Foodchain Fishing 

4.9
(230 reviews)
 
State licensed
 1555 Bluefin Drive, Marathon, FL 33050, United States–

Foodchain Fishing 

Marathon, FL, United States
–
26 ft
4
4.9
(230 reviews)

Foodchain Fishing takes you straight to the basics! If you want to take your family on an old-school fishing trip, look no further than Captain Carl Bish. He's an angler and a science teacher who puts all he’s got into helping enthusiasts out. This charter means stripping down to the core – keep it simple, just go fishing. The trips are suitable for anglers of all skill levels, specializing in couples and families with children.

You will be angling from a 26’ McKee Craft center console that was restored in 2023. She can comfortably take your crew on an adventure around the Keys, with all the tools to put dinner in the cooler.

Foodchain Fishing is primarily a family fishing charter. Capt. Carl and Capt. Jim each have over 35 years of experience in this business. We have had our fill of long days and rough seas; now we just want to take folks fishing for 3-, 4-, and 5-hour trips. We fish where the fish are and where the waves are most comfortable. On really bad weather days, we simply cancel or postpone the trip. We only make about 200 days available each year, so it is easy for us to postpone by swapping off days for better weather. Most of our crews are families: couples, brothers, sisters, parents with children ranging in age from 3 to 40, and even children with parents. We like crews of 2–4 anglers but can accommodate families of up to 6 with approval.

Once aboard, you’ll literally fish up the food chain – cast your lure, reel in your catch, then repurpose it to hook something even bigger! The reefs and wrecks here are teeming with fish, so the odds of catching a big one are on your side. You’ll target a variety of species, including Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, sharks, and more, depending on the season.

Foodchain Fishing will see to it that you get the most out of your time on the water. Not only will you fish around the Marathon reefs and wrecks, but you will also learn about the reef ecosystem and the town’s history.

Get ready to conquer the food chain!

Foodchain Fishing takes you straight to the basics! If you want to take your family on an old-school fishing trip, look no further than Captain Carl Bish. He's an angler and a science teacher who puts all he’s got into helping enthusiasts out. This charter means stripping down to the core – keep it simple, just go fishing. The trips are suitable for anglers of all skill levels, specializing in couples and families with children.

You will be angling from a 26’ McKee Craft center console that was restored in 2023. She can comfortably take your crew on an adventure around the Keys, with all the tools to put dinner in the cooler.

Foodchain Fishing is primarily a family fishing charter. Capt. Carl and Capt. Jim each have over 35 years of experience in this business. We have had our fill of long days and rough seas; now we just want to take folks fishing for 3-, 4-, and 5-hour trips. We fish where the fish are and where the waves are most comfortable. On really bad weather days, we simply cancel or postpone the trip. We only make about 200 days available each year, so it is easy for us to postpone by swapping off days for better weather. Most of our crews are families: couples, brothers, sisters, parents with children ranging in age from 3 to 40, and even children with parents. We like crews of 2–4 anglers but can accommodate families of up to 6 with approval.

Once aboard, you’ll literally fish up the food chain – cast your lure, reel in your catch, then repurpose it to hook something even bigger! The reefs and wrecks here are teeming with fish, so the odds of catching a big one are on your side. You’ll target a variety of species, including Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, sharks, and more, depending on the season.

Foodchain Fishing will see to it that you get the most out of your time on the water. Not only will you fish around the Marathon reefs and wrecks, but you will also learn about the reef ecosystem and the town’s history.

Get ready to conquer the food chain!

Carl Bish
Captain
Carl Bish
39 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
Barracuda (Great)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Red)
Shark (Tiger)
+3
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
3 hour trip starts at 3:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Mar 15 - Oct 30
Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Goliath)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Black)
+5
US $600
Entire boat: up to 4 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
230 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (278)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
98%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

Reviews (230)

  • Jeremy  Tompkins
    Jeremy Tompkins
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fun trip with Cap’t Carl

    3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (AM) on June 23, 2026 • 4 adults

    Even though it was a tough day on the water, Captain Carl took us to spots that still produced some great fish! We went home with enough to eat and more, all while having fun along the way.

  • Ryan Wilkinson
    Ryan Wilkinson
    Repeat angler
    us
    Connecticut, US
    Member since 2018
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Day!

    Half Day Trip (PM) on April 11, 2024 • 2 adults

    Captain Carl took my wife and I out into the Gulf and provided an amazing day of fishing. It was clear to the both of us that Captain Carl had a vast knowledge of the waters and of fishing in general. He was always proactive with moving to a new spot if we weren’t catching any fish at our current location. He was quick to share his knowledge of the biodiversity present in the keys, and the history behind the islands. The day progressed to a point where the Captain and my wife had a system down where she would catch the fish, swing it over the gunnel, Capt would take it off and re-bait the hook, and she was back fishing within the minute. We were able to limit out on Mangrove snapper, and even hooked up to a monster grouper! Capt made the day feel less like a charter booked through a website, and more like an afternoon fishing with a friend. This day truly made our honeymoon even better and is a day we won’t soon forget!

