Fishing Charters in Miami

Miami's fishing spots range from channels, bays, and jetties along the coast to offshore reefs and wrecks.

Channel fishing is often done in Miami's many canals, creeks, and lagoons. Anglers target fish species like the mangrove snapper, jack crevalle, tarpon and permit, along with various other exciting saltwater species.

Offshore wreck and reef fishing produce snapper, amberjack, grouper and other smaller reef fish species.

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill and shellcracker are common inshore game fish in Miami. A variety of lures and equipment is used to target these fish species.

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW), The Everglades, and Miami River offer opportunities for freshwater fishing in Miami. 

Preferred Bait in Miami

For many fish species in Miami, the best bait is live. Minnows and shrimp are common for catching inshore species like Redfish and Trout. Catching your own minnows for bait is easy. They can be collected from waterways around town or purchased at a local tackle shop.

Artificials are also used for inshore and offshore fishing. A number of species are targetted by pro's fly fishing in Miami: bonefish, tarpon, permit, sailfish.

The right kind of fishing equipment varies by the species being targeted. A typical inshore fishing setup includes a medium to a heavy rod and a good quality reel with a 20-30lb test line. For big game fish, you'll need tackle that can handle the fight of a powerful saltwater fish like marlin or tuna. You can find local gear at your nearest tackle shop in Miami.

Although you could go fishing in Miami any time of year, there are specific times that offer the best results.

Winter fishing in Miami is good in Biscane Bay with species such as trout, tarpon and bonefish. Offshore sailfish are pretty active. 

Towards early spring, tarpon and bonefish arrive. Offshore there's kingfish, tuna and mahi. Also try bottom fishing in Miami during spring.

Billfish time in Miami is best in May, June & July.

When the water gets warmer, tarpon migrate north. In summer you'll catch permit inshore. Offshore, there's plenty of pelagic species such as blackfin tuna, kingfish and bonito. The wreck fishing is great for snapper and grouper.

In Fall mahi mahi appear closer to shore, as well as sailfish. Blackfin tuna and wahoo can also be found over the reefs. Inshore fishing is still great. In December tarpon return from their journey to the north into the Biscayne Bay.

Of course, this list is not all-inclusive. Please contact your fishing charter in Miami for the most up-to-date information on specific species and their seasons.

Miami is a top tourist destination, and for a good reason. The American South Florida city has several things to do and places to visit, from classic beaches to entertainment venues.
Spice up your time in the city with:

- A visit to the Everglades 
- Dinner & drinks at the famous Nikki Beach Miami nightclub
- An afternoon of shopping on Lincoln Road, one of South Florida's most popular outdoor malls
- Golfing at Miami Dade College or another nearby course
- Shopping on Miami Beach at Lincoln Road Mall, Collins Avenue, or another popular area
- A visit to Bayside Marketplace for a quick bite and drinks on the water
- An afternoon of sightseeing at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
- Hanging out with friends at Coyo Taco in Wynwood or another trendy spot
- Watching a game at one of Miami's top sports bars, like Yard House
- A visit to the Wynwood Walls for an afternoon of outdoor art
- Grooving to music at LIV Nightclub inside the infamous Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel
- Dancing the night away at E11even nightclub, where you can party like a VIP for an affordable price
- A visit to Brickell City Centre in Downtown Miami's financial district
- Breakfast or lunch at Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant in South Beach
- A trip to Matheson Hammock Park for a relaxing afternoon by the water
- A shopping spree on Lincoln Road where you can find Miami's top brand names at some of the world's best prices
- One-of-a-kind window shopping on Collins Avenue, including some great art galleries & boutiques

There you have it! We hope you enjoy your time in South Florida, and please let us know if you have any questions. Cheers!

Although anglers need a fishing license for their Miami fishing trips, licenses are covered if you go fishing with a fishing charter.

Florida Fishing License

The State of Florida gives residents, tourists and seasoned anglers a variety of fishing licenses to choose from, ranging from short-term to annual ones.

You can get a Florida fishing license through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website. You can also buy one from authorized resellers or at local tackle shop in Miami.

Visitors can Fish Without a License in Miami

No saltwater Florida fishing license is required if you are a non-resident who fishes from a vessel whose operator has a fishing license. This means that if you go fishing with a fishing charter in Miami, no fishing license is required.

Bag Limits

In order to protect the local fish stocks, the State of Florida has strict rules on bag limits. For each species there are minimum sizes and daily recreation bag limits. Check the rules before you drop a line in the water in Miami.