Joel Brandenburg

Meet Captain Joel Brandenburg, the skilled and experienced captain at the helm of Ana Banana Fishing Company in beautiful Marathon, Florida. With a deep passion for the ocean and a wealth of local knowledge, Captain Joel is your key to unforgettable fishing adventures in the pristine waters of the Florida Keys. Captain Joel Brandenburg is the dedicated and seasoned captain behind the fishing experiences offered by Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon, Florida. With a commitment to delivering unforgettable fishing adventures, Captain Joel brings a wealth of expertise and local knowledge to every excursion.Ana Banana Fishing Company specializes in both inshore and offshore fishing trips, catering to anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're a novice looking to learn the ropes or an experienced angler seeking a new challenge, Captain Joel has you covered. The charter offers flexible options, ranging from half-day outings to extended fishing hours, ensuring there's something for everyone.In the serene inshore waters of Marathon, you can expect to hook a variety of species, from snappers, to groupers, and even sharks. Captain Joel's understanding of the local ecosystem and his knack for finding the best fishing spots guarantee a rewarding experience.For those with a taste for the open sea, Ana Banana Fishing Company's offshore trips promises challenging action. You'll have the opportunity to battle formidable game fish like marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi under Captain Joel's expert guidance.No matter which adventure you choose, Captain Joel's dedication to safety, conservation, and customer satisfaction shines through. His passion for the ocean and commitment to providing memorable fishing experiences make Ana Banana Fishing Company a top choice for anglers visiting Marathon, FL.&nbsp; Captain Joel's fleet boasts an array of exceptional vessels, including the classic Hatteras 1975, a symbol of timeless elegance, the powerful Bertram 1991 with its twin 500HP Detroit diesel engines, and the nimble 30ft Grady White, each designed to offer a unique and exciting fishing experience in the waters of Marathon, FL. Whether you seek offshore adventures or inshore tranquility, Captain Joel's boats are meticulously maintained and ready to provide you with a memorable day on the water. Book your fishing adventure with Captain Joel today and seton an unforgettable journey through the pristine waters of Marathon, FL. Your epic fishing experience awaits!

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In February we like to look for stingrays in clear shallow water. As schools of stingrays flap their wings over the sand flats, they flush up small crabs, grass shrimp, clams, sand fleas, baby sting rays, sea horses, and all kinds of other little sea creatures. Game ¬fish follow the rays in February to feast on the whatever they’ve stirred up. Below are some ¬fish we like to target in February that hang around the rays and how to catch em:

COBIA- One of the most sought after game ¬fish in Florida’s waters, cobia are hard ¬fighting and great table fare. Cobia season is open year round. You can harvest 1 cobia per day per person, no more than 6 per boat per day and keepers must measure 33 inches or bigger from the tip of the bottom lip to the fork of the tail down the lateral line of the ¬fish. In the winter months you can ¬find them under stingrays, manatees, and sea turtles. It’s not uncommon to ¬find multiple cobia together, but most of the time we see one or two at a time. Normally a male and female are together. The male is smaller with a stubby head and the female is larger with a big head. The male normally beats the female to your bait, so it’s important to pick out the female and present your bait to her like a quarterback leads a receiver on a pass. The top baits for these brown clowns are live free lined shrimp, whole or cut dead or live blue crab, or a black 10 inch plastic eel. We use 30lb test Power Pro braid with a 40lb test 4 . mono leader and a #4 Mustad straight short shank “J” hook. We’ve caught over 100 cobia this season and our biggest was just over 90lbs. In our opinion, during winter and summer, Tampa Bay is the cobia capital of the world.

SHARKS- Several marine biologists claim that Tampa Bay is the shark capital of the world. They say we have the biggest population of sharks in the world and also the biggest variety of sharks in the world. Every year we work closely with Dr. Bob Hueter and marine biologist Jack Morris of Mote Marine Center for Shark Research. During our Black Tip Shark Shootout hosted by Hall of Fame legend Wade Boggs, we not only raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, we also work with Mote Marine on their shark tagging program. Our tournament anglers attend a shark identi¬fication course and are trained on how to properly tag and record all sharks caught that measure 4 and bigger. If you’d like to get involved with our shark tournament and take a bite out of Pediatric Cancer visit www.blacktipsharkshootout.com. Sharks stay with the rays in winter. e sharks we target the most are black tips, bonnet heads, and bull sharks. We use a wire leader with a #4 hook baited with either a chunk of lady ¬fish, mullet, silver trout, or XXL shrimp free lined during slack tide and weighted with a heavy current. Shark has a year round season with a limit of 2 sharks per day, per boat, and must measure over 15 inches. Black tips and bonnet heads are the best table fare.

