5.0(1 Reviews)Marathon Bull Shark & Cobia Hunt with Local Pro
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target bull sharks, cobia, and snappers in Marathon watersProfessional captain provides gear and guidance aboard 50ft BertramFour to ten hour charters accommodate up to six guests
Get ready to fish some of the most productive inshore waters in the Florida Keys with Ana Banana Fishing Company. Captain Joel Brandenburg will put you on bull sharks, cobia, snappers, and other hard-fighting species aboard his well-equipped 50ft Bertram. Whether you're looking to land your first permit or chase down a monster bull shark, these Marathon waters deliver year-round action that keeps anglers coming back. With trips ranging from 4 to 10 hours, you'll have plenty of time to work different spots and techniques while learning from one of the area's top-rated captains.
Your day starts at Marathon's harbor where you'll meet Captain Joel and step aboard his spacious 50-foot Bertram. This isn't your typical crowded party boat – with just 6 anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, fresh bait, and all the gear you need to target everything from feisty snappers to trophy-sized cobia. Captain Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about sharing local techniques that'll make you a better angler. The inshore waters around Marathon offer incredible diversity – one minute you're sight-fishing for permit on the flats, the next you're battling a bull shark in deeper channels. The weather here is generally cooperative, but the captain always prioritizes safety while maximizing your fishing time.
Inshore fishing in Marathon requires a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding. Captain Joel switches between live bait fishing with pinfish and pilchards, bottom fishing with cut bait for snappers and groupers, and sight fishing when targeting species like permit and cobia. The boat's equipped with circle hooks for shark fishing, lighter tackle for snapper action, and everything in between. You'll fish around structure like bridges, wrecks, and patch reefs where fish congregate, as well as work the grass flats where permit and other species cruise. The captain reads the conditions – tide, wind, and water clarity – to determine the best approach for each spot. Live bait gets presented on both heavy and medium tackle depending on the target, while artificial lures come into play when fish are actively feeding. The key to success here is staying mobile and adapting your presentation as conditions change throughout the day.
"My husband and I went out with Captain Joel & his crew mate for an 8 hour deep sea fishing trip in Sept 2025. We had the best time. Captain Joel knows exactly where to find the fish. We caught 15 fish in total, 10 blackfin tuna, 2 mahi mahi, 1 other kind of tuna and 2 smaller fish. We will book with him again on our next trip to Marathon. He and his crew were awesome! Book with Ana Banana Fishing Charter and Captain Joel, you won't regret it!" - Charlotte
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Marathon's shallow waters hold some of the best permit fishing in the Keys. These silvery, disc-shaped fish are notoriously picky eaters and put up an amazing fight once hooked. They cruise the flats in small schools or as singles, often tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs. Spring through fall offers the most consistent permit action, though they're around year-round. What makes permit so special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait thoroughly before deciding to eat, making each hookup feel like a major victory.
Cobia are one of the most exciting fish to target because you can often see them coming. These brown, shark-like fish cruise around structure, rays, and even floating debris. They're curious by nature and will often approach the boat for a closer look. Cobia fight hard with powerful runs and stubborn head-shaking, and they grow big – 30 to 50-pound fish are common in these waters. The best cobia fishing happens from March through June when they're migrating, but residents stick around all year. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite.
Bull sharks bring the adrenaline factor to any inshore trip. These apex predators patrol Marathon's deeper channels and around structure where they hunt for stingrays, tarpon, and other prey. Bulls are incredibly strong fighters that make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump. They can reach impressive sizes – 6 to 8-foot bulls are regularly caught in these waters. Summer months typically produce the most consistent bull shark action, though they're present year-round. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back, along with the bragging rights that come with landing one of the ocean's top predators.
Mutton snapper are among the best eating fish in these waters and put up a respectable fight for their size. They hang around structure like wrecks, bridges, and patch reefs, often in schools that can produce steady action once you find them. Muttons have beautiful pink and yellow coloration and can grow to impressive sizes – 10 to 15-pound fish aren't uncommon. They're somewhat seasonal, with the best fishing typically happening from late spring through early fall. What makes mutton snapper special is the combination of great fishing and even better eating, plus they're perfect for anglers looking to take home a quality fish dinner.
