well as...  

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 Francine F. recommends Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters
1 person finds this review helpful
Rip Slendak
Rip Slendak (The Captain)
Replied on February 16, 2025
Thank you Francine, Mike and Dianne for fishing aboard Riplines. It was great having you aboard and getting a couple of bucket fish off your list. I also aporeciate your kind words and 5-Star Review. All the best to you, Rip

...

FAQs about Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters

What are the trip rates for Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters?

Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $695 per group - 5 HR SUNSET REEF TRIP/$695 SEASONAL (5 hours)
  • US $695 per group - AM 4-hour Half Day–Reef/Wreck-$695 (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group - 3/4 Day Trip - 6 Hour / $850 (6 hours)
  • US $1,050 per group - 8 - Hour Full Day / $1050 (8 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters?

When you book a trip with Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • Toilet (Portable)
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well When available.
  • Outriggers
  • Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters?

Trips booked with Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait (Additional cost for kite fishing-depending on bait)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Bottled water and ice provided.)
  • First Mate (On occasion)
  • Fishing License
What types of fishing does Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters offer?

Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters offers the following types of fishing:

  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing (Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico)
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
What fishing techniques does Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters offer?

Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters?

Top targeted fish species with Riplines Charters / Johnny Maddox Charters include:

  • Amberjack
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Marlin (Blue)
  • Sailfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tarpon
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Your captain

Rip Slendak

Marathon, Florida, United States

ID & license verified
247 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since December 2020
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

The love of fishing has been in Captain Rip's blood since he was a boy. Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, he spent his early days fishing on Anglin's Fishing Pier. He went on many head and charter boat trips with his father and friends. The captain bought his first boat in 1984 and has fished offshore extensively from Jupiter Inlet to Marathon and the Bahamas. Both as an angler and captain, he participated in the billfish tournament circuits along the SE Florida coast and the Bahamas. Also, a top 5 finisher in the Annual Lighthouse Point Invitational Sailfish Tournament and top boat and angler in the Ft. Lauderdale Semi-Annual Billfish Tournament. Captain Rip's professional careers had taken him throughout the United States and his passion for fishing has allowed him to adapt to the fisheries and waters where he lived. The one constant through all the years has been fishing, it has introduced him to lifelong friends and an infinite number of fishing stories.

Our Team
Johnny M.

Johnny M.

Captain

Brian P.

Brian P.

Captain

Dennis D.

Dennis D.

Captain

Brain B.

Brain B.

First mate

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin
Sailfish
Sailfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Tarpon
Tarpon
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Wahoo
Wahoo

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
23 ft
Year built
2017
Boat manufacturer
Tidewater
Boat type
Center console

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing

Nearshore Fishing

Offshore Fishing

Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico

Reef Fishing

Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Heavy Tackle

Bottom Fishing

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Drift Fishing

Kite Fishing

Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet

(Portable)

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

When available.

Outriggers

Ice Box

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

Additional cost for kite fishing-depending on bait

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

Drinks

Bottled water and ice provided.

First Mate

On occasion

Fishing License

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation

Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.

Child Friendly

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Visa

 Mastercard

 American Express

 Checks

What’s biting in Marathon right now

AmberjackAmberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Marlin (Blue)Marlin (Blue)
SailfishSailfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
TarponTarpon
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)
WahooWahoo
8 people are looking at this charter.
3/4 Day Trip - 6 Hour / $850 booked 7 hours ago