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 in 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 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 up to a total of 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 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



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    3 Hour Trip – Sunset Fishing
    In demand! Last booked: 4 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 4:30 PM
    Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun)
    US $450
    This short trip is a favorite of families with kids and teens. Up to 4 adults and 2 children. We will run 7-10 miles out into the Gulf, put out a chum bag, and fish while awaiting the sunset. This is a great way to introduce your family to saltwater fishing. The starting time will vary depending on the sunset. Upon return, the crew will clean and package your catch and you are off to your favorite restaurant. Please tell the captain if you have dinner reservations.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grouper (Black)
    Black Grouper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Shark (Lemon)
    Lemon Shark
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
  • Private trip
    Half Day Trip (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 3:30 PM
    Seasonal trip Mar 10 - Nov 1 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
    US $550
    Head out for 4 hours of family-friendly fishing! You'll head out into the Gulf, reefs or wrecks where the best chance for hot action exists. Hook into Snapper, Groupers, and even Sharks! Capt. Carl provides bottled water and all of the gear you need for a successful day. Bring along any drinks and snacks you'd like to enjoy and you're all set! Start times are flexible.
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Popping
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grouper (Black)
    Black Grouper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Shark (Lemon)
    Lemon Shark
    Snapper (Lane)
    Lane Snapper
  • Private trip
    5 Hour – Family Charter (Morning)
    In demand! Last booked: 3 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $700
    On this action packed morning trip, we will fish the reef or Gulf and begin chumming the water. Small Snapper show first, then big Snapper, Grouper, and other predators as we work our way up the food chain. This trip is geared toward couples and families. When you return, the crew will clean your catch and recommend the best restaurant. You pick the start time 7, 8 or 9am - tell Capt. This is a trip for crews that enjoy calmer water.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Amberjack
    Amberjack
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Grouper (Black)
    Black Grouper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Shark (Lemon)
    Lemon Shark
  • Private trip
    5 hour Fish with Captain Jim
    FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jan 14 - Apr 4 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    US $700
    On this 5-hour morning trip, Captain Jim Hanley will take you out into the calm waters of the Gulf where you will be fishing wrecks or grass patches. Small Snapper arrive first, then larger Snapper, Grouper, and any other predator around. This trip is geared toward couples and families. Most days the action is heavy and when you return, the crew will clean your catch. Captain Jim is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience. The start time can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule.
    Types of fishing
    Inshore Fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Backcountry Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Jigging
    Heavy Tackle
    Spinning
    Targeted fish
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Shark (Tiger)
    Tiger Shark
    Shark (Lemon)
    Lemon Shark
    Cero Mackerel
    Cero Mackerel
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

FAQs about Foodchain Fishing

Foodchain Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group - 3 Hour Trip – Sunset Fishing (3 hours)
  • US $550 per group - Half Day Trip (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 5 Hour – Family Charter (Morning) (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group - 5 hour Fish with Captain Jim (5 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

Meet the Captain

Carl Bish
Marathon, Florida, United States
13 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
211 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2017
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.
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 it, while Smallmouth bass always made for a fun trip. During the offseason I taught science in high school. The two careers were soon complementary – I focused on providing family-based trips aimed at getting children into sport fishing. I ran this service each summer during the fishing season until selling it in 2015 to move to the Florida Keys. Here in the Keys I continue to focus on family-based fishing in a relaxed "go out and have fun" style. I enjoy educating families on 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!"

About this listing

Targeted species

Barracuda (Great) Great Barracuda
Grouper (Black) Black Grouper
Grouper (Red) Red Grouper
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Boat specs

McKee Craft (Center console) originally built in 1988, and restored in 2023. Powered by 2 150HP Outboard engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots.

Length
26 ft
Capacity
4 persons

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Ice Box

Trip includes

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.

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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

Payment

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

Marathon Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 211 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (248)
Best Family-Friendly Charter
Best Family-Friendly Charter
Best Family-Friendly Charter
+245
Angler rating
195
12
2
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
98%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
96%
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5 of 211 reviews
Jason E.

The captain canceled

VERIFIED   NEW  March 26, 2024
The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.
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Tom H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best Family-Friendly Charter

VERIFIED   NEW  3 Hour Trip – Sunset Fishing on March 26, 2024
Captain Carl was punctual; his boat and gear were clean and in working order.  He knows the waters and kept us on the fish...
Tom H. recommends Foodchain Fishing
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Tom H. recommends Foodchain Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Christine P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Two Years in a Row!

VERIFIED   NEW  5 hour Fish with Captain Jim on March 6, 2024
We went with Foodchain Fishing for the second time (we had a great time last year!) and had another amazing experience! We...
Christine P. recommends Foodchain Fishing
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  Carl Bish Captain replied

Elizabeth C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best trip ever!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip – Sunset Fishing on February 12, 2024
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...
Elizabeth C. recommends Foodchain Fishing
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  Carl Bish Captain replied

Steve S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Capt. Jim put us on the fish!

VERIFIED   NEW  5 hour Fish with Captain Jim on March 21, 2024
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...
Steve S. recommends Foodchain Fishing
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  Carl Bish Captain replied