Marathon Inshore Fishing for Big Game Species
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target gag grouper, lemon sharks, and snapper inshoreProfessional Captain Joel Brandenburg guides all skill levels50ft Bertram accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Captain Joel Brandenburg and Ana Banana Fishing Company deliver one of the most productive inshore fishing experiences in the Florida Keys. This Marathon-based charter runs 4 to 10 hours aboard a spacious 50ft Bertram, targeting some of the most sought-after species in these waters - gag grouper, lemon sharks, red snapper, mutton snapper, and even the occasional shortfin mako. With room for up to 6 anglers, this trip combines the excitement of big game fishing with the accessibility of inshore waters, making it perfect for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking to land their personal best.
Your day starts at Marathon's harbor, where Captain Joel will brief you on the game plan based on current conditions and seasonal patterns. The 50ft Bertram provides plenty of room to spread out, with professional-grade tackle and all the gear you'll need for a successful day. Marathon's inshore waters offer incredible diversity - from shallow grass flats where snapper cruise to deeper ledges where grouper hold tight to structure. You'll be fishing productive areas that locals have relied on for generations, spots where the Gulf Stream's influence creates perfect conditions for both resident and migratory species. Captain Joel knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading currents, baitfish activity, and bottom structure to put you on fish consistently throughout the day.
This charter employs a variety of fishing methods depending on your target species and conditions. For gag grouper, you'll be bottom fishing around wrecks and ledges using heavy tackle and live or cut bait, dropping lines in 40-80 feet of water where these bruisers like to ambush prey. Snapper fishing involves both bottom rigs and light tackle techniques, often around structure where schools congregate. When targeting sharks, Captain Joel switches to wire leaders and circle hooks, using fresh-cut bait or live offerings. The boat carries everything from spinning reels for lighter work to heavy conventional setups for the big fish. You'll learn proper hook-setting techniques, how to fight fish effectively, and the best ways to handle different species once they're boatside. The captain provides hands-on instruction throughout the trip, helping you improve your technique while maximizing your chances of landing quality fish.
Gag grouper are the crown jewel of Marathon's inshore scene, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 24-inchers up to true giants pushing 40 pounds or more. These powerful fish live around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges, ambushing prey with lightning speed. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them into shallower areas. What makes gag grouper so exciting is their initial run - they'll try to get back to their hole immediately after being hooked, testing your drag and technique. Plus, they're fantastic table fare when prepared fresh.
Lemon sharks patrol Marathon's inshore waters year-round, but summer months offer the most consistent action. These impressive predators can reach 6-8 feet and provide an amazing fight on appropriate tackle. Lemons are known for their endurance rather than flashy jumps, taking long, powerful runs that will test your stamina. They're typically found cruising flats and channels, especially around areas with good baitfish concentrations. What anglers love about lemon sharks is their predictable behavior - once you locate feeding fish, you can often catch multiple sharks in the same area.
Red snapper fishing in Marathon offers both quantity and quality, with fish ranging from smaller schoolies to trophy-sized specimens over 10 pounds. These bright red beauties live around structure in 30-60 feet of water, forming schools that can provide non-stop action when conditions are right. Summer months are prime time, though good fishing can extend into fall. Red snapper are prized for their excellent taste and the challenge they present - they're notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth and quick reflexes.
Mutton snapper represent the bigger, smarter cousin of the snapper family, with mature fish reaching 15-20 pounds or more. These olive-and-red colored fish are more solitary than reds, often requiring finesse presentations and fresh bait. Spring and summer offer the best opportunities, particularly around full moon periods when they move shallow to spawn. Mutton snapper are incredibly strong fighters that make long runs and test your tackle to the limit.
Shortfin mako sharks are the wildcards of this charter - fast, aggressive, and absolutely explosive when hooked. These open-water predators occasionally venture into inshore areas, particularly when following baitfish schools. Makos are known for their spectacular aerial displays and incredible speed, reaching up to 45 mph in short bursts. Landing a mako on inshore tackle is considered one of the ultimate achievements in Florida Keys fishing, combining luck, skill, and proper tackle selection.