  • Tom Hiltenbrand
    Tom Hiltenbrand
    Repeat angler
    us
    Idaho, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Family-Friendly Charter

    3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM) on March 26, 2024 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Captain Carl was punctual; his boat and gear were clean and in working order. He knows the waters and kept us on the fish the entire time. Most casts had a strike, and though we didn't land all of them, we were pulling in fish constantly. More times than not multiple fish were on at once! Carl's great with kids. Our 12 and 14 year old had some fishing experience, but he provided pointers, improving their confidence and ability. The sunset fishing tour was beautiful--with a lovely temp and no other boats in sight. After catching numerous "keepers," we ended with my son catching an 8-foot nurse shark right as the sun disappeared over the horizon. We booked a 3 hour sunset tour, and he ended up spending five and half hours with us by the time he cleaned all the fish. Captain Carl is a class act. He adapts his charters to the needs, skill level, and interests of his clients. This trip was easily the best fishing charter for our family to date! Thank you, Captain Carl, for a top-notch experience!

  • Elizabeth Corwin
    Elizabeth Corwin
    Repeat angler
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best trip ever!

    3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM) on February 12, 2024 • 2 adults

    We had such a great time. Captain Carl had some really excellent spots to fish. Every time I cast, I was reeling a fish in within a minute, many times even less-a couple seconds! Though many of them were not keepers, it kept it exciting. Captain Carl was very patient with me and kept my hook baited and took the fish off for me. My husband got to do his own thing while someone else did all my “dirty work.” We even reeled in a pretty big nurse shark! We saw so many sea turtles that came right up to the boat. The sunset was a beautiful ending and Captain Carl took some awesome pics for us.

  • Christine Poston
    Christine Poston
    Repeat angler
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Two Years in a Row!

    5 hour Fish with Captain Jim on March 6, 2024 • 4 adults

    We went with Foodchain Fishing for the second time (we had a great time last year!) and had another amazing experience! We went with Captain Jim and caught multiple types of fish to include a Tiger Shark (we obviously did not keep and Captain Jim explained they use a specific hook that dissolves so doesn't hurt the shark). We took our boys who love fishing and the smiles during the trip were worth every penny! Would definitely recommend this fishing trip company!

  • Christine Poston
    Christine Poston
    Repeat angler
    us
    Minnesota, US
    Member since 2023
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    The Best Charter!!

    5 Hour Trip – A Trip With Capt. Jim on March 10, 2023 • 3 adults

    We try to do a charter wherever we travel and Captain Jim made this trip wonderful! He truly cared about having my boys have a great experience and they definitely did. My kids wanted to catch a shark and Captain Jim pulled out all of the stops (and brought special bait that caught the shark!) to try and finally we had success! The smile on my kids' faces were priceless! Even if we weren't successful Captain Jim knew the hot spots and we caught a ton of fish besides the shark (which was released). Great trip and would highly recommend this charter!! Thank you Captain Jim!

  • Dj Smith
    Dj Smith
    us
    Michigan, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Great half a day trip with the captain

    5 Hour Trip – A Trip With Capt. Jim on February 21, 2023 • 4 adults • 2 children

    My wife, two girls and I had a great day fishing. The girls got to experience a big hammer head shark, sea turtle, dolphin, and a sea full of fish. Oldest daughter said her arm hurt from reeling In fish so you know it was a good day fishing. The captain made sure we had the right bate to keep catching fish. Very knowledgeable in fish species when the girls asked and a great all around captain. He did a great job keeping my teenage girls curiosity and excitement going throughout the day. Thank you again sir for spending your birthday with us. We had an awesome day captain Jim.

  • Edward  Althouse
    Edward Althouse
    us
    Delaware, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Wonderful afternoon fishing with Captain Carl

    Half Day Trip (PM) on March 27, 2023 • 2 adults

    Moved our morning trip to 3:30 to get calmer water and it was a great decision. In 4 hours we fished 2 wrecks and 2 other sites and caught a variety of fish. Grouper, that we released, large sea trout, large mangrove and Lane snapper, remora, large puffer fish and 3 large catfish. Captain Carl was perfect at getting us fishing and keeping bait on the lines. My wife, who never fishes caught the largest snapper at 16”. Even spotted turtles. Just a great trip and capped with a sunset. Thanks Captain Carl for a memorable time.

