World-Class Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

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

Summary

Ready for some serious offshore action in the Florida Keys? Captain Joel Brandenburg's 50-foot Bertram is your ticket to the big game fish swimming off Marathon. Whether you're after blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, or even sailfish, this 4 to 10-hour charter caters to anglers of all levels. The Ana Banana Fishing Company provides everything you need – top-notch gear, expert guidance, and a safe, well-maintained vessel. You'll be fishing Marathon's prime offshore spots, learning techniques to boost your chances of landing a trophy catch. It's a full-on Florida Keys deep-sea experience, from battling fish to soaking in the open ocean views. With room for up to 6 guests, it's perfect for small groups or families looking to test their skills against some of the Atlantic's most prized gamefish. Remember, spots fill up fast and deposits are non-refundable, so lock in your date for this hands-on offshore adventure.

World-Class Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Offshore Battles and Catches

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Fishing Day Everyday In Marathon

Snapper of the day: Yellowtail

Guided Florida Fishing

Reel in the Big Ones: Offshore Marathon Magic

Ready for some serious fish-slaying action in the Florida Keys? Hop aboard Ana Banana Fishing Company's 50-foot Bertram with Captain Joel Brandenburg at the helm. We're talking hardcore offshore fishing for trophy pelagics like blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your sea legs, this 4 to 10-hour charter out of Marathon, FL is your ticket to tight lines and bent rods. We've got the gear, the know-how, and the hotspots - all you need to bring is your game face and a cooler for your catch.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out past the reef, the Keys fading into the distance as the deep blue of the Gulf Stream beckons. Captain Joel's got his eyes peeled for birds working bait schools or that telltale ripple on the surface that screams "fish on!" We'll be running and gunning, trolling spreads, maybe even doing some kite fishing if the conditions are right. The 50-foot Bertram is a fish-raising machine, with plenty of deck space for six anglers to work their magic. Don't sweat it if you're new to offshore fishing - we'll show you the ropes and have you feeling like a pro in no time.

Top Catches This Season

Out here in Marathon's offshore playground, we're all about the heavy hitters. We'll be deploying a mix of techniques to target the big boys. Trolling is the name of the game for wahoo and mahi-mahi - nothing beats the rush of a 'hoo screaming off 300 yards of line in seconds. For blackfin tuna, we might chunk bait or run cedar plugs. And if the bite is on, we could even break out the kites for a shot at sailfish. It's all about reading the water, working with the conditions, and being ready to switch it up at a moment's notice. That's the thrill of offshore fishing - you never know what's gonna crash the party next.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real - offshore fishing in the Keys is addictive. There's something about that vast blue horizon that gets in your blood. Our repeat customers rave about the variety of species, the quality of the gear, and Captain Joel's uncanny ability to put them on fish. It's not just about filling the box (though we do plenty of that) - it's about those moments of pure fishing magic. Like when a bull mahi lights up in electric blue and green as it greyhounds across the surface. Or when you're locked in a tug-of-war with a 100-pound wahoo that's trying to spool you. Those are the stories you'll be telling for years to come.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Mahi Mahi (Dorado): These acrobatic fighters are the crown jewels of offshore fishing. Known for their spectacular aerial displays and vibrant colors, mahi can range from 15 to 30 pounds, with bulls pushing 50+. They're most active in the warmer months, from May to October. Mahi are suckers for trolled ballyhoo or artificial lures, and they often travel in schools - hook one, and you might have a whole party crashin' your lines.

Wahoo: Speed demons of the deep, wahoo are like the Ferraris of the fish world. These streamlined predators can hit speeds of 60 mph and put on some of the most blistering runs you'll ever experience. We target them year-round, but the fall and winter months can be especially hot. Trolling at high speeds with wire leaders is the ticket - when a wahoo hits, hold on tight!

Blackfin Tuna: Pound for pound, these guys might be the hardest fighting fish in the ocean. Blackfins typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, but they pull like they're three times that size. We see them year-round, but they really show up in force during the cooler months. Whether we're chunking, jigging, or trolling, hooking into a school of blackfins is guaranteed to leave your arms burning and your face grinning.

Sailfish: The holy grail of Florida Keys sportfishing, sailfish are the acrobatic superstars of the offshore world. These billfish are catch-and-release only, but the memories of their high-flying antics will last a lifetime. Winter and early spring are prime sailfish seasons. We'll often use kite fishing techniques to present live baits right in the strike zone - when a sail lights up on that bait, it's a sight you'll never forget.