POMPANO & PERMIT- When you see rays in 4 and deeper water during winter time in the bay, you can bet you’ll ¬find a pompano or permit in the area. Our favorite bait to use is a pink Silly Willy jig with a sparkle feathered trailer hook. Work your jig at medium speed and DON’T be consistent with your retrieve, jig, jig, reel, reel, reel twitch, twitch, twitch, jig, reel, etc. Pompano season is year round and you can harvest up to 6 per day and must measure 11 inches to the fork. Permit are open August 1st to April 30th and must measure 22 inches to the fork with only 1 permit per person per day and no more than 2 per boat per day. Pompano and permit are some of the ¬ nest table fare available and pound for pound great ¬fighting ¬fish.

Marathon Fishing Report 

Redfish

Sea Trout and Redfish Fishing

Sea Trout

Just had the most incredible day out on the water, reeling in sea trout and redfish! The thrill of the catch and the serenity of the sea – a perfect day for any angler. 

4 big fish caught in Marathon, Florida during fishing trip

Angler with a 27-inch fish caught in Marathon

Two mahi mahi fish caught while fishing in FL

Angler with a big 21-inch fish caught in Marathon

Wahoo fish caught while fishing in Marathon

Bonnethead shark caught in Marathon, Florida

Catching a crevalle jack fish in Marathon, Florida

Two people fishing with a 22-inch catch in FL

A lone angler reeling in a big catch in Florida

Redfish caught by angler in Marathon, Florida

A single fisherman in Marathon, Florida enjoying a great day of fishing.

Three great fishing catches near Marathon, Florida

Angler with 18-inch fish caught in Marathon, Florida

Photograph of a tarpon fish caught during fishing in Marathon

Set sail with Ana Banana Fishing Company in Marathon, FL, and experience the thrill of landing trophy fish while making unforgettable memories on the water! Book your adventure today and let Captain Joel and his expert crew turn your Florida Keys fishing dreams into reality.

Captain Joel Brandenburg and Ana Banana Fishing Company deliver premier Marathon fishing charters in the Florida Keys, offering anglers an exceptional experience on both inshore and offshore waters. Specializing in reef, wreck, and deep sea fishing within 30 miles of Marathon, FL, their charters cater to all skill levels and fishing styles, including bottom fishing, trolling, jigging, spinning, popping, and advanced techniques like kite fishing and Tarpon fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying Florida Keys fishing for the first time, Ana Banana Fishing Company provides the expert guidance and equipment needed for an unforgettable day on the water. With Captain Joel’s extensive knowledge of Marathon fishing, guests have the opportunity to target a wide range of species, from mahi-mahi, cobia, and amberjack to king mackerel, blue marlin, sailfish, and even elusive swordfish and wahoo. Recognized for their highly rated Marathon, FL fishing charters, Ana Banana Fishing Company consistently delivers successful outings tailored to maximize your chances of landing trophy fish. Book your next deep sea fishing, Tarpon fishing, or offshore adventure with Captain Joel and his team to experience some of the best Florida Keys fishing available.