  • Steve Shalaby
    Steve Shalaby
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Capt. Jim put us on the fish!

    5 hour Fish with Captain Jim on March 21, 2024 • 4 adults • 2 children

    Capt. Jim is a great guy! The kind of guy you could be friends with for a long time. Kind, patient, friendly, smiley and knows his stuff!! He was so great with our boys (10 & 12) it felt like he was a family member taking us out on his boat. We wanted to catch yellowtails and we slayed them! Highly recommend this outfit and particularly Capt. Jim!

  • Hughes De Bellaigue
    Hughes De Bellaigue
    fr
    France
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    Fantastique expérience en famille

    3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM) on February 29, 2024 • 4 adults • 1 child

    Organisation parfaite . Arrivée directe sur un spot de pêche où les grands et petits ont pu pêcher beaucoup de poissons , puis route pour un deuxième spot . Toujours beaucoup de poissons . Observation de tortues et bouquet final avec la pêche d’un requin d’environ 80kg après un combat d’une heure . Au top . Les enfants ont des étoiles plein les yeux . MERCI

FAQs about Foodchain Fishing

Foodchain Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $600 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Family Fishing (PM) (3 hours)
When you book a trip with Foodchain Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Foodchain Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Light tackle for snappers, heavy for others)
  • Live bait (Start with a shrimp end with a monster.)
  • Lures (We use mostly jigs.)
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (At the end of the trip, your captain will take care to clean your fish and provide you with fillets ready for the chef!!)
  • Drinks (We have a cooler of water for all guests.)
  • Fishing license (Foodchain Fishing has a license that covers 4 adult fisherpersons. If the captain approves more than 4 persons, number 5&6, if over 16 years old will need to purchase a 3 day license.)
Foodchain Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing (The Atlantic or the Gulf out to about 12 miles)
  • Reef fishing (Marathon has great patch reefs teaming with fish)
  • Wreck fishing
Foodchain Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift fishing
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Foodchain Fishing include:
  • Barracuda (Great)
  • Grouper (Black)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Shark (Lemon)
  • Shark (Nurse)
  • Shark (Tiger)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Spanish Mackerel

Your captain

Carl Bish
Carl Bish
Marathon, Florida, United States
15 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
230 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2017
I earned my first Captain’s License at the age of 20 and immediately began operating charters on the Great Lakes. On Lake Ontario, we fished for King Salmon, Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, and Lake Trout. Walleye ruled Lake Erie, so we went after them, while Smallmouth Bass always made for a fun trip. During the offseason, I taught science at a high school. The two careers soon became complementary, as I focused on providing family-oriented trips designed to introduce children to sport fishing. I ran this service each summer during the fishing season until selling it in 2015 and moving to the Florida Keys. Here in the Keys, I continue to focus on family-oriented fishing in a relaxed, “go out and have fun” style. I enjoy educating families about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the surrounding ecosystem. Onboard, our goal is to fish up the food chain, or as our slogan says: “Start with a shrimp… end with a monster!”
Carl Bish
Carl Bish
Fully verified
15
reports
230
reviews
2017
member since
~1h
response
I earned my first Captain’s License at the age of 20 and immediately began operating charters on the Great Lakes. On Lake Ontario, we fished for King Salmon, Steelhead, Atlantic Salmon, and Lake Trout. Walleye ruled Lake Erie, so we went after them, while Smallmouth Bass always made for a fun trip. During the offseason, I taught science at a high school. The two careers soon became complementary, as I focused on providing family-oriented trips designed to introduce children to sport fishing. I ran this service each summer during the fishing season until selling it in 2015 and moving to the Florida Keys. Here in the Keys, I continue to focus on family-oriented fishing in a relaxed, “go out and have fun” style. I enjoy educating families about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the surrounding ecosystem. Onboard, our goal is to fish up the food chain, or as our slogan says: “Start with a shrimp… end with a monster!”

The fish you can target

Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Lemon Shark
Lemon Shark
Nurse Shark
Nurse Shark
Tiger Shark
Tiger Shark
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Great Barracuda
Great Barracuda
Black Grouper
Black Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Lemon Shark
Lemon Shark

