Damn Good Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Marathon

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Marathon gag grouper fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
4.92/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Marathon, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Premier Fishing

100% (10)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Key Offshore - 32’ Morgan

100% (8)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Offshore Trip

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Half Day Fun!

NEW
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Inshore Adventure

NEW
29 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Bottom Fishing Reefs And Wrecks

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $900

Top Types of Gag Grouper Trips in Marathon

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Marathon

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

More Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Marathon, Fl

Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Marathon

Offshore Trolling And Bottom Fishing

100% (2)
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Florida Keys Reef And Wreck Fishing

100% (2)
38 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Marathon

Reefs And Wreck Fishing

100% (1)
27 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Marathon

Offshore Bottomfishing And Trolling

NEW
1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Marathon

Half Day Trip

NEW
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Marathon

Reef Frenzy

100% (5)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
See All Gag Grouper Trips in Marathon

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Marathon gag grouper fishing charter

What are the best gag grouper fishing charters in Marathon?

Why should I book a gag grouper fishing charter in Marathon with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 15 gag grouper trips in Marathon, and the most popular trips in the area are Marathon Premier Fishing guided by Brad, Bottom Fishing Reefs and Wrecks guided by Josh, and Marathon Key Offshore - 32’ Morgan guided by Steve.

Our guides in Marathon are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 3716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly gag grouper guides / fishing lessons in Marathon? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides in Marathon.

What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common in Marathon?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for gag grouper in Marathon as well as nearshore fishing and inshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Marathon are bottom fishing, heavy tackle fishing, and trolling but live bait fishing and light tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Marathon gag grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for gag grouper in Marathon can range anywhere from about $863 to $1,750, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper in Marathon is $977. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper in Marathon is $1,484.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for gag grouper fishing in Marathon?

The most popular season for gag grouper fishing in Marathon is spring, and most anglers book their trips 27 days in advance.

Do I need a Marathon fishing license for gag grouper and what are the bag limits for gag grouper in Marathon?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Marathon, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Marathon. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Marathon.

What is gag grouper in Marathon all about?

In Marathon, Florida, targeting gag grouper is a favorite pursuit among anglers, offering both a thrilling challenge and a rewarding catch. Gag grouper, known for their striking appearance and delicious taste, inhabit the rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks that dot the coastal waters of the Florida Keys. With their distinctive coloring and powerful fighting abilities, gag grouper provide anglers with an exciting opportunity to test their skills against one of the region's most prized species.

To target gag grouper in Marathon, anglers often employ a variety of techniques tailored to the species' behavior and preferred habitat. Bottom fishing with live bait, such as pinfish, grunts, or squid, is a popular method for enticing strikes from these formidable fish. Anglers carefully select their bait and present it near the rocky structures and underwater formations where gag grouper are known to congregate, patiently awaiting the telltale thud of a grouper taking the bait.

Gag grouper fishing in Marathon is not just about the thrill of the catch but also about the camaraderie and shared experiences among anglers. Whether casting lines from charter boats, fishing from shore, or exploring the offshore reefs, enthusiasts flock to Marathon's waters in pursuit of these prized fish. Beyond the excitement of the catch, gag grouper provide anglers with a delicious reward for their efforts, making them a favorite target species for fishermen in Marathon throughout the year.

What are the most popular months to fish for gag grouper in Marathon?

In Marathon, Florida, gag grouper seasons are eagerly anticipated events among anglers, marking the prime times to target these prized fish in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Gag grouper, with their impressive size and powerful fighting abilities, are highly sought after for both recreational and commercial fishing purposes. The seasons typically coincide with periods when gag grouper are most active and abundant, providing anglers with ample opportunities to reel in these coveted catches.

The gag grouper seasons in Marathon are carefully regulated to ensure the sustainability of the fishery and the preservation of gag grouper populations for future generations. Specific dates, bag limits, and size restrictions are often put in place to prevent overfishing and promote responsible angling practices. Anglers must adhere to these regulations to help maintain the health of gag grouper populations and ensure the longevity of the fishery in Marathon's coastal waters.

During the gag grouper seasons in Marathon, anglers utilize various fishing techniques to target these prized fish, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, jigging, and trolling. Whether casting lines from charter boats or fishing from shore, enthusiasts flock to Marathon's waters to take part in the excitement of the gag grouper seasons. Beyond the thrill of the catch, these seasons also serve as a reminder of the importance of sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of Marathon's coastal waters for years to come.

