Florida · Keys
YELLOWFIN TUNA FISHING
IN MARATHON
Marathon is a solid destination for yellowfin tuna fishing, with good fishing in January, February, March, November. Book a charter and target yellowfin tuna with local experts.
About Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Marathon
A powerful open-water predator prized for sashimi-grade flesh. Found in blue water near rips and structure.
Yellowfin Tuna are among the most powerful and prized offshore gamefish in the world. Their torpedo-shaped body is designed for sustained high-speed swimming, with a dark metallic blue back, silver-gold sides, and bright yellow finlets and fins that give them their name. Mature yellowfin develop extraordinarily long second dorsal and anal fins that sweep back like sickles. These warm-blooded fish (one of few fish that can maintain elevated body temperature) are found in deep blue water near oil rigs, floating debris, and temperature breaks. Their sashimi-grade flesh is among the finest seafood in the world.
Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Yellowfin Tuna Seasonal Calendar — Marathon
Month-by-month availability for yellowfin tuna in Marathon, FL.
How to Catch Yellowfin Tuna in Marathon
Techniques & Bait
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
Recommended Tackle
Heavy conventional rod, 50-80 lb class reel, 65-100 lb braid, 80-130 lb fluorocarbon leader (at least 15 feet), 7/0-9/0 circle hooks. For chunking: medium-heavy spinning with 40-65 lb braid. Stand-up gear for fish over 100 lbs.
Best Deep Sea Fishing Fishing Spots in Marathon
Top spots where local captains target yellowfin tuna and other deep sea fishing species.
Marathon Hump (Middle Hump)
The Marathon Hump is a prominent deepwater seamount south of Marathon where the ocean floor rises dramatically from 1,100 feet to around 480 feet. This structure concentrates blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi, and is one of the most productive deep-dropping spots for swordfish in the Middle Keys. The Hump is a bucket-list destination for serious offshore anglers.
Gulf Stream (Marathon)
The Gulf Stream flows approximately 10-15 miles south of Marathon's reef line, bringing warm bluewater current and pelagic species within range. Sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blackfin tuna patrol the Stream edges, especially along weed lines and color changes. Marathon's central Keys location provides access to productive Gulf Stream fishing grounds.
West Hump (from Marathon)
The West Hump is another deepwater seamount accessible from Marathon, lying roughly 20 miles southwest. The bottom rises from deep water to create a fish-concentrating feature that holds swordfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Marathon boats can fish both the Marathon Hump and West Hump on a single offshore trip when conditions allow.
Marathon Deep Wrecks
Several deep wrecks lie in 200-plus feet of water south of Marathon along the outer edge of the reef system. These sunken vessels hold large amberjack, almaco jack, barracuda, and grouper on the structure, while pelagics cruise overhead in the current. Deep wreck fishing is a productive alternative to humps when targeting bottom species offshore.
Other Species in Marathon
More fish you can target while visiting Marathon.
Yellowfin Tuna Fishing in Marathon — FAQ
Yellowfin Tuna fishing in Marathon is productive during January, February, March, November, December.
Yellowfin Tuna fishing charters in Marathon are typically deep sea fishing trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Chunking (cutting fresh baitfish into chunks and creating a chum slick) with yellowfin tuna hooks baited with fresh chunk bait is deadly when fish are located near structure or rigs. Live bait (hardtails, blue runners, goggle-eyes) drifted on the surface or at depth with a balloon or kite produces the largest fish. Trolling with cedar plugs, skirted ballyhoo, and spreader bars at 6-8 knots covers water when fish are scattered. Jigging with heavy butterfly jigs under the boat when fish are marked on the sounder is increasingly popular.
No — when you book a charter in Marathon, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Yellowfin Tuna 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 Yellowfin Tuna in Marathon, you may also catch Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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