Marathon's Premier Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Captain Joel Brandenburg's inshore fishing charters out of Marathon, FL offer a great chance to land some prized catches. You'll be fishing aboard a 50-foot Bertram, giving you plenty of room to cast and reel in gag grouper, lemon sharks, and various snappers. The 4 to 10-hour trips are perfect for anglers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Cap'n Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish while sharing tips to improve your technique. All the gear you need is provided, so you can focus on enjoying your day on the water and hopefully landing that trophy fish. With a max of 6 guests, you'll get personalized attention as you explore Marathon's rich inshore fishing grounds. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your date when you're ready for some quality Florida Keys fishing action.

Marathon's Premier Inshore Fishing Adventure

Inshore Catches of the Day

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Fishing Day Everyday In Marathon

Snapper of the day: Yellowtail

Guided Florida Fishing

Reel in the Big Ones: Marathon's Inshore Action

Get ready to bend some rods and fill the cooler on this killer inshore trip with Ana Banana Fishing Company. We're talking prime Florida Keys fishing grounds, a sweet 50-foot Bertram, and Captain Joel Brandenburg at the helm. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 4 to 10-hour charter puts you on the fast track to hooking into gag grouper, lemon sharks, and tasty snappers. Pack your sunscreen and let's hit the water!

What's the Deal?

Picture this: You're cruising out of Marathon on a seriously comfortable 50-footer, with all the gear you need already on board. Captain Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for some primo fishing spots. We're talking inshore action, which means less rough water and more time with lines in the water. You've got up to 10 hours to work with, so there's plenty of time to try different spots and techniques. Whether you're after a trophy lemon shark or a cooler full of snappers for dinner, we've got you covered.

Fishing 101: Inshore Edition

Inshore fishing in the Keys is a whole different ballgame from deep sea. We're working shallower waters, often sight-casting to fish we can actually see. For grouper, we might be dropping live bait near structure or working jigs along the bottom. Shark fishing? That's all about setting up a chum slick and waiting for the big boys to show up. And for snappers, light tackle and small baits are the name of the game. Captain Joel will get you dialed in on the right technique for whatever's biting. Don't worry if you're new to this – by the end of the day, you'll be working that rod like a pro.

Target Species Lowdown

Shortfin Mako Shark: These speedsters are the cheetahs of the sea, known to clock speeds up to 45 mph. While we don't typically target them inshore, if you're lucky enough to hook one, hold onto your hat! Makos put up an insane fight, often launching themselves completely out of the water. They're most active in the cooler months, from late fall through early spring.

Lemon Shark: Don't let the name fool you – these guys aren't sour at all. Lemon sharks are a favorite inshore target, often cruising in shallower waters. They can grow up to 10 feet long, but most we catch are in the 5-7 foot range. They're known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. You can catch them year-round, but spring and fall are peak seasons.

Red Snapper: These tasty bottom-dwellers are a staple of Florida fishing. With their bright red color and delicious white meat, they're always a welcome sight in the cooler. We typically find them hanging around reefs and wrecks. The biggest ones, which old-timers call "sow" snappers, can top 30 pounds. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.

Mutton Snapper: Often called the "sheep of the sea" due to their funny-looking teeth, mutton snappers are prized for their sweet, firm flesh. They're smart fish, so outsmarting them is half the fun. Look for them around patch reefs and grass flats. While you can catch them year-round, the spring spawn brings them in closer to shore in big numbers.

Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of inshore fishing. Gags love to hang out near structure, using their powerful bodies to wrestle your bait (and sometimes your whole rig) into their rocky lairs. A big gag can easily top 50 pounds, so be ready for a workout. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through early spring.

Time to Get Your Lines Wet

Look, if you're itching for some world-class inshore fishing without the hassle, this trip's got your name all over it. Captain Joel's got the knowledge, Ana Banana's got the boat, and Marathon's got the fish. All that's missing is you. Don't sit on the fence too long – prime dates fill up fast, and that non-refundable deposit means you're locking in your spot. So grab your buddies (or make it a family day), and let's get out there and put some bend in those rods. The fish are waiting!

