Marathon Key

[timinmo]

Can anyone tell me what fishing would be available around Marathon Key in the February March time period.  If you know a good guide in that area please advise.  Not really interested in off shore stuff, more flats or back waters.

I have no experience with salt water so any advise would be appreciated.

[Gavin]

Have done allot of lobster diving down there but no idea in your time frame. Get the Hogfish if offered, better than grouper. Seems early for tarpon, but would go for them. Baby tarpon are fun! Under 30lbs or so, Jacks are fun too. Would make inquiries in Marathon and Isle of Morada. Great spot to relax!

[snagged in outlet 3]

February is not the best month down there but there is always something to chase if you and the guide are flexible.

[jfrith]

I used to live there for a short bit. Unfortunately didn't have much time for fishing, as I was always working. Feb isn't the best month for fishing, but I would think there'd still be some residential tarpon that stay year round. Might also look into bonefishing out on the flats. Caught this guy while working/long lining for sharks.

 

[grizwilson]

I wish that i knew how to scan the article but in the American Angler January/February 2007 issue there is an article by Craig Phillips, "The Skinflint's Guide to the Florida Keys" That I have found to be a great resource.  I could likely photo copy and mail to you if given enough time. You may be able to find on line somewhere. . 

[blacknoseddace]

April and May are better if you can go then, but warm spells early on can trigger some good fishing activity, it's just a gamble and the wind can be a problem. The Tarpon migration really gets going May and June. I stayed at Grassy Key in mid May 2012 and there were Tarpon everywhere on the flats and around the bridges. I landed one around 70 lbs on a fly from a boat I rented at grassy key? It was a blast! I just got back from West Palm Beach where my daughter lives and Fished for bass in ponds around her neighborhood and caught plenty on flies. Spent one full day with Capt Mark Giacobba in Flamingo and landed a 60 lb tarpon on a fly. Plus we caught small bass and speckled trout. The snook didn't cooperate on this trip. The Everglades trip is a lot more remote and less crowded than the Keys, but I like the Keys too. If nothing much is biting you can still catch sharks, snapppers, or cudas. It seems backup plans are always  available. Mark is a good guide and he is flexible on what's available at a given time. Just my 2 cents on my limited experience there. If you like sea food you must try the hogfish, they are awsome! The markets and restraunts have hogfish in the Keys. Conch fritters are a great appetizer with remoulade sauce. And of course Keylime pie.  

 

[timinmo]

I appreciate everyone's replies.  My wife is planning for us to go to the Keys to celebrate our anniversary next year, 2018.  It will be our 40th.  We can stay in Marathon at a reduced rate.  I would hope to do some flats or near shore/inshore fishing.  Trolling is not something I would look forward to, but may give it a try.  We have a while to plan and are not locked into a set date.

Once again, thanks for all the replies. 

[Dances With Smallies]

I've fished in the Keys from Marathon a few times.  We didn't have a guide but still managed to get into a bunch of fish.  The time of year I was down there we got into a bunch of Spanish mackerel and various kinds of snapper; had a blast.  A friend of mine just got done fishing the flats around Sugarloaf Key, I believe, and said they got into some huge tarpon.  I think fly fishing for bonefish in the flats would be awesome.  From what I've seen, the guide prices seem reasonable.  The wife and I did a mangrove kayak tour down there last spring (very cool) and our kayak tour guide gave me a contact for a guy he says is a great fishing guide and great guy:  K. Johnson (305) 481-0589.  

Anyway, since you're going with your wife, one thing my wife and I thought was really neat was visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon.  They are a nonprofit that rescues sea turtles who have been injured by boats, eating trash, etc.  Really fascinating and a great cause. You even get to meet some of the temporary and permanent reptilian residents.  Marathon is a great place so I hope you go and enjoy it.  I'm jealous!

[Ffer]

Went last year and stayed at Hawks Key Resort. Nice place but too expensive. Went fishing on the flats with Cpt Diego Cordova Great guy to fish with. Used small crabs and caught my first ever permit. What a blast. Going again in jun and have already arranged to have him again for a couple half days. Also went tarpon fishing with a guide out of Hawks Key marina. Would have to try and dig up his name. Fished with live mullet under the bridges. Caught one he said went a 100 lbs. Took about an hour and 20 min. Once the leader is touched , it's considered a caught fish. Did that at about the 1 hour mark  After another 20 min I told the guide the fish was either coming up or else. Tightened drag all the way and pop, he's gone. Good time but don't really need to catch another that big. I'm sure 20lbers would be a blast

[Plastic_worm]

Went in March 2016 and we had fun catching fish.  It's not the best time for bones and permit but we did see a few.  I was with a group and most everyone just wanted to catch anything...so we spent most of the time targeting sharks and cuda....but it was a killer time doing it from a kayak.  If you're looking for an alternative I know a kayak fishing guide down there.  Randy is a great guy and guide.  He knows the area really well.  Started in the eco tour business before moving into the guide stuff.  https://www.lowerkeyskayakfishing.com/