5.0(2 Reviews)Miami Flats Fishing Charter – Bonefish, Permit and Redfish
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fullday charter targeting bonefish, permit, and redfish on flats18foot skiff accommodates three guests with all gear providedWeekend trips combine freshwater canals and saltwater fishing locations
There's nothing quite like working the shallow flats around Miami, where crystal-clear water meets world-class fishing opportunities. Captain Byron's full-day charters run every Saturday and Sunday, giving you and up to two buddies eight solid hours to chase some of the most challenging and rewarding species in South Florida. This isn't your typical charter boat fishing – we're talking technical flats fishing where sight-casting skills meet the unpredictable nature of shallow water predators. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or prefer spinning gear, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how you want it when chasing permit and bones. Captain Byron runs an 18-foot skiff that's built for the flats – shallow draft, quiet, and loaded with everything you need to make the most of your time on the water. We're not stuck to one spot either; the beauty of this charter is how it adapts to conditions. Some days we'll work the saltwater flats of Biscayne Bay, stalking tailing redfish and cruising bonefish. Other days, we might hit Miami's freshwater canal system where peacock bass put up fights that'll surprise you. All your gear, bait, and water are covered, so you can focus on what really matters – making good casts and staying ready when that permit finally shows up in range. The trip works for any skill level because Byron knows how to read both the water and his anglers, adjusting techniques and spots based on what's working and what you're comfortable with.
Flats fishing is all about being quiet, accurate, and ready to adapt fast. Byron's skiff sits in about 10 inches of water, which means we can get into places where bigger boats can't even think about going. The shallow draft design lets us pole into those back-country areas where the fish feel safe, and that's often where the magic happens. We'll be sight-fishing most of the day – that means spotting fish before we cast to them, which takes some patience but delivers way better results than blind casting. The boat comes rigged for both fly fishing and light tackle spinning, so you can fish however you're most comfortable. If you're new to fly fishing, don't worry – Byron will get you set up with spinning gear that can still deliver those precise presentations flats fish demand. The electronics package includes shallow water anchors and a trolling motor for those moments when we need to hold position without spooking fish. You'll also appreciate how the casting platform gives you the height advantage needed to spot fish in the skinny water.
"Spent an incredible day on the water with Capt. Byron. His skiff was not only sleek and comfortable but also equipped with top-tier gear and electronics. We landed a solid number of bonefish and tarpon, and even had some great chances at permit in the clear, shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. Truly one of the most memorable fishing days I've had. Can't recommend Byron enough!" - Yasemin
"Had an awesome day out with Byron. His skiff was spotless and built for precision — perfect for navigating the shallow flats. All the gear and tackle were top-notch. We spent the day on the Biscayne Bay flats, targeting bonefish and bringing in two, along with a solid number of trout. Even came across some juvenile tarpon and had a few chances at permit. Big thanks to Byron for working hard on the pole all day — definitely recommend fishing with him!" - Bob
Snook are the backbone of South Florida flats fishing, and Miami's waters hold some serious fish. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangrove edges, and channel drop-offs where they can pin baitfish. Snook are most active during the warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special is their explosive strike and the way they'll dart for cover the second they feel the hook. A good snook will test your drag and your nerves, often jumping clear out of the water before making a blistering run toward the nearest mangroves.
Tarpon fishing around Miami is legendary for good reason. These silver kings can show up anywhere from 20 pounds to over 100, and even the smaller ones will give you a workout you won't forget. Peak tarpon season runs from April through July, but resident fish hang around year-round. What gets anglers hooked on tarpon is their aerial acrobatics – they don't just jump, they dance on their tails and throw the hook with moves that seem impossible. The sight of a six-foot tarpon coming completely out of the water right next to the boat never gets old.
Redfish are perfect for anglers who want consistent action with serious pulling power. These copper-colored bulldogs cruise the flats in schools, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter are prime redfish months in Miami, when cooler water concentrates them in predictable areas. Reds are notorious for their stubborn, head-shaking fights that seem to go on forever. They're also one of the best species for beginners because they're aggressive feeders and tend to stick around once you find them.
