2023 Mission Fishin’ Event
We were privileged to host the Mission Fishin' charter fishing group again this year. This annual event has become an autumn tradition that we look forward to every year. For those unfamiliar with Mission Fishin', it's a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with foster families, disabilities, and special needs. This valuable organization not only arranges cost-free outdoor excursions for families and caregivers but also offers vital support to local schools. Mission Fishin' is collaborating to provide specialized equipment for the special needs program at our local Stanley Switlik Elementary School in [...]
34 Cuban Migrants Rescued From Sinking Vessel in The Florida Keys
Last Friday started like any other typical day at the Main Attraction. Still dark out, the crew met at the marina and loaded the bait boat to catch live bait for their charters that day. Once they returned to the Marathon Sailfish Marina, they loaded the 49-footer, Main One, with lots of fresh live bait and finished prepping the boat. Upon the customer's arrival, Captain Marty Lewis reviewed the proper way to use the fishing equipment, the location of life jackets, and other safety protocols. Taking advantage of the unusually tranquil weather for this [...]
All About North Atlantic Swordfish – Facts About Florida Keys Broadbills
The Swordfish is a globally recognizable and iconic species of fish. A member of the billfish family, the Swordfish earns its name due to the flattened bill that looks like a sword protruding from its upper jaw. Most of the iconic fish we feature are known by different names, and the Swordfish is no exception. Swords are referred to by various names, including Broadbill, Emperado, and, scientifically, Xiphias gladius. No matter the name, the North Atlantic swordfish undoubtedly holds a special place in the world of sportfishing, especially in the Florida Keys. Main Attraction [...]
Stanley Switlik Elementary School Fish Club – Marathon, Florida
As a parent living on a small island in the Florida Keys being resourceful and utilizing local programs available to your children is a great way to enrich their childhood. In Marathon, Florida, the local elementary school offers an outstanding opportunity: an inclusive fishing club available to every student. Mr. Bill Eller, the School Health and Wellness Coordinator, leads the school's fishing club. A few years back, when Stanley Switlik Elementary School underwent renovations, they incorporated an observation dock at the rear of the school. This area allows the children to fish off the dock, get [...]
Florida Keys Fishing Report – September 2023
Autumn means more than just a weather change in the Florida Keys. Similar to the pre-pandemic years, our schedule has eased as the kids return to school. During this brief hiatus from daily fishing, our crews are dedicating their efforts to our yearly boat maintenance tasks. The Main One being brought to the boatyard for repairs. Vessel Update We had an engine problem in June on our 49-footer, the Main One. Captain Marty and Katie have been working with a Caterpillar dealership to get all the proper parts and pieces to [...]
Family Fishing Charters in the Florida Keys
If you're reading this article, we share a special bond - a profound love for fishing! At the Main Attraction, our enthusiasm for all things fishing is fueled by countless cherished memories forever etched into our lives. Many of our valued clients have pointed out how lucky we are to fish for a living, and they're right! While in past articles we have shed light on the less glamorous aspects of the job, such as the long hours and physically demanding work, we wouldn't trade this life for anything. People often ask us how we maintain our [...]
2023 Florida Keys Dolphinfish Report
If you follow our fishing reports and updates, you may have noticed we haven't been writing about Dolphinfish nearly as much as in previous seasons. There is a good reason for this; there simply hasn't been much to write about. Fortunately, that is starting to change! Here in the Florida Keys, Dolphinfish, a.k.a. Mahi, are the most requested fish to catch. That suits us just fine in the late spring through summer when Dolphinfish abound. However, this year, the Dolphinfish have been on a different schedule. Better late than never! The Dolphin season is finally starting [...]
Lobster Season 2023 Monroe County, Florida Keys
Last month kicked off Florida's 2023 Lobster sport season. Down here in the Keys we call it "Mini Season". Thousands of visitors get out on the water for two days to catch as much lobster as they are legally allowed before the regular season begins. It is an opportunity for recreational enthusiasts to catch lobster before commercial boats put their traps in the water. Over the years, the locals have witnessed some pretty wild things on the water during these two days. The massive influx of amateur boaters on the water can be dangerous if you aren't paying [...]
Costa Rica Big Game Fishing Charter
About a year ago, one of our repeat clients you all hear a lot about, Mark Busch, went to Costa Rica on an overnight FAD fishing trip. Costa Rica is well known for its Blue Marlin and Sailfish billfish. Other pelagic species, such as yellowfin tunas and mahi, are also available. The primary purpose of using fish aggregating devices (FAD) is to concentrate fish in a specific area, making it easier for fishermen to locate and catch them. This allows fishing vessels to reduce search time and fuel consumption, making fishing operations more efficient and [...]
All About Mutton Snapper – Florida Keys Mutton Snapper Facts
Last week we published an article about the secrets to successfully catching Mutton Snapper. We received such great feedback on it that we decided to spend some time learning more about this fascinating fish this week. We know how to catch it, but what else do we know about this intriguing fish? The Mutton Snapper is scientifically known as Lutjanus analis. Analis refers to its pointed anal fin, which helps to identify it versus other juvenile snappers. Mutton Snappers belong to the family Lutjanidae which contains other famous members such as the Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper, and [...]
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