What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Marathon, Florida for the first time?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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…

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

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

Get a guide for your typical fishing trips. It will save you time learning the areas and recommended techniques. Also talk with your captain before the trip to cover specifics. Contact Captain Jays for a fun half day lobster lesson. Ben took good care of us.

These guys are so helpful. Anything you need for fishing is provided. Don’t forget sunscreen and a to take Dramamine the day before not the morning of… makes folks real tired when taken same day. WE did half day reef fishing trips. Excellent experience.

Look for a trip that allows you to go Offshore, and do any type of fishing. I prefer a reef and wreck / Offshore combo tour. I prefer 6 hours. I also prefer a boat that is 30 feet or longer. If you are fishing with children or females look for a toilet on board. I also prefer to have a charter with a first mate.

I know that there are better times of the year to fish the Florida Keys but the fishing in late January 2022 was great. The advantage of fishing in January/February is the wonderful weather with air temperature in the low 70's and water temperature in the mid 70's.

Make sure you get a guide that knows where to go for the fish. Our guy did not. We went on a fishing trip with a guy from our campground and caught a load of fish. So it's all in knowing how and where the fish are going to be.

Fishing from the pontoon boat is a great way to introduce anyone to Marathon waters . The boat is stable & very comfortable. Plus, there’s ample sun protection .

Follow the captain’s recommendations. Richard Bradley know what’s biting and where they’re located.

This is a great trip for experienced/beginners and cost-effectiveness. The caltiqn lives local was really good to make us feel welcome and suggested a cool restaurant to cooking or catch.

Quick drying clothing and a towel or dry change of clothes, very possible to get a little wet!

Remember your sunblock (not spray), take a hat and sunglasses, wear long sleeve ‘fishing’ shirts, make sure you’re drinking water!

All except way too hot!! Our best experience was the catch and recommendation for straight to the table for dinner that night!

Fishing was okay, perhaps they were also on vacation. It was still a good time and would do it again.

Be aware the water temperature dictates the species and activity of bite. The higher the temp., the lower the activity.

Lots of shoreline, shallow, and deeper water opportunities... fishing doesn't have to be expensive, but if looking for a charter ask locals, read reviews and the right packages can be found!

Expect the weather to change plans for what you’re fishing for. Be flexible if you can’t go after your target species and be ready to catch something different!

Hire a well rated charter n follow Captains instructions. They will work hard to put you on fish. Grill it at your rental or have restaurant cook your catch

There were tarpon around but not in large quantities. We hit the tail end of the season I would say.

Great fish variety on the reef. A good guide can find the nice sized fish. The big ones can hung up in the reef structure. As usual, the winds can make or break your day. I love fishing in Marathon!