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

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.

Excellent opportunity to catch fish in early fall. Temps are pleasant and any day on the water is better than a lot of other things you could be doing.

Fish the Bay areas for variety. A GReat fishery for beginners or for someone who wants to target species.

First time fishing Marathon in October. Tuna bite was every bit as good as my previous trips in spring/summer. Mahi and other species were gre

Ask more questions about how to be the most successful. Does the company have backup plans if the trip is not successful in the first 2-3 hours.

It is HOT, please remember that the air and water temperatures play a major role . Also note that dehydration becomes an issue.

Bring hat and sunscreen. Our boat had a cover we could get under which was a life saver. Wouldn't go out without a boat with that type of cover, it made all the differnce

Water in July is a little warm for fishing, but we still enjoyed our trip...but the warmer water was great for kids going down the slide and swimming.

A Captian who is knowledgeable about the area and fishing in changing water conditions (temperature, currents, and tides) is a must

It was a very hit day, but this summer overall has been very hot. The water was amazing, very clear and beautiful green/blue.

Take a trip with Captain Greg at Manic Fishing! Does not disappoint. Caught fish and avoided storms!

Don't forget your water and your sunscreen, and remember to tip your crew, they're working pretty hard out there to Make sure you have a good time.

Fish around the bridges in May and avoid the traffic jam at the Marathon Hump unless you target 200lb plus gamefish or deep sea species and fish for more than a one day charter.

This was a fishing boat with little cover and not a lot of seating for small children. Recommend party size of 4 active participants.

Be flexible, spring weather and tides can require last minute changes. Recommend 3/4 day if you want to target bigger fish.

Watch the weather closely. It was too rough to go out and troll for Mahi Mahi. Did catch plenty of yellowtail and white snapper

March can still have some good days of fishing but it seems April is when you should get down here and get a rod out as winds die down and conditions get better

Determine what type of fishing you want to do. Weather in Florida can be unpredictable. Temperature was great and all the guides work very hard to give you the best experience they can.

Make sure to book a large enough boat in case the waves are large. It can be windy this time of year. Make sure to pack lots of drinks and sunscreen! Be prepare to get wet from ocean spray.

Check the fish that are in season first. ( ie: don’t expect to eat any of the fish I caught in March)

Find a Captain with a first mate and book a six hour Offshore/reef/wreck combo. If you are going with children and/or females look for a charter book with a toilet. Try to get above a 30 foot boat.

With this company you cant go wrong. Captain Joe will make sure you have a great time. Expect to catch fish you might never have seen before.

Be sure to use Jack Callion as your captain! You will catch fish and have a great fishing experience

July is hot and can be a slow time to fish. Be sure you know if your targeted fish are here when you plan the time of your trip.

Get a guide like Captain Buddy LaPointe that knows exactly where the fish are running at any time of the year or day.