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Get ready for a full day of non-stop action on the high seas with Harmony Charters' 8-hour deep sea fishing trip out of Marathon. We're talking 25 miles offshore, where the big boys play. This isn't your average boat ride – it's a chance to tangle with some of the ocean's most prized gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to reel in your first trophy, Captain Arnold's got the know-how to put you on the fish.
Picture this: You're cruising out past the reef line, the Florida Keys fading into the distance. The anticipation builds as Captain Arnold scans the horizon for signs of life. This full-day trip is all about variety – we'll mix it up between trolling for speedsters like Tuna and Mahi Mahi, then switch gears to deep dropping for the sword-wielding giants of the deep. With electric reels at your disposal, you'll be able to fish comfortably at depths where monster Swordfish lurk. The goal? A cooler full of fish, a camera full of memories, and stories you'll be telling for years to come.
We'll be using two main techniques on this trip: trolling and deep dropping. When we're trolling, we'll have lines out the back of the boat, skipping lures across the surface to entice Mahi Mahi, Skipjack, and Blackfin Tuna. It's a sight to behold when a fish crashes the spread. For the deep dropping, we break out the heavy artillery – electric reels that can handle the extreme depths where Swordfish hang out. Don't worry if you're new to this; Captain Arnold will walk you through every step. We've got top-notch gear on board, from the rods and reels to the latest fish-finding tech. Your job is to be ready when that rod bends double!
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These acrobatic fighters are known for their brilliant colors and high-flying antics. They're fast-growing and can reach sizes of 30+ pounds in our waters. Mahi are surface feeders, often found near floating debris or weed lines. When you hook one, get ready for a show – they're known to tailwalk across the water and make blistering runs. Best of all, they're delicious on the grill.
Swordfish: The gladiators of the deep, Swordfish are the prize many anglers dream of. These prehistoric-looking creatures can grow to over 1,000 pounds, though most we encounter are in the 100-300 pound range. They live in the inky blackness thousands of feet down, which is why we use electric reels to target them. Landing a Swordfish is an accomplishment you'll never forget – they're known for their strength and endurance in a fight.
Skipjack Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you – Skipjack are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. These torpedo-shaped speedsters travel in schools and can create a frenzy when they start feeding. They're great sport on light tackle and make excellent bait for larger gamefish.
Blackfin Tuna: The "footballs" of the tuna world, Blackfin are prized for both their fight and their sushi-grade meat. They typically range from 15-30 pounds and are often found in the same areas as their larger cousins. When you find a school of Blackfin, the action can be non-stop, with fish after fish coming over the rail.
An 8-hour trip means we've got time to really explore. We'll start early, usually around sunrise, to make the most of the day. The run out to our fishing grounds takes about an hour, so settle in and enjoy the ride. Once we're in the zone, it's all hands on deck. We'll start by setting up a trolling spread, keeping our eyes peeled for birds, weed lines, or any signs of life. If we mark fish deeper, we might switch to deep dropping. Throughout the day, Captain Arnold will be adjusting our strategy based on conditions and what's biting. Expect to be hands-on – reeling in fish, helping with lines, and maybe even learning to rig baits. Don't forget to take breaks to hydrate and snack – it's a long day, and staying sharp is key to landing the big one.
There's something special about fishing the waters off Marathon. Maybe it's the crystal-clear blue water, or the chance at hooking into a true sea monster. But ask any regular, and they'll tell you it's the variety that keeps them coming back. One minute you're battling a hard-charging Tuna, the next you're locked in a tug-of-war with a deep-water behemoth. And let's not forget the camaraderie – there's nothing like sharing the excitement of a big catch with your buddies or family. Plus, with Captain Arnold at the helm, you're in for a day of learning, laughs, and hopefully, some epic fish tales to take home.
If you're itching for a real offshore adventure, this 8-hour trip with Harmony Charters is your ticket. We've got the experience, the gear, and the local know-how to put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of your first Mahi Mahi or looking to check 'Swordfish' off your bucket list, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to 6 anglers max, so you'll get plenty of time on the rods. Don't miss out on what could be the fishing trip of a lifetime – give us a call and let's get you on the books. The big ones are out there waiting, and trust me, you don't want to be the one hearing about the monster that got away. Book now, and let's make some waves!
Blackfin tuna are hard-fighting fish that we catch year-round, with fall being the peak season. They average 15-25 pounds but can reach 40. We usually find them in 100-300 feet of water near ledges and structure. Blackfin are lightning fast and put up an amazing fight on light tackle. They also make excellent sushi or sashimi. To target blackfin, I like to chum heavily and then pitch live baits like pilchards or goggle-eyes. Vertical jigging with butterfly jigs is another great technique. When the bite is on, it's non-stop action. Use fluorocarbon leaders as blackfin have sharp eyesight. A 5/0 circle hook on 30-pound fluoro is my go-to rig. Get ready for some screaming runs when you hook up with these pocket rockets!

Mahi Mahi are a blast to catch offshore. These colorful fighters average 15-30 pounds but can get up to 60. We usually find them near floating debris or weed lines, often in schools. Spring through fall is prime time, with summer being the peak. Mahi are fast swimmers and hard fighters, giving you an exciting battle on light tackle. They're also great eating fish with a mild, sweet flavor. To up your odds, look for frigate birds working an area - they'll often lead you right to the Mahi. When you hook one, keep it in the water to attract others. I like to use ballyhoo or squid on a circle hook. Mahi aren't picky eaters, so bright lures work well too. Just be ready for some acrobatics once you hook up!

Skipjack are the smallest tuna we catch, usually 5-20 pounds. They're incredibly fast swimmers that travel in big schools near the surface. We find them year-round, but they're most abundant in summer and fall. Look for birds working bait schools to locate skipjack. They put up an energetic fight on light tackle, often jumping and making blistering runs. Skipjack are fun to catch and make great live bait for bigger game fish. Their meat is darker and stronger-tasting than other tuna, but still good eating. To catch skipjack, I like to troll small lures or feathers at 6-8 knots. When you find a school, cast small jigs or spoons into the frenzy. These fish aren't leader-shy, so 30-40 pound fluorocarbon works fine.

Swordfish are the heavyweights of our deep sea trips. These powerful fish average 200-300 pounds but can top 1,000. We target them by deep dropping baits 1,200-1,800 feet down. Swordfish feed mainly at night, so that's when we have our best luck. They're here year-round, but winter tends to be prime time. Anglers love swordfish for the extreme challenge - it's a true test of skill and endurance to bring one up from the depths. The meat is also prized for its firm texture and mild flavor. When rigging up, go heavy - I use 80-130 pound braid with a wind-on leader. Glowsticks on the leader help attract bites in the dark depths. Be patient and persistent - swordfish bites can be few and far between, but landing one is the catch of a lifetime.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Cummins
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