5.0(35 Reviews)Marathon Inshore Fishing: Sharks & Snappers
5.0(35 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Target sharks, snapper, grouper, and permit inshore410 hour charters on 30ft Grady White vesselAll gear and professional guidance included onboard
Captain Joel Brandenburg and his crew at Ana Banana Fishing Company know exactly where the fish are biting in Marathon's inshore waters. This isn't your typical half-day charter – you're looking at 4 to 10 hours of serious fishing time aboard a 30-foot Grady White that's built for these productive waters. Whether you're bringing the family or a group of seasoned anglers, Joel's got the local knowledge to put you on everything from hard-fighting sharks to keeper snappers and groupers. The boat handles up to 6 anglers comfortably, and every trip includes all the gear and guidance you need to make it count.
You'll meet Captain Joel and his experienced mate at the marina, where they'll get everyone geared up and brief you on the day's game plan. The 30-foot Grady White is perfectly rigged for inshore work – stable enough for the whole family but responsive enough to chase down schools when the action heats up. Joel's been working these waters long enough to know which flats are holding permit, where the snappers are schooled up, and which structure is producing the biggest groupers. Don't expect to just drift around hoping for bites – this crew works hard to keep lines tight and coolers full. The boat's equipped with quality tackle, but if you've got favorite rods or specific gear preferences, feel free to bring them along.
Inshore fishing in Marathon means adapting your approach based on what's biting and where they're holding. You'll be working with medium to heavy spinning gear for most species, with circle hooks to ensure clean releases when needed. For sharks, Joel rigs up wire leaders and chunk baits – fresh cut bait works best for lemons and makos cruising the flats. Snapper fishing means dropping live or cut bait around structure, using enough weight to get down but not so much that you lose the feel of the bite. Permit are the trickiest – they're spooky and selective, so expect lighter tackle and precise presentations around crabs and small baitfish. The crew handles all the rigging and bait prep, but they're happy to show you the techniques if you want to learn the local methods.
"Went out on 4/22/25. All family, 8 years old to 58 years old. All of us had a great time. Captain Joel and mate Eric were absolutely awesome. We chose a tough day and they found us the best place to fill our coolers. Caught everything from mahi to snappers to shark. Over 80 filets in the cooler. My 8 year old grandson was the star of the day!! He loved every second. Been out on a dozen other charters and this one was by far my favorite!!" - James
"8/31/25 UPDATE Unbelievable trip! I came down for my birthday with my wife and sons and it turned into one of our best fishing days ever. Joel works nonstop, knows exactly where to go, and gets just as fired up as we do when the fish are biting. Truly a record trip—already looking forward to the next one!" - Bill
"Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended." - Patrick
Shortfin Mako Sharks are the speed demons of Marathon's inshore waters, and hooking one is like grabbing onto a rocket. These sleek predators can hit 45 mph and aren't shy about showing off with spectacular jumps when hooked. Makos typically run 6 to 8 feet in these waters, though bigger ones cruise through during peak season from late spring through early fall. They're aggressive feeders that'll smash fresh cut bait or live offerings, and the fight they put up makes every angler feel like a pro. What makes makos special is their unpredictability – you never know when that screaming run will turn into an aerial display that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for their phones.
Lemon Sharks are the workhorses of inshore shark fishing, and Marathon's shallow flats are perfect lemon habitat. These yellow-tinged bruisers average 6 to 10 feet and are available year-round, though summer months offer the most consistent action. Lemons are smart fighters – they'll use their size and the shallow water to their advantage, making long, steady runs that test your drag system and endurance. Unlike some shark species, lemons are relatively predictable in their habits, often cruising the same flats and channels where Captain Joel knows to find them. They're excellent eating if you choose to keep one within regulations, but most anglers prefer the photo and release after experiencing that classic shark power.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers, and Marathon's waters offer some of Florida's best permit fishing opportunities. These silver-sided fighters are notoriously picky eaters, often following baits for long periods before deciding whether to commit. When they do eat, permit make blistering runs toward the nearest structure, using their slab-sided bodies to leverage maximum pressure against your drag. Most permit in these waters run 15 to 30 pounds, with occasional giants pushing 40-plus. The best permit action typically happens during warmer months when crabs are most active on the flats. What makes permit fishing addictive is the visual aspect – you'll often see them cruising in crystal-clear water, watching their body language as they inspect your offering.
