Fishing In Miami

From the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay and Everglades National Park to the depths of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean, Greater Miami & Miami Beach is an angler’s paradise. With such a diverse ecosystem supported by mangroves, coral reef and the warm, fast-moving Gulf Stream current, the destination’s waters are teeming with sport fish and ocean species that make for a delicious dinner or a great prize. Whether you’re a newcomer to fishing or your vacation revolves around the sport, you’ll find ample opportunity to reel in a big one in Miami.

Deep Sea or Flats Fishing

Your first decision is deep sea or flats fishing … or both.

A deep-sea fishing charter involves heading into the blue of the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll troll your fishing line at great depths in search of the big fish that skirt the Gulf Stream, like mahi-mahi and tuna. You’ll typically embark on a sportfishing boat with a comfortable cabin, flybridge and fighting chairs.

Flats fishing is done in the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay or Florida Bay, which is accessed through the Everglades. Flats fishing usually involves a flat-bottomed skiff to access the shallowest depths and using fly fishing techniques to catch bonefish, tarpon and other fish.

Fishing Charters

Private Fishing Charters

Miami has more fishing guides and charters than one can count. For the serious fisherman or someone desiring a personalized, private fishing experience, a half- (about four hours) or full-day (about eight hours) charter with an experienced guide aboard a fishing boat is the most popular option. Depending on the size of the boat, these private charters can typically accommodate up to six anglers (aka, six of your closest friends). Night charters through Biscayne Bay’s flats are a popular option, as certain species, like swordfish and tarpon, are more active then. A few private fishing charters to consider include Top Gun, Miss Britt Sportfishing Charters and Bouncer’s Dusky 33

Party Boat Fishing

For those who simply want to give fishing a whirl, so-called party boats are larger vessels designed to accommodate dozens of anglers. You’ll received less personalized attention from an individual guide, but you’ll be assisted by a team of crew members making sure everyone is having a good time and getting their bait on the hook. It’s a great introduction to fishing and an economical option for the casual angler. For party boat charters in Miami, seek out The Reward Fleet or the Kelley Fishing Fleet.

On both private charters and party boats, bait, tackle and equipment are typically provided.

Popular Marinas for Fishing Charters

One of the best ways to secure a top-quality fishing guide or charter is to contact the dockmaster at a local marina or visit the docks in the afternoon to see who had a good day. While every boat has its home marina, you can often arrange to have your guide pick you up at other locations around Miami.

Crandon Marina. Located on Key Biscayne off the coast of the mainland, Crandon Marina is a great spot for fishing charters. It’s striking distance to both flats and deep-sea fishing opportunities. It’s also home to a marine store, bait and tackle shop, and dive shop.

Dinner Key Marina. An iconic part of Coconut Grove’s landscape and the ideal place to book a fishing charter, Dinner Key Marina is Miami’s largest wet slip marina with over 580 berths and 250 additional moorings just offshore. After your charter, enjoy a dockside meal at Monty’s Coconut Grove.

Miamarina at Bayside. In the heart of Downtown Miami with 125 slips, Miamarina at Bayside is the embarkation point for many fishing boat tours and charter boats. With Bayside Marketplace overlooking the marina, it’s a hub of activity with plenty of nearby shops and restaurants.

Miami Beach Marina. At the southern tip of South Beach, you will find Miami Beach Marina, which boasts 400 slips with everything from fishing charters to luxury yachts and dive boat excursions. It also boasts stunning views of Fisher Island and cruise ships setting sail from PortMiami into the Atlantic.

Black Point Park & Marina. Black Point Park & Marina in Cutler Bay is a favorite amongst local fishermen. It has a boat launch ramp, a bait and tackle shop and the Black Point Ocean Grill restaurant. Schedule your charter in advance.

Where To Go Fishing from Land

You can also bring a rod and reel, bait and tackle to a handful of fishing piers, jetties and marinas to fish from land in Miami.

South Pointe Park Pier. Located at the tip of South Beach at Government Cut, the pier at South Pointe Park not only makes for a picturesque stroll; it’s also a prime fishing spot for snapper and Spanish mackerel.

Haulover Inlet Jetty. Similarly, Haulover Inlet separates Bal Harbour from Haulover Park Beach and is a great spot to cast your line for jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and red snapper.

Newport Fishing Pier. In Sunny Isles Beach and newly renovated, Newport Fishing Pier extends a half mile into the ocean, opening up the possibilities for a wide variety of fish.

Pelican Harbor Marina. Located at the 79th Street Causeway off North Bay Village, the popular waterfront destination Pelican Harbor Marina is home to a fishing pier. There’s also a bird sanctuary, nature preserve and other recreation.

Oleta River State Park. A lovely park just west of Sunny Isles Beach, Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach has a designated fishing pier where you might catch snook, pompano and redfish.

Fishing Seasons & What You’ll Catch

While fishing conditions are typically best from late fall through late spring, fishing is a year-round sport in Miami. But some fish are strictly regulated to specific seasons for sustainability purposes.

Deep-sea fishermen are after oceanic species, such as tuna, grouper, cobia, kingfish, amberjack, snapper and mahi-mahi. Exciting sportfish also include marlin, sailfish and giant tuna. Flats fishermen are typically on the hunt for bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook, redfish and even sharks. An expert fishing guide will have expert knowledge of this and get you to the right spot at the right time of year for a great catch.

Florida Fishing License

If you’re fishing on your own in Miami – whether you’re a Florida resident or a visitor – and not with a licensed charter or guide, you’ll need a Florida recreational fishing license. This applies whether you’re casting from shore, a pier or a boat. Licenses are easy to get online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Make sure to see if you qualify for an exemption before pursuing the license or permit.

Want more water adventures? Explore water sports in Miami and dive in!