Marathon, Florida Keys
Offshore Fishing Charters
The hunt is on!
From $1,095
Per private boat · 1–4 guests included
6 or 8 hours · Fuel, bait, tackle & licenses included.
Follow the signs. Find the fish.
Offshore fishing is an active search for pelagic fish. Captain Jeff reads the birds, weed lines, floating debris, current and water conditions, then adapts the baits and techniques to the opportunities he finds.
Six- and eight-hour trips allow time to travel offshore and search for fish. Choose eight hours if you want more time to explore the day’s opportunities.
Your trip at a glance
Private Charter Rates
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.
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.
Mahi-Mahi
Colorful schooling fish often found around weed lines and floating debris. Late spring through summer is a popular period, with opportunities sometimes continuing into fall.
Blackfin Tuna
A strong offshore target around productive current and underwater structure, including the Marathon Hump. Captain Jeff fishes for tuna when the conditions are right.
Sailfish
Fast runs and spectacular jumps make sailfish a memorable sportfish. Winter through early spring is a favored period, with occasional opportunities at other times.
Wahoo
A fast-moving predator with sharp teeth and powerful bursts of speed. A welcome offshore opportunity when water conditions and bait line up.
Cobia
A strong fish that may follow rays and sharks. Captain Jeff watches for these opportunities as part of the day’s fishing rather than promising a fixed cobia season.
Marlin
An occasional offshore opportunity rather than an everyday expectation. A sighting can turn an ordinary day into a memorable catch-and-release challenge.
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 & summer
Mahi around weed lines, floating debris and feeding activity.
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Winter & early spring
Sailfish opportunities when the conditions line up.
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Conditions first
Blackfin tuna and other offshore fish depend on bait, current and water conditions.
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
Should I choose six or eight hours?
Both allow time for an offshore trip. Eight hours gives Captain Jeff more time to travel, search and respond to changing conditions. The right choice depends on your group and 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.