Marathon Fishing Guide: Keys Species, Bait & Gear

Marathon anglers target yellowtail snapper, mahi-mahi, tarpon, grouper, mangrove snapper, sharks, and bonefish across the Keys' reefs, offshore waters, bridges, and backcountry flats.

Yellowtail Snapper: Fish reef edges with live shrimp or squid and a heavy chum slick. Use a light spinning rod (10–15 lb test), size 2–1/0 circle hooks, and a 10–15 lb fluorocarbon leader.

Mahi-Mahi: Look for weed lines, floating debris, and offshore color changes. Ballyhoo, pilchards, and trolling lures work. Bring a medium-heavy offshore rod (20–40 lb class) with a high-drag spinning or conventional reel and 30–50 lb braided line.

Tarpon: Fish near bridges, channels, and mangroves with live mullet, crabs, or large shrimp. Use a heavy spinning setup (50–80 lb braid) with a 60–100 lb fluorocarbon leader and 5/0–8/0 circle hooks.

Grouper: Target reefs, wrecks, and rocky structures with pinfish, squid, or cut mackerel. Use a heavy conventional rod (50–80 lb class), high-capacity reel, 50–80 lb braided line, and heavy sinkers (4–16 oz).

Mangrove Snapper: Beginners find success near bridges, docks, and mangroves with shrimp, small baitfish, or cut bait. Use a light/medium spinning rod (10–20 lb test), a 15–20 lb fluorocarbon leader, and small hooks (1/0–2/0).

Sharks: Fish channels and offshore waters with large cut bait like mackerel or bonito. Use a heavy offshore rod (80–130 lb class), 100–200 lb leader, and 8/0–12/0 circle hooks.

Bonefish: Hunt the shallow flats and backcountry with shrimp, small crabs, or jigs. Bring a light spinning or fly rod with a 10–15 lb fluorocarbon leader and polarized sunglasses.

Core gear for any Keys trip includes polarized sunglasses, sun protection, fishing pliers, hook removers, a cooler with ice, and a measuring tape. Pack three rod setups: light spinning for reef and snapper, medium offshore for mahi, and heavy gear for tarpon, grouper, or shark. Stock terminal tackle in multiple circle hook sizes, fluorocarbon leader (10–100+ lb range), sinkers, split shots, and various lures.

Local tackle shops The Tackle Box and Marathon Bait and Tackle rent rods and sell live shrimp, pilchards, pinfish, crabs, and cut bait. Most charter captains provide gear but anglers report better results with personal equipment.