There are a lot of things to consider before you tow your boat 200+ miles.
- What’s the condition of your tow vehicle?
- What’s the condition of your trailer?
- How many days are you actually going to fish?
If you are going to fish for 3-5 days it very well may be worth it…
Also, I’m not sure how well you know the waters of Marathon and Flamingo. Flamingo is an EXTREMELY shallow area…
At the time you are going,
tarpon should be
red hot. Live baiting for tarpon is something anyone can do even without knowing the area well. I’m not familiar enough with marathon to suggest any specific spots, but here is one possible strategy:
Assuming your boat has a live well, catch a couple dozen pinfish on any grass flat. Take those to any nearby channel and/or bridge and let them soak… Once you’re out there you will be able to find local hot spots by spotting other boats doing the same. For example, you may see a bunch of boats anchored up parallel to one of the bridges. Chances are they are live baiting for tarpon. Take up a position next to them…
This method may be even more productive at night – not to mention more comfortable
PS: I haven’t rented a boat in years so I have no clue who to recommend.
"I would rather have a German division in front of me than a French one behind me."
--- General George S. Patton