A young man holding a large fish on a boat with the ocean and blue sky in the background.
Group of six people standing on a dock behind a table filled with various caught fish and seafood, with boats and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A man and a young boy fishing on a boat in clear blue water under bright sunlight, with fishing rods attached to the boat.

Family Friendly Fishing Charters in Marathon, Florida Keys

Three men holding fish they caught, standing on a wooden dock with boats and houses in the background on a sunny day.
A group of people fishing on a boat in the ocean under a blue sky, with one person holding a line with a fish hanging from it.
People fishing on a boat in the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A young boy and an adult man kneeling next to a table with several caught fish, outdoors with trees, palm trees, and a sign for a marina and dive center in the background.
A group of four people standing outdoors near boats during sunset, smiling at the camera. They are dressed casually, with fish and a large fish laid out on ice in front of them, indicating a fishing trip.

Looking for a fun, safe, and memorable fishing experience the whole family will love? Hennessy Sportfishing specializes in family-friendly fishing charters in Marathon, FL, perfect for first-timers, kids, and anglers of all ages. Our private charters are fully customized to match your group’s comfort level, fishing goals, and time on the water.

We focus on calm-water options whenever possible, targeting reef and nearshore species like snapper, grouper, mackerel, mahi, and more — ideal for families who want action without long offshore runs. Our experienced local captains are patient, hands-on, and great with kids, making sure everyone feels comfortable and involved from start to finish.

Whether you’re hoping to bring home dinner, catch your child’s first fish, or combine fishing with a relaxing sandbar stop, we’ll tailor the trip to your family. Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, Hennessy Sportfishing delivers stress-free, private fishing charters that turn vacations into lifelong memories.

Book your family fishing charter today and see why so many families choose Hennessy Sportfishing in Marathon.

Family Friendly Hennessy Sportfishing Charters

3-Hour Fishing Charters Starting at $750
A group of four men on a boat in the ocean, fishing with rods. One man in yellow shirt and white cap is talking, a young boy in a blue cap and shirt is holding his fishing rod, and two men in blue and gray caps are seen in the background.
4-Hour Fishing Charters Starting at $850
Two men smiling and embracing each other behind a display of colorful fish on ice at a marina. Several boats are docked in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds, and there are trees and parked cars nearby.
6-Hour Reef and Wreck Fishing Charters Starting at $990
Three people standing on a dock with a catch of fish displayed on a table in front of them, boats and a marina in the background on a clear sunny day.
Speciality Fishing Charters Starting at $750
A man on a boat fishing at sunset, with fishing rods mounted on the side, the ocean and a colorful sky with clouds in the background.
Sandbar and Sunset Charters Starting at $750
A boat with fishing equipment and a person inside, floating on clear green water with two other boats in the background. Two people are relaxing inside an inflatable pool float labeled 'SunChill' in the water.
Snorkel and sandbar charters Starting at $750
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Not sure what trip to select? Shoot us a text 305-414-1867
Not sure what trip to select? Give us a call 305-414-1867
Two children on a paddleboard in the ocean, one wearing sunglasses and a life jacket, with clear blue water and a distant horizon.
Person snorkeling underwater surrounded by fish and coral, wearing mask and snorkel, taking a photo with a waterproof camera.
People on a boat in a tropical area, with a woman standing on a raised platform waving, palm trees, a dock, and thatched-roof structures in the background.
A boat in the ocean with an offshore oil platform in the distance, under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
People relaxing in a large inflatable pool in clear green water, with a boat and fishing rods on a nearby boat in the background.
Two children snorkeling in clear blue water above coral reef, wearing masks and snorkels, exploring underwater scenery.
School of various fish swimming underwater, including yellow and silver fish with black stripes and others with yellow tails and silver bodies.

Family & Kids Fishing Charter FAQ

Are kids allowed on your fishing charters?

Yes! Hennessy Sportfishing specializes in family-friendly fishing charters, and kids of all ages are welcome. Our captains are patient, experienced, and great with children, making sure everyone feels comfortable and involved throughout the trip.

Is fishing safe for kids?

Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. We provide child-sized life jackets for all young anglers, and families are always welcome to bring their own life jackets if preferred. Our captains give clear instructions, tailor each trip to calm conditions whenever possible, and operate private charters so we can move at your family’s pace without pressure.

What if my child gets seasick?

