Well, if y’all ever been to Marathon down in Florida, you know it’s a place where the fish don’t just swim, they practically leap right into your boat if you’re lucky enough. Now, let me tell you, fishing out here ain’t like what you might be used to. This ain’t no quiet lake where you toss a line in and wait for hours. Nah, this is deep water, big fish, and a lotta excitement. Let me walk ya through what’s been goin’ on in the water these days around Marathon.
Now, first thing, the weather’s been a bit tricky. One day it’s sunny and calm, and the next thing ya know, you’re dealin’ with some heavy winds or rain. So, if you’re plannin’ on headin’ out, make sure you check that weather forecast first. Ain’t no use in headin’ out on a boat if a storm’s rollin’ in, trust me on that one. The wind’s been a little rough lately, but the fish don’t seem to mind much. They’re still bitin’ pretty good, especially if you know where to look.
Some of the hot spots for fishing right now are places like the Seven Mile Bridge, Long Key Bridge, and Vaca Cut. I’ve heard a lotta folks talkin’ ‘bout the tarpon out here, so if you’re lookin’ to catch one of those big boys, you best head out towards the flats and mangroves. They’re big, they’re strong, and they sure do put up a fight. Not to mention, you might even catch a few other things along the way like some snook or jacks if you’re lucky.
If you’re more of a deep-sea kind of person, there’s plenty of that too. Over by the Marathon Hump, the waters are full of all kinds of fish. From May to August, when the seas are a bit calmer, the captains head way out to the Hump to catch some Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi (that’s Dolphin fish, for ya), and even the occasional Marlin. Now, you gotta be ready for a bit of a ride when you go out there, but it’s worth it when you reel in somethin’ big like that. Ain’t nothin’ like the thrill of catchin’ a fish that could almost pull you right off the boat!
Now, if you’re after the Mahi Mahi (also called Dolphinfish), they’re still swimmin’ around the waters out here, though it’s been a little slower for them lately. But don’t worry, the Captains still know where to find ’em.
For those of you who like a little more action, there’s also the sailfish, and if you get real lucky, you might even hook yourself a Wahoo. Those Wahoos are fast, and they’ll give you a run for your money. But, trust me, it’s all worth it when you finally get one in the boat. You just gotta keep your head on straight and your rod steady.
If you’re out here and you’re not catchin’ what you want, you might wanna try fishin’ at different times of the day. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be better times to catch some of the more popular fish like the tarpon or the snook. But don’t let that stop ya from fishin’ anytime, because the fish don’t have a schedule, and sometimes they surprise ya when you least expect it.
Now, one thing I’ll tell ya—this place sure does get quieter after the winter season. The crowds thin out, and it becomes a lot more peaceful. If you’re lookin’ for a little solitude and better chances at catchin’ fish without all the hustle and bustle, late winter to early spring might be just the time for ya to come down and fish.
All in all, if you’re headin’ out to Marathon, be ready for some good fishin’. Just make sure you’ve got your gear, check the weather, and follow the fishin’ tips from the locals. They know where the fish are, and they know how to catch ‘em. Don’t forget your sunscreen, and don’t leave the dock without your hat. Trust me, you’ll need it!
Tags:[marathon fishing, florida fishing, fishing report, tarpon, mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo fishing, sailfish, marathon hump, fishing guide, florida keys]