Ready to hit the waters of Marathon, Florida for some serious inshore action? Captain Joel's got you covered with his 30ft Grady White, a top-notch vessel perfect for chasing down everything from toothy sharks to tasty snappers. This ain't your average day on the water - we're talking about a full-on fishing adventure that'll have you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're looking to battle it out with a permit or snap a pic with a monster mako, this trip's got a little something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen, 'cause we're about to dive into what makes this Marathon charter a can't-miss experience for anglers of all stripes.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Marathon on a sweet 30-footer, the sun's warming your face, and you've got anywhere from 4 to 10 hours to fill your cooler with some of Florida's finest. Captain Joel's been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are biting. You and up to five of your buddies will be targeting a smorgasbord of species - we're talking snappers, groupers, sharks, and if lady luck's on your side, maybe even a permit or two. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility. Whether you're looking for a half-day quickie or want to make a full day of it, Captain Joel's got you covered. Just remember, once you put that deposit down, you're locked in - no takebacks!
Now, let's talk tactics. Inshore fishing in Marathon is a whole different ball game compared to deep sea stuff. We're working the flats, channels, and nearshore reefs here. Depending on what we're after, we might be using light tackle for snappers, beefing it up for grouper, or break out the heavy artillery if we're shark fishing. Captain Joel's Grady White is decked out with all the gear you'll need - from spinning rods to heavier conventional setups. We might be drift fishing over a productive reef, sight casting to cruising permit on the flats, or anchoring up and chumming for sharks. It's all about reading the water, watching the tides, and knowing where the fish are hanging out. And trust me, after years on these waters, Captain Joel's got that down to a science.
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Shortfin Mako Shark: Hold onto your hats, folks, 'cause hooking into one of these speed demons is like strapping a rocket to your rod. Makos are the fastest sharks in the sea, known to clock speeds up to 45 mph. They're summer visitors to our waters, usually showing up when the water warms up. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic fights - these bad boys will leap clear out of the water, giving you a show you won't forget. Just remember, we're all about catch and release with these beauties.
Permit: If you're looking for a real challenge, permit are your fish. These wary creatures have eyesight that'd put an eagle to shame, and they're notorious for being picky eaters. We usually find 'em cruising the flats, especially during their spring and fall spawning runs. Landing a permit is like earning a Ph.D. in fishing - it takes patience, skill, and a bit of luck. But man, when you hook one, that first run will have your drag screaming!
Lemon Shark: Don't let the name fool you - there's nothing sour about hooking into one of these golden-hued predators. Lemon sharks are year-round residents in our waters, often found cruising the shallows and flats. They're not the biggest sharks out there, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Plus, their tendency to stay in shallower water means you can often see the whole battle play out, which is pretty darn cool.
Mutton Snapper: If you're looking to put some fillets in the cooler, mutton snapper should be high on your list. These tasty critters are around all year, but they really start biting in the spring and summer. They love hanging around reefs and rocky bottom areas. Muttons can grow to a good size, with the bigger ones giving you a proper workout. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like fresh mutton snapper on the grill after a day on the water.
Grey Snapper: Also known as mangrove snapper, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Marathon. They're abundant, delicious, and can be caught year-round. Don't let their size fool you - grey snappers might be smaller than their mutton cousins, but they're crafty. They love structure, so we'll be targeting mangrove edges, docks, and nearshore reefs. Light tackle fishing for these guys is a blast, and they make for some mighty fine eating too.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching for some top-notch inshore fishing in the Florida Keys, this Marathon charter is your ticket to paradise. Captain Joel's got the know-how, the boat's got the comfort, and these waters are teeming with fish just waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with a mako or a newbie hoping to land your first snapper, this trip's got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? The fish aren't going to catch themselves! Grab your spot on the Grady White and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust me, once you've fished Marathon's inshore waters, you'll be hooked for life. Don't miss out - book your trip with Ana Banana Fishing Company today and let's make some memories on the water!
Grey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are a staple catch around here. They usually run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds inshore, but can get up to 20 pounds offshore. You'll find them around structure like mangroves, docks, and reefs. They're most active at night, but we catch 'em during the day too. Summer's the best time, especially around the full moon when they spawn. Anglers love grey snappers for their tasty white meat and the fun of outwitting these clever fish. They're not huge, but they put up a good scrap for their size. For bait, live shrimp is hard to beat. Here's a local trick: When fishing around docks, let your bait sink all the way down, then slowly work it up. The snappers often hit as it rises.
Lemon sharks are a cool catch around Marathon. They usually run 6-9 feet long and can weigh up to 300 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, inshore waters - they love hanging around mangroves and seagrass flats. These sharks are most active at night, but we can catch 'em during the day too. Spring and fall are good seasons, when water temps are moderate. Anglers dig lemon sharks for their strong fight and because they're just plain fun to catch and release. They're not the fastest sharks, but they're persistent. For bait, I like using fresh cut fish or live bait like mullet. Here's a local trick: Chum the water with fish parts to get them interested, then present your bait right in the chum slick.
Mutton snappers are a prized catch here in the Keys. They typically run 15-20 inches long, but can get up to 37 inches and weigh over 30 pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms, usually in 80-300 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they gather to spawn. Anglers love muttons for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. They're known for their initial powerful run, so be ready when you hook one. For bait, fresh cut fish or live pinfish work great. Here's a tip: When you're bottom fishing for muttons, let your bait drift naturally in the current. These fish are smart, so a natural presentation is key to fooling them.
Permit are one of the trickiest fish to land, which is why anglers go nuts for 'em. They're usually 20-40 inches long and weigh up to 60 pounds. You'll spot 'em tailing on shallow flats or hanging around offshore wrecks. Spring and summer are best for permit fishing, but we can find 'em year-round here. These guys have incredible eyesight, so stealth is key. They put up an amazing fight and are considered part of the coveted flats grand slam. For bait, you can't beat a live crab. My top tip: Wait for the permit to tip down on the bait before setting the hook. If you strike too early, they'll spook and you'll be left wondering what could've been.
The shortfin mako is a fast, powerful shark that'll give you a serious fight. These guys can grow up to 13 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds. You'll find them in open water, often near the surface. They're partial warm-blooded, so they adapt to different water temps. Spring and summer are prime mako seasons off Marathon. Anglers love targeting makos for their acrobatic leaps and hard-pulling runs. The meat's pretty good eating too. If you hook one, be ready - they're known to jump right into boats. For bait, I like using live bluefish or bonito. Toss out some chum to get them interested, then hang on tight. Just remember, these sharks are seriously strong and smart. Approach with caution and respect.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200