Marathon, Florida Keys
Tarpon Fishing Charters
Take on the silver king.
From $895
Per private boat · 1–4 guests included
4 hours · Fuel, bait, tackle & licenses included.
April 15–June 15 · Morning or afternoon departures.
A short run to a memorable fight.
Captain Jeff offers tarpon charters from April 15 through June 15. He can often have you fishing about 15 minutes after leaving the dock, depending on conditions. Around the bridges, moving water carries bait past the pylons where tarpon wait to feed.
Captain Jeff positions the boat to drift live baits through productive water and coaches you through the fight. Choose an available morning or afternoon departure when you book.
Your trip at a glance
Private Charter Rates
4 hours
$895
Prices cover the private boat and 1–4 guests. Five guests: add $50 total. Six guests: add $100 total. Maximum 6.
Available April 15–June 15. Choose a morning or afternoon departure when booking.
Included in Your Trip
✓ Fuel — no fuel surcharges
✓ Fishing licenses
✓ Live bait, tackle & Shimano gear
✓ Captain Jeff’s guidance through the fight and release
Choose your date, party size and departure in the booking window.
What You Can Catch
Tarpon are the focus of this catch-and-release trip. Jack crevalle and sharks can also take baits around the bridges; encounters depend on the day’s conditions.
Tarpon
The silver king is known for strength, stamina and spectacular jumps. This is a catch-and-release sportfishing experience: Captain Jeff guides the fight, boat positioning and careful release.
Jack Crevalle
A powerful incidental catch while targeting tarpon. Jack crevalle can put up an impressive fight on light tackle even when they are not the day’s main target.
Blacktip Shark
Sharks may also take baits around the bridges. Blacktip and other shark encounters add variety, while Captain Jeff manages the tackle and fishing approach.
Make the most of your fishing day
When to Plan Your Trip
Plan around Captain Jeff’s April 15–June 15 tarpon booking window. Available departures and the day’s conditions guide the fishing plan.
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April 15–June 15
Captain Jeff’s advertised booking window for four-hour tarpon charters.
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Morning or afternoon
Choose from the departures available for your selected date.
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Tide & current
Bait movement and conditions influence where Captain Jeff positions the boat.
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
Can we keep a tarpon?
This charter focuses on catch-and-release tarpon fishing. The goal is a memorable fight and a careful release, rather than fish for dinner.
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.