What types of fishing charters do you offer in Marathon, FL?

Always Late Charters offers offshore fishing, reef and wreck fishing, shark fishing, inshore fishing, and island eco tours. All trips depart from Captain Hook's Marina at 11833 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL.

How much does a fishing charter in the Florida Keys cost?

Rates start at $700 for a 2-hour eco tour. Offshore fishing runs $1,350 half-day, $1,600 for 3/4-day, and $1,850 full day. Reef fishing starts at $1,150 half-day. Shark fishing starts at $950. All trips accommodate up to 6 guests.

What fish can I catch in Marathon, Florida?

Depending on the season you can target Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Sailfish, Yellowtail Snapper, Black Grouper, and Mutton Snapper.

Do I need fishing experience to book a charter?

No experience necessary. Always Late Charters welcomes all skill levels from first-timers and young children to seasoned anglers. Captain Lucas and the first mate guide you every step of the way.

What is included in the charter price?

All charters include rods, reels, tackle, live bait, lures, fishing licenses, water, a first mate, and catch cleaning and filleting at the dock. Just bring food, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

What is the best time of year to fish in Marathon, Florida?

The Florida Keys offer world-class fishing year round. Spring and summer are prime for offshore species like Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Wahoo. Fall and winter are excellent for Yellowtail Snapper and Grouper on the reef.

Can You Keep the Fish You Catch on a Charter in Marathon, FL?

Yes — All Legal Catch Is Yours to Keep

This is one of the most common questions we get from guests booking a trip with Always Late Charters — and the answer is straightforward: yes, you keep everything you legally catch. Captain Lucas Ponzoa runs private fishing charters out of Captain Hook's Marina in Marathon, FL, and every legal fish your group catches goes home with you. There are no hidden fees, no fish taken by the crew, and no surprises at the dock.

What Happens to the Fish After the Trip

At the end of every Always Late charter, Captain Lucas and the first mate clean and fillet your catch right at the dock before you leave. This is included on every trip — no extra charge.

You'll leave Captain Hook's Marina with your fish cleaned, filleted, and ready to cook. Bring a cooler with ice if you plan to transport them or cook that night. Most guests heading to a rental or hotel can ask the kitchen to prepare their catch — or cook it themselves. Fresh snapper and grouper straight off the reef is some of the best eating you'll have in the Florida Keys.

What Fish Can You Keep in the Florida Keys

Florida fishing regulations set size and bag limits for every species. Captain Lucas keeps current with all regulations and handles everything to make sure your catch is fully legal. Here's a general guide to the most common species caught on Always Late charters:

Yellowtail Snapper — No minimum size, bag limit of 10 per person per day. One of the most consistently kept fish on reef trips. Excellent table fare.

Mangrove Snapper — 10-inch minimum, bag limit of 10 per person per day. Great eating and caught regularly on reef and wreck trips.

Mutton Snapper — 16-inch minimum, bag limit of 10 per person per day in aggregate with other snapper. A prized catch and outstanding on the table.

Black Grouper — 24-inch minimum, bag limit of 3 per person per day aggregate with other grouper. Worth the fight — one of the best-eating fish in the Keys.

Mahi Mahi — 20-inch minimum (from the fork of the tail), bag limit of 10 per person per day. Peak season April–August offshore. One of the best fish to eat fresh.

Blackfin Tuna — No minimum size, bag limit of 3 per person per day. Excellent sashimi and great cooked.

Wahoo — No minimum size, bag limit of 2 per person per day. One of the best-tasting fish in the ocean.

Sharks — All shark fishing on Always Late charters is strictly catch and release. No sharks are kept.

Florida fishing regulations are updated regularly. Captain Lucas stays current on all rules and regulations and will let you know exactly what's legal to keep on your specific trip.

Do Fishing Licenses Cover Everyone on the Charter

Florida fishing licenses are included for all guests on every Always Late charter. You do not need to bring your own fishing license. Captain Lucas holds a valid Coast Guard captain's license and the charter's fishing license covers all paying guests aboard. This applies to every trip — offshore, reef, shark, family, and eco tours.

What's Included at the Dock

Every Always Late charter includes catch cleaning and filleting at the dock at no additional charge. Captain Lucas and the first mate will have your fish cleaned and ready before you leave Captain Hook's Marina. Here's what to bring to transport your catch:

A cooler with ice is the best way to keep your fillets fresh. If you don't have one, most grocery stores and Captain Hook's Marina carry ice. Your fillets will stay fresh for several hours in a cooler — more than enough time to get them to your accommodation or a local restaurant.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Catch

Cook it that night. Fresh fish doesn't get better than the same day it comes off the boat. Snapper and grouper are outstanding simply grilled or pan-seared with butter, garlic, and lemon.

Ask your accommodation. Many vacation rentals in Marathon have full kitchens. Hotels sometimes have kitchens or can recommend local restaurants that will cook your catch.

Pack a vacuum sealer. If you're visiting for more than a day or two, a small vacuum sealer bag set lets you preserve extra fillets for the trip home. Mahi and wahoo freeze exceptionally well.

Ready to Book Your Charter?

Always Late Charters runs reef fishing, offshore fishing, shark fishing, family fishing, and eco tours year-round out of Captain Hook's Marina at 11833 Overseas Highway in Marathon, FL. Call or text Captain Lucas at 305-394-1582 to check availability and book your trip.

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