Elite Marathon FL Inshore Fishing with Ana Banana

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Marathon
$995 - $2,695 price range

Summary

Join Captain Joel of Ana Banana Fishing Company for an inshore fishing trip in Marathon, FL. You'll be out on the water for 4 to 10 hours, depending on what works for you. The Florida Keys are full of great spots to catch snappers, groupers, permits, and more. Whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years, Captain Joel knows where to find the fish. He'll take you to some of the best inshore spots around, sharing his knowledge of the local waters. It's a hands-on day of fishing, so get ready to cast your line and reel in some catches. Remember, the deposit isn't refundable, but you're in for a solid day of fishing in one of Florida's most beautiful areas. With room for up to 6 people, it's a great trip for small groups looking to get out on the water and catch some fish.

Elite Marathon FL Inshore Fishing with Ana Banana

Florida Keys Catch

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Fishing Day Everyday In Marathon

Snapper of the day: Yellowtail

Guided Florida Fishing

Reel in the Florida Keys: Marathon Fishing Charters

Get ready to wet a line in some of the most productive fishing grounds the Florida Keys has to offer. Captain Joel from Ana Banana Fishing Company knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip or want to spend a full day chasing trophies, we've got you covered with flexible charter options ranging from 4 to 10 hours. The inshore waters around Marathon are teeming with snapper, grouper, permit, and a whole bunch of other hard-fighting species just waiting to bend your rod.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain Joel's boat, you're in for a treat. He'll cruise you out to some of his secret honey holes where the fish are always biting. The beauty of inshore fishing in Marathon is the variety - one minute you might be sight-casting to permit on the flats, the next you could be dropping baits near structure for grouper. Captain Joel tailors each trip to what's biting best and what you want to target. Newbies and seasoned anglers alike will find plenty of action. Just be ready to reel!

Techniques That'll Land You Lunkers

Inshore fishing around Marathon is all about versatility. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what's working. For snapper and grouper, we often drop live pinfish or shrimp near rocky bottoms or reefs. When targeting permit on the flats, sight-fishing with crab imitations is the name of the game. Captain Joel will show you the ropes on how to present your bait, set the hook, and fight these hard-pulling fish. Don't worry if you're new to this - he'll have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Top Catches This Season

The inshore waters around Marathon have been on fire lately. Anglers have been hauling in some real beauties, including chunky red snappers, gag groupers pushing 20 pounds, and permit that'll make your drag sing. One recent group even managed a grand slam, catching a bonefish, permit, and tarpon all in the same day. The bite has been so good that many folks are coming back for seconds!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Permit: These silver speedsters are the holy grail for many inshore anglers. Permit are notoriously picky eaters and will test your skills, but landing one is an unforgettable thrill. They typically range from 10-30 pounds and put up an incredible fight. Spring and fall are prime permit seasons in the Keys.

Cobia: Often called "ling" or "lemonfish," cobia are curious and aggressive predators that can grow over 100 pounds. They're most common in the warmer months and are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Cobia meat is delicious, making them a favorite for the dinner table.

Red Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a staple of Florida Keys fishing. Red snapper typically hang around reefs and rocky structure in 60-200 feet of water. They're known for their strong initial run when hooked. The average size is 5-10 pounds, but trophy fish over 20 pounds are possible.

Mutton Snapper: Often considered the best-eating fish in the snapper family, muttons are prized catches. They're typically found near coral reefs and can grow up to 30 pounds. Muttons are known for their beautiful pink coloration and their tendency to make long, powerful runs when hooked.

