Fish of the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys sit at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Gulf, giving Marathon some of the most diverse fishing anywhere in the country. While there is something biting year round, knowing the best time to fish for each species helps you plan the perfect trip.
Use this seasonal guide to see what you can catch in Marathon each month, when each fish is in season, and the trips where you can target them.
Winter
Prime sailfish season in the Keys. Blackfin tuna and wahoo are active offshore, and the reefs keep producing snapper and grouper year round.
Spring
The best all around season to fish Marathon. Sailfish are still running, mahi arrive, cobia and mutton snapper show up, and tarpon fishing turns on.
Summer
Peak mahi season with loaded weedlines offshore. Tarpon fishing is at its best around the bridges, and the reefs stay busy with snapper.
Fall
Wahoo and kingfish pick up, sailfish start to move back in late fall, and mahi often hang around. A great time with fewer crowds.
Sailfish
Featured SpeciesThe most prized catch in the Keys and known for their dramatic jumps and blistering runs. We target them offshore with kites, live bait, and sight fishing.
Mahi-mahi
Featured SpeciesBright green and gold, fast, and acrobatic, mahi are one of the most popular fish in the Keys. We find them offshore around weedlines and floating debris.
Swordfish
The gladiator of the deep, caught in very deep water using specialized deep drop gear. Calm conditions are best for these hard fighting giants.
Blackfin Tuna
Hard fighting and excellent eating, we catch them offshore, often on the famous Marathon Hump when conditions allow, using live bait and trolling.
Tarpon
The Silver King is famous for its size and spectacular leaps. We fish for them around the bridges, channels, and flats. Catch and release only, but an unforgettable fight.
Wahoo
One of the fastest fish in the ocean and a favorite on the dinner table. Caught offshore by high speed trolling and around floating structure.
Cobia
Curious, powerful, and great to eat. Often spotted cruising behind rays, sharks, and turtles, or holding on the wrecks. A fun sight fishing target.
Yellowtail Snapper
A Keys favorite and some of the best eating around. Caught over the reefs all year and a great choice for families who want steady action and a delicious meal.
Grouper
A Keys staple and some of the best eating around. Black and red grouper are caught on the reefs and wrecks, with the deeper wrecks producing the bigger fish.
Shark
For anglers who want a real battle, sharks deliver. Bull, hammerhead, lemon, and blacktip sharks make for an exciting, high adrenaline trip.
Mutton Snapper
A prized reef and wreck catch known for being wary and excellent on the table. Often found around the deeper reefs and wrecks.
Mangrove Snapper
Also called gray snapper, these are a reliable and tasty reef catch available all year. Steady action and a favorite for anglers who want to fill the cooler.
Hogfish
A Keys delicacy and one of the best eating fish in the ocean. Caught over the reefs and a local favorite whenever they are biting.
King Mackerel
Fast and fun to catch, kingfish are caught over the reefs and around much of the year. They put up a great fight and are a reliable action fish.
Trip Types
We run several different types of fishing charters out of Marathon.
Find the one that fits your style.
