Marathon Fishing Charter FAQs

No. Our boats carry the State and Federal fishing permits needed for our charter trips, so you do not need to purchase a separate recreational fishing license before your trip.Just show up ready to fish.

Absolutely. We take families and kids fishing all the time, and you do not need to be an experienced angler to have a good day with us.Life jackets are provided in the sizes needed for our passengers, and our crew is happy to help first-time anglers learn the ropes.

A half-day trip is a great place to start if you have younger kids, first-time anglers, or simply don't want to spend the entire day on the water.We can fish the reef, wrecks, and other productive water around Marathon without turning your fishing day into an all-day commitment.

Captain Johnny makes the call based on the actual conditions and where we're planning to fish.Weather can vary considerably depending on whether we're fishing closer to Marathon or running farther offshore. If conditions aren't right for the planned trip, we'll talk through the options with you.

We require at least 72 hours' notice for cancellations.Weather-related decisions are handled separately, with Captain Johnny making the final call based on conditions.

Bring your own food, drinks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and whatever personal items you'll want during the trip.Cans and plastic bottles are fine, but please leave glass bottles at the dock.

Yes. We'll have the fishing equipment needed for the trip ready to go.You don't need to haul your own tackle down to the Keys just to fish with us.

If you're prone to motion sickness, prepare before we leave the dock rather than waiting until you're already feeling bad.Over-the-counter motion sickness products are an option, and Captain Johnny is also a fan of ginger. Even something as simple as ginger snap cookies can help.

No. We take everyone from experienced fishermen to people holding a fishing rod for the first time.Our crew can handle the rigging and show you what to do once the bite starts.

Marathon puts us within reach of reef, wreck, and offshore fishing.Depending on the trip, conditions, and what we're targeting, we can stay closer to the reef or make a longer offshore run toward grounds like the Humps, the Ups and Downs, and The Ledge.

There is a lot of variety here. Depending on the season and where we're fishing, trips can target fish such as snapper, grouper, amberjack, sharks, mahi mahi, wahoo, marlin, and other offshore species.If you have something particular in mind, tell Captain Johnny when you're booking so we can point you toward the right trip.

That depends on what kind of day you want.Half-day trips work well when fishing is one part of your Keys vacation. A full day gives us more time to work different areas, adjust to the bite, and make longer runs when conditions call for it.If you're serious about getting offshore and chasing bigger fish, look at our Big Game Offshore Adventure.

That changes with the trip and the bite.Some productive reef and wreck fishing is relatively close to Marathon. Bigger offshore trips can take us farther out toward blue water and fishing grounds such as the Humps.We don't run farther just to say we did. We go where Captain Johnny believes the fishing gives us the best opportunity that day.

We're located in Marathon in the Middle Florida Keys.Our marina is at 3502 Gulfview Avenue, Marathon, FL 33050, putting us right in the middle of the Keys with access to reef, wreck, and offshore water.

Gratuity is not included. A tip of 15–20% for your mate is customary and appreciated.The mate is working throughout your trip, from preparing bait and tackle to helping land fish and keeping everything running on deck.

Johnny Maddox Charters operates three boats, giving us options depending on the trip.Our fleet includes Papa Papa, a 31' Custom Express Ocean Master; Papa 2, a 25' Proline; and Come to Papa, a 30' Cobia.

Captain Johnny has more than 30 years of experience fishing the waters around Marathon and the Florida Keys.That local experience matters because the best place to fish changes with the weather, current, season, and what has been happening on the water.