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.

Best Time to Fish in Marathon, FL — A Local Captain's Guide

lucasponzoa62
2 days ago
4 min read

Happy angler with a nice grouper catch on Always Late Charters with Captain Lucas Ponzoa

This guide covers the best time to fish in Marathon FL across every season of the year.

Best Time to Fish Marathon FL

Spring (March – May)

Spring is one of the most exciting times to fish in Marathon. The weather is mild, the water is warming up, and the offshore bite turns on fast.

Mahi Mahi — April and May are peak mahi season in the Florida Keys. Schools of mahi push up along the weedlines 10–30 miles offshore as water temperatures climb through the 70s. If you want to target mahi specifically, spring is the time to book an offshore trip.

Blackfin Tuna — Tuna fishing picks up significantly in spring as baitfish move through the area. Live bait and jigging both produce well on the offshore grounds.

Yellowtail Snapper — Reef fishing is excellent in spring. Yellowtail are aggressive and the reef is full of life as the water warms. A great option for families and anyone who wants consistent action.

Sharks — Shark activity on the flats increases in spring as water temperatures rise. Blacktip and bull sharks become more active and the sight fishing on the flats is outstanding on calm spring days.

Spring is an ideal time to visit Marathon for first-time offshore anglers and anyone chasing mahi specifically.

Summer Fishing in Marathon, FL (June – August)

Summer delivers the best offshore fishing of the year in Marathon. Warm water, active baitfish, and long days make summer trips some of the most productive of the year.

Mahi Mahi — June is the peak of peak mahi season. Schools are large, the fish are aggressive, and the weedlines are loaded. If you can only visit once a year and mahi is your target, June is your month.

Blackfin Tuna — Summer tuna fishing is consistent and exciting. Blackfin run offshore in numbers and the action can be fast when you find the right bait school.

Wahoo — Early summer occasionally produces wahoo on the offshore grounds before the fish move off into deeper water as summer progresses.

Reef Fishing — The reef stays productive all summer. Yellowtail, mangrove snapper, and grouper are all active. Summer reef trips are particularly popular for families as the calm Gulf side conditions make for a comfortable ride.

Shark Fishing — Summer is prime shark season on the flats. Blacktips are everywhere and the sight fishing can be incredible on a calm summer morning.

One thing to keep in mind in summer: afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Keys from June through August. Captain Lucas monitors conditions daily and schedules trips to make the most of the morning calm.

Fall Fishing in Marathon, FL (September – November)

Fall is the transition season in Marathon and one of the most underrated times to fish the Florida Keys. Crowds thin out, rates can be more flexible, and the fishing is outstanding.

Wahoo — Fall is the beginning of wahoo season in the Keys. These are some of the fastest fish in the ocean and a prized catch for any offshore angler. October and November see wahoo moving through the offshore grounds in increasing numbers.

Sailfish — Sailfish begin showing up on the offshore grounds in November as water temperatures drop. Kite fishing is Captain Lucas's specialty and the fall sailfish bite is a highlight of the year.

Blackfin Tuna — Fall tuna fishing remains strong through October as baitfish concentrate offshore.

Yellowtail Snapper — Fall is excellent for reef fishing. Yellowtail are abundant and the reef bite is some of the best of the year as fish feed heavily before winter.

Sharks — Shark activity on the flats stays strong through October before cooling water temperatures slow things down.

Fall is an excellent time to visit for experienced anglers looking for wahoo and sailfish, and for anyone who wants great fishing without the peak season crowds.

Winter Fishing in Marathon, FL (December – February)

Winter in Marathon means 70-degree days, calm water, and some of the best reef and bottom fishing of the entire year. The Keys don't really have an off season — they have a different season.

Sailfish — December through February is peak sailfish season in the Florida Keys. The offshore grounds hold good numbers of sailfish and the kite fishing is exceptional. A winter sailfish trip with Captain Lucas is one of the premier offshore experiences in the Keys.

Wahoo — Winter wahoo fishing on the offshore grounds is excellent. These powerful fish are a highlight of any winter offshore trip.

Black Grouper — Winter is the best time of year for grouper. Fish move deeper in winter and the wrecks and ledges hold trophy-sized black grouper. A full-day reef trip in winter targeting grouper is one of the most rewarding fishing experiences in Marathon.

Yellowtail Snapper — Winter snapper fishing on the reef is outstanding. Clear water and hungry fish make for a great day regardless of experience level.

Manatees — Winter brings manatees into the warm, shallow backcountry waters around Marathon, making the eco tour a particularly special experience from December through February.

Winter is ideal for anyone targeting sailfish or grouper specifically, and for families who want reef fishing in calm, comfortable conditions.

The Best Time to Fish the Florida Keys — Quick Reference Calendar

Here's a quick summary of what's running by month in Marathon:

January–February: Sailfish, wahoo, black grouper, yellowtail snapper, manatee eco tours

March–April: Mahi Mahi, blackfin tuna, yellowtail snapper, sharks on the flats

May–June: Peak mahi season, blackfin tuna, reef fishing, sharks

July–August: Mahi, tuna, reef fishing, shark flats fishing, eco tours

September–October: Wahoo, early sailfish, tuna, yellowtail snapper, sharks

November–December: Sailfish, wahoo, grouper, yellowtail snapper, manatee eco tours.

Book a Trip with Captain Lucas Year-Round

No matter when you're visiting Marathon, there's a trip that's right for you. Captain Lucas Ponzoa runs offshore fishing, reef 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 305-394-1582 to check availability and book your trip.

Book Now