Get ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Florida Keys has to offer with Captain Joel and Ana Banana Fishing Company. Whether you're looking for a quick 4-hour trip or an all-day 10-hour adventure, we've got you covered. We'll be cruising out of Marathon, FL, right in the heart of the Keys, where the big game fish are always biting. From sailfish to mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna to marlin, the opportunities are endless. So grab your sunscreen and let's hit the water!
When you step aboard our top-notch fishing vessel, you're in for a treat. Captain Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got all the latest gear to put you on the fish. We'll head offshore where the water turns that deep cobalt blue - that's where the action happens. Depending on the season and what's running, we might be trolling for sailfish, dropping lines for tuna, or sight-casting to a school of mahi. The fight is on when you hook into one of these offshore bruisers, so be ready to put your back into it! Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing; Captain Joel will show you the ropes and make sure you're comfortable before we start reeling in the big ones.
Offshore fishing is a whole different ballgame from your typical dock or pier fishing. We use heavy-duty gear that's built to handle the big boys of the deep. We're talking about stout rods, high-capacity reels spooled with braided line, and an array of lures and baits to entice the fish. We'll likely be doing a mix of trolling and live baiting. Trolling involves dragging lures or baits behind the boat as we cruise, which is great for covering water and finding active fish. When we locate a productive area, we might switch to live baiting, using goggle-eyes or pilchards to tempt the larger predators. Captain Joel's got all the tackle you need, so just bring yourself and maybe a lucky hat!
Swordfish: These deep-dwelling gladiators are the stuff of fishing legend. Known for their long, sword-like bills and powerful fights, swordfish can reach over 1,000 pounds! We typically target them at night or in the early morning hours using specialized deep-drop techniques. Landing a swordfish is a true bucket-list accomplishment for any angler.
Blackfin Tuna: Don't let their smaller size fool you - blackfin tuna are speed demons that'll make your reel sing. These torpedo-shaped fish school up and feed aggressively, often creating surface frenzies that are a sight to behold. They're also delicious, making them a favorite for both the fight and the dinner table. We usually find them year-round, but they're especially active in the fall months.
Atlantic Sailfish: If you're looking for an acrobatic show, sailfish are your ticket. These beautiful billfish are known for their spectacular leaps and tail-walking displays when hooked. They're prevalent in the Florida Keys, especially during the winter and spring months. Catching and releasing a sailfish is a memory that'll last a lifetime.
Blue Marlin: The crown jewel of offshore fishing, blue marlin are the giants that every angler dreams of. These massive billfish can exceed 1,000 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and endurance. While they're not as common as some other species, hooking into a blue marlin is an experience you'll never forget. We typically have the best shot at them during the summer months.
Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish (no relation to Flipper), mahi mahi are the perfect combination of beauty and taste. Their electric blue and gold colors are stunning, and they're absolute acrobats when hooked. Plus, they're delicious on the grill. We find mahi year-round, but they're especially abundant during the warmer months.
There's something special about fishing the waters off Marathon. Maybe it's the crystal-clear turquoise shallows giving way to the deep blue of the Gulf Stream. Or perhaps it's the variety of fish you can catch in a single day - from yellowtail snapper on the reef to a sailfish in the deep. But ask any regular, and they'll tell you it's Captain Joel that keeps them coming back. His knowledge of these waters is unmatched, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish even when the bite is tough. Plus, he's just a great guy to spend a day on the water with, always ready with a fishing story or a local tip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you'll feel right at home on an Ana Banana charter.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel the rush of hooking into a big offshore fish, it's time to lock in your date with Ana Banana Fishing Company. Remember, we've got options from quick 4-hour trips to full 10-hour marathons, so there's something for every schedule and skill level. The fish are out there waiting, and Captain Joel's ready to put you on 'em. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so when you book, you're all in - just like when you're fighting that fish of a lifetime! Don't miss out on your chance to create some real fish tales of your own. Give us a call, and let's get you out on the water for some world-class Marathon fishing action!
Atlantic sailfish are the sprinters of the ocean. They're built for speed with that huge sail-like dorsal fin, reaching up to 10 feet long but only about 50-80 pounds. We find them in warm surface waters, often hunting in groups. Winter is prime sailfish season in the Keys. These acrobats put on a show when hooked, leaping and tail-walking across the water. It's all about the visual spectacle with sails. We'll troll with rigged ballyhoo or small lures, keeping baits near the surface. When a sail shows up in the spread, be ready for explosive strikes and long, fast runs. Circle hooks are a must for easy release. Watching a lit-up sailfish in full colors is unforgettable.
Blackfin tuna may be the smallest of the tunas, but they pack a punch. Typically 25-40 inches long and 15-30 pounds, these speedsters love warm waters near the continental shelf. We find them year-round in the Keys, but autumn through spring is prime time. Blackfin are schooling fish, often found with skipjack tuna. They hit hard and fight above their weight class - prepare for some screaming reels. We'll look for birds working bait schools to find them. Try live bait like pilchards or small lures that mimic flying fish. Light leaders and small hooks are key - blackfin have sharp eyes. The meat is excellent for sashimi or grilling. Nothing beats watching the sun come up while hooked into a blackfin blitz.
Blue marlin are the heavyweight champions of the billfish world. Females can top 1,000 pounds and 15 feet long. These apex predators roam warm offshore waters, following bait schools. Summer and fall are our best shot at blues here. They're known for incredible strength and wild aerial displays when hooked. Trolling with large lures or rigged baits is the go-to tactic. You need heavy tackle - 80-130 pound class gear at minimum. When a blue crashes the spread, hold on tight. The fight can last hours. It's a true test of an angler's skill and endurance. Most are released, but the memories last a lifetime. There's nothing quite like watching a hot blue marlin light up behind the boat.
Mahi-mahi, also called dorado, are some of the most beautiful fish in the ocean. They typically run 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+. We find them near floating debris and weed lines in warm offshore waters. Mahi are here year-round, but spring through fall is best. They're known for acrobatic fights and stunning colors - electric blues and greens that fade quickly after catch. Mahi hit just about anything and fight hard for their size. We'll troll small lures or pitch live baits. A good tip is to keep a hooked fish in the water to draw in the whole school. The meat is top-notch for grilling or sashimi. Mahi are the perfect game fish - beautiful, fun to catch, and great eating.
Swordfish are true giants of the deep, averaging 9 feet long and 400 pounds. We find them in warm waters around 64-72°F, typically at depths of 1500 feet. They're solitary predators, using that iconic bill to slash and stun prey. Swordfish put up an epic fight - they're lightning fast and can dive deep in an instant. Peak season here is April to September. To land one, we'll drop baits to 300+ feet and use several underwater lights. Big squid or mackerel chunks work well. These fish have excellent eyesight, so we use heavy fluorocarbon leaders to stay stealthy. The meat is prized for its firm texture and rich flavor. Landing a swordfish is the trophy of a lifetime for many anglers.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Detroit
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 450