Local Fishing, Bait & Tackle
Marathon, Florida, is a premier fishing destination offering diverse opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re casting off a dock or heading out to deeper waters, the fishing in Marathon is unparalleled. Known as the heart of the Florida Keys, this area offers access to world-class deep-sea, reef, and backcountry fishing. The Florida Keys is the ideal fishing destination! Fish from the private dock of your Island Breeze Vacations rental home or from the designated fishing bridges and piers found throughout Marathon. Local bait and tackle shops are conveniently located to keep you stocked with everything you need—from live bait and gear to expert advice on where the fish are biting. Please make sure that you have the proper fishing license or permit for saltwater fishing or lobstering! With endless opportunities, Marathon is truly a fisherman’s paradise, ready to deliver unforgettable experiences on the water.
Fishing From the Dock vs Boat
Off the Dock:
You can catch species like snapper, grouper, tarpon, and jacks right from the docks and piers in Marathon. These areas are great for beginners and those looking to enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
From a Boat:
To target larger species like marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna, you’ll need to venture offshore. Reef and wreck fishing for grouper, snapper, and amberjack is also highly productive and typically requires a boat.
Types of fish by season
Spring
March to May
- Inshore: Tarpon, Snook, Redfish
- Offshore: Mahi-Mahi, Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna
Summer
June to August
- Inshore: Bonefish, Permit
- Offshore: Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi
- Lobster Season opens
Fall
September to November
- Inshore: Sea Trout, Mangrove Snapper
- Offshore: Sailfish, Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna
Winter
December to February
- Inshore: Sheepshead, Spotted Seatrout
- Offshore: Kingfish, Sailfish, Wahoo
Fishing Charters & Tours
Callion Charters
Welcome to Callion Fishing Charters! A proud 4th-generation Keys fishing family, the Callions have deep roots in the waters of Marathon, Florida. John Callion, born and raised in the Keys, continues a family tradition that began in the 1950s. Alongside Jack Callion, he leads Callion Fishing Charters, which has been dedicated to providing top-quality fishing experiences since its founding in 1979.
Main Attraction Charters
Whether you are seasoned anglers or just want to see what the excitement is all about, let The Main Attraction Fishing Charter Team take you there. As one of the most popular charter services in Marathon, Florida, you will not find a more experienced, harder working, entertaining, and professional charter fishing team anywhere in the Florida Keys. You simply can’t beat decades of offshore fishing experience!
Blue Magic Charters
Captain Steve is a very knowledgeable captain who has many years of experience fishing the Florida Keys and running Marathon Key fishing charters. No matter what you want to catch, he'll know exactly where to go and what to cast, no doubt about it! These charters are very family-friendly and welcome anglers of all ages. Join Captain Steve for a wonderful day of Florida Keys deep sea fishing!