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
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