What techniques are popular for catching gag grouper in Marathon?

In Marathon, Florida, mastering the art of gag grouper fishing requires a blend of patience, strategy, and understanding of the species' behavior. Anglers employ various techniques to target these prized fish, often depending on factors such as water depth, structure, and the time of year. One common method is bottom fishing using live bait, such as pinfish, grunts, or squid, presented near the rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks where gag grouper are known to inhabit. Anglers patiently wait for the distinctive thud of a grouper taking the bait before engaging in a thrilling battle to land these powerful fish.

Another effective technique for gag grouper fishing in Marathon is jigging. Anglers use heavy metal jigs or bucktail jigs to mimic the movements of baitfish and entice strikes from gag grouper. Jigging can be particularly effective when targeting grouper in deeper waters or areas with strong currents, allowing anglers to cover a wide range of depths and fishing conditions. With precise jigging motions and keen observation, anglers can trigger strikes from gag grouper and enjoy the challenge of battling these formidable fish to the surface.

In addition to traditional bait and jigging techniques, some anglers in Marathon have found success trolling for gag grouper using diving plugs or large soft plastic lures. Trolling allows anglers to cover a larger area of water and locate productive fishing spots while enticing strikes from gag grouper roaming the open waters. Anglers must adjust trolling speed and lure depth to match the behavior of the fish and maximize their chances of success. Whether employing bait, jigging, or trolling techniques, anglers in Marathon can enjoy the thrill and excitement of targeting gag grouper in the diverse and abundant fishing grounds of the Florida Keys.

What other species are popular in Marathon?

While targeting gag grouper in Marathon, Florida, offers an exhilarating angling experience, the region boasts a diverse array of other species to pursue for anglers seeking varied adventures. One notable species is the spirited mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. Found in the offshore waters of the Gulf Stream, mahi-mahi provide anglers with thrilling battles as they leap and dart across the water's surface. Anglers in Marathon often troll near floating debris, weed lines, or underwater structures to entice strikes from these colorful and acrobatic fish, adding an extra dimension of excitement to their fishing outings.

Another prized species in Marathon is the elusive bonefish, revered for its speed and challenging fight. Inhabiting the shallow flats and sandy bottoms of the Florida Keys, bonefish present anglers with a rewarding challenge and the opportunity to test their finesse in pursuit of these elusive gray ghosts. Sight casting with fly or light tackle to tailing bonefish is a test of patience and precision, rewarding anglers with exhilarating battles and the chance to pit their skills against one of the most revered species in flats fishing.

For those seeking a taste of inshore angling excitement, Marathon offers opportunities to target species such as tarpon, snook, and redfish. These formidable predators inhabit the mangrove-lined channels, flats, and backcountry waters of the Florida Keys, providing anglers with endless opportunities for sight casting and light tackle action. Whether chasing pelagic giants offshore, stalking the shallows for flats species, or exploring the mangrove-lined backcountry, Marathon provides a diverse and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all preferences and skill levels.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing day. Friendly, helpful captain who also found some great fishing. I learned about the yellow brick road today. If not sure what that is, ask Captain Frank to show you. Have fun,

    Overman J. | November 12, 2024

    Trip: Reefs and Wreck Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Josh! Josh was very knowledgeable about the waters that made for a successful fishing trip! Thanks for everything!!

    Jacque D. | July 20, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trolling and Bottom Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Josh was very professional and accommodating. Very good with the kiddos!

    Jerry S. | July 16, 2024

    Trip: Bottom Fishing Reefs and Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely fantastic experience. Fun guys to be on a boat with and top-notch professionals. They were absolutely fantastic with my kids as well.

    Zac R. | June 3, 2024

    Trip: Spear the Depths: Reef & Wreck

  • ★★★★★
    Had a most excellent time. We were scheduled for an offshore trip but wind and waves caused us to cancel this trip. However, we rescheduled for later in the day for a tarpon fishing excursion. This was a blast ! We saw sharks up close and landed several yellow jacks which gave us a good fight before being returned to the water. After trying and trying (never give up) we snagged a good sized tarpon. After a good fight which included multiple boat maneuvers it was brought to the side of the boat before being cut loose to fight another day. We thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with the captain and first mate. Both were very attentive to us, making sure that our hooks were still baited and that we had all the help required for landing and documenting our catches before returning them to the water. A great time was had by all! The boat was immaculate and we had no issues if any sort.

