Could anyone give me advice on the type of fish to target in the month of March? We will have a 30' cc boat.
I would like to start planning for a trip in March.

Thank You
Hadge

March is a transition time. Since you are in a 30' CC, you won't be doing much backcountry or flats fishing, so it's trolling or the reef.

Tuna and AJs are moving in and you can still have a shot at the sails. Take a trip to one of the humps (see the first post in this section for GPS coordinates).

Grouper, snapper and others can be taken on the reef. You can vary from 40-80' when setting up. Don't be afraid to move and change depths to see where the bite is best.

Good Afternoon!
I am very excited to be going to Marathon Key in early April (3-7) and hope to get some good fishing in. My budget is somewhat limited and I was planning on getting on one of the party boats for an inexpensive deep sea trip and then head to the backcountry flats.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advise on the best plan for the backcountry day? I was thinking I might like to rent a fishing kayak, but not sure I can rent the rod/reels and equipment. So, what are the thoughts on a charter? Is 4 hours enough time? A full day at over $700 is a bit out of my budget. Id rather rent a boat and try my luck, but I know a good guide is usually worth their weight in gold.

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks!

Scot

Where are you traveling from? If traveling by plane, most airlines let you take a 7' rod tube. Take 2 or 3 of your own rods. 2 or 3 reels will take up little space and you can buy terminal tackle or a few artificials when you get to Marathon. Then all you have to rent is a kayak, and there are a number of places to rent them.

As for the party boat, never tried them in the Keys, but there is one right at Vaca Cut.

Look at Islamorada for the backcountry guides.

When I was a kid we used to have a timeshare in Marathon(Key Lime), its long gone these days. We would go out on the Marathon Lady (which I'm sure is long gone too). I remember the "good ole days" of fishing with my grandpa as a kid out there and remember catch lots of fish.

This is my first post over here (I'm from the Texas Fishing Forum, another one of J.P. creations), We are planning on making a week long fishing trip down to the Keys this year and will be keeping an eye on your website and see how the fishing is going. I look forward to your reports.

I'm pretty sure the Marathon Lady still is there.