Marathon, Florida Keys
Wreck & Deep Sea Fishing
Catch a monster of the deep!
From $895
Reef/Wreck charter · Private boat · 1–4 guests
4, 6 or 8 hours · Fuel, bait, tackle & licenses included.
Custom deep-drop & swordfish trips priced separately.
Fish the structure. Meet the heavy hitters.
Marathon’s sunken wrecks and other underwater structure attract powerful fish. Captain Jeff uses his GPS, fish finder and local experience to present baits near the bottom, rather than searching the surface as on a typical offshore trip.
The six-hour Reef/Wreck combo is Captain Jeff’s usual way to combine morning reef fishing with time on the wrecks. The prices here are for Reef/Wreck charters; custom deep-drop and swordfish trips are quoted separately.
Your trip at a glance
Reef / Wreck Charter Rates
4 hours
$895
6 hours
$1,095
8 hours
$1,395
Prices cover the private boat and 1–4 guests. Five guests: add $50 total. Six guests: add $100 total. Maximum 6.
These are Reef/Wreck rates. Custom deep-drop and swordfish trips have separate pricing.
Included in Your Trip
✓ Fuel — no fuel surcharges
✓ Fishing licenses
✓ Live bait, tackle & Shimano gear
✓ Fish cleaning, filleting & packaging
Choose your date, party size and departure in the booking window.
What You Can Catch
Captain Jeff adjusts the targets to the season, bait and conditions. He will guide you on the species available and what can be kept on your trip.
Amberjack
Known for their stubborn, powerful fights, amberjack are a challenge for anglers who want to bend a rod. Captain Jeff favors catch, photo and release with these sportfish.
Mutton Snapper
Larger mutton snapper around wrecks can be cautious and powerful. A well-presented bait and a quick response help keep a hooked fish away from structure.
Permit
Permit can gather above wrecks in late spring. Live crab presentations offer a chance at this prized sportfish, with catch-and-release opportunities.
Custom Deep-Drop Fishing
Beyond the wrecks, Captain Jeff offers custom deep-water fishing, often with electric reels. Queen snapper, snowy grouper and swordfish require different approaches. Conditions, trip length and pricing are discussed separately from the standard Reef/Wreck booking.
Queen Snapper
A deep-water snapper with red coloration, large yellow eyes and a forked tail. Captain Jeff targets suitable deep-water structure when depth, current and conditions allow.
Snowy Grouper
A deep-water grouper associated with rocky ledges and steep drop-offs. Availability depends on conditions and current fishing seasons; confirm the options for your dates with Captain Jeff.
Swordfish
A broadbilled predator that feeds on fish and squid throughout the water column. A dedicated deep-water approach requires suitable conditions, specialized tackle and a custom trip plan.
Have a Deep-Drop Trip in Mind?
For deep-drop or swordfish fishing, ask Captain Jeff about a custom quote and the conditions for your dates. For the standard combo, book Reef/Wreck online.
Make the most of your fishing day
When to Plan Your Trip
Typical fishing patterns help with planning. Weather, tides and fishing seasons can change the options for your dates.
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Late spring
Permit opportunities can develop above wreck structure.
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Seasonal targets
Snapper and other bottom fish vary with the time of year and current fishing seasons.
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Deep-drop conditions
Wind, current and depth help determine whether a custom deep-water trip is suitable.
Fish with Captain Jeff Shelar
Captain Jeff brings decades of fishing experience in Marathon to the day’s plan. He chooses the locations, baits and approach around the conditions and helps your group throughout the trip.
Meet at Marathon Sailfish Marina
100 Avenue I · Marathon, Florida Keys 33050
Mile Marker 54.2, ocean side.
Before You Book
Does the listed price include a deep-drop or swordfish trip?
No. The listed prices cover Reef/Wreck charters. Deep-drop and swordfish fishing are custom options with separate pricing and planning. Ask Captain Jeff about the right trip for your goals.
What should we bring?
Bring food, drinks and sunscreen. Captain Jeff supplies the fishing equipment and licenses.
How many guests can come?
The private charter includes 1–4 guests. A fifth guest adds $50 and six guests add $100 total. The maximum is six guests.
What happens in bad weather?
Captain Jeff makes the weather decisions for safety. If the trip is canceled for bad weather, your deposit can be refunded or the trip rescheduled. See the full booking policies for all terms.
Ready for Your Day on the Water?
Choose an available date and reserve your private charter with Captain Jeff.