News and Articles Archives

Florida Keys Spring Fishing Report – April 2024

What a rollercoaster of a week it's been! Last weekend, our plans took a hit as we had to call off a charter due to relentless rain and strong winds. Unfortunately, our client was only in town for those days when the weather turned sour. The ocean resembled a frothy milkshake, with menacing storms unleashing thunder and lightning. When weather-bound, most of the crew usually heads home for some extra rest. However, Captain Marty Lewis saw an opportunity amidst the setback. He decided to tackle some overdue boat maintenance and replenish our tackle inventory at Cudjoe [...]

April 12th, 2024|Categories: Billfish, Florida Keys Fishing Charters, Offshore, Sailfish, Wreck Fishing|Tags: , |

Florida Keys Spring Fishing Report – March 2024

When it comes to fishing in the Florida Keys, March is one of the busiest months of the year, and we happily embrace it! Recently, we've had the pleasure of hosting many spring breakers and their families, who have been fortunate to experience the outstanding, consistent fishing we have been enjoying. Yellowtail Snapper The Florida Keys are a special place to fish because of the variety of species available, and spring is no exception. On the Reef, the Yellowtail Snapper bite is consistent this time of year, and we even get to catch very [...]

Main Attraction IFC Captain’s Cup Sailfish Tournament 2024

Sailfish Tournament season is in full swing! In December, we fished the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament , which is leg one of the 2024 Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship series. Then we fished the 2024 Fish For Holly Sailfish Tournament . Now we are back with more fishing tournament updates! 2024 Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament On January 17, 2024, Team Main Attraction fished the second leg of the Gold Cup Series, the Islamorada Fishing Club tournament Captain's Cup Sailfish Tournament. The team was fired up and ready to get back together. Our competitive [...]

February 12th, 2024|Categories: Main One, Offshore, Sailfish|Tags: , |

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 [...]

January 19th, 2024|Categories: Florida Keys Fishing Charters, Grouper, Mackerel, Reef, Yellowtail Snapper|Tags: |

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 [...]

December 27th, 2023|Categories: Florida Keys Fishing Charters, Reef|Tags: |

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 [...]

December 17th, 2023|Categories: Main One, Offshore, Sailfish|Tags: , |

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 [...]

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 [...]

October 12th, 2023|Categories: Amberjack, Main Attraction, Wreck Fishing, Yellowtail Snapper|Tags: |

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 [...]

September 29th, 2023|Categories: Blackfin Tuna, Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi), Florida Keys Fishing Charters, Offshore|Tags: |

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 [...]

September 15th, 2023|Categories: Amberjack, Reef, Wreck Fishing, Yellowtail Snapper|Tags: |

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TAKE YOUR VACATION TO

THE NEXT LEVEL