Inshore Charter Marathon: Trophy Fish Await
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target cobia, gag grouper, and snapper in Marathon watersProfessional guidance and quality gear included for all levelsFlexible 410 hour charters with Captain Joel Brandenburg
Captain Joel Brandenburg and Ana Banana Fishing Company know Marathon's inshore waters better than most anglers know their home lakes. This isn't your typical charter where you sit back and hope for the best—Joel puts you on fish using decades of local knowledge and proven techniques. Whether you're after that first cobia of your life or looking to add a gag grouper to your personal best collection, these 4 to 10-hour trips deliver consistent action in some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds. The boat accommodates up to six anglers, making it perfect for family trips or groups of fishing buddies ready to test their skills against Marathon's legendary inshore species.
Your day starts early at Marathon's harbor, where Captain Joel has already prepped the boat and rigged the gear based on current conditions and target species. The vessel is maintained to Coast Guard standards and equipped with quality tackle that can handle everything from finicky permit to bruiser gag grouper. Joel doesn't just hand you a rod and point—he actively coaches throughout the trip, sharing local techniques that separate successful anglers from those who go home empty-handed. The inshore waters around Marathon offer incredible variety, from shallow grass flats where permit cruise to deeper structure holding snapper and grouper. You'll move between spots based on tide, wind, and fish activity, with Joel reading the water like a road map. The atmosphere stays relaxed but focused, perfect for beginners learning the ropes and experienced anglers looking to refine their approach to these challenging species.
Marathon's inshore fishing success comes down to understanding structure, current, and bait movement. Joel employs a mix of live bait fishing, artificial lures, and sight fishing depending on conditions and target species. For cobia, you might find yourself sight-casting to fish cruising the surface or working structure with live crabs. Grouper fishing often means dropping baits to specific ledges and holes that Joel has marked over years of fishing these waters. The permit game requires a different skill set entirely—long, accurate casts with live crabs or shrimp to spooky fish in shallow water. Snapper fishing combines both finesse and power, requiring precise bait presentation followed by strong hook sets and steady pressure. The tackle includes quality spinning and conventional reels matched to appropriate rods, with everything from 20-pound spinning gear for permit to heavier tackle for pulling grouper off structure. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, improving hook-up ratios while supporting catch-and-release practices.
Permit are the holy grail of inshore fishing, and Marathon's flats hold some of the best populations in Florida. These silver ghosts cruise shallow grass beds and sand flats, feeding on crabs and shrimp while staying incredibly alert to any disturbance. They average 15-25 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and using their disc-shaped bodies to leverage against anglers. Peak permit season runs from March through September, though these fish can be caught year-round in Marathon's consistent climate. Landing your first permit is a rite of passage that changes how you view inshore fishing—they're that challenging and rewarding.
Cobia are the bulldogs of the inshore world, aggressive feeders that grow fast and fight hard. Marathon's cobia typically range from 20-40 pounds, with bigger fish showing up during spring migration periods. These brown sharks (as some locals call them) cruise structure, following rays and sharks while hunting crabs and small fish. They're curious by nature, often approaching the boat for a closer look before deciding whether to eat your offering. The best cobia action happens from March through June, when migrating fish stack up around local structure. Their fights are straight power—no fancy jumps or tricks, just bulldozing runs that test your drag and arm strength.
Red snapper bring both beauty and excellent table fare to your cooler. Marathon's offshore structure holds good populations of these crimson fighters, typically ranging from 2-8 pounds with occasional larger fish keeping things interesting. They're structure-oriented fish that respond well to fresh cut bait, though they can be selective about presentation. Red snapper season follows federal regulations, but when open, these fish provide consistent action and some of the best eating you'll find. Their initial run toward structure tests your reflexes, while their steady pulling power makes every fish feel bigger than it actually is.
Mutton snapper are the prettier cousins in the snapper family, sporting olive backs with yellow sides and that distinctive black spot. They grow larger than reds, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon around Marathon's reefs and wrecks. Muttons are more willing to move off structure than other snapper species, sometimes feeding in open water or along channel edges. They're available year-round but feed most aggressively during warmer months. Their fight combines the initial structure-diving tendency of all snappers with surprising stamina that keeps you working throughout the battle.