Meet Captain Joel, a seasoned angler and native Floridian, who calls Marathon and the Florida Keys home. With a wealth of experience spanning global waters, from Africa to Argentina, and Australia to Hawaii, Captain Joel brings a deep understanding of diverse fishing environments to his adventures. Having explored an array of destinations, including Costa Rica, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico, and the Virgin Islands, Captain Joel is convinced that the most unforgettable fishing experiences can be found right here in Marathon and the Florida Keys. With his expertise and passion for angling, Captain Joel invites you to join him on unforgettable fishing expeditions in the pristine waters of this captivating region. Captain Joel, a seasoned angler hailing from Florida, is no stranger to the waters, spending a remarkable 300 days each year on the sea, relishing every minute of it. As a third-generation fishing captain, his roots run deep in the maritime heritage of his family. With a passion for angling cultivated over years of experience, he has traversed the globe in pursuit of fish, yet his heart remains firmly anchored in the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to his illustrious career as a captain, Joel spent two decades as a child psychologist, specializing in childhood grief issues and counseling, and even co-created two published children's books. Ana Banana Fishing Company, established in 1999, stands as a testament to his commitment to sharing his love for fishing with guests, ensuring unforgettable experiences on the water. Captain Joel is a seasoned Full-Time Full Service US Coast Guard licensed Merchant Marine and Charter Captain based in Marathon, Florida. With extensive experience spanning over several decades, he is not only a proficient angler but also holds certifications in CPR and advanced life-saving techniques. Joel's dedication extends beyond fishing, as he has been actively involved in various charitable activities and community initiatives, including fundraising for local youth charities, serving as an Inshore Fishing Instructor for IMG Academy, and volunteering for organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America. Additionally, Joel has participated in numerous fishing tournaments worldwide. His passion for angling and commitment to giving back to the community are evident through his extensive volunteer work and contributions to charitable causes. Boat Details: Our Bertram sportfishing boat is available through Ana Banana Fishing Company is a powerful vessel with a capacity for up to 6 guests. Built in 1991, this 50-foot boat is equipped with twin engines, each boasting 500 horsepower, allowing for a maximum cruising speed of 25 knots. It comes equipped with a range of features including GPS, fish finder, radar, ice-box, livewell/live bait tank, outriggers, downriggers, tuna tubes, and a living room, dining room, kitchen, walk-in bathroom with shower, hot water, A.C through out, two state rooms, tuna tower. The Hatteras motorboat offered by Ana Banana Fishing Company is a robust vessel designed for up to 6 guests. Built in 1975, this 40-foot boat features twin engines, each with 450 horsepower, providing a maximum cruising speed of 20 knots. It comes equipped with essential features such as GPS, fish finder, VHF radio, radar, flybridge, fighting chair, bed, air conditioning, ice-box, livewell/live bait tank, outriggers a living room, dining room, kitchen, walk-in bathroom with shower, hot water, A.C through out, two state rooms, tuna tower, and tuna tubes, ensuring a comfortable and efficient fishing experience for all aboard. The Bertram motorboat available from Ana Banana Fishing Company can accommodate up to 6 guests. Manufactured in 1991, this 50-foot vessel is equipped with twin engines, each boasting 450 horsepower, providing a maximum cruising speed of 20 knots. It comes with a range of features including GPS, fish finder, VHF radio, radar, flybridge, fighting chair, bed, air conditioning, ice-box, livewell/live bait tank, outriggers, and downriggers, a living room, dining room, kitchen, walk-in bathroom with shower, hot water, A.C through out, two state rooms, tuna tower.ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped fishing experience for all aboard. Ana Banana Fishing Company offers a Grady White motorboat with a capacity for 6 guests. Manufactured in 2014, this 30-foot vessel is powered by twin engines, each with 200 horsepower, enabling a maximum cruising speed of 40 knots. Equipped with GPS, fish finder, VHF radio, radar, flybridge, ice-box, livewell/live bait tank, outriggers, and downriggers, both padded seats on the front and rear end, walkin private restroom, proper shade in the front and back, this boat ensures a well-equipped and efficient fishing experience for all aboard. Ana Banana Fishing Company offers a Hatteras motorboat with a guest capacity of 6. Manufactured in 1975, this 53-foot vessel is powered by twin engines, each with 450 horsepower, allowing for a maximum cruising speed of 17 knots. It comes equipped with essential features such as GPS, fish finder, fighting chair, radar, flybridge, bed, air conditioning, multimedia system, refrigerator, ice-box, livewell/live bait tank, outriggers, downriggers, a living room, dining room, kitchen, walk-in bathroom with shower, hot water, A.C through out, two state rooms, tuna tower.tuna tubes, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped fishing experience for all aboard.

