5.0(3 Reviews)Offshore Fishing Charter in Marathon, FL
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Offshore charter targeting wahoo, sailfish, and amberjack species30ft Grady White vessel with Captain Joel Brandenburg guidance4 to 10-hour trips suitable for all experience levels
Marathon's offshore waters are some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Florida Keys, and Captain Joel Brandenburg knows exactly how to put you on fish. Ana Banana Fishing Company's offshore charter runs anywhere from 4 to 10 hours aboard a well-maintained 30ft Grady White, targeting wahoo, sailfish, amberjack, and other prized offshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this charter delivers the real deal – professional guidance, top-notch gear, and access to the blue water where the big fish roam. The Gulf Stream's edge and the drop-offs around Marathon create perfect conditions for fast action and trophy catches.
You'll head out into Marathon's legendary offshore waters where the continental shelf drops into deep blue territory – that's where the magic happens. Captain Joel runs a tight ship with everything dialed in for success. The 30ft Grady White handles the offshore swells like a champ, giving you a stable platform to work from when the fish are biting. All your tackle is included, from heavy-duty reels spooled with fresh line to the lures and rigs that produce results in these waters. The captain reads the conditions daily, adjusting the game plan based on water temperature, current breaks, and where the bait schools are setting up. You'll cover serious ground, hitting multiple spots until you find the active fish. The focus stays on putting fish in the boat while teaching you the techniques that work in Marathon's unique offshore environment.
Offshore fishing here revolves around trolling techniques that cover water and trigger aggressive strikes from pelagic species. You'll pull a spread of baits – everything from ballyhoo rigs to high-speed lures designed to mimic fleeing baitfish. The captain positions the boat along current edges, temperature breaks, and structure that holds fish. When the bite is on, it happens fast – lines screaming, multiple hookups, and fish jumping clear of the water. The gear is sized for the fight, with reels that have the drag to handle long runs and rods with the backbone to move fish away from structure. You'll learn to work the fish properly, using the boat's momentum and fighting techniques that get results without losing tackle. The water depth ranges from 100 to over 1,000 feet, creating habitat for everything from schooling tuna to solitary giants cruising the blue.
Anglers consistently rave about their time with Captain Joel and his crew. "Captain Joel and mate Todd were great. Knowledgeable and nice. Had an awesome time fishing with them!" - Glenn. The experience clearly delivers beyond expectations, with guests highlighting both the fishing success and the professional atmosphere. "The best fishing day ever. Jojo really knows his stuff. He puts you on fish and we limited out on tuna! I will book again next time for sure. Eddie was the best!!" - JEANNIE. These are the kinds of days that keep anglers coming back – when everything clicks and the cooler fills up with quality fish.
Mahi mahi are the crowd favorites out here, and for good reason. These beautiful fish fight like crazy, jumping and tail-walking when hooked. They're most active during warmer months and often travel in schools around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi hit trolled baits hard and provide non-stop action when you find a school. The average fish runs 10-25 pounds, with bulls pushing 40-plus during peak season. They're also excellent eating, making them a perfect target for anglers who want both sport and dinner.
Wahoo are pure speed demons, capable of blistering runs that test your tackle and reflexes. These torpedo-shaped predators lurk around drop-offs and current edges, striking trolled baits with explosive force. They're most active during cooler months, though Marathon's year-round populations provide consistent opportunities. Wahoo average 25-50 pounds with larger specimens exceeding 60 pounds. Their razor-sharp teeth require wire leaders, and their speed makes every hookup an adrenaline rush. The meat is outstanding – firm, white, and perfect for grilling.
Swordfish represent the ultimate offshore challenge, requiring specialized techniques and night fishing or deep-dropping during daylight hours. These magnificent predators inhabit the deepest waters off Marathon, often beyond the 1,000-foot mark. Swordfish can exceed 200 pounds and provide battles that last hours. They're most active during new moon phases and require heavy tackle with electric reels for deep presentations. Landing a sword is a lifetime achievement for most anglers, combining skill, patience, and no small amount of luck.
Blackfin tuna school heavily in Marathon's offshore waters, providing fast-paced action on lighter tackle. These smaller tunas average 5-15 pounds but fight with incredible strength for their size. They respond well to both trolling and live bait fishing, often feeding in large schools that create feeding frenzies. Blackfins are most abundant during winter and spring months, though resident populations provide year-round opportunities. They're prized for sashimi and make excellent bait for larger predators.
