Islamorada is the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, but Marathon flats fishing steps up to the plate as well. In fact, some visitors to the Florida Keys, die-hard sport fishermen through and through, prefer Marathon flats fishing. Marathon is further out in the Keys, around the half-way point at Mile Marker 50 or so. The city is low-key and offers many styles of accommodations, restaurants, bars and more important than food or nightlife, many choices in ways to go flats fishing.
Marathon Flats Fishing Under the Seven Mile Bridge
To experience the action of Marathon flats fishing, either hire a guide or rent a boat. For your first time out, there’s no question, hire a guide. Scrape together whatever money you can, if money is an issue, and go for that half-day charter. There’s much finesse and technique involved in flats fishing, and if you’re serious about this sport and you plan on doing it again, the investment of a half day Marathon flats fishing charter will be worth it.
If you’ve been flats fishing before, then try it on your own and rent a flats boat. Marathon has a couple places to do this. Check at the local bait shop if you need guidance, or simply drive on down to the docks and look around. Marathon has a large boating community, centered around Marathon Harbor. Walk the docks and you’ll learn a lot by talking to people, especially captains.
Marathon itself is much of a bedroom community, and a watersports town. If you’re not into relaxing or fishing, go to Key West, which has other entertainment in addition to Key West flats fishing charters.