Get ready to tangle with some serious fish on this offshore adventure out of Marathon, FL. Captain Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the bite. Whether you're a seasoned salt or it's your first time wetting a line, this trip aboard the 40-foot Hatteras is your ticket to battling the ocean's heavyweights. We're talking wahoo that'll smoke your reel, sailfish that'll make your heart race, and amberjack that'll test every ounce of your strength. It's the real deal out here, folks – no tourist traps, just pure, unadulterated fishing action.
Listen up, because here's the scoop on what you're in for. We're heading offshore where the big boys play. Captain Joel's got this dialed in – he'll have us cruising out to the hot spots where the fish are stacked up. You'll be rigging up with top-notch gear, ready to tangle with whatever decides to crush our baits. The Hatteras is a proper fishing machine, stable enough to keep your sea legs happy and kitted out with everything we need to put fish in the box. We've got room for six anglers, so bring your crew or make some new fishing buddies. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so when you commit, you're all in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Alright, let's talk shop. Out here, we're not messing around with light tackle. We're rigged and ready for war with the denizens of the deep. We'll be deploying a mix of techniques depending on what's hot. Expect to do some trolling – that's where we'll drag those lures behind the boat like wounded baitfish, just begging a wahoo or mahi to come investigate. When we mark fish on the finder, we might switch it up and drop some live bait down. And if we spot a frigate bird circling or see some flying fish skittering across the surface, you better believe we're gonna run-and-gun to get on that action. The gear's all top-shelf stuff – heavy-duty rods, reels with drags smoother than butter, and line that could tow a truck. Captain Joel's got it all dialed in, so all you need to do is be ready when that reel starts screaming.
Let's break down the hit list of fish we're after on this trip. Each one of these bad boys brings something special to the party.
Mahi Mahi, or Dolphinfish as some folks call 'em, are like the acrobats of the ocean. These neon-colored speedsters are known for their aerial shows once hooked. They travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. The best part? They're delicious on the grill. We tend to find them around floating debris or weed lines, and they'll hit just about anything that looks like food.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the sea. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and when they strike, it's like lightning. Trolling is the name of the game for wahoo, and when one hits, you better hold on tight. They're a prized catch not just for the fight, but for their firm, white meat that's out of this world when cooked up fresh.
Yellow Sea Chub might not be the glamour fish of the offshore world, but don't sleep on these guys. They're scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. We often find them around structures and reefs, and they're a blast on lighter tackle. If we're having a slower day with the pelagics, dropping down for some sea chub can save the day and fill the cooler.
Blackfin Tuna are the pocket rockets of the tuna world. They might not get as big as their yellowfin cousins, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. We often find them busting bait on the surface, and when we do, it's game on. These guys are sushi-grade eating and make for some of the best raw fish you'll ever taste.
Atlantic Sailfish are the prize fighters of the billfish world. Known for their incredible acrobatics and that distinctive sail-like dorsal fin, hooking into one of these is the highlight of many anglers' lives. We practice catch and release with sailfish to keep the population healthy. The best time to target them is usually in the cooler months, but they can show up year-round. When one of these beauties greyhounds across the surface, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
Alright, anglers, here's the deal – this isn't your average day on the water. This is the real McCoy, a chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most sought-after gamefish. Captain Joel's got the knowledge, the boat, and the burning desire to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to tick some species off your bucket list, fill the freezer with some premium fillets, or just experience the raw power of offshore fishing, this trip's got you covered. The 40-foot Hatteras is your ticket to comfort and fishability, no matter what Mother Ocean throws our way. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the rail before someone else does. The fish are out there, the weather's looking good, and the only thing missing is you. Let's make it happen – book your Marathon fishing adventure now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action!
Atlantic sailfish are the showstoppers of offshore fishing. These majestic billfish average 6-8 feet long and put on spectacular aerial displays when hooked. We see them year-round, but winter is peak season in the Keys. They like to hunt in packs near the surface, often in 100-300 feet of water. Sailfish are catch-and-release only, prized for their acrobatic fights. To target them, we'll slow troll live baits or kite fish with light tackle. When you get a bite, don't set the hook right away - let the sailfish eat and turn first. Once hooked, be ready for anything - they'll leap, dive, and run you ragged before you can get them boatside.
Blackfin tuna are the smallest tuna species we catch, usually 15-30 pounds. They school up near the surface, often with skipjack. We find them year-round, but fall through spring is best in the Keys. Blackfin are lightning fast and put up an intense fight on light tackle. Their meat is prized for sushi. To catch them, look for birds working bait schools, then troll small lures or live bait. My top tip is to use fluorocarbon leaders - blackfin have sharp eyes and can be leader shy. When you hook one, be ready for scorching runs. Even small blackfin will test your gear and stamina.
Mahi Mahi are some of the most exciting fish to catch around Marathon. These colorful fighters usually range from 15-30 pounds and love hanging around floating debris and weedlines. We typically find them within 30 miles of shore, especially during the summer and fall. Mahi put up an acrobatic fight, leaping and tail-walking across the surface. Their meat is also delicious - mild and flaky. To boost your chances, keep an eye out for frigate birds diving on bait schools. When you hook one, leave it in the water to keep the school around. Mahi are fast growers, so there's usually plenty of action once you find them.
Wahoo are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, hitting speeds up to 60 mph. These sleek predators average 3-5 feet long but can reach over 8 feet. We find them year-round here, but peak season is July to November. Wahoo typically hang out in deeper offshore waters, often near underwater structure. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. The meat is excellent too - firm and mild. For the best shot at landing one, we'll troll at high speeds, around 12-15 knots, with wire leaders to prevent bite-offs from their razor sharp teeth. When a wahoo hits, hang on tight - the initial run can smoke even heavy tackle.
Yellow Sea Chubs aren't a main target, but they're fun to catch when we find them. These small reef fish only get to about 15-18 inches long. You'll see them around rocky bottoms and coral reefs in shallow coastal waters. They're not the best eating fish, but they put up a decent fight for their size. Kids especially get a kick out of catching them. To target sea chubs, use small hooks with bits of shrimp or cut bait. A neat trick is to chum with some bread to get a school fired up. While not glamorous, they're a good option when the big game aren't biting.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit Diesels
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 450