Marathon's Inshore Fishing Gems with Ana Banana

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Marathon
$995 - $2,695 price range
Updated Date: August 22, 2025

Summary

Ready for some real Florida Keys fishing action? Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company is your guide for an inshore adventure out of Marathon. Whether you're after bull sharks, cobia, mutton snapper, permit, or Spanish mackerel, this 4 to 10-hour trip has you covered. Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while sharing his proven techniques. With top-notch gear and a safe, well-maintained boat, you can focus on the fishing. This trip is great for anglers of all levels – from first-timers to seasoned pros. You'll be fishing the rich inshore waters around Marathon, where big catches are always possible. Remember, spots fill up fast and deposits are non-refundable, so book your trip soon. Get ready to feel the pull of a trophy fish and make some lasting memories on the water.

Marathon's Inshore Fishing Gems with Ana Banana

Hooked in the Keys

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Fishing Day Everyday In Marathon

Snapper of the day: Yellowtail

Guided Florida Fishing

Reel in the Big One: Marathon's Inshore Hotspots

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the flats and channels around Marathon for some serious inshore action? Captain Joel Brandenburg here, and I'm itching to get you on the water with Ana Banana Fishing Company. We're talking 4 to 10 hours of non-stop fishing for bull sharks, cobia, mutton snapper, permit, and Spanish mackerel. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we've got the know-how and the spots to put you on fish. Let's break down what you can expect on this killer Keys fishing adventure.

What's the Deal on Deck?

Picture this: You're cruising out of Marathon, the sun's barely up, and the water's like glass. We'll hit my favorite inshore haunts where the big boys hang out. I'm talking about shallow flats, mangrove edges, and deeper channels – all prime real estate for our target species. We provide top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your lucky rod if you've got one. The boat's safe, comfortable, and rigged for inshore fishing success. Whether you're after a trophy bull shark or a tasty mutton snapper for dinner, we'll put you in the right spot at the right time.

Tactics That Land Lunkers

Alright, let's talk strategy. For permit and cobia, we might be sight-fishing on the flats, so keep those eyes peeled and be ready to make a quick, accurate cast. When we're after bull sharks, we'll likely set up a chum slick and use heavy tackle – trust me, when a 200-pounder hits, you'll be glad we're geared up right. For snapper and mackerel, we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, maybe even do some light chumming to bring them in close. I'll show you how to work a jig, present a live bait, or finesse a topwater lure depending on what's biting. The name of the game is adapting to what the fish want, and that's where my local knowledge comes in handy.

Fish Tales from the Flats

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing, but don't just take my word for it. Here's what some recent clients had to say:

"Captain Joel put us on fish all day! Landed my first bull shark and it was a rush I'll never forget." - Mike T.

"Best guide in the Keys, hands down. We limited out on mutton snapper and hooked into some monster cobia. Can't wait to come back!" - Sarah L.

"As a beginner, I was worried about keeping up, but Joel made it easy and fun. Caught more fish than I could count!" - Tom R.

The Usual Suspects

Let's break down the heavy hitters you'll be targeting on this trip:

Bull Sharks: These bad boys are the bulldogs of the flats. They're here year-round but really heat up in the summer. Bulls can top 200 pounds and will test every bit of your fishing skills. When they hit, hold on tight – it's like hooking a freight train. The fight is intense, and the photo op is epic.

Cobia: AKA ling or lemonfish, these curious creatures often show up near the boat. They're suckers for a well-presented live bait or jig. Cobia are strong fighters and great eating. Look for them from spring through fall, with peak action in the warmer months. A 30-pounder is a good catch, but they can get much bigger.

Mutton Snapper: These tasty critters are the prize of many an inshore trip. They're crafty and can be leader-shy, so finesse is key. Muttons love structure and respond well to chum. They're around all year but really turn on during the summer spawning season. A 10-pounder is solid, but 15-20 pound fish aren't uncommon.

Permit: The holy grail of flats fishing. Permit are spooky, selective, and downright frustrating at times – but that's what makes them so rewarding. We'll sight-fish for these on the flats, usually with live crabs or artificial crab imitations. Spring and fall are prime permit seasons. Landing a 15-20 pounder is a real achievement.

