Damn Good Permit Fishing Charters In Marathon

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

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Recently Booked Permit 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

Inshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Tarpon And Backcountry - 25’ Custom

100% (1)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $848
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Marathon

Morning 1/2 Day

NEW
25 ft 1 - 8 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

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Reef And Wreck Fishing

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Marathon

Islamorada Reefs And Wrecks

100% (4)
1 - 6 People From $1,150
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

4 Hour Flats Trip For 2

NEW
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Islamorada Inshore And Flats Fshing

NEW
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $700

Top Types of Permit Trips in Marathon

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Target Species in Marathon

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More Permit Fishing Charters In Marathon, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Big Pine Key Action

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Islamorada Flats Fishing

100% (1)
17 ft 1 - 2 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Islamorada Angling Excursion

100% (10)
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Long Key Adventure - 25' Mako

NEW
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Family Friendly Fishing Fun

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Marathon

Bay Fishing - 22' Pathfinder

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $900
See All Permit Trips in Marathon

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Everything to Know About Booking a Marathon permit fishing charter

What are the best permit fishing charters in Marathon?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 32 permit trips in Marathon, and the most popular trips in the area are Reef and Wreck Fishing guided by Bobby, Morning 1/2 Day guided by John, and Tarpon and Backcountry - 25’ Custom guided by Wayne.

Our guides in Marathon are rated a 4.98 out of 5 based on 3720 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 permit guides / fishing lessons in Marathon? Check out our beginner and family friendly permit guides in Marathon.

What types of permit fishing charters are common in Marathon?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for permit in Marathon as well as inshore fishing, flats fishing, and nearshore fishing.

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

How much do Marathon permit fishing charters cost?

Prices for permit in Marathon can range anywhere from about $650 to $2,010, but the average price for a half day trip for permit in Marathon is $947. The average price for a full day trip for permit in Marathon is $1,189.

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 permit fishing in Marathon?

The most popular season for permit fishing in Marathon is spring, and most anglers book their trips 14 days in advance.

Do I need a Marathon fishing license for permit and what are the bag limits for permit 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 permit in Marathon all about?

In Marathon, Florida, permit are highly coveted among anglers for their reputation as one of the most challenging and elusive species to catch. These prized fish, known for their powerful runs and finicky behavior, inhabit the shallow flats, channels, and wrecks of the Florida Keys. With their silver bodies and distinctive forked tails, permit are easily recognizable and provide anglers with thrilling battles and unforgettable fishing experiences.

Targeting permit in Marathon requires patience, skill, and precise presentation. Anglers often sight fish for permit on the shallow flats, scanning the crystal-clear waters for signs of feeding or tailing fish. Once located, anglers carefully present their flies or lures to the permit, taking into account factors such as wind direction, current, and the angle of the sun. Permit are notoriously wary and selective feeders, requiring anglers to employ stealthy approaches and accurate casts to entice strikes from these elusive fish.

Permit fishing in Marathon can be enjoyed year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring during the spring and fall months. During these times, permit are more active and abundant, providing anglers with optimal opportunities to target these challenging fish. Whether sight fishing on the flats or targeting permit around wrecks and structure, anglers in Marathon can enjoy the thrill and excitement of pursuing one of the most prized species in the Florida Keys.

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

In Marathon, Florida, permit fishing can be pursued year-round, offering anglers the opportunity to target these elusive and prized fish regardless of the season. However, certain times of the year may present more favorable conditions and increased chances of success. Peak permit seasons in Marathon typically coincide with the spring and fall months, when water temperatures are moderate, and permit are more active and abundant in the area.

During the spring months in Marathon, permit are often found on the shallow flats, where they feed voraciously in preparation for spawning. Anglers can sight fish for permit in crystal-clear waters, scanning the flats for signs of feeding or tailing fish. As the weather warms up, permit become more active and aggressive, providing anglers with thrilling battles and exciting fishing opportunities.

Similarly, during the fall months, permit can be found in the shallow flats and around structure such as wrecks and reefs. As water temperatures begin to cool down, permit continue to feed actively, offering anglers the chance to target these challenging fish using a variety of techniques. Whether sight fishing on the flats or targeting permit around structure, the fall season in Marathon provides anglers with prime opportunities to pursue one of the most prized species in the Florida Keys.

What techniques are popular for catching permit in Marathon?

