Captain Joel, a lifelong Floridian and Marathon local, brings extensive fishing and hunting expertise from adventures around the world—including Africa, Argentina, Australia, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Canada, the Bahamas, Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and beyond. After exploring diverse waters and terrains, he firmly believes that the ultimate fishing experiences can be found right here in Marathon and the Florida Keys. Let Captain Joel demonstrate why this region truly stands as the premier destination for dedicated anglers!
Fishing with Joel and his mate Eric was a fantastic experience. Even though the catches were a little slower following the storms, their determination landed us plenty of Snapper. Our trip with Captains Joel and JoJo was unforgettable, thanks in no small part to their expert guidance and enthusiastic first mates who helped us locate abundant fish.
Captain Joel excelled despite challenging conditions, guiding us to land our dream catch—a barracuda that topped our bucket list! Todd, one of the best mates I've encountered in four decades of fishing, ensured we were well taken care of throughout. Truly grateful for this exceptional outing! - Paul T
We had an outstanding day with Captain Joel and Darren, who relentlessly pursued Mahi Mahi throughout our trip. Despite some rough weather, Capt Joe Joe found us many Mahi offshore and Yellowtail closer to shore, providing an exhilarating experience for our group. Their expert boat handling left a strong impression, and we’ll definitely book again.
On our inshore trip, we caught an impressive variety and quantity of fish, making plans to return next year. Joel and his crew made the offshore excursion a blast, with plenty of fish to bring home. Our group of four had a memorable time and looks forward to fishing with Joel again during our next Marathon visit.
As a Florida native, I can honestly say this was the most incredible fishing trip I’ve ever enjoyed. From the fantastic onboard atmosphere and top-notch equipment to the best captain and first mate I've encountered in 30 years, it was all topped by an abundance of fish! For anyone planning a trip here, Captain Joel is the ultimate choice—absolutely amazing!
We had a perfect outing with Captain Joel, venturing 30 miles out to the “humps” and landing two mahi-mahi plus six keeper-sized tunas. Joel’s easygoing and approachable style made the day enjoyable, even teaching our kids the art of deep-sea fishing. We’ll undoubtedly book with him again whenever we return to Marathon.
Carol, Doug, and I enjoyed a nearshore 6-hour fishing adventure with Captain Joel, exploring beyond Sombrero Reef where we caught many yellowtail snappers. We also targeted groupers on the bottom, fished near the Seven Mile Bridge for permit and yellowjacks, and finished at a sunken ship fishing spot to reel in more snappers and groupers. Captain Joel’s expertise ensured our poles were always bending with delicious fish like mangrove snapper and schoolmaster snapper.
The Ol’ Captain is simply a gem. You won’t find a better fishing trip in the Keys. We caught so many fish even out of season that we had enough to last several days. Captain Joel made sure everyone had a phenomenal time, and the six-hour trip flew by like 30 minutes! First mate Cap Eddy kept everything running smoothly and made the experience unforgettable.
Joel consistently pursued fish and shared valuable insights for every species we targeted. Todd, the first mate, took excellent care of us the entire trip. It was a fantastic charter with an outstanding captain and first mate team.
Spending time with Captain Joel and Dwayne was an absolute pleasure. They were highly accommodating and made sure our experience was truly memorable. We caught plenty of snapper, and I even reeled in my first shark! Many thanks to Captain Joel for an exceptional fishing adventure!
You can cancel at no cost if you do so at least 14 days prior to your scheduled trip, and the amount will be credited back to your account. If you cancel within 14 days of the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and paid to the guide. Cancellations on the day of the trip or failing to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your card.
Includes a hat, sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses. Rods, reels, and tackle are also provided.
Join Captain Joel aboard his 50-foot Bertram sportfisher for an exhilarating offshore fishing adventure departing from Marathon, FL! This thrilling excursion offers the chance to target some of the area's most sought-after gamefish, including Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo.
Upon boarding, Captain Joel and his skilled crew will welcome you, provide a safety briefing, and outline the day's plan. Once everyone is prepared, you'll set sail from the dock, venturing into the pristine waters of the Florida Keys.
As you navigate toward prime fishing spots, Captain Joel will share his extensive knowledge of the local waters and offer valuable tips and techniques to enhance your fishing experience. You'll fish using premium equipment, with high-quality rods and reels supplied, as well as all necessary bait and tackle.
When you reach the fishing grounds, the action begins! Renowned for their vigorous fight, Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo demand quick reflexes and skill to reel in. With Captain Joel’s expert assistance, your chances of landing an unforgettable catch are greatly increased.
Throughout the charter, you’ll have time to relax, admire the stunning Florida Keys scenery, soak up the sun, and enjoy quality moments with your fishing companions. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture photos of your impressive catches to share with family and friends.
At the conclusion of the trip, Captain Joel and his crew will clean and fillet your fish, allowing you to take your fresh catch home for a delicious meal. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, this offshore fishing charter promises a memorable and rewarding experience.
The Cara Mia II is a classic 50-foot Bertram sportfisher crafted for serious anglers and luxury comfort. Powered by twin 1470 hp Detroit Diesel engines, this 1991 vessel ensures powerful performance and reliability on the open water. With three fishing stations—lower, middle, and tuna tower—plus outriggers, anglers have optimal setups for a successful catch. Inside, Cara Mia II offers three spacious staterooms and three bathrooms, alongside a living room, kitchen, and dining area, perfect for extended trips. The boat features air conditioning, showers, and a dedicated fighting chair, making every fishing expedition enjoyable and comfortable. Experience top-tier fishing and relaxation aboard Cara Mia II.
