5.0(6 Reviews)Marathon Inshore Charter - Cobia & Grouper Hunt
5.0(6 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target cobia, grouper, and snapper on 40ft Hatteras vesselProfessional guidance included for all skill levels aboardFour to ten hour inshore charters available daily
Captain Joel Brandenburg and his crew at Ana Banana Fishing Company know Marathon's inshore waters like the back of their hands. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – you're getting on a serious 40-foot Hatteras with a captain who lives and breathes these flats. Whether you're planning a 4-hour morning bite or going all-out with a 10-hour marathon session, you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Florida Keys. The waters around Marathon hold everything from oversized cobia cruising the surface to trophy gag grouper hiding in the structure, and Captain Joel knows exactly where to find them.
You'll meet the crew at the dock in Marathon, where the 40-foot Hatteras sits ready with all the gear you need. Captain Joel runs a tight ship – everything's maintained, organized, and set up for success. The boat's got the range to hit multiple spots throughout your trip, from shallow grass flats where permit cruise to deeper structure where the big grouper live. This charter accommodates just one angler, so you're getting completely personalized attention. No sharing the rail or waiting your turn – every spot, every technique, and every minute is focused on putting you on fish. The captain will adjust the game plan based on conditions, tides, and what's biting that day. Some trips start with live bait fishing for cobia, others might begin working the bottom for grouper – it all depends on what's happening in real time.
Captain Joel's got the tackle dialed in for Marathon's inshore scene. You'll be fishing with quality conventional reels spooled with appropriate line weights for the target species. For cobia, expect to throw live crabs or pinfish on circle hooks, often sight-fishing to cruising fish near the surface. The grouper game involves dropping baits to structure using heavier tackle and enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. Snapper fishing means lighter presentations with cut bait or small live offerings around rocky areas and ledges. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait – you just need to bring yourself and your fishing license. Techniques vary throughout the day based on species and conditions, but you'll learn proven local methods that work specifically in these Marathon waters. Live bait is often the key, and the crew knows where to find the right bait for each target species.
"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's bottom fishing scene. These fish hang around rocky areas and artificial reefs in 30 to 100 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that hit cut bait and live offerings with authority. Red grouper average 5 to 15 pounds in these waters, but fish over 20 pounds show up regularly. The best action typically happens during moving water, and they're available year-round with peak activity in cooler months. What makes them special is their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare – plus the satisfaction of pulling them up from structure where they try to cut you off.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and Marathon's flats hold some of the most consistent permit fishing in the Keys. These fish are notorious for being picky, often following baits for long distances before deciding to eat or spook. They cruise shallow grass flats and sandy areas, usually in small groups. Permit average 10 to 25 pounds but can exceed 40 pounds. The best shots come during incoming tides when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs and small fish. Landing a permit is considered a major achievement among serious anglers – they're smart, strong, and have a knack for finding the weakest link in your tackle.
Cobia are the perfect inshore game fish – they grow big, fight hard, and often cruise near the surface where you can sight-fish to them. In Marathon waters, cobia range from 20 to 60 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 70-plus pounds. They're most active from March through June when they're spawning and moving through the area. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat, making for exciting visual fishing. They hit live crabs, pinfish, and eels with aggressive strikes, then make long runs and powerful dives. The combination of size, fight, and eating quality makes cobia one of the most popular targets for serious inshore anglers.
Mutton Snapper are one of the premier eating fish in South Florida waters, and Marathon's reefs and wrecks hold good populations. These fish average 3 to 8 pounds but can reach 15-plus pounds around deeper structure. Muttons are most active during summer months, particularly around the full and new moon phases when they aggregate to spawn. They're known for their excellent table quality and their ability to test your drag system despite their modest size. The key to consistent mutton fishing is finding the right depth and structure combination – they prefer areas with good current flow and plenty of small baitfish.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweight champions of Marathon's inshore
Step aboard this classic 1975 40ft Hatteras and get ready to chase cobia, grouper, and snapper in Marathon's productive inshore waters. Twin 892 Detroit Diesel engines deliver 450 horsepower to cruise comfortably at 20 mph, getting you to the fishing grounds quickly. The spacious layout accommodates up to 6 anglers with room to move around while fighting fish. Stay cool between catches with air conditioning, and keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox. The flybridge gives you great visibility for spotting fish and birds working the surface. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, VHF radio, and fish finder help locate the best spots and keep you connected. When you need a break from the action, there's even a bed for resting. This well-maintained vessel combines old-school Hatteras craftsmanship with the gear you need for a successful day targeting Florida Keys gamefish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of my favorite targets - dark brown, shark-like fish that average 20-40 pounds but can hit 100+. They're loners, not schoolers, usually cruising near the surface around buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30 feet or less. Peak season runs March through October when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll peel line and dive hard for structure. Plus, they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat. You'll often spot them cruising just under the surface, making sight-fishing possible. Bucktail jigs work great, but they'll hit live bait, eels, or crabs too. My go-to tip: when you see one, get that bait in front of them quick - they're curious and aggressive, but they won't stick around long.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper might not win beauty contests with their mottled gray appearance, but they're serious fighters that average 10-25 pounds. They love rocky bottom, ledges, and wrecks in 15-80 feet around Marathon's waters. Peak season runs October through December before their winter closure. What makes them exciting is their bulldog fight - once hooked, they'll dive straight for the rocks and try to cut your line. The meat is fantastic too - firm, white, and mild. Juvenile gags hang inshore around structure, while bigger ones prefer offshore reefs and wrecks. Live pinfish, grunts, or cut bait work best. My advice: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch - the second you feel that thump, reel hard and fast. Let them get to the rocks and you're done.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are gorgeous fish with that distinctive olive-to-pink coloration and blue lines around the eyes. Most run 2-8 pounds, though they can reach 20+ pounds and make excellent table fare. Around Marathon, you'll find them near reefs, rocky bottom, and along mangrove edges, typically in 20-100 feet. They're year-round residents here, but summer months are prime time. What guests love is their fighting spirit - they're scrappy for their size and will dive straight for the rocks once hooked. The pink flash when you're bringing one up always gets people excited. Fresh shrimp, pilchards, or cut bait work well. Here's my trick: use a light knocker rig and let that bait drift naturally in the current - muttons are finicky and want that natural presentation.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - tall, silver, and incredibly spooky with those golf ball-sized eyes that see everything. Most run 10-20 pounds, but they can hit 60. Around Marathon, juveniles cruise the shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, while adults hang near deeper structures and wrecks. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially April-October when they're spawning. What draws anglers is the challenge - they're notoriously difficult to fool and put up a serious scrap once hooked. The meat is top-shelf too. Live blue crabs are the go-to bait, though crab imitations work on fly gear. Here's my trick: when you spot one tailing on the flats, lead them by several feet and let that crab settle naturally - any sudden movement and they're gone.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are easily recognized by their rusty red coloration with distinctive white spots from head to tail. Most run 5-10 pounds, though they can reach 50+ pounds. These bottom dwellers love rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks in 10-100 feet of water around Marathon. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit shrimp, crab, or cut bait without hesitation. What makes them special is their incredible fight - they'll try to dive straight back to structure once hooked. The meat is outstanding too, with that sweet, shellfish-like flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. Best fishing is year-round here in the Keys, though January-April is closed season. My tip: keep your drag locked tight and horse them up fast - give them an inch and they'll wrap you around the nearest ledge.
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