Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing on Calm Waters
Looking for an unforgettable fishing adventure in the Florida Keys without rough seas or long boat rides? Then join our inshore fishing charters in Marathon, FL. Inshore fishing offers the perfect balance between excitement and comfort. Moreover, the calmer waters make it ideal for children, older guests, and those prone to seasickness. In addition, the shorter trip lengths fit easily into vacation schedules. Families and beginners love that the action starts quickly — often within minutes of leaving the dock.
Why Choose Inshore Fishing?
Inshore fishing is the perfect balance of excitement and comfort. The calmer waters make it ideal for children, older guests, and those prone to seasickness, while the shorter trip lengths fit easily into vacation schedules. Families and beginners love that the action starts quickly, often within minutes of leaving the dock.
Your Ride: The Honu Comfort Cat
Step aboard our 35-foot custom catamaran, designed for stability and relaxation. With shaded seating, a real restroom, and even a freshwater shower, it’s one of the most comfortable inshore fishing boats in Marathon, FL. Additionally, there’s plenty of room for families, groups, and even pets, making it the perfect platform for a day of fun.
What You Can Catch Inshore Around Marathon, FL
The inshore waters of Marathon and the Middle Keys rank among Florida’s most productive fishing grounds. Depending on the season and location, you can expect exciting action just minutes from the dock. For example:
- Spring (March–June): This is prime tarpon season in Marathon, especially around the famous Seven Mile Bridge and Vaca Cut. Anglers travel from all over to battle the “Silver King” in these waters.
- Summer (June–August): Calm seas and warm water bring steady action for snapper and grouper around the reefs and channels near Boot Key Harbor, while barracuda and jacks keep things lively for kids and families.
- Fall (September–November): An excellent time for redfish and mackerel along the flats and mangroves near Duck Key, with fewer crowds and cooler weather.
- Winter (December–February): Inshore species like snook and sheepshead bite well around structure in Key Colony Beach and Marathon’s sheltered backwaters, making for relaxing and productive trips.
No matter the season, our captains know where the fish are biting. Furthermore, when the fishing’s done, we’ll clean and fillet your catch so you can enjoy the Keys tradition of dock-to-dinner at local restaurants.
Techniques & Conservation
Our inshore charters use light tackle gear and live bait, which makes it easy for kids, beginners, and families to enjoy the action. For those seeking more of a challenge, we also offer sight fishing on the flats near Duck Key, where tarpon, bonefish, and permit roam.
We’re also committed to responsible fishing. Sportfish like tarpon are catch-and-release, while table favorites like snapper and grouper can be kept, cleaned, and filleted for a fresh dock-to-dinner experience. By following local limits and sustainable practices, we help protect Marathon’s waters for future generations.
Reserve Your Trip NowTrip Options & Pricing
We offer flexible trip lengths so you can choose what best fits your schedule. For example:
- Kid-Friendly “First Catch” Trip (2 Hours)
- Half-Day Inshore Fishing (4 Hours)
- 3/4 Day Adventure (6 Hours)
- Sunset Fishing Trip (2–3 Hours)
All Trips Include: rods, reels, bait, licenses, expert crew, bottled water, and fish cleaning.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, Hat & sunglasses
Snacks & drinks
(cooler provided)
Comfortable clothes & non-slip shoes
A camera for those big fish photos
Pro Tip : A classic fishing hat is always a win !
What’s Included in Your Inshore Fishing Trip
Our inshore fishing charters aren’t one-size-fits-all — we customize them for your family, schedule, and vacation style. Besides standard trips, we offer unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
- Quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait
- Fishing licenses for all guests
- Ice and bottled water onboard
- Expert captain and friendly crew
- Catch cleaning and filleting after the trip.
Just bring your sunscreen, snacks, and camera—we’ll handle the rest.
Special Inshore Fishing Experiences
Our inshore fishing charters aren’t one-size-fits-all — we customize them to fit your family, schedule, and vacation style. Along with standard trips, we offer unique experiences you won’t find just anywhere:
Sunset Fishing Trips – There’s nothing like casting a line as the sun sets over the Seven Mile Bridge. These evening trips are perfect for couples, families, or anyone who wants the thrill of fishing mixed with the beauty of a Florida Keys unset.
Kid-Friendly “First Catch” Trips – Designed for little anglers, these short 2-hour trips in the calm waters around Boot Key Harbor are safe, fun, and an excellent way for kids to reel in snapper or jacks close to shore.
