Where to Fish in Marathon Florida: Local Anglers Guide
Where to Fish in Marathon Florida: Local Anglers Guide
Marathon, Florida is the perfect blend of deep blue Gulf water and the rough and wild Atlantic. You get access to both, and this section of the Florida Keys offers some of the most diverse fishing on the East Coast.
The destination is also popular with snorkelers, divers, and families looking for a wonderful vacation kissed with plenty of sun and sand.
What Fish Can You Catch in Marathon Florida?
Okay, so for our anglers out there, you want to know what you can catch in Marathon. Since you get both the Atlantic and Gulf, you have a vast assortment of species that you can catch here.
Tarpon
Tarpon is definitely towards the top of the list of the most desirable catches on the planet. They put up a heck of a fight and that’s the challenge that brings people here year after year.
Snook
If you’re fishing closer to the shore in your own boat or even a kayak, you might catch some snook. They put up quite a fight as well and they’re plentiful throughout the shallow waters of the Florida Keys.
Snapper
Fish the bottom throughout the natural reefs surrounding Marathon Florida, and you might catch some snapper. These fish love hanging around the reefs and wrecks beneath the surface so toss your line out around there and you’re bound to find some.
Blackfin Tuna
If you’re chartering a boat and want to fish a bit deeper you can catch blackfin tuna. Right around “the hump” as locals call it is where you stand the best chance of finding them, and this area is known for bringing in quite a few prize-worthy fish.
Mahi Mahi
If the thrill of catching something unique brings you to Marathon, you’ll want to target Mahi Mahi. These fish are elusive, and they have one of the highest staminas of any fish. So, when you hook one, be ready to fight for a while.
Sailfish
Plenty of billfish are found throughout the Gulf Stream but few as desirable as the Sailfish. These are incredible fighters and an exciting catch when you pull one in.
Where to Fish in Marathon Florida
If you’re planning on catching any of these great species in Marathon Florida, you’ll need to know where to find them. The locals will fill you in but here’s a little taste of what this section of the Keys has to bring.
The Marathon Hump – If you’re visiting Marathon Florida, you need to check out the hump. This is one of the best places in Florida for boat charters because the water is as deep as 1,000 feet and you can expect to find monsters here if you charter the right crew.
Oceanfront Park – This is a great spot if you have your family with you. If you’re looking for something that the whole family can enjoy while getting a little fishing in, Oceanfront Park is the spot.
Seven Mile Bridge – The infamous Seven Mile Bridge brings tons of anglers to this area each year. It’s an iconic location and should be on every anglers bucket list. Fish hang around the bridge all year long and this area brings some of the best tarpon fishing on the planet.
Bahia Honda State Park – Once you cross over the bridge you’ll end up here. This incredible park offers plenty of space for the kids to run around and incredible shallow water fishing for trout and tarpon.
Sombrero Beach – The beach offers an ideal spot for surf fishing if that’s your game. Here, you can enjoy complete free-range fishing while your family hangs out on the beach.
Marathon Fishing Guide
There are many ways to fish Marathon Florida so you need to make sure you’ve got a strategy.
By Charter
This is by far the best way to explore everything that Marathon has to offer. There are so many species and ways to catch them but you’ll want to have an expert team by your side. Best of all, you can choose what type of charter you take.
There are different types of charters that target certain fish in specific habitats.
For example, you could hire an inshore charter if you’re interested in catching snook and trout.
This is the best way to get the most out of your trip and actually catch something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 
By Boat
If you’re looking for an enjoyable experience but you’re not completely sold on the fishing aspect of it. You can always rent a party boat and sail the water without having to worry as much about fishing. Of course, people who want to fish still can, but you won’t have as many restrictions and limitations as you would on a fishing charter.
By Kayak
There are so many waterways and channels in the shallow water for you to explore. If you’re more of the kind of person who prefers to fish alone, kayak fishing in Marathon Florida is a great way to find peace and catch some incredible fish along the way. Load your tackle box full of plugs, spoons, and jigs for inshore saltwater fishing.
By Shore
If you’ve got a family, chartering a boat and taking a long trip might not be an option. That’s okay because there are plenty of great locations like Bahia Honda and Sombrero Beach where you can get some fishing in while your family enjoys themselves as well. When you’re done fishing, hang up your rod and spend some quality family time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering, why Marathon? Why here when there are so many other great places dotted all throughout the Keys?
In our opinion, very few locations can offer as many family-friendly activities as Marathon. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of the aggressive fishing trip and relaxing family outing, Marathon Florida is the place for you.
