Imagine you are comfortable and settled in your beach lounger, novel in hand that you specifically selected for your Florida beach excursion. You bask in the warm sun while occasionally gazing at the tranquil and serene white sea foam that flows with the ebb and flow of the surf. In a matter of seconds your serenity is disturbed when a sound so intoxicating changes your focus as your eyes span the vast blue green water in your direct line of view. Your attention is transfixed on what appears to be a large sport fishing vessel slicing through the water. You take note that this boat is fully outfitted with a crew and guests as well as rods and reels and is heading out to blue water for a day of offshore fishing of the finest catches the Florida Keys offers. This was the first time I was lured to the call of deep-sea fishing.
My husband introduced me to Captain Marty Lewis and his crew of The Main Attraction, located in Key Colony Beach in Marathon (Mile Marker 53.5) over a decade ago. Since then, we have consistently counted on their expertise for countless amazing offshore, reef, wreck, tarpon, and sailfish charter experiences. The Keys, is well known among anglers and holds the title of sportfishing capital of the world, particularly for sailfish and tarpon.
This family-owned operation, with Captain Marty Lewis and his wife Katie at the helm lead a crew that hosts private charters 300+ days a year. Marty has been fishing these waters since he was a teenager and has developed a keen instinct and knowledge of reading the conditions of the day as well as years of on-the-job experience knowing the ideal spots for the optimum success of your charter.
Noteworthy, Captain Marty is a multi-trophied Sailfish tournament winner. The crew of The Main Attraction participates in as many Sailfish tournaments in the Florida Keys as their schedule allows, many offering significant purses. Their record includes numerous wins as well as placements. The crew attests to its success through strict adherence with fundamental preparation and complete inspection of their crafts. TheMainAtttraction.org lists their outstanding tournament record including setting a Florida Keys Sailfish Record meticulously on one of their five charter boats Main One, a 49’ Cape Fear where the crew caught and released 70 Sailfish in a single day.
As the Florida Keys is host to the only living coral reef in North America, from the novice angler to a tournament trophy pro, reef charters can a great start to an offshore excursion or a family friendly afternoon. A Florida favorite, Grouper, as well as Mahi Mahi is widely available from May through September. In the cooler months, Wahoo and Kingfish abound. Yellowtail Snapper is a favorite find in the cooler months and once back at the dock, your Captain is able to filet your catch and bag it for you to bring to one of the local restaurants the crew recommends to prepare for your dinner or to bring home with you to cook for yourself!
If sport fishing is the itinerary of the charter, often referred to as “fly fishing in the Keys” the Tarpon is perhaps the most legendary Florida Keys catch and release sportfish. Anglers anxiously await every spring and summer when thousands of Tarpon up to 6 feet in length travel throughout Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. The adrenaline rush of hooking one of these mammoth giants is intense as they are fighters and wily. Additional sport fish such as Permit, Snook, Red Drum, and Spotted Seatrout abound in these waters as well.
The Main Attraction run half, three-quarter and full day charters or inquire about an overnight trip. Consider booking Main One a 49’ deep V hull Carolina style sportfishing yacht which offers an air-conditioned salon for taking a breather from reeling your catch. Accommodations include 2 full bathrooms with showers and 2 comfortable bedrooms. This boat also features a full kitchen, television and a comfortable Fly-bridge Mezzanine for lounging.
Also, although rare – but it does happen, if the fish aren’t biting, Captain Marty will make any excursion memorable just being out on the water. On any given offshore excursion, the opportunity may present itself for guests to spy a variety of sharks including Nurse, Blacktip and Bull. To appease your wallet, “no fish no pay” on full day trips is the company motto.
Each boat is meticulously maintained and each charter includes bait, tackle, and fishing licenses in the charter rate. You have the option to bring food and beverages onboard The Main Attraction as well as personal items and don’t forget your sunscreen! Iced coolers will be made available for your food and drink. Consider bringing a cooler to transport your fish for the ride home. They also have a partnership with Brutus Seafood if you’d prefer to have your excursion lunch catered.
If accommodations are required for a large group or family vacation, they have access to nearby Palm Villa, a stunning 2-story rental that easily accommodates up to 10 guests and offers 7 bedrooms and 4 baths and is equipped with a kitchen on each floor. The villa features beautiful furnishings and all the creature comforts of home -- a wonderful alternative to a hotel. The grounds offer a spacious backyard, pool, BBQ and its own large dock.
If your preference is a hotel to accommodate multiple guests, The Main Attraction has partnered with nearby hotels that cater to visiting anglers, many with access to plenty of water activities including jet ski rentals, kayaks, paddleboards and more. The full-service attention to detail The Main Attraction offers its clientele is endless.
It’s next to impossible to truly enjoy your fishing experience and not have photos to document your fishing stories. Ask about booking a dedicated professional photographer to accompany you for all or a portion of your excursion. Photographer, and himself a captain, Mikey Finiguerra, Owner of MFin Media is at your service and inquires regarding booking can be made when you arrange your charter.
Photography courtesy of Mikey Finiguerra, Owner of MFin Media as well as those provided by the The Main Attraction.
The Main Attraction . Key Colony Beach Marina . 400 Sadowski Causeway .
Marathon, Florida . 33051 . Mile Marker 53.5 . 305-289-0071
MFin Media, is a Florida-based full-service content creation company specializing in TV and digital media production and management. His work has been seen on the Discovery Channel, NBC Sports, Sportsman's Channel, Outdoor Channel, and World Fishing Network.
