Miami Fishing Charters & Guides

Miami Fishing Charters

When it comes to the world's great cities, Miami is one. Most people think of amazing beaches, incredible nightlife and international flair. They skip right over some of the most incredible saltwater fishing in the US. From the beaches to blue water, Miami has something for every angler. With fast access to the deep water, you can easily book a weekend fishing trip to chase snook in the canals and then next day head offshore to tangle with big billfish. Because of the temperate climate and near-immediate access to the Gulf Stream offshore, fishing is good year-round for pretty much everything. Some species have specific seasons and most fish also have daily limits. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission keeps an updated list of saltwater fish, regulations and seasons. The list also has an identification guide.

Fishing Biscayne Bay

If Florida ever had a saltwater South Georgia farm pond (think monster bass fishing), then Biscayne Bay is the place. Packed with mangrove trees and their amazing root system, the bay's shallows and trees are a natural nursery for hundreds of juvenile fish. Where the little fish are, the bigger fish are sure to follow. Some species of snapper love to hang out in the mangroves. The mangroves and the flats are next to each other so fishing both can happen even on a half-day charter. Just outside the trees, top fisheries are tarpon, permit, pompano, speckled trout, redfish, some sharks and a bucket list fish for flyfishermen, bonefish. All these fish can be caught on fly. Shrimp and crab patterns are ideal. Know that bonefish are easily spooked. You have to cast ahead of and past them. Pull the fly into their line of sight. Your Miami fishing charter guide can coach you on the proper techniques to land one of these reel-strippers. Fishing for most of the flats fish is done by sight; your guide will pole you through the flats looking for fish to cast to. Jigs and bucktails, especially tipped with shrimp work very well. Lipless crankbaits can be a favorite depending on the water. For the biggest tarpon, upsize the lures or throw big pinfish with just enough weight on the line to hit the bottom. Speaking of bass, you can find them and a South Florida favorite the snook, pronounced like hook, hiding in the same places. The two fish are known to prey on each other. The same tactics used on ol' bucketmouth work equally well on snook. Many anglers chase them with topwater because of the explosion on the surface when one smashes the lure. Bucktails and jigs are also good. Large spinnerbaits are often overlooked, but will draw strikes when they are too deep for topwater action.

Fishing Miami Beach

On Miami Beach, a barrier island just east of the city of Miami, there are tons of fishing opportunities. One such place is Haulover Park Beach, this undeveloped strip of beach, parts of which are also a nude beach, is the place to catch supper. Pompano, permit, whiting, sheepshead, flounder, reds and trout are the mainstays here. Your best chance at putting some fillets in the cooler is small to medium hooks with shrimp or squid. A pyramid sinker will hold the bait down against the currents until you connect with the guest of honor for supper that night.

Miami Nearshore Fishing

Miami has plenty of nearshore fishing opportunities thanks to plenty of natural and man-made reefs and plenty of sunken ships that serve as fish attractors. The reefs can be found nearshore to offshore. These nearshore reefs serve as a kind of meeting point for the offshore crowd and the flats fish. You are just as likely to find a grouper hanging out as you are to find monster redfish. The nearshore and offshore reefs are also home to a giant muscle with teeth, the barracuda. 'Cudas like tube baits, cut and live bait. They also provide a serious wrestling match when you tie into one.

Miami Offshore Fishing

Miami's offshore fishing is simply superb. Marlin, wahoo, tuna, hogfish, grouper, cobia, shark, mahi mahi and several species of mackerel abound in the blue water. Depending on what you are after, your captain will stop over a deepwater reef, troll with downriggers near the bottom or haul fish-tipped dusters and squid lures at the surface. Regardless of the style of fishing you are doing, be ready for a fight. It takes a mean fish to survive in the deeper waters. Your Miami fishing charter captain will keep on the lookout for circling birds. That's a sure sign that baitfish are at the surface, attacked from beneath by something. What is hammering the bait under the surface? Tie on silver lures or jigs with a cigar minnow and hang on!

Book A Miami Fishing Charter

Don't let your Miami trophy swim away... book today with a local and professional Captain who knows the area and how to get you hooked up on the fish! Bring the whole crew for a fantastic day of fishing. Search for local Miami fishing charters here.