Check in at Captain Hooks Marina — 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 — before your scheduled departure.

Is there an age limit?

Children under 15 may join but must be accompanied by an adult; child lifejackets are not provided by the operator.

Yes—bring a Florida saltwater fishing license if you plan to retain fish; catch-and-release is common and encouraged for some species.

Are there restrictions onboard?

Yes—no GPS coordinate recording, no spray-on sunscreen, no black-soled shoes are allowed according to the operator’s rules.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and payment terms vary by booking; confirm the operator’s policy at the time of reservation through the referral link.

Fish Marathon Like a Local on a 25’ Contender Bay Boat

Q: What species can I expect?

Common targets include yellowtail and mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and occasional tarpon near passes.

On a clear morning in the Middle Keys, the 25’ Contender Bay Boat waits at Captain Hooks Marina — 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 — ready to cut a low wake toward reef edges and quiet backcountry flats. This compact, nimble center console is built for small groups: maximum four anglers, each with plenty of deck room and close access to the bow for sight fishing and quick drift work. Departures run 4–8 hours, giving you time to chase snapper around patch reefs, work the mangrove shorelines for mangrove snapper and trout, or head offshore for mahi-mahi and grouper. Fishing here feels local because it is local: the vessel is sized for the tactics that win in Marathon’s mix of shallow flats, mangrove creeks, and nearshore reefs. You get the kind of hands-on, captain-led trip where the crew will read tides, pick the right live bait, and move quickly between productive spots. The boat’s small size makes it agile in skinny water where larger charters can’t go, and the result is more time fishing and less time finding a spot. Expect to see limestone ledges, patch reefs, and mangrove-lined creeks—geology and habitat that create sudden drop-offs and ambush points for reef species. Seasonal targets include yellowtail and mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and occasional tarpon near passes. Bird life—sooty terns and brown pelicans—and the occasional dolphin escort make crossings lively. The experience is less about big crowds and more about methodical fishing, hands-on instruction, and leaving with a haul or a better sense of local technique. Practical details matter: check in at Captain Hooks Marina — 11833 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050 — and note the operator’s rules: no GPS coordinate recording, no spray-on sunscreen, no black-soled shoes. Children under 15 may join with an adult, and lifejackets for kids aren’t provided, so bring your own if needed. The outing is ideal for anglers comfortable standing and casting for several hours; it’s a great trip for small parties, couples, or a focused group of friends. Why book this run? The 25’ Contender delivers a personal, efficient way to fish Marathon’s productive waters without the overhead of a large charter. It’s authentic local angling in a region defined by shallow reefs, mangrove backcountry, and quick access to offshore structure—an excellent choice for anglers who want time on the water and real chances at species that make the Florida Keys famous. Bring sun protection, a light jacket, motion sickness remedies, and your fishing license if you plan to keep fish; check local bag limits before departing. The small crew focuses on practical instruction, making this a smart choice for anglers wanting to learn techniques specific to the Keys. Enjoy.

Fish Marathon Like a Local on a 25’ Contender Bay Boat

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