This is a very common concern, and we plan trips with this in mind. For families worried about seasickness, we recommend shorter trips, calm-water fishing, and nearshore or reef locations when conditions allow. If someone starts to feel uncomfortable, we can also take a break or stop at a calm sandbar on the way in, giving kids a chance to swim, relax, and feel better before heading back. Many families are surprised by how comfortable the ride is when we stay closer to shore.

How can you prevent seasickness on a fishing charter?

We suggest:

  • Taking motion sickness medication the night before and morning of the trip (always follow label directions)

  • Eating a light meal before boarding

  • Staying hydrated

  • Looking at the horizon instead of down at phones

  • Letting the captain know right away if anyone starts to feel uncomfortable

Our captains are happy to adjust the plan to keep everyone feeling good.

What age is best for kids to go fishing?

There’s no perfect age — we regularly take kids as young as 3–4 years old. For younger children or those prone to motion sickness, we recommend 4-hour trips in calmer waters to keep the experience fun and stress-free.

What kind of fish can kids catch in Marathon?

Depending on the season, kids can catch species like snapper, grunt, cero, and small grouper. We focus on fish that bite often and provide plenty of action to keep kids engaged.

Do kids need fishing experience?

Not at all. Most of our family trips include first-time anglers. Our captains help with baiting hooks, casting, and reeling fish in so kids can enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.

How long should a kids fishing charter be?

We recommend:

  • 4-hour trips for younger kids or first-timers

  • 6- Hour trips for older kids who want more fishing time

Shorter trips help reduce fatigue and seasickness concerns. For older teens into fishing we’d recommend booking the 6-Hour Offshore Trip. This is our run and gun trip for Maui, Wahoo, and Tuna.

What should families bring on a kids fishing charter?

We suggest bringing:

  • Snacks and drinks

  • Sunscreen and hats

  • Sunglasses

  • Motion sickness medication if needed

We provide all fishing gear, bait, and licenses.

What if the weather or seas are rough?

If conditions aren’t ideal, we adjust the plan to fish calmer waters, change locations, or reschedule if needed. Our goal is always a safe and enjoyable experience for your family.

Can we keep the fish we catch?

Yes! If the fish are legal to keep, you’re welcome to take them home. We clean and bag your catch, and we’re happy to recommend local hook-and-cook restaurants in Marathon.

Is the boat private for our family?

Yep! All trips are private charters, allowing us to customize the day specifically around your family’s comfort, interests, and experience level.

Can we combine fishing with a sandbar or snorkel trip?

Absolutely. Many families choose to combine fishing with a sandbar stop, giving kids time to swim, relax, and enjoy the day at their own pace.

Why Families Choose Us

I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Hennessey Sportfishing. We had made plans well in advance and had a lot of questions as first time charter guests. They were all answered timely and Captain Kerry even gave us insight into other things we can do at our vacation spot and other fishing tips. He also rearranged his schedule to accommodate a morning trip for us. There was no wasted time on the trip and we caught more fish than I thought we ever could. Kerry was also very patient and taught my 12 year old a lot. We can’t wait to go back! - Melissa

Absolutely amazing experience! From start to finish, the fishing charter exceeded all expectations. Captain Kerry and his first mate, Eric, were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone felt comfortable, regardless of their experience level. They provided all the gear and ensured we were equipped and ready for the adventure.

We were out on the water for several hours, and the action was non-stop. We caught a variety of fish, including some big ones, and the crew was always there to help with tips and guidance. Not only was the fishing awesome, but the views were breathtaking as well.

Highly recommend it to anyone who loves fishing or just wants to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in the best possible way.

We had such a great time on our first trip, we booked a second trip a few days later, this time we fished on the bay. We caught our limit in no time! Thank you for a wonderful time, my kids can’t stop talking about our adventures, 10/10! - Amy

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This was our 4th trip with Hennessy Sportfishing and it’s always a great experience! We did a 6 hour trip and got some beautiful tuna and wahoo. Weather was great and the captain and mate were both fantastic. Captain Kerry’s boat is super clean and well kept and he has all the gear we needed. Nothing like coming home with bags of fish! He told us where we could take our catch and have them cooked up for dinner at a local restaurant- it was fantastic!

When we bring the kids along, we do the split trip where you fish for a while and then go someplace pretty and swim or snorkel. Gives the grown ups some fun fishing time, then some family fun in the water once it starts to get hot out. Capt Kerry has a huge floating SunChill that he puts behind the boat and it’s so perfect with a cold drink! - Kell