Spanish mackerel add fast-paced action to any trip with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These smaller pelagic fish travel in schools and will hit both live bait and artificial lures with enthusiasm. They're present in Marathon's waters most of the year, with cooler months often producing the biggest schools. Spanish mackerel are perfect for newer anglers or kids because they bite readily and fight hard for their size. They also make excellent cut bait for larger species, so they serve double duty on most trips.
This 1991 50ft Bertram is built for serious fishing in Marathon's productive inshore waters. Twin 892 Detroit Diesel turbos pump out 450 horsepower each, giving you the muscle to reach prime fishing spots while cruising at 20 mph. The flybridge puts you above the action for better sight fishing, while the fish finder helps locate bull sharks, cobia, and snappers hiding in the shallows. Captain Joel keeps up to 6 anglers comfortable with air conditioning and an icebox stocked with cold drinks. The GPS and radar systems ensure you'll find fish even when conditions get tough, and the VHF radio keeps you connected. After a long day battling trophy fish, there's even a bed onboard for anyone who needs to rest up. This Bertram combines old-school fishing boat toughness with the electronics and comfort needed for productive 4 to 10-hour charters in the Florida Keys.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate inshore predator - thick, aggressive fish that typically run 6-10 feet and 200-400 pounds. They love shallow, murky water around structures, channels, and drop-offs where they ambush prey. Summer months bring the best action when water temps rise and baitfish are abundant. What makes bull shark fishing special is the raw power and adrenaline rush - these fish make long, bulldogging runs that'll test your tackle and nerves. They're strictly catch and release, but the fight alone is worth the trip. Fresh cut bait works great, but the secret weapon is fresh eel - the oil content drives them crazy. Set up a good chum slick and be patient. When you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run. Fighting a bull shark too hard early will either break you off or tire the fish out too much for a healthy release.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of inshore fishing - thick, powerful fish that average 30-50 pounds but can push 100+ pounds. They're usually solo hunters, cruising around structures, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-60 feet of water. Spring and summer are peak season when they move inshore to spawn. What guests love about cobia is the aggressive fight and fantastic table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. These fish are curious and will often come right up to the boat to investigate. They'll hit bucktail jigs, live bait, or even topwater lures when conditions are right. Local tip: when you spot a cobia, don't just cast once. They're curious fish, so if you miss on the first presentation, give them a minute and try again with a different lure. Sometimes they need to see it twice before they commit.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are one of the prettiest fish we target - olive-green backs fading to pink sides with distinctive blue lines around their face. They typically run 15-25 inches and 5-15 pounds, though big ones can hit 30+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottom in 30-100 feet, but they also cruise inshore grass flats during certain tides. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. Guests love muttons because they're excellent table fare and put up a scrappy fight for their size. Fresh bait presentation is key - use a knocker rig with just enough weight to get down, and let that bait move naturally in the current. Pro tip: when you see that pink flash coming up through the water, keep steady pressure but don't rush it to the boat. They'll make one last dive for structure right at the surface.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the ghosts of the flats - silvery, disc-shaped fish that'll test your patience and skill. Most run 20-30 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 50+ pounds. They cruise shallow grass flats and sandy areas, often in just 2-3 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes to spot danger from every angle. Spring through fall is prime time here in Marathon when they're actively feeding and spawning. What makes them special? They're ridiculously spooky and hard to fool, earning serious bragging rights when you land one. Plus, they put up a strong, bulldogging fight. Blue crab is your go-to bait, but here's the local trick - let that crab drift naturally in the current without any weight. The second they feel resistance, they're gone. Most permit fishing is sight-casting to fish you can actually see, making it as much hunting as fishing.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons - sleek, silver fish with distinctive yellow spots that typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-20 inches. They travel in large schools near the surface around reefs, wrecks, and channel edges in 15-40 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action during moving tides when baitfish are active. Guests enjoy them because they're fast-paced fishing with constant action, plus they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat perfect for grilling. These fish are aggressive and will hit small jigs, spoons, or live bait like sardines and shrimp. The key is finding the school and staying with them as they move. Local tip: when you hook one, get it to the boat quickly - the blood and struggle will often fire up the whole school, leading to multiple hookups if you're ready with more rods.
5.0 out of 5.0My husband and I went out with Captain Joel & his crew mate for an 8 hour deep sea fishing trip in Sept 2025. We had the best time...
Marathon