Atlantic sailfish are the acrobats of the offshore world, known for their spectacular jumps and stubborn fights. These billfish cruise Marathon's blue water year-round, with peak numbers during winter months when they migrate south. Sailfish average 40-60 pounds and often travel in small groups. They respond to slow-trolled live baits and properly presented ballyhoo rigs. Most sailfish are released alive, making them a sustainable trophy species that provides incredible photo opportunities and bragging rights without impacting the population.
Marathon's offshore fishing delivers world-class action with professional guidance that makes all the difference. Captain Joel's local knowledge combined with well-
This 2014 30ft Grady White cuts through Marathon's offshore waters with authority, powered by twin brand new 200hp Yamahas that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Captain Joel knows where the wahoo run and the sailfish bite, and this boat's built to chase them down at 40mph when needed. The flybridge gives you perfect visibility for spotting birds working baitfish, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding amberjack. GPS and radar keep you on course to productive waters, and the VHF radio connects you to the fishing fleet sharing intel. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long offshore sessions. The Grady's legendary rough-water handling means you'll stay comfortable even when the afternoon breeze kicks up. Whether you're trolling for pelagics or bottom fishing structure, this boat has the speed to cover water and the stability to fish effectively in Marathon's blue water.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the showboats of offshore fishing - 7-8 feet of pure athleticism with that massive dorsal fin and sword-like bill. They cruise the surface waters 30-65 feet down, hunting baitfish along current edges and temperature breaks. Winter months bring the best action here in the Keys, when they stack up thick. What gets people addicted is watching them light up during the fight - they flash brilliant blues and blacks while tail-walking across the surface. These fish change colors to communicate when hunting in groups. They're built for speed, not the dinner table, so most get released. The trick is letting your baits swim naturally at slow trolling speeds. When one comes up behind the teaser, be ready - they'll inspect everything before committing to the bite.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest of the tuna family but pack serious fight into their 20-40 pound frames. They school up near the continental shelf in warm water over 68°F, usually cruising close to the surface. Fall, winter, and spring give us our best action here in the Keys when they're feeding heavy. What makes them popular is that classic tuna power - screaming runs and never giving up until they're in the boat. The meat is top-shelf sashimi quality with that rich, red tuna flavor. These fish have sharp eyes, so we scale down to lighter leaders and smaller hooks - #30 fluorocarbon with 5/0 or 6/0 circles works perfect. Local secret: chunk with live pilchards to get them fired up, then vertical jig when they come up behind the boat.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see out here, with brilliant gold sides and electric blue-green backs that put on a real color show when they come to the boat. They average 15-29 pounds and love hanging around floating debris or weed lines in our offshore waters. Peak season runs through summer and fall when they're thick out there. What makes them special is the aggressive fight they put up - lots of jumps and long runs - plus they're absolutely delicious eating with that mild, sweet white meat. These fish mature fast and spawn year-round, so populations stay healthy. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep your eyes peeled because they often travel in small schools, so we'll quickly get more baits back out for doubles or triples.
Xiphias GladiusSwordfish are the giants of our deep water, averaging 9 feet and 400 pounds with that signature flat bill. They live way down there - 1,500 feet deep during the day, coming up to around 300 feet at night to feed. These are year-round residents in our Florida waters, but peak spawning runs April through September. What makes them special is the pure challenge - it's technical deep-water fishing that tests your skills and equipment. The meat is fantastic too, firm and meaty like the best steak. Most folks don't realize they're actually warm-blooded, heating their eyes and brain to hunt in the dark depths. Here's the key: we fish them at night with heavy tackle, 15-pound leads, and multiple lights. Squid is the go-to bait, and patience is everything - these fish make you earn it.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are built for speed - sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can hit 60 mph and average 3-5 feet long. They cruise the blue water around 60 feet deep, often near current breaks and temperature changes. Here in the Keys, July through November gives us our best shots at them. What gets people hooked on wahoo fishing is that blistering first run when they take off - nothing quite like it. Plus, they're premium table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we always run wire leaders when targeting them. Pro tip: high-speed trolling at 12-15 knots with bright-colored lures or fresh ballyhoo works best. When one hits, hold on tight because they'll test your drag system right away.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Joel and mate Todd were great. Knowledgeable and nice. Had an awesome time fishing with them!
The best fishing day ever. Jojo really knows his stuff. He puts you on fish and we limited out on tuna! I will book again next tim...
Marathon