Spanish Mackerel: Fast, ferocious, and a blast on light tackle. These speedsters show up in big schools, especially in the cooler months. We'll often find them busting bait on the surface – it's a sight that'll get your heart racing. They're not huge (2-4 pounds is average) but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and fight.

Ready to Get Your Fish On?

Alright, folks, there you have it – a slice of what Marathon's inshore fishing scene has to offer. From bull sharks that'll make your arms ache to permit that'll test your patience and skill, we've got it all. Remember, the Keys fishing changes with the seasons and even day to day, so every trip is a new adventure. Don't miss out on your chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so give us a call and let's get you on the calendar. The fish are waiting, and so am I – let's make some memories on the water!

Learn more about the species

Bull Shark

Bull sharks are the bulldogs of the shark world - stocky, aggressive, and not afraid to come into shallow water. These apex predators typically run 8-10 feet long and 200-300 pounds. You'll find them in our inshore waters, especially in summer. They're unique among sharks, able to tolerate freshwater and even swim miles upriver. Bull sharks put up a brutal fight, so heavy tackle is a must. We usually target them with large cut baits like mackerel or bonito. The real thrill is watching these massive predators investigate our chum slick before taking the bait. For the best action, we'll fish during moving tides near river mouths or passes. Just remember, these aren't catch-and-release fish - we always use circle hooks for a clean release.

Cobia

Cobia are bruisers - big, brown, and built for battle. These lone wolves average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around buoys, wrecks, and reefs in 30-70 feet of water. They're most active in spring and summer as they migrate up the coast. Cobia are curious fish, often swimming right up to the boat. That's your chance to pitch a live bait or jig their way. Once hooked, they'll make powerful runs and even jump clear of the water. The fight is half the fun, but cobia are also excellent table fare. Their firm, white meat is prized for its sweet flavor. Here's a pro tip: always have a ready rod with a bucktail jig. When a cobia shows up, you'll want to cast quickly before it loses interest.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton snapper are the prize catch of the snapper family here in Marathon. These olive-colored beauties usually run 5-15 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 80-150 feet of water. They're most active during the full moon spawning periods in summer. Muttons are known for their fantastic eating quality - firm, white meat that's great on the grill. They're smarter than your average snapper, so light tackle and fresh bait are key. We often use live pinfish or cut ballyhoo to tempt them. Here's a local trick: when you're chumming for muttons, let a bait drift naturally in the slick. These fish are wary, so a stealthy presentation often seals the deal. Once hooked, be ready for a strong initial run as they head for structure.

Permit

Permit are one of the toughest fish to catch in the Keys. These silvery, disc-shaped fighters usually run 20-30 pounds but can hit 60. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and channels, often in just 2-3 feet of water. Their huge eyes give them incredible vision, so stealth is key. Spring and summer are prime permit seasons when they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - permit are wary and picky eaters. When hooked, they put up a stubborn fight, using their flat bodies to resist. For the best shot, we'll look for "tailing" permit in the shallows. Toss a small crab imitation near them and be ready for an explosive take. It's a rush when that permit peels off 100 yards of line in seconds. Patience and persistence pay off with these trophy fish.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel are the speedsters of inshore waters. These sleek, spotted fish usually run 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 12. You'll find them in large schools near the surface, often busting bait in a feeding frenzy. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Macks are fun to catch on light tackle - they hit hard and make blistering runs. We often troll small spoons or jigs to locate schools, then switch to casting when we find them. They're also great eating, with a rich, oily flavor that's perfect for smoking or grilling. Here's a tip: when you see birds diving, there's a good chance Spanish mackerel are feeding below. Motor upwind of the activity, cut the engine, and drift into casting range. These fish move fast, so be ready for quick action!

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 to wet a line in the Florida Keys? Captain Joel Brandenburg's inshore charters out of Marathon offer something for anglers of all stripes. Whether you're chasing bull sharks, cobia, mutton snapper, permit, or Spanish mackerel, these 4 to 10-hour trips provide ample time to target the species you're after. The captain supplies quality gear and shares proven tactics to help you land that trophy catch. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for small groups or families looking to experience the Keys' famous inshore fishing. The well-maintained boat ensures a safe and comfortable day on Marathon's productive waters. While deposits are non-refundable, booking in advance secures your spot for hands-on fishing action. Novice or pro, you'll leave with new skills and great memories of battling hard-fighting fish in this angler's paradise.

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