What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Marathon, Florida for the first time?
Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in Marathon
Showing:
1 - 30 of 190 answers
1 - 30 of 190 answers

Wayne Bull
The captain was a nice guy, but he put no effort into our trip. He claimed there was 8’ waves where the bigger fish were. However, we watched many boats smaller than the one we were on returning from farther out. He put us in one spot and we were lucky to break 10” on the fish we caught. He charged us full price even though it wasn’t the trip we payed for. Our group felt like he was just being lazy and didn’t want to fight with a slightly rough ocean. We caught a few fish that were around 12” and he’d yell, “That’s a good one!”, as it’s skipping across the ocean as we real it in. When we met him at the dock he said we are going to go for yellow tails and the biggest yellow tail we caught was about 8”. I would never recommend "Southern Sons" to anyone. We had a better fishing experience fishing from the dock of our airbnb. Nice guy, but if he was scared to fight a little wind, he shouldn't have charged us full price. What a let down!

Dan Wentz
I have had a condo in Marathon for 40 years. I rank the in the top two charters we have used. So good that we have used them multiple times.We have gone out with them a few times and they have always produced good fishing in a highly professional manner. If you are in Marathon or one of the other Keys look them up.

Michael Lambert
These guys go above and beyond to make sure they get the customer on fish.
Anyone familiar with fishing knows that fishing is not guaranteed catching anything. It all depends on the conditions. These guys work and work until they find you fish to catch, even if it takes 10 times moving to different sites. They are a breed apart

Tom Valyo
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

John Cox
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!

Dan Clark
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.

Shari Schoennagel
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!

Glenn Davis
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.

Paul Roberts
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.

Beth Remillard
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.

Amanda Ransom
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!

Kim Felton
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.

Susanna Mabery
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!

James Pina
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.

Jan Miller
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.

Ryan Sylvia
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.

Jennifer Rees
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.

ROBERT SCALIA
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.

Christian Olsen
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.

Wendi Stockstill
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!

Sven Maffett
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.

Andrew Stephenson
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.

David Hearne
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.

Andrew Steffl
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…

Steve Shalaby
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

Jennifer Howald
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.

Andrew Fish
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.

Robert Wasvick
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!

Jay D'angelo
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!

James Lynch
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.