Permit represent the holy grail of flats fishing – they're smart, spooky, and absolutely beautiful when everything comes together. These disc-shaped fish cruise the flats looking for crabs, and they have an uncanny ability to spot anglers from impossible distances. Spring and summer offer the best permit opportunities, particularly when they're spawning around the full moons. Landing a permit requires patience, perfect presentation, and a little luck, but the payoff is worth every frustrating refusal you'll endure along the way.
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This 18-foot Floyd skiff cuts through Miami's shallow waters like it was built for it – because it was. The 2022 design pairs a whisper-quiet Minn Kota trolling motor with a reliable 90HP Suzuki for getting to the fishing grounds fast, then moving silent as a shadow when you're stalking bonefish and permit. The elevated casting platform gives you perfect sight lines across the flats, while the Power Pole keeps you locked in position when you spot that tailing redfish. Garmin GPS helps navigate the maze of channels, and when visibility drops, the radar keeps you fishing safely. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Miami sun sessions. Built for three anglers max, so everyone has room to cast without tangling lines.
Albula VulpesThe "grey ghost" earned that nickname for good reason - these silver torpedoes can vanish in seconds when spooked. Running 3-6 pounds on average, bones cruise sandy flats and turtle grass in water so shallow their backs show. Low tide periods are prime time when they push onto the flats to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes bonefishing addictive is the sight fishing aspect combined with their blazing speed - they'll rip 100 yards of line before you know it. They're bony eating, so most folks release them anyway. The secret is spotting them before they see you, then leading them perfectly with a small jig or shrimp pattern. Watch for "muds" where they're rooting around, or that telltale tail breaking the surface when they're feeding head-down.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - the toughest of the big three to fool. These silvery, disc-shaped fish average 10-20 pounds with incredible eyesight and spooky nature. They cruise sand flats and turtle grass beds in 2-6 feet, often solo or in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shots, especially April to October during spawning season. What draws serious anglers is the challenge - permit test every skill you have. They inspect baits closely, spook at the slightest mistake, yet fight like freight trains when hooked. Live crabs are the gold standard, but crab flies work too. My advice: when you spot one, take your time. Get ahead of their path, make one perfect cast, then let the crab sit motionless until they find it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the perfect flats fish - aggressive, beautiful, and built for shallow water battles. Most run 20-30 inches here, easily spotted by those black spots near the tail and copper-bronze backs. They cruise grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs showing. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up, but you can catch them year-round in South Florida. What guests love is the visual aspect - watching a red's back cutting through skinny water before making your cast. They fight hard and taste great too. The key is staying quiet on approach and placing your bait just ahead of their path. Topwater plugs at dawn create some of the most explosive strikes you'll see on the flats.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Miami's most popular inshore targets, averaging 18-24 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. These ambush predators love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and canal mouths where fresh meets salt. They're most active during warmer months, especially around new and full moons when they move to spawn. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight in tight quarters. Plus, they're excellent table fare with flaky white meat. The trick with snook is presentation - they're spooky, so keep your approach quiet and work your lure or fly slowly along the edges of cover. During spawning season, watch for that bright yellow coloration on their fins.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what separates South Florida fishing from anywhere else. These giants average 80-100 pounds in our waters, with some pushing 150+. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and cruising the flats in 3-10 feet of water. Prime time runs May through September when they migrate through Biscayne Bay. What hooks people on tarpon isn't just the jumps - though watching a 6-foot fish go airborne never gets old - it's the combination of sight fishing and raw power. They're catch-and-release only due to all those Y-bones, but the fight is worth it. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps tension off the line and prevents break-offs on those aerial acrobatics.
5.0 out of 5.0Spent an incredible day on the water with Capt. Byron. His skiff was not only sleek and comfortable but also equipped with top-tie...
Had an awesome day out with Byron. His skiff was spotless and built for precision — perfect for navigating the shallow flats. All ...
Miami