Family Combo Days – Can’t decide between fishing, snorkeling, or sandbar hopping? Do it all! We’ll take you to fish the channels near Vaca Cut, snorkel vibrant reefs, and relax at a local sandbar — all in one unforgettable day.
Dock-to-Dinner Service – After your trip, we’ll clean and fillet your catch so you can take it to one of Marathon’s local restaurants, like The Island Fish Co., Florida Keys Steak and Lobster House, Burdines Waterfront, where the chefs will cook it Keys-style. It’s the freshest meal you’ll ever eat.
Backcountry / Flats Fishing – For anglers seeking a challenge, head into the shallow flats near Duck Key to chase tarpon, permit, and bonefish. It’s a technical but rewarding style of fishing that showcases the natural beauty of the Keys..
Pet Friendly – At Custom Cat Charters, we know pets are family too. That’s why our trips are pet-friendly, so your furry companion can join in the adventure. Whether lounging on deck or enjoying the sea breeze, they’ll have as much fun as you do out on the water.
Why Choose Custom Cat Charters for Inshore Fishing in Marathon
At Custom Cat Charters, we focus on comfort, safety, and fun. Our spacious catamaran features shaded seating, a restroom, and modern safety equipment — ideal for families of all ages. Plus, our experienced captains know the Marathon waters inside and out, ensuring every trip is both productive and enjoyable.
Comfort & Safety
Spacious, stable, and well-equipped catamaran.
Family & Pet-Friendly
Perfect for kids, beginners, and furry companions
Local Expertise:
Captains who know where the fish are biting
Hassle-Free:
All gear, licenses, and guidance included
Where We Operate – Inshore Fishing in the Middle Keys
Our charters depart from Marathon, FL, right in the heart of the Keys. Within minutes, you’ll be fishing the area’s most famous inshore waters like Boot Key Harbor, Vaca Cut, and the Seven Mile Bridge. Moreover, these calm and productive areas are perfect for families, kids, and beginners who want action without long rides offshore.
If you’re staying nearby, we also serve:
- Boot Key – quick access to backcountry waters full of snapper and grouper.
- Key Colony Beach – a family vacation favorite, just minutes from our dock.
- Vaca Key – great for visitors who want a mix of fishing and sightseeing.
- Duck Key – known for shallow flats fishing for tarpon, permit, and bonefish.
Explore Our Other Charters & Experiences
At Custom Cat Charters, we offer more than just offshore adventures. Explore our other private charters and create your perfect Florida Keys experience:
Inshore Fishing
Stay close to shore in calm waters and catch snapper, snook, tarpon, and redfish. Ideal for anglers, families, kids, and beginners.
Offshore Fishing
Venture a few miles offshore to target grouper, snapper, amberjack, and king mackerel around reefs and wrecks. A great balance of comfort and action.
Nearshore Fishing
A few miles off the coast, target grouper, snapper, amberjack, and king mackerel around reefs and wrecks. A balance of comfort and action.
Shark & Barracuda Fishing
Feel the adrenaline rush of battling toothy predators like sharks and barracuda in the waters around Marathon.
Enjoy dolphin watching, snorkel vibrant reefs, or relax at a sandbar. Perfect for families and groups wanting a mix of fun and relaxation.
Sunset Cruises
End the day with a private cruise as the sun sets over the Florida Keys. Relax with your favorite drinks and soak up paradise.
Destination Weddings on the Water
Celebrate your big day aboard our luxury catamaran. Perfect for weddings, proposals, anniversaries, or romantic getaways.
Review
Our guests’ stories say it best. Families, couples, and anglers alike share how Custom Cat Charters made their trip unforgettable. Join the many happy clients who sail with us with confidence.
Customer Experience
This was the best boat charter in the Keys! Captains Andrew and Ryan made it a great experience. I would high recommend them to anyone looking for a good time
Amazing day on the water with family, from snorkeling to sandbar to deep sea fishing! Custom CAT charters made this day of our vacation so special. They were so professional, helpful and accommodating! We can’t wait to see you again next year!
This was the best boat charter in the Keys! Captains Andrew and Ryan made it a great experience. I would high recommend them to anyone looking for a good time
This was the best boat charter in the Keys! Captains Andrew and Ryan made it a great experience. I would high recommend them to anyone looking for a good time
So so so so muchhhh funnnnnn!!!.
