Inshore & Nearshore Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida
Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing bucket-list fish or a family looking for a fun, action-packed day on the water, inshore flats fishing in the Florida Keys offers an unforgettable experience without venturing into the open ocean. At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Captain Rich Smith puts you on calm, scenic waters teeming with life—perfect for anglers of all ages and skill levels. You’ll avoid the rough seas and seasickness while still enjoying incredible fishing action targeting some of the most exciting species the Keys have to offer.
Inshore Fishing Charter Options & Pricing
Half-Day Charter (4 Hours)
Great for families or anglers with limited time. Perfect for targeting species on the flats or nearshore waters. Ideal introduction to Florida Keys inshore fishing.
3/4-Day Charter (6 Hours) ⭐ Most Popular
Our recommended option for serious inshore fishing. Enough time to work multiple flats, target different species, and maximize your shots at various gamefish. Perfect balance of travel time and fishing action.
Full-Day Charter (8 Hours)
Maximum time on the water for the ultimate inshore adventure. Explore multiple environments from shallow flats to nearshore wrecks. Perfect for experienced anglers wanting variety and extended fishing time.
Fleet Options:
- 18′ Flats Skiff – 1-2 anglers (ideal for shallow water sight-fishing)
- 23′ Bay Boat – 1-4 anglers (perfect for families, comfort and versatility)
- 30′-36′ Boats – 1-6 anglers (larger groups, can mix inshore with light offshore)
For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →
The Marathon Inshore Fishing Season: When to Book
Tarpon Season (March through June)
Live bait bridge fishing for migrating Tarpon is a thrilling experience. These giants range from 40-200 lbs and put on an aerial show unlike anything else. When conditions are right, hook-up rates can reach 95%.
Winter Action (November through March)
When water temps drop, we shift to Gulf wrecks and bottom fishing, focusing on action and variety. We anchor up and chum the water to draw in aggressive feeders. Expect to catch 4-10+ species per trip.
Year-Round Flats Fishing (Best Outside July-October Heat)
Flats fishing around Marathon offers exciting sight-casting opportunities throughout the year. Using light spinning rods, we cast topwater and subsurface lures for heart-pounding visual strikes and aggressive fights.
Fishing in the Florida Keys is excellent year-round, but the best species to target can vary by season.
Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Inshore Fishing
Unmatched Local Knowledge
After 25+ years fishing Marathon’s waters daily, Captain Rich knows exactly where fish are holding based on season, tide, and conditions. We target proven hotspots around Marathon and the Middle Keys, from pristine flats to productive nearshore wrecks.
Hands-On Experience for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re chasing a trophy fish or looking to introduce your family to the thrill of saltwater angling, we’ll customize the perfect day on the water for you. We teach you the techniques that work: sight-casting on the flats, proper live bait techniques for bridge fishing, and fighting strategies for powerful gamefish.
Specialized Fleet for Every Group
We offer a fleet of specialized boats designed for inshore fishing, so you can choose the best option for your group. From intimate 2-person flats skiff adventures to family-friendly bay boats and larger vessels for bigger groups, we have the right platform for your needs.
What Makes Marathon Inshore Fishing Special
Fishing the flats and nearshore waters around Marathon and the Middle Keys, we target a wide variety of gamefish year-round:
Tarpon
The “Silver King,” known for their acrobatic fights. These giants range from 40-200 lbs during spring migration. All Tarpon are catch and release.
Bonefish
Fast, spooky, and a favorite among sight-fishing purists. These challenging fish test your casting accuracy and stealth on the flats.
Permit
Elusive and powerful; the ultimate flats challenge. Landing a permit is considered one of fly fishing’s greatest achievements.
Snook
Hard-hitting and structure-loving. These aggressive predators ambush prey around mangroves and provide explosive strikes.
Redfish & Trout
Found in shallow bays and grassy flats. Perfect targets for sight-casting and light tackle fishing.
Barracuda & Jack Crevalle
Aggressive predators perfect for topwater action. Jack Crevalle and Yellow Jacks provide non-stop fights on light tackle.
Sharks
A thrilling option for anglers looking for a serious tug-of-war. We catch and release sharks in shallow water for incredible visual fishing.
Bottom Fishing Variety (Winter)
Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, and Goliath Grouper. Winter wreck fishing produces 4-10+ species per trip—ideal for families and anglers looking for steady bites and non-stop fun.
Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect
Our Inshore Fishing Fleet
18′ Flats Skiff (1-2 Anglers)
Ideal for shallow water sight-fishing on the flats. Gets into skinny water where bonefish, permit, and redfish cruise. Perfect for anglers wanting an intimate, focused fishing experience.
23′ Bay Boat (1-4 Anglers)
Perfect for families or small groups who want comfort and versatility. Handles both flats fishing and nearshore environments. Great all-around inshore platform.
