5.0(6 Reviews)Marathon Inshore Charter - Cobia & Grouper
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target cobia, grouper, and snapper on 40ft Hatteras vesselProfessional guidance with quality gear for all skill levels410 hour charters in Marathon's productive inshore waters
Looking for a solid inshore fishing trip in Marathon? Captain Joel Brandenburg and the Ana Banana Fishing Company crew have you covered. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride—it's a real fishing charter targeting the species that make the Florida Keys legendary. Whether you're after hefty cobia, stubborn grouper, or tasty snapper, this 4 to 10-hour trip puts you right where these fish live and feed. The 40-foot Hatteras is rigged and ready, and Captain Joel knows these Marathon waters like the back of his hand. Perfect for solo anglers or small groups who want personalized attention and serious fishing action.
Captain Joel runs a tight ship, but don't expect stuffy formality—this is Florida Keys fishing at its best. The 40-foot Hatteras gives you plenty of room to work, with top-shelf gear and all the tackle you'll need for targeting Marathon's inshore hotspots. You'll be fishing structure, channels, and flats where cobia cruise and grouper hold tight to cover. The trip length is flexible based on what you're after and how the bite is going. Joel's approach is hands-on—he'll put you on fish, but he's also teaching you the local tricks that separate successful anglers from those who just cast and hope. The boat stays comfortable even on longer trips, and safety is never compromised for the sake of more fishing time.
Inshore fishing around Marathon means adapting to what the fish are doing that day. You'll be working with medium to heavy tackle, depending on the target species and structure you're fishing. For grouper, expect to use stout rods and reels that can muscle fish away from rocks and ledges—these guys don't give up easy. Cobia fishing often involves sight casting or working along channel edges where they patrol for crabs and baitfish. Captain Joel sets up the tackle based on conditions, but you'll likely be using circle hooks, quality weights, and fresh or live bait that's proven effective in these waters. The key is reading the water, understanding the tide, and putting your bait where hungry fish are already looking for a meal.
"Captain Joel and mate Ian went the extra mile to ensure my son and I had a memorable and productive trip." - Edward. "Ana Banana is our go to fishing charter in The Keys. The boats are clean, family friendly and the fishing is excellent. We discussed with the captain what kind of fish we wanted to catch and he really delivered. Mahi Mahi was top on our list and the biggest was near 20 pounds. Thanks Ana Banana, for the fish and the memories!" - Hope. "If you're fishing in Marathon, there is no better fishing charter team. Learn, catch and enjoy the experience. I have fished around the world and I'm a charter Captain myself. If I had to pick one Captain, It's Capt Joel. Truly one of the best in the world." - Optimus Fishing.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Marathon inshore fishing. These chunky fighters live around rocky bottom and structure, usually in 20 to 100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders but smart—once hooked, they'll dive straight for cover, so you need to turn them quickly. Red grouper are most active during cooler months, roughly October through March, when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes them special is their table fare—firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or a good fish fry.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and Marathon's flats and channels hold some beautiful fish. These silvery, disc-shaped fighters are notoriously picky eaters, often following a bait for long stretches before deciding to bite—or swim away. They love crabs, especially when the tide is moving across sandy flats or near channel edges. Spring and fall offer the best permit fishing, when they're most active in shallower water. Landing a permit is something most anglers remember forever—they're strong, they jump, and they test your drag system like few other inshore species.
Cobia are the bruisers of the inshore world, often mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. These brown, torpedo-shaped fish can push 40 pounds or more, and they fight like they're twice that size. Marathon's channels and structure hold cobia year-round, but spring brings the biggest numbers as they move through on their annual migration. They're curious fish, often following the boat or investigating anything that looks interesting. When a big cobia hits your bait, you'll know it—they make powerful runs and don't give up easily.
Mutton Snapper are one of the most prized catches in Keys waters, known for their beautiful coloration and excellent eating quality. These fish have distinctive red and yellow markings with a black spot near the tail. They're typically found around structure in 30 to 100 feet of water, though larger fish often hold in deeper areas. Summer months produce the best mutton snapper action, particularly around full moon periods when they gather to spawn. They're smart fish that require finesse—light leaders and natural baits often make the difference between success and going home empty-handed.
