Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Marathon
$550 - $1,395 price range
Updated Date: August 29, 2025

Summary

Ready for a laid-back fishing trip in Marathon, FL? Join Captain Alex from AGM Fishing Charter for a 3, 4, or 6-hour inshore adventure. These trips are perfect for newcomers and kids looking to get their feet wet in the world of angling. You'll stay close to shore in calm waters, making it easy to focus on the fun of fishing. No need to worry about gear – everything's included in the package. Just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack or two. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great opportunity for families or small groups to bond over the excitement of reeling in their first catch. Captain Alex knows these waters like the back of his hand and will guide you to the best spots. Whether you're aiming to land a prized snook or just enjoy a peaceful day on the water, this trip offers a authentic taste of Florida's rich fishing scene.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Inshore Catches & Views

Hooked on that Pompano Beach life

An angler fishing in Florida on a fishing tour

Reel fun in the Florida sun

Two fish caught during a fishing tour in Marathon

Lane Snapper and good times

When the fish bite, so do the smiles

Reel in the Fun: Marathon's Inshore Fishing

Get ready to wet a line and make some memories on the crystal-clear waters of Marathon, FL! Our inshore fishing charters are perfect for families, first-timers, and anyone looking for a laid-back day on the water. We'll cruise the shallows and flats, hunting for some of the Florida Keys' most exciting inshore species. No experience? No problem! Our expert guides will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

What to Expect on the Water

Our inshore trips are all about accessibility and fun. We'll stay close to shore, which means calmer waters and more time with lines in the water. You'll be fishing from a comfortable, stable boat that's perfect for casting and reeling. We provide all the gear you need - from rods and reels to bait and licenses. Just bring your sunscreen, a hat, and a cooler for your catch (and maybe some snacks). We offer 3-hour, 4-hour, and 6-hour trips, so you can choose the perfect length for your group. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention from your guide.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

Inshore fishing in Marathon is all about variety. We might start the day drift fishing over grass flats, using live shrimp to tempt snapper and mackerel. Then we'll move on to sight fishing in the shallows, where you might spot a tailing redfish or a cruising snook. Your guide will teach you how to cast accurately, work different lures, and set the hook when a fish strikes. We'll hit some of Marathon's best inshore spots, like Sister Creek, Vaca Cut, or the edges of the Everglades National Park. Each area offers its own mix of species and scenery, so every trip is a new adventure.

Top Catches This Season

Marathon's inshore waters are teeming with fish year-round, but some species are real crowd-pleasers. Grey snapper (also known as mangrove snapper) are a favorite target - they're abundant, tasty, and put up a good fight on light tackle. Yellowtail snapper are another popular catch, known for their beautiful colors and delicious fillets. Cero mackerel offer exciting, fast-paced action when they're running, while ladyfish (nicknamed the "poor man's tarpon") are great for kids and beginners due to their acrobatic jumps and easy-to-catch nature. Lane snapper round out our typical inshore catches, offering yet another option for a delicious fish dinner.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Grey Snapper: These crafty fish love structure and are masters of the "tap-tap" bite. They're most active during the cooler months but can be caught year-round. Grey snapper average 1-3 pounds, but trophy fish over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. They're a blast to catch on light tackle and make excellent table fare.

Yellowtail Snapper: Known for their vibrant yellow stripe, these fish are a staple of the Florida Keys. They're typically found in slightly deeper water than grey snapper, often around patch reefs. Yellowtail are famous for their light, flaky meat and are a favorite for both catching and eating.

Cero Mackerel: These speedsters are cousins to the more well-known king mackerel but are perfect for inshore fishing. They're most abundant in the warmer months and love to chase fast-moving lures. Cero mackerel put on an impressive show when hooked, making blistering runs that will test your drag system.

Ladyfish: Often called the "poor man's tarpon," ladyfish are pure fun on light tackle. They're known for their acrobatic leaps and fast runs. While not considered good eating, they're an excellent species for beginners to practice their technique and enjoy the thrill of the catch.

Lane Snapper: These beautiful fish are often found mixed in with other snapper species. They're typically smaller than grey or yellowtail snapper but are just as tasty. Lane snapper are a great target for light tackle enthusiasts and are often caught while bottom fishing with small hooks and pieces of shrimp.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Our inshore trips aren't just about catching fish - they're about creating memories. You'll cruise through the stunning scenery of the Florida Keys, spotting ospreys diving for fish, dolphins playing in the wake, and maybe even a manatee or sea turtle. Our experienced guides are more than just fish-finders; they're local experts who love sharing stories about the area's history and ecology. And let's not forget the fishing itself - there's nothing quite like the excitement of feeling that first tug on the line, especially for kids or first-time anglers. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, our inshore trips deliver.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to experience the best inshore fishing Marathon has to offer? Our trips fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to reserve your date. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we guarantee a day of fun, fish, and unforgettable Florida Keys memories. Give us a call or book online today - the fish are biting, and we can't wait to show you what Marathon's inshore waters have in store!

