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Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the Florida Keys? Buckle up, because Ana Banana Fishing Company's inshore charters out of Marathon are the real deal. We're talking 4 to 10 hours of non-stop fishing fun aboard a sweet 30-foot Grady White with Captain Joel Brandenburg at the helm. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. We'll be chasing after sharks, snappers, groupers, and permit in Marathon's fish-rich inshore waters. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked!
Picture this: You're cruising out on a top-notch Grady White, the sun's warming your face, and the anticipation's building. Captain Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for a treat. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. No need to sweat the small stuff – we've got you covered. The boat's comfortable and well-maintained, so you can focus on what matters: landing that trophy fish. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so when you book, you're locked and loaded for an epic day on the water.
Alright, let's talk strategy. Inshore fishing in Marathon is all about versatility. We might start off bottom fishing for snappers and groupers, using live bait or cut chunks to entice those bottom-dwellers. When the sharks are around, we'll switch gears and go for some heart-pounding action with heavier tackle. For permit, sight fishing is the name of the game – we'll cruise the flats, looking for those telltale tails breaking the surface. Captain Joel's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like chumming to bring the fish to us or using light tackle for a real sporty fight. It's all about reading the water and adapting on the fly.
"Best around the west!!!" - Matt
"The wife and I booked a 8 hr off shore trip while on our anniversary. Best decision ever! when we arrived at the spot we were catching Blackfin like crazy! After we caught our legal limit of tuna, we switched it up and started targeting Mahi, and again we caught our limit. All I can say is that Captain Joel and Eric don't go fishing, they go catching!! once in a lifetime experience to fish with these all stars!" - Carmine
"Went out on 4/22/25. All family, 8 years old to 58 years old. All of us had a great time. Captain Joel and mate Eric were absolutely awesome. We chose a tough day and they found us the best place to fill our coolers. Caught everything from mahi to snappers to shark. Over 80 filets in the cooler. My 8 year old grandson was the star of the day!! He loved every second. Been out on a dozen other charters and this one was by far my favorite!!" - James
Let's break down the stars of our inshore show. First up, the Shortfin Mako Shark – these speedsters are like the Ferraris of the shark world. They're known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Catching a Mako is a real adrenaline rush, and they're most active in our waters during the cooler months. Next, we've got Permit, the holy grail of flats fishing. These silvery, disc-shaped beauties are notoriously picky eaters, making them a true test of an angler's skill. Spring and early summer are prime time for permit in Marathon.
Lemon Sharks are another crowd-pleaser. Don't let their mellow yellow color fool you – these guys put up a serious fight. They hang around year-round, but we see more of them in the warmer months. Mutton Snapper are the prize catch for many bottom fishermen. They're crafty and strong, often making a beeline for structure as soon as they're hooked. Late spring and early summer are your best bet for landing a big mutton. Lastly, there's the Grey Snapper, also known as mangrove snapper. These tasty little fighters are abundant around Marathon's mangrove-lined shores and provide non-stop action, especially for kids and beginners.
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of Marathon that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the variety – one minute you're battling a toothy shark, the next you're finessing a permit on the flats. Or perhaps it's the accessibility – you don't need to venture far offshore to find world-class fishing action here. The scenery doesn't hurt either; with the Florida Keys as your backdrop, even a slow day of fishing feels like paradise. But if you ask me, it's the moments of excitement and connection that seal the deal. Whether it's watching a kid's face light up as they reel in their first snapper or sharing a cold one with new friends after a successful day on the water, these are the memories that stick with you.
Listen, if you're still on the fence about booking this trip, let me give you a little nudge. The inshore fishing in Marathon is some of the best in Florida, hands down. With Ana Banana Fishing Company, you're not just getting a fishing trip – you're getting a front-row seat to the natural wonders of the Keys, guided by pros who live and breathe this stuff. Whether you're after a trophy shark, a bucket-list permit, or just a cooler full of tasty snapper, we've got you covered. Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a greased grouper. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a fishing adventure you'll be bragging about for years to come. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
May 12, 2025
The wife and I booked a 8 hr off shore trip while on our anniversary. Best decision ever! when we arrived at the spot we were catching Blackfin like crazy! After we caught our legal limit of tuna, we switched it up and started targeting Mahi, and again we caught our limit. All I can say is that Captain Joel and Eric don't go fishing, they go catching!! once in a lifetime experience to fish with these all stars!
May 18, 2025
Went out on 4/22/25. All family, 8 years old to 58 years old. All of us had a great time. Captain Joel and mate Eric were absolutely awesome. We chose a tough day and they found us the best place to fill our coolers. Caught everything from mahi to snappers to shark. Over 80 filets in the cooler. My 8 year old grandson was the star of the day!! He loved every second. Been out on a dozen other charters and this one was by far my favorite!!
April 25, 2025
We had a fantastic day with Ana Banana. We are a group of six - two grandparents, two parents, and two kids, one of which is a 21-year-old with autism. When my husband reached out to Ana Banana, he said he knew it would be a great day. We shared that the 9-year-old wanted to fish, and the 21-year-old wanted to hang out in a sandbar. We explained we had grandparents with us who would do whichever part they wanted. Capt Joel and First Mate Eric made sure our day was amazing and special and everyone was happy. They got us to a cool spot with a sandbar to hang out with and a place to fish for red snapper and yellow tail. Every person was happy, and that made us happy. Thank you both so much! We can’t wait until our next trip.
April 7, 2025
10/10 recommend Captain JoJo and Eddie. Came down to the keys for a birthday trip. The winds were so bad that our initial charter had to cancel. Capt JoJo warned us it was going to be rough seas but said we could certainly safely go out. He immediately got us on dolphin and tuna fish. We couldn’t be more thankful our trip to the keys wasn’t wasted. Will absolutely book him again this summer. Thank you again Capt JoJo and Eddie.
April 21, 2025
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are abundant in our inshore waters. These crafty fish typically run 1-3 pounds but can reach 10+ pounds around deeper structure. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and rocky areas in 10-100 feet of water. They're active year-round but really fire up in summer. Greys are known for their light tackle fights and excellent table fare. They're perfect for kids or beginners looking to bend a rod. Use live shrimp or small baitfish on a light fluorocarbon leader. My top tip is to fish at night or early morning when they're most aggressive. Chum heavily to draw them out, then float your bait back naturally. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, get ready - these little brawlers punch above their weight class and make for some fun light tackle action.

