What is included in the charter price?

Rods, reels, tackle, ice, and the onboard head are included; check your booking link for specifics and any upgrade options.

Do I need a fishing license?

Bring a valid Florida saltwater fishing license if required for anyone in your party; captains can advise on regulations per target species.

How many people can join?

The boat accommodates up to six anglers per trip for private charters.

What species can I expect to catch?

Targets include snapper, grouper, bonefish, tarpon, mahi‑mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, and seasonal swordfish on offshore runs.

What about sea conditions and safety?

Captains monitor weather and will adjust the itinerary for safety; life jackets and safety gear are provided onboard.

Is gratuity included?

Gratuity is not typically included; if you’re pleased with the captain’s service, a customary tip is appreciated.

Marathon Fishing: Private Charter Aboard a 38' Freeman for Reef, Offshore & Swordfish | Private | Fishing

Set out from Marathon, Florida, aboard the 38' Freeman w/Tower w/Quad Mercury 300s, a private six‑passenger sportfishing platform built for speed, stability, and long days on the Atlantic side of the Florida Keys. Located in Marathon on the central Keys, this charter launches into the Florida Straits, the reef tract, and nearby island flats, offering reef, offshore, island eco, and deep‑sea swordfishing options. The boat itself is a workhorse — a 38‑foot Freeman with a tower and four Mercury 300s — equipped with a head, covered cockpit, livewell, and modern electronics. Captains on this charter bring local knowledge of the Florida Keys Reef Tract, seagrass meadows, and mangrove shorelines where bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, and snapper roam. Offshore trips push to deeper structure where mahi‑mahi, wahoo, tuna, and on seasonal runs, sailfish and swordfish patrol thermoclines and current breaks.

Start with a reef or island eco half‑day to learn the area; shallow patch reefs and coral heads rise from turquoise flats, while mangrove creeks hide juveniles and schooling snapper. For big‑game anglers, a full offshore day chases structure and floating debris where pelagics congregate and fights run long. The drama of a long‑running billfish or the stealth of sight‑casting to bonefish on a calm morning both feel possible from this versatile platform.

The setting matters: the boat operates inside the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, established in 1990, which protects coral habitat along the only living barrier reef in the continental United States. You will see coral formations, seagrass beds, and the occasional grouper or sea turtle—reminders that sportfishing here walks a line between recreation and stewardship.

Practical notes are straightforward. Trips include rods, reels, tackle, ice, and the comfort of an onboard head; up to six anglers can be accommodated. Bring sunscreen, a brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and a valid Florida saltwater fishing license for anyone required to carry one. Captains tailor itineraries to weather and target species; seasonal migrations shape expectations: swordfish rise on certain offshore runs and dolphin populate debris lines in warmer months.

Why book this trip? For anglers who want private attention, a captain’s local knowledge, and a boat capable of both calm inshore sight‑fishing and long offshore runs, the 38' Freeman w/Tower w/Quad Mercury 300s delivers. In Marathon, where shallow flats meet deep blue a short run away, a private charter opens options that shore fishing cannot match and turns a single day into a focused pursuit of whatever the Keys oceans offer. Captains recommend early departures, layered clothing, and a small cooler for your catch; they can teach beginners casting, knot‑tying, and fish handling so both novices and experienced anglers make the most of time on the water and unforgettable days on board.