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the reef. Gag grouper love to hang around rock piles and ledges, and they'll do their best to wrap you around structure when hooked. They can grow over 50 pounds, though most catches are in the 10-30 pound range. Gags are excellent eating and are most active in cooler months.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just the fish that keep folks returning to Ana Banana Fishing Company. Captain Joel's wealth of local knowledge means you're not just going fishing - you're getting an insider's tour of the Florida Keys ecosystem. He'll point out wildlife, share stories about the area's rich history, and make sure everyone on board has a great time, whether they're reeling in fish or just enjoying the ride. Plus, with the flexibility to choose your trip length, you can tailor the experience to fit your schedule and budget.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and fill the cooler with some of the tastiest fish the Florida Keys has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with Ana Banana Fishing Company. Captain Joel's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to your fishing adventure. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tick some species off your bucket list or a family wanting to try fishing for the first time, this is your chance to experience world-class inshore fishing in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Give Captain Joel a call and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. The fish are biting in Marathon - are you ready to join the action?

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers that'll test your arms. They average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water. Cobia migrate through the Keys in spring, but you can catch them year-round. These solitary fish are prized for their fight and great eating. When hooked, they make powerful runs and try to wrap you in structure. Sight fishing for cobia is a blast - we scan the surface for their distinctive shark-like dorsal fin. To land one, I like using live bait like pinfish or mullet on a stout rod. Pro tip: Keep a pitch rod ready with a bucktail jig for when we spot one cruising by the boat.

Gag Grouper

Gag grouper are hard-fighting bottom dwellers that'll test your tackle. Most run 10-30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't rare. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-250 feet. Fall and winter are prime gag seasons in the Keys. Anglers love the challenge of muscling these powerful fish up from the depths. When hooked, gags immediately try to dive back into their rocky lairs. We target them with live bait like pinfish or blue runners. For the best shot at a big gag, here's my local tip: Drop your bait right into the rocks and be ready to pull hard as soon as you feel the bite. These fish don't mess around!

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are some of the wiliest fish in these waters. They usually run 5-15 pounds but can reach 30. You'll find them around reefs and rocky bottoms in 30-120 feet. Spring and summer are prime mutton seasons when they gather to spawn. Anglers prize muttons for their fight and excellent table fare. These fish are line-shy and leader-savvy, making them a real challenge. When hooked, they use powerful runs to try and break you off in the rocks. We'll target them with live bait like pilchards or ballyhoo. My go-to mutton tip: Use a long fluorocarbon leader and let your bait drift naturally in the current for the best shot at fooling these smart fish.

Permit

Permit are one of the toughest fish to land in the Keys. These silver-sided brutes usually run 20-40 pounds and put up a heck of a fight. You'll find them in shallow flats and channels, often tailing in just a couple feet of water. Spring and fall are prime permit seasons when they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting permit for the challenge - they have incredible eyesight and spook easily. When you do hook one, be ready for screaming runs and jumps. For the best shot at a permit, we'll sight fish with light tackle and small crabs or shrimp. My top tip: Let that crab sink naturally to the bottom before giving it any action. Patience is key with these picky eaters.

Red Snapper

Red snapper are a favorite target here, known for their tasty fillets and hard-fighting spirit. Most run 5-15 pounds, but trophy fish over 30 aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet. Late spring through fall is red snapper season. These fish put up a good battle, especially the big ones that try to dive back to the bottom. Anglers love the challenge of pulling them up from deep water. For bait, we'll use live pinfish or cut squid. Here's a local trick: When you feel that distinctive "thump" of a snapper bite, wait a second before setting the hook to make sure they've got it good.

About the Ana Banana Fishing Company

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 17

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 450

Ready for some awesome fishing in the Florida Keys? Captain Joel of Ana Banana Fishing Company has you covered with inshore charters out of Marathon. Whether you want a quick 4-hour trip or a full 10-hour day on the water, he'll customize the perfect outing. The inshore waters around Marathon are teeming with snappers, groupers, permits, and tons of other tasty fish just waiting to bite. Captain Joel knows all the local hotspots and has the skills to put you on the fish, no matter if you're a total beginner or an experienced angler. With room for up to 6 people, it's a great way to spend a day with family or friends while reeling in some beauties. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. Get ready for an action-packed day of fishing in one of Florida's most gorgeous areas!

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