5.0(2 Reviews)Miami Flats Fishing Charter – Bonefish, Permit and Redfish
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Full-day Miami flats fishing targeting bonefish, permit, and redfishEight hours aboard equipped 18-foot skiff with gear includedCovers both freshwater canals and saltwater flats locations
When you're talking about world-class flats fishing, Miami sits right at the top of every angler's bucket list. This full-day charter with Captain Byron puts you right in the sweet spot where Biscayne Bay's crystal-clear shallows meet some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing you'll find anywhere. We're talking 8 hours on the water aboard an 18' technical skiff that's built specifically for stalking fish in skinny water. Whether you're throwing flies or working light tackle, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps guides busy and anglers coming back season after season.
This charter runs Saturdays and Sundays, giving you maximum flexibility for that weekend fishing fix. Captain Byron's approach is pretty straightforward – he reads the conditions, checks the tides, and puts you where the fish are holding. Some days that means working the backcountry canals for peacock bass and baby tarpon, other days we're poling the flats looking for tailing bones and cruising permit. The 18' skiff handles both environments perfectly, shallow enough to get into the skinny stuff but stable enough when the wind picks up. All your gear, bait, and water are handled, so you can focus on what matters – making good casts and fighting fish. The trip accommodates up to three anglers, which means everyone gets plenty of shots and personal attention from the captain.
Flats fishing is all about stealth and precision, and Byron's skiff is rigged exactly right for this style of angling. The boat runs quiet, sits shallow, and has a proper poling platform so the captain can position you perfectly for those money shots. If you're a fly angler, you'll appreciate the clear casting decks and how the boat holds position in the wind. Light tackle guys get the same treatment with spinning gear that's matched perfectly to the species we're targeting. The key here is reading the water – looking for nervous water, tailing fish, or cruising shadows in the clear shallows. Byron's got the local knowledge to put you on fish whether they're laid up in potholes, cruising the edges, or working the grass flats. Bait presentation is critical in this clear water, so expect to learn some new techniques that'll make you a better angler no matter where you fish.
"Spent a 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
Bonefish are the bread and butter of Miami flats fishing, and for good reason. These silver ghosts cruise the shallow grass beds and sand flats in small schools or as singles, spooking at the slightest movement. A typical South Florida bone runs 3-6 pounds, with the occasional bigger fish pushing 8-10 pounds. They're most active on moving water, especially incoming tides when they're feeding on crabs and shrimp in the grass. What makes them special is the challenge – you need to make accurate casts to wary fish in clear, shallow water. When you hook one, they take off on blistering runs that'll test your drag and your backing. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though you can find them year-round in the right conditions.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Miami's waters hold some real quality fish. These disc-shaped fighters are notorious for their spooky nature and selective feeding habits, making them one of the most challenging species to consistently fool. Local permit typically range from 10-25 pounds, with fish over 30 pounds swimming these waters. They love to cruise the deeper edges of flats, often in small groups, picking off crabs and other bottom prey. The best shots usually come on calmer days when you can spot their dark shapes and distinctive sickle fins cutting through the water. Spring and fall provide peak opportunities, though summer can produce some fantastic fishing if you can handle the heat. Landing a permit on the flats is a career moment for most anglers.
Redfish bring a different energy to flats fishing – they're aggressive, opportunistic, and absolutely crushing when they eat your bait. South Florida reds typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, though you'll encounter plenty of oversized bulls that provide pure power on light tackle. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water structure like oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. They're often found tailing in skinny water, making them perfect sight-fishing targets. Redfish are generally less spooky than bones or permit, giving newer flats anglers a better chance at success. Fall and winter months tend to be most productive, but you can find quality reds throughout the year. They fight dirty too – using their broad sides and powerful shoulders to test your tackle.
Snook add another dimension to this fishery, especially around structure like docks, bridges, and mangrove edges. These ambush predators average 20-30 inches in this area, with trophy fish exceeding 40 inches. They're particularly active during dawn and
This 18-foot Floyd skiff cuts through Miami's flats like a whisper, powered by a reliable 90HP Suzuki that gets you to prime fishing spots fast then backs off when stealth matters. The elevated casting platform gives you clear sight lines to spot tailing reds and cruising bones, while the push pole lets your guide work silently through skinny water. When the wind picks up, the wireless Minn Kota trolling motor keeps you positioned perfectly for that money shot at a permit. The Power Pole anchoring system locks you down instantly, and Garmin GPS ensures you hit productive water every time. Built for three serious anglers, this skiff handles Miami's diverse waters from backcountry canals to open flats. The icebox keeps your drinks cold during those long sight-fishing sessions, and when visibility drops, radar keeps you moving safely. Whether you're throwing flies at tarpon or working jigs for peacock bass, this boat puts you in the game.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ghosts of the flats - these silvery torpedoes average 3-6 pounds but pack serious speed. Their chrome sides and blue-green backs make perfect camouflage on grass flats and sandy bottoms. You'll find them year-round in Miami's shallow waters, often in just inches of depth where they "tail" while feeding on crabs and shrimp. What draws people to bones is the technical challenge - they're incredibly spooky and require perfect presentations. When hooked, they make blistering 100-yard runs that'll test your backing. The fight is all about speed and endurance. While edible, most get released since they're full of small bones. The real reward is outsmarting one of the ocean's wariest fish. Look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast small shrimp patterns or jigs well ahead and strip slowly.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the ultimate flats challenge - these disk-shaped silver fish average 10-20 pounds and have a reputation for being incredibly spooky. Their tall, compressed bodies cruise shallow grass flats and sandy areas where they hunt crabs. April through October gives you the best shots during spawning season. What makes permit special is their difficulty - they're notorious for refusing perfect presentations and testing even experienced anglers. Those golf ball-sized eyes can rotate almost 360 degrees, spotting you long before you see them. The fight is powerful with long runs and surprising strength. They're decent eating but most get released due to their challenging nature making each one precious. My secret: use a small crab fly or jig, cast well ahead of them, and let it sit motionless on bottom until they're right on top of it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These copper-colored fish typically run 20-30 inches with distinctive black spots near their tails. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of the water, making them ideal sight-fishing targets. You'll find them year-round in Miami, but cooler months concentrate them in predictable spots. What guests love about reds is their willingness to eat almost anything - they're not as picky as permit or bonefish. Their fight is strong and steady, making long runs when hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, sweet meat. They school up in winter, giving you shots at multiple fish. My go-to technique is sight-casting small jigs or flies just ahead of cruising fish - let it sink and give it subtle twitches.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Miami's most popular inshore targets, averaging 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. These ambush predators love structure - mangroves, docks, bridges, and canal mouths where they wait to crush baitfish. They move between fresh and saltwater easily, so we'll find them in everything from brackish canals to open flats. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw the hook. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My tip: always approach structure quietly and cast your bait just upcurrent from where you think they're holding.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of Miami flats fishing - these silver giants average 50-100 pounds but can push 200. You'll spot them rolling in channels, cruising shallow flats, or staging near bridges and inlets. They're here year-round but peak season runs April through July when they're spawning. What sets tarpon apart is their aerial show - when hooked, they'll launch 6 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps. The fight can last hours with smaller fish, making them pure adrenaline on light tackle. While they're not great eating due to their bony structure, the experience is unmatched. Most anglers practice catch-and-release anyway. My advice: when one jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give slack or you'll lose them when they crash back down. Patience and strong drag are your best friends.
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