4.9(8 Reviews)Premium 6-Hour Morning Offshore Fishing at Haulover
4.9(8 reviews)
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Top Rated
Target King Mackerel, Grey Snapper, and Groupers offshoreExpert guides use trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing techniquesSixhour morning trip accommodates up to six guests
Captain Alek knows these Miami waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his center console boat at Haulover Inlet, you're in for a proper offshore fishing experience. This 6-hour morning charter takes you beyond the usual tourist spots to where the real fish live - from the productive reefs of Biscayne Bay to the deeper blue waters where king mackerel patrol. With only 6 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into other fishermen.
Your day starts early at Haulover Marina, where Captain Alek will have the boat rigged and ready. The first stop is usually to pick up fresh live bait - pilchards, goggle eyes, or whatever's running best that day. From there, you'll head to the reef systems where grouper stack up in the structure, or run offshore to troll for kings and hunt down schools of snapper. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is you've got time to try multiple spots and techniques. If the bite's slow on the reef, Alek can switch gears and run to different water. The guy's been fishing these waters his whole life, and he's not shy about moving around to put you on fish. Expect to cover some serious ground as you chase different species throughout the morning.
This isn't a one-trick charter - you'll get to fish multiple ways depending on what's biting. For king mackerel, you'll troll with live bait on wire leaders, watching the outriggers and waiting for that telltale screaming drag. When targeting grouper and snapper around the reefs, you'll drop bottom rigs with fresh cut bait or live pinfish. Captain Alek also runs jigs when the conditions are right, especially for blackfin tuna and bonita. He'll mark fish on the electronics, position the boat perfectly, and talk you through the jigging technique until everyone's got it dialed in. The boat carries quality spinning gear and conventional reels, plus all the terminal tackle you'll need. Just bring your fishing license, sunscreen, and maybe some snacks - everything else is handled.
"My son and I headed out for a fish with Bearcutbandit charters today. The weather wasn't kind but Alek still put us on some some awesome fish and we had a killer day! If you're in Miami, make sure you look Bearcutbandit charters up and get out for a fish with Alek 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼" - Stewart
"Outstanding trip with my 13 year old son. We caught a few nice fat snappers, then went hunting for mahi and found a nice school! Kept 6 mahi and 3 snappers. Couldn't have been a better experience! Knowledgeable guide, independent operator, born & raised in these waters. He really knows how to put you on the fish! Filleted them perfectly for us as well (and I'm a Chef, pretty picky about that stuff). We will be back for sure!" - Jon
"Great trip and Capt. Alek knows secrets! We started at 0700 with a trip down the beautiful Miami River. Picked up some live bait from a buddy of the Captain's outside Treasure Island. The Captain then put us on a spot that produced 30+ yellowtail snapper, 3 mackerel (1 keeper), and a bonita. We got a minimum of one bite per bait. Sometimes multiple bites per bait. Using mid-range spinning gear, it was non-stop action. Really, a perfect way to spend any morning. The Captain has a gorgeous center console that is perfect with this kind of trip. He is cordial, experienced, attentive, and focused on you having tight lines." - Karl
King mackerel are the speed demons of these waters, and Miami's kings are known for their aggressive strikes and blistering runs. These fish typically range from 10 to 30 pounds, with the occasional smoker king pushing 40-plus. Spring through fall offers the best action, when schools move through following bait. What makes kings so exciting is that initial hit - one second your bait's swimming peacefully, the next your drag is screaming and line's peeling off the reel. They'll jump, they'll run deep, and they'll test your stamina on medium tackle.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as the locals call them, are the bread-and-butter fish that keep your cooler full. These smart, structure-loving fish hang around reefs, wrecks, and ledges throughout the year. They're not huge - most run 12 to 18 inches - but they're fantastic table fare and fun to catch on light tackle. Snapper fishing requires finesse; they're notorious bait stealers with sharp eyesight. When you find a good school, though, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups.
Gag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, known for their powerful runs straight back to structure. These fish can reach 20 to 40 pounds and are masters at wrapping your line around coral heads and rocks. The key to landing gags is stopping that initial run and keeping steady pressure. They're most active during cooler months and represent some of the best eating fish in South Florida waters. There's nothing quite like feeling a big gag inhale your bait and then try to drag you down to the bottom.