Learn more about the species

Gag Grouper

Gag Grouper are heavy hitters in Marathon's inshore waters. These bruisers average 10-20 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and ledges in 60-250 feet of water. They're most active in cooler months, making winter a prime time to target them. Anglers love Gags for their powerful fight and excellent table fare. These fish are ambush predators, so they hunker down in structure. Live bait like pinfish or grunt works great, but large jigs can produce too. Here's a pro tip: when you feel the bite, reel fast and pull hard to get them away from their hole. Once they're in open water, pump and wind to keep them coming. Just be ready for some serious pulling - Gags don't give up easy.

Lemon Shark

Lemon Sharks are a common sight in Marathon's inshore waters. They typically run 6-9 feet long and can weigh up to 200 pounds. You'll find them cruising the flats, mangrove edges, and around bridges - they love structure. These sharks are most active at dawn and dusk, making those prime fishing times. Spring and summer are best, when waters warm up. Anglers dig Lemons for their steady fight and size. They don't jump like some sharks, but they'll give you a good run. For bait, fresh cut mullet or ladyfish works great. Here's a local trick: chum with fish scraps to get them fired up, then present your bait. Just be patient - Lemons can be cautious feeders. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and be ready for some powerful runs.

Mutton Snapper

Mutton Snapper are a favorite target here in the Keys. They're good-sized fish, usually 15-20 inches but can grow up to 3 feet. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky areas in 30-120 feet of water. They're most active during the full moon in spring and summer when they spawn. Anglers love Muttons for their hard fight and excellent eating quality. These fish are smart and can be picky eaters. Live bait like pinfish or pilchards works well, but fresh cut bait can do the trick too. Here's a local secret: use a light fluorocarbon leader and let your bait drift naturally in the current. Muttons are wary, so a stealthy presentation is key. When you hook one, be ready for some strong runs - they'll try to dive back into structure.

Red Snapper

Red Snapper are a prized catch here in Marathon, known for their tasty white meat. Most run 1-2 feet long and weigh under 10 pounds, but big ones can hit 35 pounds. You'll find them around reefs and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. They like structure, so look for drops and ledges. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love Red Snapper for their hard fight and excellent table fare. For bait, try fresh cut fish or squid on a circle hook. Here's a tip: use a fish finder rig with just enough weight to hold bottom. Let them take the bait and run a bit before setting the hook. Once hooked, reel fast to get them away from structure. These fish pull hard, so be ready for a good tussle.

Shortfin Mako Shark

Shortfin Makos are the speed demons of the shark world, clocking in at 30+ mph. They're big too, averaging 130-300 pounds and 10 feet long. You'll find them in open water near the surface, but they'll dive deep when hunting. These sharks are smart and aggressive fighters - be ready for some jumps and runs if you hook one. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps are right. Anglers love 'em for the thrill of the chase and the challenge of landing one. For bait, nothing beats fresh bonito or mackerel. My tip: use heavy tackle and a wire leader, and be prepared for a long battle. These sharks don't give up easy. Just remember, they're protected now, so it's catch and release only.

About the Ana Banana Fishing Company

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Detroit

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 500

Hop aboard the 50-foot Bertram for a day of inshore fishing in the rich waters around Marathon, FL. Captain Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Company will guide you on a 4 to 10-hour adventure, targeting prized catches like gag grouper, lemon sharks, and various snapper species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to fishing, this trip caters to all skill levels. You'll cruise through Marathon's productive inshore spots, learning effective techniques to boost your chances of reeling in trophy fish. The charter provides top-notch gear and a safe, well-maintained vessel, ensuring you can focus on the fun of fishing. With space for up to 6 guests, it's a great opportunity for a group outing or family day on the water. Remember, deposits secure your spot but are non-refundable, so plan ahead for this immersive Florida Keys fishing experience.

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