Can anyone give me some advice or opinions on trailering my boat to Marathon for a week of fishing? Where to stay, time of year, best fishing area, tackle, etc. Any info would be welcome… I’m retiring and would like to take a trip… thanks!!
PM NikkiB, he lives down that way now and goes there frequently.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250
I just trailered my boat down to Marathon… Its a long stressful pull get on the turnpike as soon as you can and keep your eyes on the road. I tow at 70-75 mph and PPL were passing me on the sholder of the road. My engine time for the last trip was a little over 13 hours. With stops it was right at a 14 hour haul last year it took me 18 hours ( easter weekend + a race at Daytona). If you did it at night I imagine it would be better.
if your not going to lobster stay away from mini season - and check when grouper season opens if you plan on bottom fishing for keeps. During the spring it tends to be a little windy keeping the seas a little rough. right now is a great time the mullet run just started and the tarpon are showing up, mahi, black fin and yellow tails are all going strong.
Sabalo 21 150 Yamaha
Key West Stealth 150 V-max (SOLD)
Do yourself a favor and tow from Daytona south from 9 PM to 5 AM. Its the only way I will pull a boat through that schidt show. Better yet, stop at Fort Pierce and go over to Abaco, or to FL and go to Bimini. I been going to Bimini the last 3 years. Its deserted after labor day and you can get all the lobster and bottom fish you want.
I stayed in marathon several times during the last year or so. Stayed at Indigo Reef, Coral Lagoon and SlipJack Resort.
Great place to fish and some nice restaurants.
Let me know if you want more info.
I’ve done the pull for 6 years I think the best time to leave is 2 pm you just miss the J vill traffic and I stop around ft pierce for a nap (lol) gets me into the keys early morning. I think your best bet is to rent a house with a dock in the back. that’s what I do.
230 Tidewater 250 Yamaha
NikkiB
You are getting some solid advice from the previous posters. I’ve done it several times, renting a house on a canal is a great way to do it. You can find a huge one…or a small one to fit your budget. It’s awesome to walk outside and see your boat waiting for your next adventure.
I like to go in the summer because the water is too chilly to swim/snorkel during winter or Spring break. Summers are warm but its the Keys, put the snorkel on and have a blast!
Also, don’t overlook Islamorada or a closer key. That last 45 minutes from Islamorada to Vaca Cut seems to take forever.
My group has been loving Bimini
Take at least one spare hub, tire, grease gun, all the tools needed to change a hub or tire & rags or gloves. A heat gun is great to have as well to check hub temps.
21 Contender
Back when we were diving, we discovered https://parmersresort.com/ It’s just one island below Big Pine (not far from Marathon) with easy access to the Looe Key Reef and not that far from the Bahia Honda bridges. They have docks right at your cottage. They did a good breakfast.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
2007 Grady White 222 Fisherman / 250 Yamaha
Simrad NSS evo2 and G4
1- 23 boy that won’t move out)
1 - 19 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
A recurring theme with my group is quit going in April. Wind, wind, wind…And some small Tarpon and handles of booze…
key colony beach in marathon all duplex rentals, marina,2 bars, restaurant the place has it all real laid back most rentals are waterfront we stay at one called “flamingo nook” nice place. The 2nd week or after in September crowds are gone discounts everywhere (off season), everything is open lobster, grouper, etc… right out in front of place 45 to 65 fow all the yellow tail snapper you want can limit out quick then move on. The only place we stay. Check it out