Mutton Snapper represent the premium eating fish in Marathon's inshore waters, and they're built for serious fights around structure. These pink and yellow beauties average 3 to 8 pounds inshore, though double-digit fish are always possible around the right spots. Muttons are most active during summer
This 2014 30ft Grady White cuts through Marathon's inshore waters with authority, powered by twin 200hp Yamaha engines that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Captain Joel knows these Florida Keys waters like the back of his hand, and this boat gives him everything needed to put you on fish. The fish finder helps locate structure where grouper hide, while the GPS keeps you on productive spots. Up on the flybridge, you get a perfect view for spotting sharks cruising the shallows or tailing permit on the flats. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those longer 8-10 hour trips when the snapper bite is hot. With radar for those afternoon squalls and VHF radio for safety, this Grady handles whatever the Keys throw at you. Room for up to 6 anglers means plenty of space to work the lines without getting tangled up. Whether you're targeting bull sharks in the channels or working the patch reefs for mutton snapper, this boat delivers the speed and stability to make it happen.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper, are one of our most reliable inshore targets around Marathon's docks and mangrove shorelines. These copper-colored fish typically run 1-4 pounds inshore, though we occasionally hook bigger ones near deeper structure. They love anywhere with cover - docks, bridges, mangrove roots, and rocky areas. Night fishing is best since they're more active after dark, but we catch them year-round in the Keys. What makes greys popular is they're great for beginners - they bite well and taste even better with that white, flaky meat. They're also opportunistic feeders, so they'll hit various baits. My go-to setup is live shrimp on a small hook, but here's the trick: hook the shrimp through the tail and let it sink naturally to the bottom, then reel up just a bit to avoid snags. No fancy movement needed - these fish ambush their prey.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are perfect for anglers wanting a solid fight without the crazy acrobatics of other shark species. These yellow-bronze beauties typically run 6-9 feet in our Marathon waters, with some pushing 10 feet and 200 pounds. They love shallow, sandy areas and grass flats where they can blend in perfectly - we often find them in just 3-6 feet of water near mangroves. Summer months bring the best action when they move into the shallows to feed and breed. What makes lemons special is their predictable nature and willingness to take bait. They're strong, steady fighters that won't jump in your boat like makos. The meat's decent eating too. My local trick is fishing cut bait on the bottom during moving tides around dawn or dusk. Lemons are more active in low light, and that tidal movement gets them feeding.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are some of the best-eating fish in these waters, with that distinctive pinkish color and blue streaks around their face. Most run 2-8 pounds inshore, but we occasionally land 15-20 pounders near the reefs. They hang around structure - rocks, coral heads, and wrecks in 20-80 feet of water. Spring and summer fishing is prime when they move shallow to spawn. What guests love about muttons is they're great fighters for their size and make fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also smart - once hooked, they'll dive straight for structure to break you off. Fresh bait is key here, and my local tip is to use a knocker rig with just enough weight to get down. Let that bait drift naturally in the current because these fish are line-shy. When you see that pink flash coming up, that's your mutton.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the Holy Grail of flats fishing - silver, disc-shaped ghosts that'll test every bit of your skill. Most run 15-25 pounds, but we've seen 40-pounders cruise these Marathon flats. They love shallow grass beds and sandy areas, sometimes in just 2 feet of water. Those golf ball-sized eyes can spot you from way off, making them incredibly spooky. April through October is prime time when they're spawning and more aggressive. What hooks anglers? It's the challenge - permit are notoriously difficult to fool and even harder to land once hooked. They make powerful runs toward structure. Fresh blue crab is the gold standard bait, but here's my local secret: when you see one tailing, cast your crab well ahead and let it sit motionless. Any movement will spook them, so patience is everything with these fish.
Isurus OxyrinchusThe world's fastest shark, makos are pure adrenaline on a line. These sleek predators typically run 8-12 feet and 130-300 pounds, with that signature pointed snout and metallic blue coloring. We find them in open water around Marathon, usually near the surface where they hunt tuna and billfish. Spring through fall gives us the best action when water temps climb. What makes mako fishing special? They're incredibly smart fighters that'll leap 20 feet out of the water and even try to jump in your boat. The meat's outstanding too - firm and tasty. My go-to technique is high-speed trolling with fresh tuna or bluefish, then switching to heavy wire leaders once we hook up. These fish will use every trick to break you off, so keep that drag tight and be ready for anything.
5.0 out of 5.0Went out on 4/22/25. All family, 8 years old to 58 years old. All of us had a great time. Captain Joel and mate Eric were absolute...
8/31/25 UPDATE Unbelievable trip! I came down for my birthday with my wife and sons and it turned into one of our best fishing day...
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Capt. Joel put us on the fish we wanted. He and 1st mate Phil were great company and knew there stuff! Definitely recommended.
Best around the west!!!
The wife and I booked a 8 hr off shore trip while on our anniversary. Best decision ever! when we arrived at the spot we were catc...
We had a fantastic day with Ana Banana. We are a group of six - two grandparents, two parents, and two kids, one of which is a 21-...
10/10 recommend Captain JoJo and Eddie. Came down to the keys for a birthday trip. The winds were so bad that our initial charter ...
Marathon