Catch Em’ All Sportfishing Review (2026)
Catch Em’ All Sportfishing, led by Captain Jeff Shelar, is one of Marathon’s most popular fishing charters. Known for its “No Fish, No Pay” guarantee, this charter has built a strong reputation among families, first‑time anglers, and serious tarpon hunters.
Pros
- Experienced captain: Jeff Shelar has 24+ years of local fishing knowledge.
- Specialty trips: Famous for tarpon fishing, with catches often ranging from 80–150 lbs.
- Family‑friendly: Reef trips are safe, fun, and productive for kids and beginners.
- Strong reviews: Consistently rated 4.8 stars with praise for patience, humor, and catch success.
- Guarantee: Unique “No Fish, No Pay” policy builds trust with guests.
Cons
- Availability: Tarpon season (spring) books up quickly.
- Pricing: Specialty trips (tarpon, offshore pelagics) are more expensive than standard reef trips.
- Weather dependency: Offshore trips may be rescheduled due to rough seas.
Trip Types
- Reef Fishing: Half‑day trips targeting snapper, grouper, and mixed species.
- Wreck Fishing: Action‑packed trips for amberjack, barracuda, and grouper.
- Offshore Fishing: Full‑day trips chasing mahi‑mahi, tuna, sailfish, and marlin.
- Tarpon Fishing: The highlight — Captain Jeff is a tarpon specialist, regularly landing giants.
Reviews & Reputation
Catch Em’ All Sportfishing consistently earns 4.8 stars across 40+ verified reviews. Guests highlight:
- Catching 10+ species in a single trip.
- Jeff’s humor and patience with kids and beginners.
- Repeat customers returning annually for tarpon season.
Who Should Book Catch Em’ All Sportfishing (and Who Should Skip It)
Book If…
- Families with kids — Reef trips are calm, productive, and Captain Jeff is known for his patience and humor with children.
- First‑time anglers — Beginners get step‑by‑step guidance, making it easy to learn without pressure.
- Tarpon enthusiasts — Jeff is a tarpon specialist, regularly landing fish in the 80–150 lb range.
- Groups of up to 6 — The boat comfortably fits small groups, perfect for family outings or friends’ trips.
- Travelers who value guarantees — The unique “No Fish, No Pay” policy builds confidence that you’ll get action on the water.
Skip If…
- You want ultra‑luxury boats — Catch Em’ All focuses on fishing success, not luxury amenities.
- You dislike long days offshore — Full‑day offshore trips can be bumpy and tiring; stick to reef trips if you prefer calmer waters.
- Budget is your top priority — Specialty trips (tarpon, offshore pelagics) cost more than basic reef charters.
- You’re prone to seasickness — Offshore runs 20–40 miles out can be rough; inshore trips may be a better fit.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Catch ’Em All Sportfishing | Sweet E Nuf Charters |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Jeff Shelar (Tarpon expert) | Dave Schugar, Quinlyn Haddon, Chuck Nowicki |
| Location | Marathon (Coco Plum Drive) | Marathon (Cocoplum Marina) |
| Trip Types | Reef, Wreck, Offshore, Tarpon | Inshore, Offshore, Swordfish, Reef |
| Guarantee | “No Fish, No Pay” policy | No guarantee, but strong reviews |
| Family Friendly | Yes, especially reef trips | Yes, half‑day inshore trips |
| Average Rating | 4.8 stars (46 reviews) | 4.9 stars (100+ reviews) |
| Specialty | Tarpon (80–150 lbs) | Offshore pelagics (sailfish, mahi, tuna) |
Conclusion
Catch Em’ All Sportfishing is a top choice for families and tarpon enthusiasts in Marathon. With its unique guarantee, strong reviews, and versatile trip offerings, it stands out as one of the most reliable charters in the Florida Keys.
FAQs About Catch Em’ All Sportfishing
Q1: How many people can join a trip?
Most trips accommodate up to 6 passengers, making them ideal for families and small groups.
Q2: Do I need a fishing license?
No, the charter provides all necessary licenses for passengers.
Q3: What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are unsafe. Safety is always the captain’s priority.
Q4: Can beginners book a trip?
Yes, Captain Jeff is patient and guides first‑time anglers step by step.
Q5: What should I bring on board?
Snacks, drinks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cooler for your cleaned fish.
Q6: Are kids allowed?
Absolutely. Catch Em’ All Sportfishing is family‑friendly and often hosts trips with children.
Q7: What species are most common?
Snapper, grouper, amberjack, mahi‑mahi, tuna, sailfish, and tarpon (seasonal).
Q8: How far offshore do trips go?
Half‑day reef trips stay nearshore, while full‑day offshore trips can head 20–40 miles out for pelagics.
Q9: Is fish cleaning included?
Yes, the crew cleans and fillets your catch so you can take it straight to the table.
Q10: How much should I tip the crew?
Standard gratuity is 15–20% of the trip cost.
Looking for more options? Check out our full guide to Top Marathon Fishing Charters to compare Catch Em’ All Sportfishing with other highly rated captains in Marathon.