In Marathon, Florida, targeting permit requires a combination of skill, patience, and strategic fishing techniques due to their elusive nature and selective feeding habits. One effective technique for permit fishing in Marathon is sight casting on the shallow flats. Anglers carefully scan the crystal-clear waters for signs of feeding permit, such as tailing fish or subtle movements on the surface. Once spotted, anglers make precise casts with either flies or lures, presenting their offerings in a natural and enticing manner to entice strikes from these wary fish.

Another productive technique for permit fishing in Marathon is using live or artificial crab imitations. Permit are known to feed on crabs, making them a preferred bait option for anglers targeting these fish. Whether using live crabs or crab-pattern flies, anglers present their baits near the bottom in areas where permit are known to feed, such as shallow flats, channel edges, or around structure. By mimicking the movements of natural prey, anglers can increase their chances of enticing strikes from permit in Marathon's rich and diverse fishing grounds.

Additionally, drift fishing can be an effective technique for targeting permit in Marathon. Anglers drift with the current over shallow flats or near structure while presenting their baits or lures in a natural and enticing manner. By adjusting their drift speed and direction, anglers can cover a wide area of water and increase their chances of encountering feeding permit. Whether sight casting on the flats, using crab imitations, or drift fishing, anglers in Marathon can employ a variety of techniques to target permit and enjoy the thrill of pursuing one of the most challenging and rewarding species in the Florida Keys.

What other species are popular in Marathon?

In addition to permit, Marathon, Florida offers anglers a wide variety of other exciting species to target. One such species is the tarpon, renowned for its strength, acrobatics, and challenging fights. Found in both nearshore and offshore waters, tarpon migrate along the Florida Keys, providing anglers with thrilling opportunities for sight casting, live bait fishing, or fly fishing. Targeting tarpon in Marathon promises anglers unforgettable battles and the chance to hook into one of the most iconic game fish in the world.

Another prized species in Marathon is the mahi-mahi, also known as dolphin fish or dorado. Mahi-mahi are commonly found in offshore waters, where they congregate around floating debris, weed lines, or offshore structures. Anglers can target mahi-mahi using trolling techniques with lures or rigged baits, presenting their offerings at varying depths to entice strikes from these colorful and delicious fish. Mahi-mahi fishing in Marathon offers anglers the opportunity to reel in multiple catches in a single outing while enjoying the thrill of battling these acrobatic and hard-fighting fish.

For those seeking inshore angling excitement, Marathon provides opportunities to target species such as snook, redfish, and bonefish. These prized inshore species inhabit the shallow flats, mangrove-lined channels, and backcountry waters of the Florida Keys, providing anglers with endless opportunities for sight casting and light tackle action. Whether stalking shallow flats for tailing redfish, probing the mangrove edges for lurking snook, or targeting the elusive bonefish on the flats, Marathon offers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all preferences and skill levels.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip! Lots of laughs and tons of fish! We even got our target fish which was tarpon. Captain mark is great and we will definitely use him again.

    Angela F. | September 6, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, would recommend without hesitation!

    Steven B. | August 31, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Live Action Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Captain Chris today. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of laughs. Had an unforeseen technical issue but Captains Mike and Chris took care of it with grace and humor. We’ll be back.

    Jesse S. | June 25, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Live Action Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Randy comes highly recommended. This was a retirement trip for my brother and it was truly amazing!! Captain Randy went above and beyond to make sure our 2 day trip was full of action, and adventure. His love for The Florida Keys is contagious. He will put you on the fish! If you seriously love fishing, he’s your guy! Captan Experiences made booking and paying our Captain so much easier than doing it over the phone. Everything was seamless and I look forward to booking with them and Captain Randy again.

    Dave A. | June 24, 2024

    Trip: FL Keys Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Some times you are fortunate to meet people that leave a deep impression an impregnation on you. Captain Mark is one of these rare persons. I was fortunate to go fishing with him today and we had a blast. He is so kind, so full of knowledge, that I do recommend going fishing with him. His repeated actions around the wounded warrior project are a tribute to his care about his peers and good people in general.

    Cornelissen M. | May 19, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent guide. Worked hard to get us into the fish. Caught over 40 fish. Having snapper and trout for dinner!