Swordfish: The gladiators of the deep, swordfish are the ultimate test of an angler's skill and endurance. These deep-dwelling monsters can top 300 pounds and put up epic battles that can last hours. We target them using specialized deep-drop techniques, often fishing in water over 1,500 feet deep. Swordfishing is typically a night game, but we also have opportunities for daytime drops. Landing one of these broadbill beauties is a bucket-list achievement for any serious offshore angler.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Joel's got the boat gassed up and ready to roll. Whether you're dreaming of your first offshore adventure or you're a seasoned salt looking for your next trophy, this is the trip that'll scratch that fishing itch. We're talking world-class pelagics, state-of-the-art gear, and some of the most productive waters in the Florida Keys. Don't let another season slip by without getting in on this action. Give Ana Banana Fishing Company a call and lock in your dates - the big ones are calling, and it's time to answer. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so when you book, you're all in for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Let's get out there and make some waves!

Learn more about the species

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin tuna are the pocket rockets of the tuna world. These little powerhouses usually run 15-25 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. You'll find them in schools from the reef edge out to the Gulf Stream, often mixing with skipjack. Fall through spring is prime time, with winter being the peak season. Blackfin are popular for both their fight and their sushi-grade meat. To target them, try chunking around weed lines or trolling small feathers and spoons. My local trick: look for birds working bait schools - that's often a sign of feeding tuna below. When you hook up, keep the boat moving to stay on the school. These fish grow fast but die young, rarely living past 5 years. That quick turnover keeps the population healthy and makes blackfin a sustainable choice for both sport and table.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi are one of the most exciting fish to target off Marathon. These colorful speedsters average 15-30 pounds but can reach over 80. You'll find them near weed lines and floating debris in the warmer months, usually within 30 miles of shore. Mahi are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard fights. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid near any floating structure you see. My top tip: when you hook up, keep the boat moving slowly - Mahi travel in schools, so you might catch several from the same spot. Their short lifespan but fast growth keeps populations healthy year-round. Whether you're after a trophy bull or just want to fill the cooler, Mahi make for an action-packed day on the water.

Swordfish

Swordfish are the kings of the deep here in Marathon. These prehistoric-looking predators average 200-300 pounds but can top 1,000. You'll find them in the dark depths, usually 1,200-1,500 feet down. Night fishing is most common, but daytime deep-dropping has gained popularity. Swordfish are prized for their hard fights and excellent steaks. Hooking one takes patience - expect long waits between bites. We use electric reels with LED-lit squid baits. My top tip: when you get a bite, wait until the rod loads up before setting the hook. These fish have hard bills and soft mouths, so you need a solid hookset. Landing a sword is a true offshore trophy, often taking hours to bring up from the abyss. It's a bucket-list catch for many anglers visiting the Keys.

Wahoo Fish

Wahoo are the speed demons of the offshore world. These sleek, torpedo-shaped fish can hit 60 mph and put up one heck of a fight. They average 3-5 feet long but can top 8 feet and 180 pounds. Look for them around drop-offs and underwater structures, typically in 100-400 foot depths. Summer and fall are prime Wahoo seasons here in Marathon. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and excellent table fare. To hook one, try high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. My go-to lure is a purple-and-black skirted ballyhoo. Pro tip: when a Wahoo strikes, don't set the hook right away. Let it run for a few seconds to get the bait further in its mouth before tightening up.

Yellow Sea Chub

Yellow Sea Chubs aren't the biggest or flashiest fish out there, but they can be a fun catch, especially for kids or beginners. These little guys usually run 15-18 inches and hang out near rocky bottoms and coral reefs in shallow waters. You'll often spot their blue and yellow stripes darting around structure. They're most active in warmer months. While not prized for eating, chubs put up a decent scrap on light tackle. To target them, use small hooks with bits of shrimp or crab. My local trick is to chum with some bread chunks to get a school fired up. It's a great way to keep rods bent between shots at bigger game. Plus, you might just spark a kid's love of fishing by letting them reel in these colorful reef dwellers.

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

Picture yourself cruising the deep blue waters off Marathon, FL aboard the Ana Banana Fishing Company's 50ft Bertram. This roomy vessel has space for up to 6 anglers to spread out and enjoy a day of offshore fishing action. Captain Joel Brandenburg knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the hotspots for blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish and other hard-fighting pelagics. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, the captain and crew will share tips to help you hook into some big ones. With trips ranging from 4 to 10 hours, you can customize the perfect day on the water. All the gear is provided, so just bring your sense of adventure. The boat is well-maintained and equipped for a safe, comfortable day of fishing the productive grounds off the Florida Keys. Book your spot today and get ready for an awesome offshore fishing experience in one of Florida's premier fishing destinations.

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