FISHING OFF MARATHON & THE MIDDLE KEYS

A longtime home to productive fishermen, the waters surrounding Marathon support an abundance of sea life for anglers to hunt, hook, and battle. Among the most famous contenders are the massive tarpon that provide a spectacular show once on a fisherman’s line, leaping, rolling, and running. Marathon & Middle Keys tarpon range from 50 – 200 lbs., and elude nine of out ten fishermen, so landing one is no small feat. The flats and backcountry are longtime haunts of the “silver king,” but they’re caught frequently by anglers perched atop the old Seven Mile Bridge.

If you’re looking for intense off-shore, bluewater fishing, the Gulf Stream strip of the Atlantic is the place to go. Head to the “Marathon West Hump,” where marlin, tuna, amberjack, and Mako sharks stalk along the platform. All the local charter captains can take you to this busy ledge, and ensure you’ve got tackle heavy enough to handle what strikes. Other famous deep-sea species that can be caught off either side of Marathon include sailfish, swordfish, hammerhead sharks, wahoo, cobia, kingfish, and the delicious, iridescent Dolphin (a.k.a. Mahi Mahi).

Reef fishermen find snapper varieties, mackerel, grouper, and barracuda amongst the coral spurs and rusting hulls of Marathon wrecks. Sharks love the reefs and wrecks, too, since most of the above fish make an excellent dinner—just avoid the barracuda. The reefs are generally more successful fishing spots after sunset, and many charters will operate night trips to nearby spots.

Gulf of Mexico fishermen will find the sea grass beds rife with permit, bonefish, snapper, mackerel, and cobia. The flats also attract large tarpon, which prefer waters between 4 – 8 feet deep, channels, and bridges. Sharks and barracuda are often found in the Gulf flats, which stretch for several miles offshore.
Aspiring anglers should seek out an experienced guide, because half the battle in the flats if finding the fish. If you prefer wading out to a shallow-bottomed skiff ride, ask bait shop personnel where to cast your line. Flats fishing is generally best during the flood, or incoming, tide. Since most flats fish aren’t edible, catch-and-release is suggested to prevent population decline. Anyone wishing to keep a tarpon must obtain a $50 tarpon tag.

Weaving through the uninhabited outer keys and mangrove stands of the backcountry of Florida Bay exposes anglers to new, and more edible, species. Redfish, or red drum, is famed for its culinary applications in Cajun dishes. Snook is also said to be delicious, if you can catch one. Spotted Seatrout is not a trout at all, though it resembles one. This member of the drum family is excellent for eating, but spoils quickly so be sure to bring plenty of ice.

Flats fish also wander into backcountry waters, particularly tarpon, shark, and snappers. Licenses and applicable stamps must be bought (and the relatively complicated regulations regarding legal size and capture methods of backcountry fish should be reviewed) before casting your line.

FISHING CHARTERS & GUIDES
Though Marathon and the Middle Keys are dotted with fishing charters, it’s generally wise to reserve trips in advance to ensure you never get left on the dock. Captained by knowledgeable Keys natives, charters provide you the best chance of finding the fish you want. You don’t have to deal with boat launches or rentals, you won’t end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and you won’t accidentally bring the wrong gear. Charters cater to everyone from novices (look for larger, “party boat” excursions) to experienced anglers who need maximum time where the fish are hitting, and little instruction.
Fishing charters often operate half-day, full day, night, and even overnight trips. Backcountry and flats fishermen are most productive when the fish are active, at dawn and dusk, and trips are arranged accordingly. Whenever you step onto a boat, make sure you’ve got plenty to drink and eat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and a waterproof camera.

FISHING TOURNAMENTS
For the competitor in you, the many fishing tournaments held around Marathon each year offer fantastic opportunities to assess your abilities, improve your skills, and, if your lucky, win a bit of notoriety and some cash. Tarpon are favorite targets and feature in most of the competitions, though bonefish and dolphin make the cut, too. Those willing to boat a bit along the coast in either direction are sure to find the ideal tournament to test their mettle.

FLORIDA KEYS SPORT LOBSTER SEASON
Grab a bag, mask, snorkel, and some flippers and dive into the Marathon waters in search of the claw-less Spiny lobster that crawls through the crevices of ledges and reefs. On the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July, natives and tourists alike grab their permits and as many of the tasty crustaceans as they’re allowed. Except that they don’t have front claws, Keys lobster taste like Maine lobster and can be prepared the same ways, either by yourself at a beach grill or by a chef at many of the local restaurants that’ll happily cook your catch.
Since regulations differ from county to county and in certain protected reef areas, it’s best to call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at 850-488-4676 for full details. Permits are easily obtained from most dive and tackle shops—it’s just a saltwater fishing license with a special lobster stamp.