Light Tackle Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida
Call or Text: (786) 508-2483
Light tackle fishing in the Florida Keys is one of the most exciting and versatile ways to catch fish, and Marathon, FL is the perfect place to experience it. Whether you’re chasing powerful offshore gamefish or stalking elusive inshore species on the flats, light tackle gear offers a thrilling fight and a hands-on angling experience that’s perfect for both seasoned pros and first-time anglers. At Angling Adventures in Marathon, Captain Rich Smith specializes in light tackle fishing across all environments—from shallow flats to offshore wrecks. Light tackle fishing isn’t just about catching fish — it’s about the experience of feeling every head shake, every run, and every moment of the fight.
Light Tackle Fishing Charter Options & Pricing
Half-Day Charter (4 Hours)
Perfect introduction to light tackle fishing. Target specific species in any environment—inshore, backcountry, flats, or nearshore. Ideal for anglers wanting to experience the thrill of light tackle gear.
3/4-Day Charter (6 Hours) ⭐ Most Popular
Our recommended option for serious light tackle fishing. Enough time to explore multiple environments, use different techniques, and maximize your catch variety. Perfect balance of versatility and action.
Full-Day Charter (8 Hours)
Maximum time on the water for the ultimate light tackle adventure. Mix inshore and offshore fishing, target multiple species, and experience the full range of light tackle techniques throughout the day.
All trips are private. Pricing is per boat, not per person.
For pricing and availability, visit our Booking & Reservation Page →
The Marathon Light Tackle Fishing Season: When to Book
Year-Round Versatility
Light tackle fishing in the Florida Keys is productive all year long. The adaptability of light tackle gear means you can target different species in different environments throughout all seasons.
Seasonal Opportunities
Every month offers unique light tackle fishing opportunities. From offshore Mahi Mahi in summer to inshore Snook in winter, light tackle gear delivers exciting fights regardless of the season.
Why Captain Rich Smith is Your Best Bet for Light Tackle Fishing
Unmatched Versatility
After 25+ years fishing Marathon’s waters daily, Captain Rich knows how to maximize light tackle gear across all environments. We use spinning or conventional rods paired with braided or monofilament lines from 8-50 lb test, allowing us to cast lures, work live bait, troll, bottom fish, and even kite fish — all on the same trip.
Specialized Rod Selection
Our light tackle rods range from shorter 6′ rods for trolling and bottom fishing to long 7’6″ rods that give you the extra casting distance needed for stealthy presentations. When stalking a bonefish or permit in shallow flats, we often keep the boat well away from the fish to avoid spooking them, using the longer rods to drop a live shrimp or crab right in their path.
Hands-On Angling Experience
This style of fishing makes even smaller fish put up a memorable fight, and when you hook into a trophy fish, the battle is an adrenaline-pumping experience you’ll never forget. Light tackle fishing offers a thrilling fight and intimate connection with the fish that heavier gear simply can’t match.
What Makes Light Tackle Fishing Special
The beauty of light tackle fishing is its adaptability. We tailor our approach to the season, target species, and fishing conditions:
Inshore & Backcountry Species:
Mangrove Snapper
Hard-fighting reef and structure fish. Light tackle makes these delicious snapper even more exciting to catch.
Yellowtail Snapper
Florida Keys favorites. Light tackle enhances their acrobatic fights and tail-walking displays.
Mutton Snapper
Powerful snapper that test light tackle gear with deep runs. Excellent table fare and challenging fights.
Grouper
Ambush predators around structure. Fighting grouper on light tackle requires skill and technique.
Triple Tail
Unique species that provide excellent light tackle action. Often found around floating debris and structure.
Cobia
Strong fighters that cruise above wrecks and structure. Light tackle makes their powerful runs even more exciting.
Speckled Trout
Great light tackle targets in backcountry and grass flats. Consistent action and excellent eating.
Jack Crevalle
Powerful fighters that will test your light tackle gear and stamina. Non-stop battles on lighter lines.
Tarpon
The Silver King on light tackle is the ultimate challenge. Every jump and run is amplified on lighter gear.
Snook
Hard-hitting predators perfect for light tackle presentations around structure and mangroves.
Redfish
Powerful fish that provide excellent light tackle action in shallow water. Visual strikes and strong fights.
Bonefish
The Grey Ghost is a classic light tackle target. Lightning-fast runs that test your skills.
