What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Marathon, Florida for the first time?

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Marathon

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Tom Valyo
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 50’ SeaRay, Veteran Owned on May 8, 2025
Capt.Robert is ideal as he will coach those that need help and are new to Keys fishing and techniques. This man has the patience of a saint and will put you on fish. More than appropriate for families

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John Cox
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 2 – Bay Boat on May 4, 2025
Captain Jay Charters 2 with Captain Ben was the perfect Charter trip for us. We had four people on board, one who has been fishing his whole life but not in this area, one with minimal fishing experience and two with absolutely no fishing experience. When we booked the trip we thought two of us would fish the other two would catch some sun. By the end of the afternoon all four of us were catching laughing screaming and having a wonderful time! And a couple hours later we were enjoying a wonderful dinner of the fresh fish that we just caught. Thank you Captain Jay charters and thank you especially to Captain Ben you were fantastic!

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Dan Clark
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Outbound Charters – 34' Seavee on May 3, 2025
The water was teeming with fish. We were fishing a busy weekend with a local Mahi tournament going on as well. Lots of boats plus windy day made for some rougher waters. But the fishing was great. We did one day backwater with a different outfit and then this trip. Both days were super productive. I fish the Keys a few times a year, May is the best for variety and catch ratios IMO.

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Shari Schoennagel
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 1 – 30' Mako on April 23, 2025
Dress appropriately and bring Dramamine to prevent motion sickness because you never know how big the swells will be. Don’t be discouraged- the captain will make every effort to make sure you go home with fish! Bring a cooler!

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Kim Felton
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 3 -34 venture & bathroom on March 18, 2025
Have an idea of what you want to catch. If you book a 4-hour trip, you will not be going out in to deep waters and catching large fish, as the time it takes to get out to those waters eats in to the fishing time too much. 4-hour trips will keep you more inland (likely on the gulf side) catching nice fish (1 foot or larger) that you can eat over the next few days. To catch the bigger fish, you should book a full day so you can do open water fishing.

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Glenn Davis
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 3 -34 venture & bathroom on April 15, 2025
Do your homework before you book your trip. There are so many options, it’s hard to know which is best. Tarpon vs snappers vs sailfish-tuna-dolphin will be very different - both experience and price.

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Paul Roberts
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Manicsportfishing 31 foot Cabin and Bathroom on April 10, 2025
Its Marathon. Not much else to say. Ive fished all over the world, and Marathon is the best. I live in Naples and regularly fish 10k islands, Charlotte Harbor, Boca, Marco, Sanibel, etc. but when I want to get away and do some serious fishing Marathon is always at the top of the list.

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Beth Remillard
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Manicsportfishing 31 foot Cabin and Bathroom on April 11, 2025
We had the only calm day this week and every other day the fishing was amazing. We heard it from many people so the weather was the culprit for us. But we still caught enough for at least 2 good meals for 2 people.

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Amanda Ransom
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Just The Tip Charters – 34' on March 31, 2025
Even on a sunny day, the waters can be rough! A dose of Dramamime (regular or less drowsy formula) 12 hours prior and again just before was helpful advice from our captain! Also, don't forget to apply the sun screen before leaving the dock!

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Susanna Mabery
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 2 – Bay Boat on March 21, 2025
We had a great time fishing in this area. There seemed to be a lot of fish as we did pretty well. If you are looking to catch a particular species, it would be helpful to know what’s in season, etc. Enjoy!

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James Pina
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 31' Angler, Veteran Owned on March 11, 2025
I would recommend a charter with Infinite Blue through the Fishing Booker. All transactions were simple and confirmed. Prior to the charter I was updated on the charter status. And in our case our charter was revised from an 8 hr. charter to a 6 hour due to windy conditions. Kay @ Fishing Booker effectively addressed the charter revision & refund. I fully appreciated the efficiency & professionalism of both the Fishing Booker broker & Robert Williams the owner of Infinite Blue charter boats.

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Jan Miller
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Saltnsun on March 2, 2025
Definitely find an experienced guide. Fishing Booker is a great place to start. Read the reviews and let the captain know the kind of experience you're looking for when you book so they can plan the best trip for you.

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Ryan Sylvia
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 50’ SeaRay, Veteran Owned on November 8, 2024
Although not a season we typically fish in, it was great to have caught our limit on snapper. There were plenty of other fish to catch, including barracuda, mackerel, shark, and amberjack - if you want to catch fish like that, you will likely want to specifically request fishing for it.

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Jennifer Rees
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Manicsportfishing 31 foot Cabin and Bathroom on October 25, 2024
Just to be safe bring some gravol or anti-nausea to have in your back pocket. Better to be safe than sorry ? I wish we had booked a longer charter, we only did the 4 hour and it would have been nice to be out there way longer as we won’t be in Florida often enough.

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ROBERT SCALIA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 31' Angler, Veteran Owned on September 20, 2024
Definitely call Infinite Blue Charters, we had experienced fishermen and those that had very little experience, and we all caught many fish. Mainly yellow tail, but that is what we wanted. They provided all,equipment, bait,fishing license, bottled water and a great morning on the water fishing. And the captain Kyle explained everything to us on how to catch the fish. Both bottom and top fishing. We always felt safe and that we were in good hands. We all caught many fish.

