Marathon Florida Private Offshore Charters

Deep Sea Trips Targeting sailfish, mahi, tuna and more!

If you want to leave the reef behind and chase the big pelagic species, this is your trip. I’m Captain Kevin Johnsen with Florida Keys Reel Adventures, and my offshore charters out of Marathon take you up to 30 miles out into the deep blue water where the fastest, most exciting gamefish in the Keys live.

Out here, you’re fishing the open ocean for mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish — the kind of fast, acrobatic fish you just can’t find on the reef. This is a full-day expedition often into the Gulf Stream, and when it comes together, there’s no fishing experience in the Keys that matches it.

What You’ll Target Offshore

The deep water off Marathon puts you in range of pelagic species that you simply won’t find on the reef or the wrecks.

Mahi-mahi (Dolphinfish) are the fan favorite — they’re fast, aggressive, and they light up in electric blues and greens when they come to the surface. When you find a school, the action can be nonstop!

Blackfin tuna are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighters in the ocean and some of the best eating fish you’ll ever put on a plate.

Wahoo are built for speed and hit like a freight train. When one takes your bait, you’ll know it immediately.

Sailfish are the showstopper — watching one light up and go airborne behind the boat is something you never forget, whether you’ve caught a hundred fish or it’s your first time offshore.

Deep Bottom Fishing — 650 Feet and Beyond

When conditions are right, I’ll drop baits straight down to the deep bottom — we’re talking 650 feet or more. This is a completely different kind of fishing than chasing pelagics on the surface, and the species down there are some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean. Snowy grouper, yellowedge grouper, queen snapper, blueline tilefish, and golden tilefish all live in these deep waters, and most anglers have never had the chance to catch them. It’s not something every offshore charter offers, but when the conditions line up, it’s an incredible addition to the day.

What Makes Offshore Fishing Different

This trip is a different animal than everything else I offer. While my reef, bayside, and shark trips are relaxed and easygoing, heading offshore is a true expedition.

The open ocean commands respect. You could spend the entire day in sustained 3-to-5-foot seas under the hot Florida sun, and the runs to and from the fishing grounds are longer. The fishing itself is more physical too — you’re not sitting back and waiting for a bite. Out here, you’re an active part of the crew. Success offshore requires energy and teamwork from everyone on the boat — pitching baits, working the lines, and battling fish that don’t give up easily.

That’s what makes it so rewarding. When your team works together to put a big mahi or a sailfish in the boat, there’s nothing else like it!

Is This Trip Right for Your Group?

I want to be upfront about this one — offshore fishing isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. The physical environment and the length of the day mean it’s not the best fit for young children or complete beginners. I recommend ages 16 and up, though all ages are welcome at parental discretion.

If you’re unsure how your group will handle the deep water, I’d strongly suggest starting with a reef or bayside trip first. It’s a great way to build your experience, test your sea legs, and get a feel for being on the boat before committing to a full day offshore in the Gulf Stream.

Communication is key on these trips. Please reach out with any questions about your group’s experience level before booking. I also ask that you check in 48 hours before your trip so we can review the weather together and dial in your game plan for the day. A quick conversation beforehand goes a long way toward making sure everyone has the best experience possible.