We are taking a family vacation in marathon with another couple, leaving next week. Will be staying in a house we rented on the water that has a dock so we’re going to pull the boat down. Plan to fish the reef and offshore wind permitting. Anyone got any advise for this area? This will be the first time we have take the boat down. Thinking about hiring a guide to ride along one day if we can get it setup. We have a few fishing maps to get us started ect.
Anyone got any info on good places to take the family by boat restaurants ect? We may just end up having bait delivered so we can focus more time on fishing but if anyone has any advice they are willing to share on where we could possible start our search for pilchards it would be greatly appreciated. We will be off sister creek just north of sombrero beach.
Any good tackle shops that are recommended would be great too. Thanks
I you want a captain to ride along and shorten your learning curve, call Harlan Trammel with American Allegiance Charters
305-394-7400
Personal friend of mine, taught me a lot when I lived in the Keys. I believe there are a couple on this site who have used him before.
If you want to charter a boat, Chris morrison at tarpon creek is the go to. We caught every fish under the sun with him.
Hes an awesome guy and serious fisher.
As far as food, Tarpon creek bar and grill, is not only a cool spot to hangout, i ate there two nights when i was there it was fantastic, get the taco trio (one shrimp one mahi and one fresh catch of the day). They make there own hot sauce too which is killer.
Cool relaxed place, im heading back in june
Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn’t go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks.
Also, kind of a rough crowd every one in a while, but marathon bar and grill is a good spot to get a drink and some italian food
Also have 25 cent wings on thursday
trying to think what else… definitley gas up the boat before you pass okechobee, after you pass there gas gets awful, and no matter what your GPS tells you, take the turnpike. 95 is not faster. Pay the tolls and save yourself an hour
Have fun!
Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn’t go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks.
Thanks guys for the info. Harlan has been recommended by quite a few people. I sent him a message today gonna see if he can shorten the curve for us a bit. Seems like a really cool guy
Pioneer 222sf
250 Yamaha
On that end of Marathon, Burdines is a good spot for eats that is boat accessible. Sunset Grille right by the bridge is a good spot for happy hour after fishing. Best pro-tip out there for Marathon is to go to Laurie’s Deli early for some Cuban coffee & pastries, and have them make some Cubans and wrap them up to eat on the boat later.
I’d also recommend Big Time bait and tackle. They are accessible from the water and sell ice by the basket. The lady that runs the shop is good people, chat her up for whats biting and then ask for the locals discount. There’s also a guy near there that sells live pilchards, they can probably give you his #. Also, cheapest gas on the water is right there by Vaca cut as well - cant recall the name, but ask around (not Captain Hooks).
let me preface my suggestions with a little info. i used to fish the keys for many years and got to know a couple of the locals. i always took several boxes of fresh sc peaches and shared them with the folks i m about to mention. THEY KNOW ME AS THE PEACH GUY.
a favorite is SHARKY S on the causeway to key colony beach. this place is hopping, has excellent food and is accessible by water if you can find tie up room. friend HOLLY works there. please tell her i sent you and that i said hello. she can be a wealth of info for you.
holly also works at the WOODEN SPOON… hands down, the best breakfast in marathon. killer burgers and onion rings also . chemotherapy/chemobrain has robbed me of the manager s name there but she s a tiny little blonde gal who will take good care of you. if you can t wait in line there, the STUFFED PIG down the way was always our second choice . it s bayside on 39 th st. i think. same street as MARATHON YACHT CLUB. at the end of this street is one of the best, free launch ramps in the county (also bay side)
if you catch some fish, one of the best places to take your fillet s is the CRACKED CONCH. friend bartender there is RALPH. A HELLO TO HIM TOO PLEASE IF YOU GET THERE. they would serve us our fish family style cooked up to three ways. fried, blackened and three cheese marsalla always floated my boat. don t know if you can get this without peaches, but you can try:smiley:.
there are dozens of other places to eat, most all are good. herbies used to be a staple, fell into bad hands, but has been resurrected if you care to check. WHOA. almost forgot. KEYS FISHERIES, BAYSIDE, ALSO HAS great food from a hot dog, to gourmet platters that are out of this world. you order from the kitchen window and you have to play the game of the day:for example, 'NAME A FAMOUS CRIMINAL. ANSWER…HILARY CLINTON. WHEN THEY CALL HILLARY CLINTON OVER THE SPEAKER, YOU GO TO WINDOW AND GET YOUR TRAY. LAST TIME I WAS THERE, I USED PEE WEE GASKINS. EVERY BODY JUST LOOKED AND SAID " WHO "