Real catches by this captain

  • A large grouper is being reeled in during a fishing trip, showcasing the excitement of the catch in clear blue waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +2
    Goliath Grouper
    Our Central Florida crew came with two requests: mangroves for the dinner table and sharks for the ladies. Mission accomplished! We even had some bonus entertainment, with feeding dolphins on the way out and a sea turtle stopping by for a visit. We worked our way up the FOOD CHAIN, caught everything prescribed and then some. Just another beautiful fall morning fishing the Florida Keys!
  • A group of anglers displaying their catch of several Snapper on a table after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Mangrove Snapper
    Jeremy  T.
    Jeremy T.
    Even though it was a tough day on the water, Captain Carl took us to spots that still produced some great fish! We went home with enough to eat and more, all while having fun along the way.
  • An angler proudly displaying a freshly caught fish while fishing on a sunny day at sea.
    Fish 1
    Lane Snapper
    Zach M.
    Zach M.
    Had great spots - put us right on the fish. Made an attempt to catch a shark that was after our yellowtail. Three of us caught at least a dozen each. 10/10 recommend Captain Carl!!
  • A young angler reaching out to touch a shark while fishing from a boat, showcasing an exciting moment on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Nurse Shark
    Ted G.
    Ted G.
    We had 4 people in our group. Two adults and a 12 and 15 yr old. The caption was awesome and very knowledgeable. He took the time to teach the kids and helped them catch fish. My son even caught a shark. Highly recommend this charter
  • A young angler is actively reeling in a fish while fishing on a boat in open waters, showcasing the excitement of the catch.
    Fish 1
    Lane Snapper
    Joel B.
    Joel B.
    Cap'n Carl great, friendly, informative. Made our trip great in more than just the fishing. Advice, other activities, gear suggestions. Hydration! Picked us up at our room! 5 foot walk from our houseboat door!
  • A variety of fish including Snapper and Yellowtail laid out on a cleaning table, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Mutton Snapper
    Nicholas F.
    Nicholas F.
    He helped not only catch fish but gave us lots of great tips on how to, where to find and which species are the best depending on what you’re looking for! It was a great experience finding, catching and cleaning after. Thank you!
  • A variety of fish including a large grouper and several snapper laid out on a cleaning table, showcasing a successful night of fishing.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Mangrove Snapper
    Kris D.
    Kris D.
    Captain Carl is very experienced fisherman and knew just where to go. He is very professional, easy going and great sense of humor. He was patient and a great instructor for our kids. We caught lots of snapper, a grouper and lots of other ones we could not keep like a couple of Goliath grouper, and a nurse shark. We highly recommend him.
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large fish, likely a Jack Crevalle, while fishing on a boat in open waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Jack Crevalle
    Dan T.
    Dan T.
    Highly recommend and would gladly direct others to Captain Carl Bish. Our sons (12 & 14) as well as ourselves (adults) had an absolutely wonderful and fun experience. He was very knowledgeable and helpful in assisting wherever needed.
  • An enthusiastic angler proudly displaying a freshly caught fish while enjoying a day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    White Bass
    Ryan W.
    Ryan W.
    Captain Carl took my wife and I out into the Gulf and provided an amazing day of fishing. It was clear to the both of us that Captain Carl had a vast knowledge of the waters and of fishing in general. He was always proactive with moving to a new spot if we weren’t catching any fish at our current location. He was quick to share his knowledge of the biodiversity present in the keys, and the history behind the islands. The day progressed to a point where the Captain and my wife had a system down where she would catch the fish, swing it over the gunnel, Capt would take it off and re-bait the hook, and she was back fishing within the minute. We were able to limit out on Mangrove snapper, and even hooked up to a monster grouper! Capt made the day feel less like a charter booked through a website, and more like an afternoon fishing with a friend. This day truly made our honeymoon even better and is a day we won’t soon forget!
  • Large shark swimming just below the turquoise surface, with a fishing line visible above it during an offshore catch-and-release encounter.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Nurse Shark
    Brian P.
    Brian P.
    Captain Carl is great! My wife and I caught 12 different species of fish including a 7' Shark!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
26 ft
Year built
1988
Restored in
2023
Boat manufacturer
McKee Craft
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
2 x 150HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Light tackle for snappers, heavy for others
Live bait
Start with a shrimp end with a monster.
Lures
We use mostly jigs.
Catch cleaning & filleting
At the end of the trip, your captain will take care to clean your fish and provide you with fillets ready for the chef!!
Drinks
We have a cooler of water for all guests.
Fishing license
Foodchain Fishing has a license that covers 4 adult fisherpersons. If the captain approves more than 4 persons, number 5&6, if over 16 years old will need to purchase a 3 day 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.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child friendly
Great pole bending for families up to 6 persons
You keep catch
We even clean them for you.
Catch and release allowed
All sharks and Sails are released.

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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
 PayPal

What’s biting in Marathon right now

Barracuda (Great)Barracuda (Great)
Grouper (Black)Grouper (Black)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
Snapper (Yellowtail)Snapper (Yellowtail)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Foodchain Fishing
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State licensed
4.9
(230)
26 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
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+8
3 hour trip • 4 persons
US $600