Sign In

Miami Fishing Charters

Miami fishing charters offer quick runs to Biscayne Bay’s flats, reef edges, and deep offshore waters for everything from bonefish and permit to mahi, sailfish, and swordfish.

Top Rated Charters in Miami

TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Miami, Florida —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.

Miami, FL Fishing Guide

Miami’s fishery is built for variety—and speed. You’ve got inshore and nearshore waters within minutes of the boat ramp, and bluewater offshore trips can be underway just a few miles past Government Cut or Haulover Inlet. Half-day charters are common here thanks to the proximity of productive zones, but serious offshore anglers also run full-day trips for swordfish, tuna, or deep-dropping tilefish and snowy grouper.

Inshore fishing in Miami means stalking bonefish, permit, and tarpon across Biscayne Bay’s flats and channels. Skiffs and bay boats often launch out of Dinner Key, Crandon Park, or Matheson Hammock to work tailing fish in ultra-clear water. Light spinning tackle and live shrimp or crabs are the go-to, though fly anglers have plenty of opportunities, especially during calm mornings.

Just off the beaches, the reefs start around 40 feet and stretch to over 200 feet deep. Here, you’ll find snapper, grouper, kingfish, amberjack, and more. Most nearshore trips use pilchards or ballyhoo on light tackle, fishing structure like wrecks or ledges. Kite fishing is a Miami staple, especially in winter and spring when the sailfish bite peaks just a few miles offshore.

For deep sea fishing, captains target mahi, blackfin tuna, and wahoo along current rips and weedlines 10–20 miles out. Swordfish trips head 20+ miles to the dropoff, where anglers deploy rigs 1,500+ feet deep in daylight. With the Gulf Stream swinging close to shore, Miami’s offshore fishery stays hot almost year-round.

Fishing Seasons in Miami

Spring

This is one of the best times for Miami offshore fishing. Sailfish chase bait along the edge of the reef, mahi push in tight, and kingfish stack up on the wrecks. Inshore, permit and bonefish get active with warming temps, and tarpon start showing up strong around cuts and bridges.

Summer

Flat calm mornings and stormy afternoons define summer fishing here. Mahi are the top offshore target, often found under birds or debris in 600–1,000 feet of water. Inshore, the early morning bonefish and permit bite is solid, and tarpon roll in Government Cut at sunrise and sunset.

Fall

As water temps drop slightly, snook, jacks, and snapper move into the bay and around structure. Offshore, blackfin tuna school up along the reef edge, and sailfish start trickling in. It’s a transition season, but still very fishable for both half-day and full-day trips.

Winter

Kite fishing dominates in winter. Sailfish ride the blue water edge, especially after cold fronts. Kingfish, cobia, and bonito add variety offshore. Inshore, it’s all about finding warmer pockets—sea trout, snook, and jack crevalle stay active around bridges and creek mouths on moving tides.

Gamefish in Miami

Miami Fishing FAQs

Winter through early spring offers the most consistent offshore bite, especially for sailfish. For inshore action, late spring and early summer are prime for tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

Yes, most charters include a saltwater fishing license, rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly gear may be provided on inshore trips if requested ahead of time.

For deep sea fishing, most trips head 10–25 miles offshore. Swordfish trips can push out 30+ miles to reach drop zones.

Absolutely. Biscayne Bay is world-famous for inshore sight fishing, especially for bonefish, permit, and tarpon. Half-day and 6-hour charters are common.

Popular launch points include Crandon Marina, Haulover Park, Dinner Key, and Matheson Hammock. Offshore boats often run out of Government Cut or Haulover Inlet.

Yes, for most species, as long as they meet size and bag limits. Your captain will guide you on what’s legal to keep.

Kite fishing is a local offshore technique where live baits are suspended from a kite to cover more water and keep baits on the surface. It’s especially effective for sailfish.

If you’re targeting swordfish, mahi, or deep drop species, yes. Full-day trips give you time to run offshore and adapt to conditions.

Yes, charters are available all year. The target species and techniques just shift with the seasons.