Lemon sharks are a common sight in our inshore waters, usually 6-9 feet long and weighing up to 200 pounds. They're easy to spot with their yellowish-brown color and two dorsal fins. You'll find them cruising the flats, mangrove edges, and around bridges in depths of 10-80 feet. Spring and summer are peak times as they move inshore to pup. Lemon sharks put up a good fight but aren't as aggressive as some other species, making them popular for catch-and-release. They'll take a variety of baits, but fresh cut fish works best. Here's a local tip: chum with fish scraps to bring them in close, then present a bait on the bottom. Watch for their distinctive fin cutting through the water - it's an awesome sight that never gets old.

Mutton snapper are prized catches here in Marathon, known for their tasty fillets and strong fights. These olive-colored fish with blue stripes on their faces typically run 5-15 pounds inshore, but can reach 30+ pounds on the reefs. Look for them around rocky areas, grass flats, and channel edges in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime, especially during the full moon spawning periods. Muttons are wary fish, so finesse is key. Use light tackle with fresh cut bait or live shrimp. My go-to rig is a knocker setup with just enough weight to hold bottom. Let it sit in the chum slick and be patient - when that rod tip bends, you're in for some fun. These fish pull hard and don't give up easily, making for an exciting catch every time.

Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers here in the Keys. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 15-30 pounds, with some topping 50. You'll find them tailing on shallow flats or cruising near channels and bridges. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are right. Permit are notoriously picky eaters and spooky, making them a real challenge to catch. That's why folks get hooked on chasing them - it's all about the hunt. For the best shot, use live crabs or crab-imitating flies. Approach quietly and make accurate casts. My go-to trick is to chum with bits of crab to get them fired up. When you hook one, hang on tight - permit put up an impressive fight with long runs and dogged determination.

Makos are the speed demons of the shark world, clocking in at 30+ mph. These powerful predators average 6-8 feet but can reach 13 feet. You'll find them in open water near the surface, though they dive deep too. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Anglers love targeting makos for their acrobatic jumps and hard-fighting spirit - they'll give you a run for your money. To land one, use heavy gear with wire leaders and circle hooks. Chumming with ground fish works well to attract them. Pro tip: when you hook a mako, be ready for anything. These sharks are known to leap into boats, so keep your distance and have a plan. It's an adrenaline rush you won't forget, but safety first out there.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Best around the west!!!