30′-36′ Boats (1-6 Anglers)
Great for larger groups looking to mix inshore fishing with light offshore options. Maximum comfort and capacity for extended trips and multiple fishing environments.
Fishing Techniques We Use
Sight-Casting on the Flats:
Using light spinning rods (10-15 lb), we cast topwater and subsurface Rapala lures for heart-pounding visual strikes. This is a favorite among lure fishermen and kids alike.
Live Bait Bridge Fishing:
For Tarpon season, we use light tackle (20-50 lb spinning rods) and fish with a maximum of two rods at a time—so bigger groups will take turns. This technique produces incredible hook-up rates when conditions are right.
Bottom Fishing & Chumming:
We anchor up at productive Gulf wrecks and chum the water to draw in aggressive feeders. Multiple species, steady action, perfect for families.
What’s Provided:
All fishing gear, tackle, lures, bait, licenses, cooler with ice
What to Bring:
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete packing list.
Departure Point
Angling Adventures
Island Fish Company Restaurant
Mile Marker 54, Oceanside
Marathon, FL 33050
Get Directions on Google Maps →
We also launch from various locations depending on tides, target species, and fishing areas. Flexibility is key in inshore fishing success.
Inshore Fishing FAQ
What species can we catch?
Depending on season and location: Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Redfish, Trout, Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, Sharks, Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, Snapper, Grouper, and more. Year-round variety with seasonal highlights.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses (essential for sight-fishing), hat, camera, rain jacket, food and drinks. We provide all fishing equipment, licenses, bait, and tackle. Check our Getting Prepared page for a complete list.
Are fishing licenses included?
Yes. All Florida fishing licenses are covered under your charter.
Do I need inshore fishing experience?
Not at all! We welcome anglers of all experience levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. We teach you the techniques that work and adjust based on your skill level. Perfect for families and beginners.
Is inshore fishing family-friendly?
Absolutely! Our calm inshore waters are perfect for families and anglers of all ages. You’ll avoid the rough seas and seasickness while still enjoying incredible fishing action. This is ideal for introducing kids to saltwater fishing.
What’s the best time of year for inshore fishing?
Fishing is excellent year-round in the Florida Keys. March-June is peak Tarpon season. November-March offers great winter wreck fishing. Year-round flats fishing is best outside the July-October heat.
Can we catch Tarpon?
Yes! March through June is prime Tarpon season. We use live bait bridge fishing techniques for these migrating giants (40-200 lbs). Note: Tarpon are catch and release only. Tides, weather, and conditions all play a role in success rates.
Which boat should we choose?
It depends on your group size and fishing goals. 1-2 anglers = 18′ flats skiff for focused sight-fishing. 3-4 anglers = 23′ bay boat for comfort and versatility. 5-6 anglers = 30′-36′ boats for larger groups and mixed fishing styles.
Seasonal Fishing Highlights
Spring & Summer – Tarpon Season
Live bait bridge fishing for migrating Tarpon is a thrilling experience. These giants put on an aerial show unlike anything else. We use light tackle and fish with a maximum of two rods at a time—so bigger groups will take turns. Tarpon are catch and release only. Conditions matter—tides, weather, and “fish karma” all play a role. When it’s on, we see hook-up rates as high as 95%.
Fall & Winter – Wreck Fishing Variety
When water temps drop, we shift to Gulf wrecks and bottom fishing. We anchor up and chum the water to draw in aggressive feeders. Expect to catch 4-10+ species per trip including Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, Cobia, Snapper, Redfish, Trout, Grouper, and Goliath Grouper. This is an ideal trip for families and anglers looking for steady bites and non-stop fun.
Year-Round – Flats Sight-Casting
Flats fishing around Marathon offers exciting sight-casting opportunities for Jack Crevalle, Yellow Jacks, Barracuda, Sharks, and Juvenile Tarpon. Using light spinning rods (10-15 lb), we cast topwater and subsurface Rapala lures—making for heart-pounding visual strikes and aggressive fights. This is a favorite among lure fishermen and kids alike. Best outside the July-October heat.
See the Action: Inshore Fishing Video Gallery
Book Your Marathon Inshore Fishing Trip Today!
Calm waters, incredible variety, and year-round action for all skill levels. From sight-casting on pristine flats to live bait bridge fishing for giant Tarpon, Marathon inshore fishing offers unforgettable experiences without venturing into the open ocean. Perfect for families, beginners, and seasoned anglers alike.
Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
Email: info@captainrichsmith.com
Visit our Booking & Reservation Page for pricing and availability.
Check our Getting Prepared page for what to bring on your trip.
Related Fishing Charters
- Marathon Tarpon Fishing – Inshore tarpon action
- Marathon Snook Fishing – Inshore snook targets
- Backcountry Fishing – Protected inshore waters
- Light Tackle Fishing – Versatile inshore gear
- All Types of Fishing
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