Marathon, Florida Keys
Reef Fishing Charters
Variety is the spice of life!
From $895
Per private boat · 1–4 guests included
4, 6 or 8 hours · Fuel, bait, tackle & licenses included.
Less travel. More time fishing.
Captain Jeff can often reach the reef in about 20 minutes, depending on conditions. Anchor closer to shore and fish for snapper, grouper and other reef species with the tackle and guidance you need.
Choose four hours for a shorter outing, or six or eight hours for more fishing time and the option to mix reef and wreck fishing.
Your trip at a glance
Private 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.
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.
Yellowtail Snapper
A Florida Keys favorite, yellowtail are fun on light spinning tackle and a popular reef target. They may be encountered throughout the year when conditions suit.
Mangrove Snapper
These bottom-oriented snapper gather on the reefs during the warmer months. Fresh bait and careful presentation help tempt fish around structure.
Mutton Snapper
A prized snapper that can be targeted around reef structure. Larger fish may also be encountered on the wrecks during a longer trip.
Black & Red Grouper
Powerful fish that stay close to rocks and ledges. Be ready to wind quickly before a hooked grouper reaches cover.
King & Cero Mackerel
Fast, aggressive fish that can turn up around the reef, especially during the cooler months. Live bait can bring explosive strikes.
Barracuda
A sleek predator with sharp teeth and powerful runs. An exciting sportfish encounter around reef structure.
A Closer-to-Shore Option: Hawks Channel
Prefer shallower water and a wide variety of fish? Hawks Channel is an option for families and first-timers. Book a Reef trip online, then let Captain Jeff know your preference. Conditions determine the best plan for the day.
Lane Snapper
Smaller snapper that add variety to a shallow-water outing and are fun for younger anglers.
Hogfish
Captain Jeff offers opportunities to target hogfish with hook and line, rather than a speargun.
Spanish Mackerel
A lively light-tackle target in Hawks Channel, with quick strikes and fast runs.
Shallow-Water Grouper
Different grouper species use shallow structure. Captain Jeff adjusts the approach to the habitat and current fishing rules.
Grunts
Small fish that make a big impression on kids, including the grunting sound that gives them their name.
More Channel Species
Porgies, porkfish, blue runners and other fish can make each shallow-water trip a little different.
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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Cooler months
King and cero mackerel can add fast action around the reef.
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Warmer months
Mangrove and mutton snapper are among the seasonal targets.
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Across the year
Yellowtail and a changing mix of reef fish, depending on 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
Is reef fishing a good first charter?
It is a good option for families and beginners who prefer a shorter run to the fishing grounds. Conditions still vary; Captain Jeff will choose the approach for the day.
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.