Gag grouper represent the apex predator of Marathon's inshore structure, with fish ranging from 3-15 pounds testing your tackle and technique. These mottled brown fighters live around ledges, holes, and artificial reefs, ambushing prey with surprising speed for such stocky fish. Gags require immediate pressure after hook-up to prevent them from reaching their rocky homes and cutting you off. They're most active during cooler months, from October through March, when they feed heavily before spawning season. The combination of their initial power and structure-diving tendencies makes every gag grouper a memorable catch, whether it's your first or fiftieth.
Marathon's inshore fishing stays productive year-round, but the best trips book weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. Captain Joel's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and hands-on instruction creates the kind of fishing experience that turns good days into great memories. The flexible trip length means you can match your charter to your schedule
Captain Joel's restored 1975 Hatteras is built for serious inshore fishing in Marathon's waters. This 53-foot classic runs on twin 450HP Detroit diesels and comfortably handles up to 6 anglers targeting cobia, gag grouper, and snapper. The boat features everything you need for long fishing days - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Air conditioning keeps you comfortable between fishing spots, while the multimedia system adds entertainment during travel time. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water, perfect for spotting feeding fish or diving birds. With a bed onboard, this vessel is equipped for extended 4 to 10-hour charters, letting you reach the best inshore spots around Marathon where the big fish live. Captain Joel provides all the gear and local knowledge you need to make the most of Florida Keys fishing.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are aggressive brown sharks look-alikes that'll give you a serious fight. These solitary fish average around 30-40 pounds but can push 100. You'll spot them cruising near the surface around wrecks, buoys, and structure in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're moving through for spawning. What guests love most is the visual fishing - you can actually see these fish swimming just under the surface. They're also some of the best eating fish out there with firm, white meat. Bucktail jigs work great, but live bait like eels or crabs really get them fired up. My tip: when you see one, get that bait right in front of its nose and be ready for a battle. They'll make powerful runs toward any structure they can find to break you off.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bread and butter of our deeper water fishing around Marathon. These mottled gray fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach 30-plus. They live around rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 40-120 feet of water, always near structure where they can ambush prey. Fall through spring is our best time when they're most active. What guests love is the solid fight and incredible table fare - firm white meat that's perfect for any preparation. They're ambush predators that hit hard and immediately try to get back to their holes. Live pinfish and grunts are top baits, though fresh squid works too. Here's the trick: once you feel that thump, lock down that drag and horse them up fast. Give them any slack and they'll wrap you around the nearest rock or dive into a hole you'll never get them out of.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are beautiful pink and olive fish that put up a solid fight on lighter tackle. They typically run 3-8 pounds with some pushing into the teens. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas near structure, usually in 40-150 feet of water. They're more solitary than other snappers and love areas with good current flow. Spring and summer are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What anglers love is their strong fight and excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky meat that's restaurant-grade. Fresh shrimp, squid, and small crabs work great. The key is light sinkers and letting your bait drift naturally in the current. Once they realize they're hooked, they'll make a beeline for the bottom and any nearby structure, so keep steady pressure and work them up quickly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are one of the trickiest fish you'll encounter in Marathon's waters. These silvery, disc-shaped fish typically run 20-30 pounds but can hit 60. What makes them tough is their golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees - they see everything. You'll find them cruising shallow flats in just 2-3 feet of water, which seems impossible for such tall fish. Juveniles school together, but adults become loners. Peak season runs April through October during spawning, though we catch them year-round. Blue crabs are your best bet for bait - they're crab-eating machines. The fight is worth the challenge - they're strong and stubborn. Here's the key: when you spot one, get that crab in front of it naturally and be ready to set the hook fast. Once hooked, they'll test every knot you tied.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the classic bottom fish that every angler wants to catch. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see plenty in the 10-15 pound range around Marathon's deeper structure. They live around wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom in 30-200 feet of water, always hugging cover. Summer months are best when they're spawning and more active. What makes them special is the combination of great fight and amazing table fare - firm, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. They're scrappy fighters that'll try to cut your line on structure once hooked. Fresh squid and cigar minnows work well, but live pinfish will get you the biggest fish. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up and away from the bottom quickly. Let them run to structure and you'll be retying.
Marathon