Gag Grouper are the most aggressive of the grouper family, often found around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs. They're darker than red grouper, with distinctive markings that can change color based on their mood and surroundings. Gag grouper are excellent table fare and provide spectacular fights, especially larger fish that can exceed 20 pounds. They're most active during cooler water months and are known to follow hooked fish toward the surface—sometimes resulting in double hookups. What sets gag grouper apart is their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them
Captain Joel's 1975 40ft Hatteras is a proven fish-fighting machine powered by twin 892 Detroit Diesel engines pushing 450 horsepower. This classic sportfisher cruises Marathon's inshore waters at 20 mph, getting you to the productive fishing grounds where cobia, gag grouper, and snapper are waiting. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to work your lines, while the flybridge offers excellent visibility for spotting fish and structure. Down below, you'll find air conditioning to cool off between catches, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The boat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - GPS to mark those hot spots, radar for safety, VHF radio for marine communication, and a quality fish finder to locate schools and bottom structure. There's even a comfortable bed if you book one of those longer 8-10 hour trips. With room for up to 6 anglers, this Hatteras has the space and stability to handle whatever the Florida Keys waters throw at you, whether you're targeting snapper on the reef or hunting cobia in the backcountry.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most exciting sight-fishing targets in Marathon. These brown, shark-looking fish average 20-40 pounds and can reach 6 feet long. You'll often spot them cruising just under the surface around wrecks, buoys, and channel markers in 20-60 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they're moving through on their migration. What makes cobia special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll make strong runs and test your tackle. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that tastes amazing grilled. These fish are usually alone, not in schools, so it's all about spotting individuals. When you see one, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose and be ready - they rarely refuse a well-placed offering.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are steady producers around Marathon's rocky bottom and structure. These mottled gray fish typically range 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones lurk around deeper ledges and wrecks. Juveniles hang in shallow grass beds, while adults prefer rocky areas, drop-offs, and artificial reefs in 30-150 feet. They're most active during cooler months when regulations allow targeting them. What makes gags appealing is their reliable bite and quality meat - not quite as good as red grouper, but still excellent table fare. These fish will try every trick to get back to their hole once hooked, so you need to muscle them up quick. Live pinfish and mullet work great, but they'll also hit cut bait. The secret is keeping your rod tip low and reeling fast once you set the hook - give them any slack and they'll disappear into the rocks.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are prized catches around Marathon's reefs and sandy areas. These olive-green fish with distinctive blue streaks behind their eyes typically run 3-8 pounds, though we catch some pushing 15+. You'll find them around rocky structure and reef edges in 20-100 feet, but they love those sandy pockets adjacent to hard bottom. They're active year-round here, with spring and summer being especially productive. What makes muttons special is their combination of a decent scrap and excellent table fare - sweet, firm meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They can be finicky though, requiring fresh bait and light tackle. The key is letting your bait drift naturally in the current with minimal weight. When you're fighting one, you'll see that telltale pink color coming up through the clear water - that's your confirmation you've got a keeper mutton on the line.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing here in Marathon. These silver, disc-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds but can hit 40+, and they're famous for being spooky as hell. You'll find them cruising shallow grass flats and sandy areas, sometimes in just 2 feet of water despite their tall profile. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially during their spawning season from April to October. What draws anglers back is the challenge - these fish have incredible eyesight and will bolt at the slightest mistake. When you do hook one, they make blistering runs that'll test your drag. The meat's decent, but most folks are after the bragging rights. Live blue crabs are the gold standard for bait. My tip: watch for their dark shadows on light bottom, and make your presentation well ahead of where they're going.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are one of our most reliable targets around Marathon's rocky bottom and ledges. These rusty-red fish typically run 5-10 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ on good days. They hang out on structure in 10-100 feet of water, making them perfect for our inshore trips. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating you'll find - firm, flaky meat with a subtle shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They're aggressive feeders, so hooking up isn't usually the problem. The trick is getting them away from the bottom once they're on. Keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you around the nearest rock pile. Fresh shrimp or crab on a knocker rig works great.
5.0 out of 5.0Great time and fun
Captain Joel and mate Ian went the extra mile to ensure my son and I had a memorable and productive trip.
Ana Banana is our go to fishing charter in The Keys. The boats are clean, family friendly and the fishing is excellent. We discuss...
We had an unforgettable time on the water! Joel and Eric where friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we were on the big fish. The...
Great day with Captain Joel and First Mate Eric. Our son-in-law Mike booked the charter and the 6 of us had a fun filled experienc...
If you're fishing in Marathon, there is no better fishing charter team. Learn, catch and enjoy the experience. I have fished aroun...
Marathon