    Lynn E. | April 9, 2024

    Trip: Marathon Key Offshore - 32’ Morgan

  • ★★★★★
    We recently had the pleasure of embarking on a fishing charter with Captain Brad and his shipmate Miles, and I must say, it was an experience to remember! From start to finish, the trip was filled with excitement, laughter, and, of course, some great catches. First and foremost, Captain Brad's professionalism and expertise were evident from the moment we set foot on his well-equipped boat. The vessel itself was top-notch, complete with all the necessary fishing gear and even a bathroom—a luxury rarely found on fishing charters. This attention to detail immediately put us at ease and set the stage for an enjoyable day out on the water. Now, let's talk about Miles—what a gem! Not only was he incredibly friendly and personable, but his sense of humor added an extra layer of fun to the trip. Whether he was cracking jokes or teaching me the rules of fishing, Miles's presence truly enhanced the overall experience. It's clear that he's not just a shipmate but also a valuable member of Captain Brad's team. As for the fishing itself, we couldn't have asked for a better outing. Captain Brad navigated us to all the right spots, where we were able to reel in some impressive catches. His knowledge of the local waters and fishing techniques was evident, and it made for a successful day of angling. In summary, my fishing charter experience with Captain Brad and Miles was nothing short of exceptional. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice looking to try your hand at fishing, I highly recommend booking a trip with Captain Brad. You won't be disappointed! Happy fishing! Todd & Paige

    Todd M. | March 11, 2024

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Brad and Miles were great! They had our kids reeling in yellowtail not long after anchoring. We were also lucky to reel in a big grouper and a nice size kingfish. They recommended having the yellowtail cooked at Lazy Days which was fantastic. I would say if you were going out of Marathon to ask for Brad and Miles.

    Jeremy M. | March 7, 2024

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great experience with Brad and his mate, Miles! We caught a bunch of yellow tail snapper and a big red mutton snapper. They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I would highly recommend them for your next charter!

    Randy S. | January 20, 2024

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip with great success! Made memories for a lifetime! Brad & Miles are awesome. Great communication before the trip , during and after. Caught enough fish for the family to eat for a week! Highly recommend them to anyone who wants to catch fish and have fun!!

    Michael L. | November 21, 2023

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brad and Miles were TOP NOTCH! You do not want to miss out on fishing with these gentlemen! We went out for a half day trip and caught a ton of yellowtail snapper and some mutton grouper! We went out deeper but came up short (we had SO many chances) but that was ok! The boat was crazy fast and very high tech, these guys know where the fish are!!! Unforgettable and very enjoyable experience! Thank you Captain Brad and Miles- you guys gave us an experience we will be talking about forever, and not to mention the most delicious fish we have ever cooked in our lives- and that is saying a lot coming from Massachusetts!!!! We will definitely be coming back next year to fish with you guys again!!!❤️

    Katherine H. | August 17, 2023

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with Captain Brad and his crew Miles and Whitney! The boat had a toilet, lots of comfortable and covered seating for those that were not fishing. They were great with instructions and techniques on how to land the catch! They knew all the hot spots and we had enough fish to feed an army dinner!

    Rachel S. | May 11, 2023

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Our group had 5 people with little to no fishing experience. Brad took us to fish for yellowtale first, about 35 minutes away from the dock. He and his hand Miles showed us how to use the rods properly and we caught about 10 or 12 yellowtales. They were both very friendly and helpful, we all felt comfortable and had a good time. Unfortunately some of us got sea sick so we decided to cut the trip short. Brad had cautioned us about that beforehand and offered to move our trip to a day with calmer weather, what we would have done would we have had the time. We would definitely go with Brad again. He is a friendly local guy and he made the trip fun and personal, not at all commercial like some of the bigger boats. He knows the area and waters very well.

    Dirk | April 7, 2023

    Trip: Marathon Premier Fishing

What's biting in Marathon?

View Gag Grouper Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Gag Grouper Trips in Marathon