Learn more about the animals

Cero Mackerel

Cero Mackerel are zippy predators you'll find cruising our warm coastal waters, especially around patch reefs. They average 5-10 pounds but can get up to 17 pounds for a real trophy. Look for their distinct bronze streak and yellow-orange spots - dead giveaways compared to their Spanish Mackerel cousins. These guys are built for speed, hitting up to 30 mph when chasing bait. You'll often spot them near the surface down to about 60 feet deep. They're loners or travel in small groups, so don't expect to find big schools. Ceros are a blast on light tackle. They'll hit just about any bait or lure, but topwater lures are extra fun since they feed near the surface. Watch out for those razor-sharp teeth though! For best results, try chumming with cut baitfish over the reefs. Once they show up, they'll go after just about anything. A 20-pound braid should do the trick, but use a light leader - these fish have great eyesight and can be line-shy.

Grey Snapper

The grey snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, is one of the most sought-after species in Marathon, Florida. Found near reefs, mangroves, and offshore structures, these fish are prized for their fighting ability and delicious, flaky meat. Anglers love targeting grey snapper because they offer action-packed strikes and can be caught using a variety of techniques, from bottom fishing with live bait to drifting with cut bait. Their abundance in the Florida Keys makes them a reliable and exciting catch for both novice and experienced fishermen.Grey snapper are most active during the warmer months, typically from spring through early fall, though they can be caught year-round in some areas. Using light tackle and live shrimp or pinfish as bait can increase your chances of landing trophy-sized snapper. With AGM Fishing Charter, Captain Alex de Melo knows the top spots and seasonal patterns, ensuring that every trip targeting grey snapper is productive, educational, and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling fight on the line or fresh fish for dinner, grey snapper offer a quintessential Florida Keys fishing experience.

Ladyfish

Ladyfish, or poor man's tarpon, are skinny silver missiles that'll give you a run for your money on light tackle. They average 2-3 pounds but can get up to 30 inches long. You'll find them year-round in our inshore waters - canals, bays, and along beaches. These acrobatic fish are known for their spectacular aerial shows when hooked. They'll jump, skip, and thrash trying to throw the hook, making them a ton of fun to catch even if they're not prized for eating. Ladyfish aren't picky eaters. Small jigs, live shrimp, or flashy lures will all work. They often travel in schools, so when you find one, you've likely found many. Fish the tide changes for best results. Pro tip: Use a heavier leader than you think you need. Ladyfish have small but sharp teeth that can easily cut through light line. And hold on tight - once hooked, these "silver rockets" will give you a fight you won't soon forget!

Lane Snapper

Lane Snappers are a fun catch around here, usually running 10-14 inches and a few pounds. You'll find them hanging out near coral reefs and vegetated sandy bottoms in shallow inshore waters, typically 70-230 feet deep. These pink-red fish with yellow-striped sides are aggressive little fighters, so they're great for beginners or kids to reel in. Best time to target them is March through September during spawning season. They're not too picky eaters - live shrimp, squid, or cut bait will do the trick. Lane Snappers are often a bonus catch when you're after other snappers or grouper. One local tip: try fishing for them at night when they're most active. Use light tackle and fish near structure. They may not be the biggest, but Lane Snappers put up a good fight for their size and make for some tasty eating too.

Yellowfin

Yellowfin, or yellowtail snapper, are a favorite around here. They're easy to spot with that bright yellow stripe from nose to tail. Most we catch are 8-14 inches, but they can get up to a couple feet long in deeper water. You'll find these guys hanging around reefs and structures, usually 30-120 feet down. They're more active in warmer months, but we can catch them year-round. Yellowfin are smart fish - in clear water, they can be line-shy, so light tackle is key. These snappers put up a good fight for their size and are excellent eating fish. Locals love them for their white, flaky meat that's great for all kinds of dishes. Here's a trick: When chumming for yellowfin, wait a few minutes after tossing chum to let them get comfortable. Then use a small strip of bait on a light fluorocarbon leader. They're wary, but once you get them going, the bite can be non-stop!

About the Baha cruiser (Cuddy cabin)

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Ready for a fun day of fishing in Marathon? Our inshore trips are perfect for newcomers and kids looking to try their hand at angling. We'll keep close to shore where the waters are calm and the fish are biting. Don't worry about bringing any gear - we've got you covered with rods, reels, bait, and everything else you'll need. Just show up ready to have a good time! Our experienced guides will help you cast your line and reel in your catches. You might snag snapper, grouper, or other local species swimming around the Keys. With trips lasting 3, 4, or 6 hours, you can choose how long you want to spend out on the water. Bring your family or a few friends - our boat has room for up to 4 guests. Whether you're hoping to land your first fish or just enjoy being out on the water, our laid-back inshore charters offer a great introduction to fishing in the beautiful Florida Keys.

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