Ana Banana Fishing Company's Marathon inshore charter delivers consistent action targeting some of Florida's most prized game fish. Captain Joel's local knowledge, combined with quality tackle and a well-maintained vessel, gives you the best shot at landing trophy catches while learning techniques you can use for years to come. Whether you're after a cooler full of snapper for dinner or hoping to tangle with a big shark, this charter adapts to your goals and skill level. With flexible trip lengths from 4 to 10 hours, you can choose the experience that fits your schedule and budget. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so book early to secure your preferred dates for what could be your best fishing trip in the Florida Keys.
Captain Joel's 50-foot Bertram is built for serious inshore fishing in Marathon's productive waters. This classic 1991 vessel runs on twin 500HP Detroit diesels that were completely rebuilt in 2021, giving you reliable power to reach the best fishing spots at cruising speeds up to 25 knots. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, with plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling gag grouper and lemon sharks without getting tangled up. Essential gear includes a fish finder to locate structure where snapper hang out, GPS for precise navigation to productive spots, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility is low. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 4 to 10-hour trips targeting Florida Keys inshore species. Ana Banana Fishing Company maintains this boat to ensure safe, productive days on the water.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our bread-and-butter bottom fish - solid fighters that make great table fare. They typically run 3-15 pounds around here, with some bigger ones pushing 25+ pounds. These gray, mottled fish love hanging around rocky structure, wrecks, and ledges in 20-100 feet of water. Cooler months tend to be best when they move shallower and feed more actively. What makes gags fun is the fight - once hooked, they immediately dive for cover and try to break you off in the rocks. The meat is firm, white, and perfect for grouper sandwiches. They prefer live bait like pinfish or grunts, but cut bait works too. The secret is being ready for that first run - keep your drag locked down and don't let them get back to the structure. Pull hard right from the hookset and get them up and away from the bottom fast.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are one of our most popular inshore targets here in Marathon. These yellow-tinted beauties typically run 6-8 feet and 100-200 pounds, though we see smaller ones in the shallows. They love cruising sandy flats, mangrove edges, and around structure in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warm. What guests love about lemons is their strong, steady fight - they don't jump like other sharks but they'll make long powerful runs that test your drag. They're also pretty predictable once you find them, often coming back to the same spots day after day. The meat is decent eating too. My go-to trick is fishing cut bait on the bottom near mangrove channels during moving water - lemons patrol these areas looking for easy meals and rarely pass up fresh bonito or mackerel.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are a favorite around here - pinkish fish with blue streaks around the face that typically run 2-8 pounds, though we catch some pushing 15-20 pounds. They hang around reefs, wrecks, and sandy areas near structure, usually in 15-80 feet of water. Best fishing happens in warmer months when they move shallower and become more aggressive. What guests love is they're strong fighters that make good runs, and the meat is top-shelf eating. They can be finicky though - presentation matters more than with other snappers. Use the freshest bait you can get and lighter sinkers to keep it natural. They love live pilchards or fresh cut bait on a knocker rig. Here's the trick: once you hook one, that pink color is unmistakable coming up through the water. Keep steady pressure and don't rush them near the boat - they'll make a last-ditch run for cover.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the gold standard for bottom fishing - beautiful pink-red fish that average 2-5 pounds but can push 15+ pounds out deeper. We target them around structure in 30-100 feet, especially wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom. They're year-round fish but summer months are prime time when they're most active. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and some of the best eating you'll find - mild, sweet, and flaky white meat that's perfect for any preparation. These fish are smart and spooky though. They'll inspect your bait before committing and can easily cut you off in the structure. The key is using circle hooks with fresh bait like cigar minnows or live pinfish, and once you hook up, get them up and away from the bottom fast. Don't give them a chance to run back to the rocks or you'll lose them every time.
Isurus OxyrinchusShortfin makos are the fastest sharks in the ocean, hitting speeds over 30 mph and jumping up to 20 feet when hooked. These blue-gray predators average 8-12 feet but can reach massive sizes - the record is over 1,300 pounds. We find them in deeper offshore waters, usually cruising near the surface but they'll dive down 400+ feet when hunting. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're more active. What makes them special is the fight - they're incredibly smart and will use every trick to break free, including jumping right into the boat. The meat is some of the best you'll taste from any shark. Pro tip: use heavy wire leaders and keep that drag locked tight from the start, because once they feel the hook, they're gone if you give them any slack.
Marathon