Marathon or Key West?

[Dieselhp]

Heading down to the Keys in April.
Looks like now the wife wants to stay in Key West.
If you were me would you stay 10 miles from Key West or go to Marathon?
Keep in mind I want to catch fish!!!
I do not know the waters.
Witch would be my best place to stay to find fish?
Thanks for the help
Rick

[Capt Bob]

fish?? Marathon is in the middle of the keys...40 -50 miles from Key West 60 - 90 min drive
you can go up or down from Marathon ( which is why I chose to live here)
If you want the party / nightlife of Key West then by all means stay there
if you were chartering and not towing your own then by all means Key West
when I want to go to Key West I just hop the local shuttle for $2 and save the $5-8 dollar per hour parking
day activities for the non fisher are limited in MArathon....much more open in Key West
can you split where you stay? 2-3 days in each place??

does she fish??

what does she want to do??

finding fish to catch down here is not a problem...just depends on what species you want to target
knowing these waters that's a whole 'nother story all to itself

[Echo]

Marathon.... In a heart beat.. Actually just a tad west of Marathon..

As for knowing the waters, half the fun is finding " your own Spot" Fish a good incoming, enjoy the sunrise and or sun set... Maybe catch a fish or two..Who cares, your in Paradise.

[Dieselhp]

Thanks guys
I think I am going to stick with Marathon. From what I see and I dont' know much but it looks like Marathon will give me more different types of fish. Now I just have to find a nice campground for the wife and a place to rent a boat that wont make broke. Looks like Captain Pip’s has the best deal on a boat. Now the campground, any thoughts? I think knights Key looks good but I heard it was sold and don't know if it will be open in April.
Thanks for the advise
Rick

[Capt Bob]

check out Jolly roger on Grassy key...north end of Marathon...bringing a tent or a travel trailer??? either works over there I see tents on the grass all the time within 20-30 yds of the Gulf and near the pier

Check out Big Time Boat rentals also...they have a good tackle shop as well with bait etc...and Toms Tackle and bait is right next door (well almost but real close)

[SRT]

We stayed in Marathon last year in February. Rented a boat from the guys at Captain Hook's at the north end. They were super nice and very helpful.

[Dieselhp]

We will be bringing travel trailer. I found a boat so thats good. Just still need to find a place to put the trailer. Looks like I can wait for that, everyone I talk to said it is the off season. Just working on what to bring (rods, lures, etc...). Can't wait!!! I hope when I am not fishing it's 5 o clock. Thanks for the help
Rick