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Christian Olsen
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Just The Tip Charters – 34' on July 26, 2024
Looking for mahi and tuna may take some time to track down, so if you also want to go after bottom fish like snapper/grouper, you may be pinched for time so maybe only try that for 3/4 or full day charters. Lots of sunscreen and water needed - it can get really hot - especially if the wind dies off.

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Wendi Stockstill
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Jersey Key Charters on July 17, 2024
Wear sunscreen even if you think you don’t need it! Wear a hat, sunglasses, a long sleeve fishing shirt, and appropriate shoes (not flipflops). Be patient and enjoy the view. Engage with your captain, and have fun!

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Andrew Stephenson
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 2 – Bay Boat on June 6, 2024
Communicate with your guide about what you're looking for and remember that the fish are the ones who decide where to be and what to eat. Have fun. Roll with the seasons and schools. Stay hydrated and wear a hat and long sleeve fishing shirt. The sun is the most dangerous thing on a fishing trip.

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David Hearne
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience on May 23, 2024
Research moon phase in setting your trip dates and consider tide and potential weather impacts when setting expectations near day of trip. Ask questions early and often to the charter captain. Find a charter service matched to the goals of your trip. If you have the time, make a “short” list and reach out to several charters and/or captains.

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Sven Maffett
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Callion Fishing Charters on May 18, 2024
Captain John Callion is the best professional guide I’ve ever booked. Prompt, courteous,,extremely knowledgeable about fish and habitat, as well as technique, boat was clean, tackle was on point and the entire trip was excellent bow to stern. If you want to catch fish, and enjoy the trip, this is your guide. Professional, helpful, informative and personable. If i could give him 10 stars, he earned and deserves every one.

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Andrew Steffl
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Wet Tails Charters – Keys Fishing Experience on March 30, 2024
Prioritize the emphasis of your trip on enjoying the time on the water, the natural beauty of your surroundings, and the company of friends, family and interesting people rather than bringing in a trophy fish, and you’ll have a great experience…Remember that the best part of “fishing” sometimes goes far beyond just bringing in the fish…

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Steve Shalaby
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Foodchain Fishing on March 21, 2024
So many different ways to fish in marathon. But we wanted something that wasn’t too taxing on the wife and kids so we decided on yellowtail. We got plenty of fish, didn’t have to go 20 miles offshore and it was just an all-around awesome day

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Jennifer Howald
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 50’ SeaRay, Veteran Owned on March 19, 2024
Captain Robert and his mate, Dalton, are just incredibly patient, articulate and warm people who really help you learn how to catch fish. They have decades of knowledge you can rely on and the true patience of teachers who want you to have a great day. You are in excellent hands - novices and expert fishermen alike. Can’t recommend them highly enough.

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Andrew Fish
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 30’WellCraft, Veteran Owned on March 11, 2024
Follow captains recommendations on what’s biting where. Coming with a fixed expectation of what you want to catch is not always going to work out so stay flexible and remember that the most exciting fish may be the hardest to catch. Even the best captains can’t always put you on the fish you want.

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Robert Wasvick
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 1 – 30' Mako on March 8, 2024
Go down to Key West Now after looking further into options for charters in Marathon i have found we have been totally ripped off! $1,100 for that boat ride was a joke, and these people should be dropped from your booking site!

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Jay D'angelo
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 50’ SeaRay, Veteran Owned on January 13, 2024
January can be rough month with weather and what is biting. I felt I could trust them to recommend where to invest the time to put us on the fish that we wanted without pressure to even go out due to the sea conditions. We were comfortable in a not ideal day (5-8ft), but the boat and crew did great!

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James Lynch
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 31' Angler, Veteran Owned on October 20, 2023
Buy or make a Bally Hoop net to catch ballyhoo for live bait. Get a trolling motor that has the ability to hold a gps position so you don’t have to mess with an anchor. Take 4 blocks of chum for a day on the water. Take plenty of water to drink.

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Rick Miller
Warner Robins, GA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Captain Jay Charters 2 – Bay Boat on September 21, 2023
Get a guide for your typical fishing trips. It will save you time learning the areas and recommended techniques. Also talk with your captain before the trip to cover specifics. Contact Captain Jays for a fun half day lobster lesson. Ben took good care of us.

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Mary Perdue
Suffolk, VA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Johnny Maddox Charters “PapaPapa” on June 26, 2023
These guys are so helpful. Anything you need for fishing is provided. Don’t forget sunscreen and a to take Dramamine the day before not the morning of… makes folks real tired when taken same day. WE did half day reef fishing trips. Excellent experience.

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TROY SCOTT
Gladwin, MI
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Infinite Blue – 31' Angler, Veteran Owned on November 10, 2022
Look for a trip that allows you to go Offshore, and do any type of fishing. I prefer a reef and wreck / Offshore combo tour. I prefer 6 hours. I also prefer a boat that is 30 feet or longer. If you are fishing with children or females look for a toilet on board. I also prefer to have a charter with a first mate.