Permit
The ultimate light tackle challenge on the flats. These powerful fish are the holy grail for many anglers.
Offshore Species:
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish)
Colorful acrobats that provide incredible light tackle action. Their jumps and runs are unforgettable on lighter gear.
Blackfin Tuna
Fast and powerful. Light tackle makes these speedsters even more exciting to fight.
Kingfish
Hard-hitting offshore predators. Light tackle enhances their blistering runs.
Wahoo
Fastest fish in the ocean. Catching wahoo on light tackle is an adrenaline rush.
Sailfish
Majestic billfish that provide the ultimate light tackle offshore challenge. Their acrobatic displays are spectacular.
Logistics: Boats, Location, and What to Expect
Our Light Tackle Fishing Fleet
Multiple Boat Options
We offer specialized boats for different light tackle fishing environments—from flats skiffs for shallow water to center consoles for offshore action. Every boat is equipped with proper light tackle gear for the target species.
Light Tackle Gear & Techniques
Rod Selection:
- Shorter 6′ rods for trolling and bottom fishing
- Long 7’6″ rods for extra casting distance and stealth
- Spinning or conventional reels
- 8-50 lb test braided or monofilament lines
Fishing Techniques:
- Cast lures for visual strikes
- Work live bait around structure
- Troll for offshore species
- Bottom fish for reef species
- Kite fishing for offshore gamefish
- All techniques on the same trip
Bait and Lure Options:
Live Bait:
- Shrimp, pilchards, crabs, pinfish
- Tailored to target species
- Fresh and lively for maximum attraction
Cut Bait:
- Freshly cut ballyhoo, squid, or mullet
- Perfect for bottom fishing and reef species
Artificial Lures:
- Jigs, soft plastics, plugs, and surface poppers
- Versatile options for all environments
Dead Bait:
- Rigged ballyhoo or squid strips
- Ideal for trolling and drifting
What’s Provided:
All rods, reels, tackle, bait, fishing licenses, cooler with ice
What to Bring:
Food, drinks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket. 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 →
Perfect location for accessing all of Marathon’s diverse fishing environments with light tackle gear.
Light Tackle Fishing FAQ
What species can we catch on light tackle?
Inshore: Mangrove Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Grouper, Triple Tail, Cobia, Speckled Trout, Jack Crevalle, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Bonefish, Permit. Offshore: Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Kingfish, Wahoo, Sailfish. Light tackle gear works across all environments.
What should I bring?
Food, drinks, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, camera, rain jacket. 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 light tackle fishing experience?
Not at all! Light tackle gear is perfect for both seasoned pros and first-time anglers. We teach you the techniques and adjust based on your skill level. The gear enhances the fight for everyone.
Is light tackle fishing family-friendly?
Absolutely! Light tackle fishing is fun for all ages and skill levels. Even smaller fish put up memorable fights on lighter gear, keeping everyone engaged and excited.
What’s the best time of year for light tackle fishing?
Year-round! The versatility of light tackle gear means you can target different species in different environments throughout all seasons. Every month offers unique opportunities.
What makes light tackle different from regular fishing?
Light tackle uses lighter lines (8-50 lb test) and more sensitive gear, making even smaller fish put up thrilling fights. When you hook trophy fish, the battle is amplified. It’s about feeling every head shake, every run, and every moment of the fight.
Can we fish multiple environments in one trip?
Yes! That’s the beauty of light tackle fishing. We can cast lures, work live bait, troll, bottom fish, and even kite fish — all on the same trip. Mix inshore and offshore, flats and reefs, based on conditions and your interests.
What size fish can light tackle handle?
Light tackle can handle surprisingly large fish when used properly. We’ve landed 100+ lb Tarpon, powerful Sailfish, and big Grouper on light tackle gear. The skill is in the technique and the thrill is in the extended fight.
See the Action: Watch More Epic Videos
Book Your Marathon Light Tackle Fishing Trip Today!
Experience the thrill of light tackle fishing in the Florida Keys. Feel every head shake, every run, and every moment of the fight. From stalking bonefish on shallow flats to battling Sailfish offshore, light tackle gear delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience across all environments. Perfect for anglers wanting the most exciting and interactive fishing adventure possible.
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
- Inshore & Nearshore Fishing – Inshore light tackle
- Offshore Deep Sea Fishing – Offshore light tackle
- Flats Fishing – Flats light tackle
- Patch Reef Fishing – Reef light tackle
- All Types of Fishing
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