    Unknown U. | May 18, 2024

    Trip: Epic Islamorada Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great guy, great trip

    Doug K. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Angling Excursion

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fantastic trip with Robert, he got us into plenty of action including an 80lb Tarpon with a couple other hook ups. We then poled an area and caught some juvenile Tarpon that was a blast. And last but not least, Robert put us on some screaming bonefish, my buddy and I each landed a pair of bones. Thanks for an Awesome trip Robert. Tight lines👍

    Thomas M. | May 3, 2024

    Trip: Big Pine Key Action

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Randy was a blast caught plenty of bonefish and some sharks Randy is a cool dude really enjoyed my trip

    Rick B. | April 13, 2024

    Trip: FL Keys Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    If you want to be inspired to be a better person, laugh, and catch the most fish out of the Islamorada marina Captain Mark is the way to go. Thanks Mark for a great day. Also thank you for your service to our country and continued surrport of disabled veterans!

    Brian S. | April 6, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Great work Captain Phil. Had a good time on the boat and caught fish all through the 8 hour day. Even when the bite slowed down captain phil ran all over to get back on the bite. We had our trout limit within the first hour of the fishing. He showed me allot of tips for casting under mangroves. Looking forward to another trip soon.

    Shaun T. | April 4, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Live Action Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent service! Will definitely use again. Very knowledgeable about the area and put us in the fish. Loved every minute of it and highly recommended to anyone who wants to go fishing!

    Jonathan L. | March 21, 2024

    Trip: Summerland Key Flats Action

  • ★★★★★
    We truly enjoyed our fly fishing trip with Capt GW. His boat was clean and comfortable and Capt GW was very personable and knowledgeable. We had some tougher conditions with wind that allowed him to give me so much needed help and encouragement on techniques to help my skills. But alas, no adrenaline moments of catching backwater fish, just the adrenaline of trying to make the right cast in the right spot. We saw a great deal of sea life as an addition to the friendly camaraderie, and that was a bonus.

    David H. | March 16, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Flats and Backcountry

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ron is a true pro and so nice. My family had a great fishing trip. 10 out of 10🙂

    Mark L. | March 15, 2024

    Trip: Epic Islamorada Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ron was awesome! Tons of fun. Caught dozens of fish. He was super helpful. Knew the good spots. Would totally recommend for a great family or couples excursion.

    Cameron S. | February 25, 2024

    Trip: Epic Islamorada Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful trip. Wonderful captain. First rate. Gentle but firm with a rookie- just what I wanted. Just what I needed. He would have stayed out longer but my arms, they were jello. Also, incredibly informative about the different fisheries, the environment, the current challenges facing the keys - a joy to watch cast a fly, tie knots and an all-around nice guy - thanks Capt. GW for a first-rate introduction to fly-fishing in the keys. Kind regards, Pete L. (Yarmouth, Maine).

    Peter L. | February 20, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Flats and Backcountry

  • ★★★★★
    This was our second time fishing with this guide and we will definitely be back. Great time out on the water with these guys.

    Tony S. | February 17, 2024

    Trip: Islamorada Angling Excursion

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Brandon. We caught a lot of fish, including barracuda, snapper, nurse and lemon shark. Brandon kept moving around to ensure that we stayed on the fish. We've fished with a number of guides over the years and Brandon was one of the best!

    Michael B. | February 16, 2024

    Trip: Summerland Key Flats Action

  • ★★★★★
    First off, there was some confusion with the first Capt. we were booked with and he didn’t have us on his schedule. I called the cust service line and Adam took great care of me. He showed genuine concern and was able to get us booked with Capt. Bob. 5 stars for Adam. We enjoyed our trip with Capt. Bob. He was knowledgeable and accommodating, got us into some fish, and coached us on casting. Great guy! I would recommend Capt. Bob for anyone interested in fly fishing the flats.

    Joe M. | February 15, 2024

    Trip: Florida Keys Bonefish & Permit

  • ★★★★★
    Brandon was fantastic. We went out on the coldest day of January, 2024 and we still caught fish. Brandon is extremely knowledgeable of the area and how to fish it, informative and extremely patient, especially with a beginning like me. I couldn’t have been happier the way the day turned out. I caught some beautiful Snapper for dinner and then some Barracuda and Sharks for sport. I highly recommend his services and he would be my first choice on a return trip to the Keys. Thank you, Mark Maynard

    Mark M. | February 8, 2024

    Trip: Summerland Key Flats Action

What's biting in Marathon?

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