The map shows where we fish. The red area is our primary fishing area depending on time of year and fishing conditions. The pin represent guest meeting location.

Marathon Fishing Location

Meet Captain Joel Brandenburg and  Ana Banana Fishing Company

Things To Do

Celebrities 

Marathon Reels

Premium Marathon FL Offshore Fishing Adventure

Marathon Mischief

Stellar Marathon Inshore Charters with Ana Banana

Hookin Marathon

Marathon's Best Inshore Fishing with Ana Banana

Marathon Offshore

Expert-Guided Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Marathon Trophies

Epic Marathon FL Offshore Fishing with Ana Banana

Marathon Antics

Marathon's Inshore Fishing Gems with Ana Banana

Marathon Catch

Top-Rated Marathon FL Inshore Fishing Charters

Keys Reel Fun

World-Class Offshore Fishing in Marathon, FL

Offshore Rush

Ana Banana's Renowned Marathon Offshore Charters

Things To Do In Marathon

Celebrities We Have Fished With and Brandenburg Family Pictures

Ana Banana Fun

Elite Marathon FL Inshore Fishing with Ana Banana

Fishy Marathon

Marathon's Premier Inshore Fishing Adventure

Contact Captain Joel for Inquiries!

Email: marathonkeyfishingcharters@gmail.com

Family Fishing Charters

Common Questions What are the average prices for Marathon fishing charters with Ana Banana Fishing Company? Prices for Marathon fishing charters with Ana Banana Fishing Company typically range from $995 up to $2695 What types of fishing trips does Ana Banana Fishing Company offer? Ana Banana Fishing Company offers a variety of trip types, including inshore fishing, offshore fishing, deep sea fishing, reef and wreck fishing, and Tarpon fishing. Whether you're interested in targeting big game fish or enjoying a more relaxed nearshore experience, they have options for every angler. How long are the typical fishing charters in Marathon, FL? Fishing charters with Ana Banana Fishing Company typically last between 4 to 8 hours. Half-day trips are great for those seeking a shorter adventure, while full-day excursions provide more time for Florida Keys fishing and targeting a variety of species. What species can I target on a fishing trip with Ana Banana Fishing Company? On a trip with Ana Banana Fishing Company, you can target a wide range of species, including amberjack, cobia, dolphin (mahi-mahi), African pompano, king mackerel (kingfish), blue marlin, sailfish, swordfish, blackfin tuna, and wahoo. They also offer specialized Tarpon fishing trips in fishing Marathon, FL waters. Do the fishing charters include all the necessary equipment? Yes, all fishing charters in Marathon, FL with Ana Banana Fishing Company include the necessary fishing equipment. This includes rods, reels, bait, tackle, and even fishing licenses, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own gear. Is there a price difference between inshore and offshore fishing charters? Yes, offshore fishing and deep sea fishing trips generally cost more than inshore fishing charters due to the longer distances traveled and the opportunity to catch larger game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Inshore fishing trips, which target species like snappers and groupers, are typically more affordable. Can I book a private fishing charter with Ana Banana Fishing Company? Absolutely! Ana Banana Fishing Company offers private Marathon fishing charters, allowing you and your group to enjoy a personalized Florida fishing Keys experience. Private charters are available for both offshore fishing and inshore fishing trips. What is included in the price of a fishing charter? The price of your fishing charters in Marathon, FL includes the boat, fuel, captain, crew, fishing gear, bait, and tackle. Most trips also include a cooler with ice for your catch. Be sure to bring your own food, drinks, sunscreen, and any personal items you may need for a day on the water. Do you offer Tarpon fishing trips in Marathon, FL? Yes, Ana Banana Fishing Company offers specialized Tarpon fishing trips, which are especially popular during the spring and summer months. These trips focus on catching the iconic silver kings in Florida Keys fishing waters and are a thrilling experience for any angler. How can I book a fishing charter with Ana Banana Fishing Company? Booking a fishing charter in Marathon, FL with Ana Banana Fishing Company is easy. You can either book directly through their website or contact them by phone to reserve your preferred trip type and date. They offer flexible booking options to suit your schedule and fishing preferences.

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