Florida · Keys
REDFISH FISHING
IN MARATHON
Marathon is a solid destination for redfish fishing. Book a charter and target redfish with local experts.
About Redfish Fishing in Marathon
Also known as Red Drum, one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish in the Gulf. Known for powerful runs and the distinctive spot on the tail.
Redfish — also called Red Drum — are the most popular inshore gamefish along the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. They are bronze-copper in color with one or more distinctive black spots near the tail, which scientists believe confuse predators into attacking the wrong end. Juveniles (called "rat reds") are bright gold or copper, while bull reds over 30 inches take on a deeper bronze-red hue with a pronounced hump behind the head. Males and females are visually identical, though females grow larger and are the primary spawners.
Scientific name: Sciaenops ocellatus
Redfish Seasonal Calendar — Marathon
Month-by-month availability for redfish in Marathon, FL.
How to Catch Redfish in Marathon
Techniques & Bait
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
Recommended Tackle
Medium or medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500-3000 size reel, 10-15 lb braided line, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader. For bull reds: medium-heavy rod, 4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid, 30 lb leader.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Marathon
Top spots where local captains target redfish and other inshore species.
Seven Mile Bridge
The historic Seven Mile Bridge connects Marathon to the Lower Keys and is one of the most famous fishing bridges in the world. Tarpon, permit, barracuda, and mangrove snapper congregate around the old bridge pilings during tidal changes. The bridge channel is a major tarpon migration corridor from April through July, with fish exceeding 100 pounds.
Boot Key Harbor
Boot Key Harbor is a large, protected harbor on the south side of Marathon offering sheltered inshore fishing for snook, mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, and tarpon. The harbor's docks, channel markers, and mooring balls provide structure that concentrates gamefish. Night fishing under the harbor lights produces consistent snapper and tarpon action.
Vaca Cut
Vaca Cut is a deep channel between Vaca Key and Fat Deer Key in the heart of Marathon, funneling strong tidal currents that attract tarpon, snook, and barracuda. The cut is narrow enough to cast across during outgoing tides when bait gets swept through the channel. Mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper hold along the bridge pilings year-round.
Marathon Bayside Flats
The shallow flats on the Gulf side of Marathon stretch across expansive turtle grass beds toward the Content Keys and Nine Mile Bank. Permit, bonefish, and barracuda cruise the flats in skinny water, with guides poling skiffs for sight-fishing on calm mornings. The flats are less pressured than the Islamorada backcountry and offer excellent year-round fishing.
Other Species in Marathon
More fish you can target while visiting Marathon.
Redfish Fishing in Marathon — FAQ
Redfish fishing in Marathon is productive during .
Redfish fishing charters in Marathon are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Live shrimp under a popping cork is the most reliable year-round technique. Soft plastic jigs (gold spoons, paddle-tail swimbaits on 1/4 oz jigheads) worked along oyster bars and grass flat edges are deadly. For trophy bulls in the fall, fresh-cut mullet or blue crab on a Carolina rig fished near passes and jetties is hard to beat. Sight-casting to tailing reds on shallow flats with gold spoons or fly-rod presentations is the pinnacle of the sport.
No — when you book a charter in Marathon, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Redfish regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Redfish in Marathon, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Sailfish, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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