Our half-day charter with Manicsportfishing out of Marathon Key was truly unforgettable! Shad and Erin, our incredible crew, made the entire experience exceptional. They were friendly, professional, and incredibly patient with everyone in our group—especially the teens who some were fishing for the first time and even on a boat for the first time.

What truly set this trip apart was how knowledgeable these guys are about the waters. They knew exactly where to take us for action and demonstrated a deep understanding of local techniques needed to catch species like Mangrove Snapper, Yellow-tail Snapper, and Cero Mackerel. We were actively catching fish within minutes of arriving at their spots—an indicator of their expertise and familiarity with the area.

Despite some of us experiencing a bit of motion sickness, the crew kept spirits high and ensured everyone had fun. And fun we had! Everyone caught at least one keeper, making the trip both exciting and rewarding.

The crew went above and beyond by teaching us proper fishing techniques and showing us how to clean our catch, adding an educational touch to the adventure.

This trip was not only thrilling but also a memorable family experience filled with laughter, learning, and incredible memories. Highly recommend Manicsportfishing for anyone looking for a top-notch fishing excursion in the Keys. We can’t wait to come back!

captain brian was bombarded with 1,000 questions from our 5 and 7 year old. He was patient and easily navigated the boat while answering. The weather had been cold so it took us quite a while to find the fish, but Brian worked hard and didn’t give up. We ended up getting several snapper and squeezed in a minute to go down the slide.

Trip was great.  Captain put us on the fish and the mate did a great job explaining the proper technique on bringing them in.  When the bite slowed down we didn’t waste any time and went to another nearby spot where the bite was much better.  Mate tried several different methods while we were fishing for yellow tails to see if we could get anything else but the yellow tails were the most reliable.  Would recommend, captain and mate both put us on the fish and we went home with plenty of fish.

I fish charters 2-3 times per month and have for years.  Capt Shad is one of the best Ive fished with anywhere, and when I venture to the Keys, which I do frequently, he is top on my list.  There are other good charters out of Marathon to be sure, and there are fancier boats to go out on.  However, if you want to catch fish with a knowledgeable Captain who never takes his eye off of passenger safety and comfort, on a solid, comfortable fishing boat, then Id rate Shad & Manic as the best.

Enjoyed the 4 hour boat trip very much. Would book again if we are back in town. Great blend of relaxation and fun. Captain Casey was excellent and knowledgeable