2024 Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament
Now that the holidays are behind us, it is time to focus on Sailfish! We started 2024 with one of the first Sailfish Tournaments of the new year, The Fish for Holly Sailfish Tournament out of Islamorada. Main Attraction owners Captain Marty Lewis and his Wife, Katie Lewis, fish this tournament yearly. It is a wonderful tournament that raises money for an important cause: raising awareness about domestic violence. Usually, Marty and Katie fish the tournament every year with a repeat client named Dominick and his friend Jeremy. Since Dominick could not make it this year, they [...]
Florida Keys’ ‘Hell Week’ Fishing Report
The Snapper bite has been hot on the reef! In true Florida Keys style, we ended 2023 with a flurry of fishing trips. The day after Christmas every year marks the start of the busiest week of the year in the Florida Keys. It can get pretty hectic that week, so the locals commonly call it 'Hell Week!' Hotel occupancies this year were 90-100%, with many families looking to put a unique island twist to their Christmas festivities. During this week, we fished nonstop, with multiple trips per day. We fish a lot of [...]
Florida Keys Fishing Report – December 2023
A large Mangrove Snapper caught on the reef recently. Can you believe it's December already? 2023 seems to have passed in a flash. There were many ups and a few downs, but as always, we managed to surmount the challenges we encountered. As the new year approaches, we are happy to report that the fishing in the Florida Keys has been exceptional! A few weeks ago, we had what felt like a tropical storm come through. Despite its classification as a low-pressure system, the deluge of rain and relentless high winds we endured were [...]
Islamorada Sailfish Tournament December 2023
As the song goes, It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for us in the Florida Keys, it isn't just because it's the Holidays. It's also because Sailfish tournament season is here! On social media, you mostly see the fish that were caught, the scoring results, and the trophies. But you only get to see a small portion of the necessary prep work leading up to the tournament. Fishing sailfish tournaments competitively takes a significant amount of preparation and planning. Sailfish Tournament Season Preparations Every year Main Attraction crews begin to prepare for [...]
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 [...]
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