Marathon Florida

[Rip Runner]

I hve been to Duck Key twice this year. It's the key just south of Marathon, but I guess it's technical part of Marathon. The fishing at the both the Islamorada & Marathon hump is fastastic. The North wind has been pushing the gulf stream waters real tight too and much closer than the humps. The sailfishing, wahoo, and blackfin tuna fishing has been fanstastic. I luckily have 2 free places to stay now and access to a brand new 225 Seahunt, a 30 Island Hopper, and an Egrit flats boat....doesn't suck!

If I were to get a place in the Keys Marathon or Islamorada would be my pick. Anything further and the drive is just too far for flying down on weekends and driving out. Marathon airport is starting to make a come-back and is supposed to pick up a major airline again. Both keys are big enough for other things to do for the family etc...as well as big grocery stores and regular conviniences.

[hardcore from shore]

Been fishing marathon for 20 years. Going with my 3 Brothers in law in March for our 18th annual March Madness trip always first weekend of NCAA tourney. Went through several guides but for last 12 or so used Captain Jack Carlson and the Two Conchs. He also owns Big Time bait and tackle 2 blocks south of the Marathon Lady. Used to do the Lady a lot as well. With jack we have caught Tarpon, Permit, Cobia, Grouper (red and black) as Goliath (formerly Jewfish), Blackfin tuna at the hump and many kinds of snapper as well. Also King, Spanish and Cero Mackeral and too many other species to name. He has a great 4 night 3 day package and above bait shop and in front of dock for his 31 foot Contender we stay in his 2 bedroom apartment that sleeps four, has kichen as well as gas grill on the dock.

On way down stop and feed the tarpon at Captain Robbies below MM 80 on right. Captain Robbie also has a great headboat at MM 86 at Holiday Isle where I have cuaght snapper and keeper grouper. Also witnessed a kid catch a big sailfish when we were fishing for kings on that boat a while back as well.

Nice thing about keys is if wind is issue you can fish atlantic or gulf side. Some days we did Cobia on gulf in AM and snapper (big Muttons) as well as Amberjacks on atlantic side in the afternoon.

Look up Captain Jack if at MM 50. Say hello for me. Get there after 4:30 if you want to see his haul. As the other guides say the only thing worse then fishing next to Jack is to come to the dock and throw your catch out next to his.

Bill

[Fly Rod]

Heading back to Marathon on the 5th of March and going to enjoy another ten days of fishing. might check out the places that rip runner and hardcore mentioned.

[bart]

I lived on Big Pine for a little while and was in Marathon a lot. My girlfriend at the time was actually a teacher at Marathon middle school. The fishing is fantastic there, but unfortunately I never made it out on a fishing boat. i fished the bridges( mostly the No Name bridge) and caught tons of different types of snappers, big barracuda, and I hooked a half dozen BIG tarpon but never landed one.

The Keys are awesome if you want pristine marine life without the beaches( one exception being Bahia Honda). and whoever mentioned the cops is right on. When I moved down there someone asked me if I knew why they called it the Keys. When I replied, "no" they explained that they call it the Keys because they will take your keys if you are drinking and driving. Sort of a contradiction as they pretty much promote drinking( and driving) in the Keys. You can walk into any bar, order a drink, ask a for a cup, pour said drink into said cup, then proceed to the next tiki bar.

The Keys are beautiful an have a lot to offer, but at this point in my life I have no interest in living there. People who have spent their lives in the Keys are a different breed, and like most locals in other areas, they are very protective of their territory. Of course, KW is a whole other deal though and one worth exploring if you have the opportunity( and liver).

[Van]

Originally Posted by hardcore from shore

Been fishing marathon for 20 years. Going with my 3 Brothers in law in March for our 18th annual March Madness trip always first weekend of NCAA tourney. Went through several guides but for last 12 or so used Captain Jack Carlson and the Two Conchs. He also owns Big Time bait and tackle 2 blocks south of the Marathon Lady. Used to do the Lady a lot as well. With jack we have caught Tarpon, Permit, Cobia, Grouper (red and black) as Goliath (formerly Jewfish), Blackfin tuna at the hump and many kinds of snapper as well. Also King, Spanish and Cero Mackeral and too many other species to name. He has a great 4 night 3 day package and above bait shop and in front of dock for his 31 foot Contender we stay in his 2 bedroom apartment that sleeps four, has kichen as well as gas grill on the dock.

On way down stop and feed the tarpon at Captain Robbies below MM 80 on right. Captain Robbie also has a great headboat at MM 86 at Holiday Isle where I have cuaght snapper and keeper grouper. Also witnessed a kid catch a big sailfish when we were fishing for kings on that boat a while back as well.

Nice thing about keys is if wind is issue you can fish atlantic or gulf side. Some days we did Cobia on gulf in AM and snapper (big Muttons) as well as Amberjacks on atlantic side in the afternoon.

Look up Captain Jack if at MM 50. Say hello for me. Get there after 4:30 if you want to see his haul. As the other guides say the only thing worse then fishing next to Jack is to come to the dock and throw your catch out next to his.

Bill

Our first charter is with Capt Jack on Two Conchs !!!!

Good info...thanks Bill,

I will say hello for ya.
Doing the other two trips with a capt that Frank fished with last year.
He did quite well too.

[Fly Rod]

anyone going to the keys may want to check out "Last Minute Vacation Rentals.

Some places are resonable.

[hardcore from shore]

Jack is as Hardcore a fisherman and guide as I ever met. He has lots of great spots. He will not fail due to lack of effort. The 3 of you will enjoy fishing with him.

No place fishier looking then driving into the Keys. Great to see water on both sides. Watch and see the boats anchored up down tide of the bridges fishing for tarpon. Once in a while you can even see them hooked up (if you are not the driver).

We will be at Jack's place the evening of 3/15/12 and fish 3/16, 3/17 and 3/18. Already lifting weights and working out to be ready.

[Mr. Sandman]

my buddy texted these photos to me the other day. (he winters in the keys and fishes almost everyday). He said he is catching these off his dock with a dip net each evening!