Scamp grouper are the smaller cousins of the gag, but don't let their size fool you - they're scrappy fighters that punch above their weight class. These fish typically run 15
Ready to chase King Mackerel and Groupers in Miami's prime fishing waters? This 28.5-foot Bear Cut Bandit is built for serious anglers heading to Haulover and Biscayne Bay. Powered by a brand new 2024 Suzuki 200hp engine that'll get you to the hotspots at 50mph, then slow down for perfect trolling speeds when you're working the structure. The spacious deck gives all six anglers room to work their lines without getting tangled up, whether you're jigging for Snapper or bottom fishing for Groupers. Fish finder technology helps locate the action, while GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. Ice-cold drinks stay fresh in the icebox during those long fights, and there's an onboard head for convenience during your 6-hour morning session. This boat handles Miami's offshore conditions like a champ, getting you out to where the big fish live and bringing you back with a cooler full of dinner. From first light trolling runs to mid-morning bottom drops, you'll cover serious water and fish the techniques that produce results in these legendary South Florida waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that'll test your gear once hooked. These grey, marbled fish average around 20 inches but can push 50+ inches in deeper waters. You'll find them around structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges from 60-200 feet deep. Juveniles hang inshore near grass flats, while adults prefer offshore rocky bottoms. They love live pinfish and mullet, plus cut crab and squid work well. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temps drop. What makes them popular is the tough fight - they'll dive straight for cover once hooked, so keep your drag locked tight. The meat is excellent eating with firm, white flesh. Pro tip: once you hook one, don't give them any line to run. Keep steady pressure and work them up quickly before they can get back to their hole.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snapper, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll keep you on your toes. These copper-red beauties typically run 1-4 pounds inshore, but open water fish can reach 20 pounds. They love structure - docks, mangroves, reefs, and rocky bottoms where they can ambush prey. Being nocturnal feeders, dawn and dusk fishing produces the best results year-round. What makes them fun is they're picky eaters but fight hard once hooked. The white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. They're opportunistic hunters, so patience pays off - too much movement will spook them. Live shrimp works best, hooked through the tail to keep it lively. Circle hooks are perfect for their small mouths. Pro tip: let your bait sit still near the bottom without much bobbing. When you feel that gentle tap, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily to set the hook properly.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your reflexes and gear. These silver torpedoes average around 30 pounds but can hit 90+ pounds, with females growing much larger than males. They cruise open waters from 40-150 feet, often following baitfish schools near temperature breaks and current edges. Fall through spring brings the best action when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special is that blazing first run - they're nearly as fast as wahoo and will peel line like crazy. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling. Trolling works best with live bait like blue runners or artificial lures. The key is using a two-hook rig with wire leader since they bite the tail end of baits. Water temps between 68-84°F are prime. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your speed around 6-8 knots and watch for diving birds marking baitfish - that's where the kings will be feeding.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the bread and butter of our grouper fishing, making up most of what we catch in these waters. These rusty-red fish with white spots average 5-10 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds offshore. They prefer rocky and muddy bottoms from 30-300 feet deep, hanging around reefs, ledges, and wrecks. Spring through fall offers consistent action as they're aggressive feeders year-round. What guests love is the reliable action - they'll hit live bait hard and put up a solid fight. The firm, flaky meat has a slight shellfish taste from their crab and shrimp diet. They're not the fastest swimmers but they're tough once hooked. Live or cut bait like shrimp, crab, and small fish work great. Since the season closes January through April for spawning, plan trips outside those months. My advice: use a strong rod because they'll dive hard for structure once hooked, and that initial run can test your equipment.
Mycteroperca PhenaxScamp Grouper are the prize catch many captains save for themselves - they're considered the best-eating fish in the grouper family. These chocolate-brown beauties with distinctive tail rays typically run 4-6 pounds inshore, but offshore specimens can hit 30+ pounds. Look for them around reefs, wrecks, and ledges in 75-300 feet, though they move shallower during spring spawning season (February through May). They're ambush predators hiding in structure, waiting to grab passing bait. What guests love is the combination of strong fight and amazing table fare - the meat is incredibly flaky and mild. They're slow but powerful swimmers, so expect a solid battle even from smaller fish. Best bet is live pinfish or sardines fished right on the bottom near structure. Here's the key: use braided line and heavy tackle because once hooked, they'll try to cut you off on the rocks.
4.9 out of 5.0My son and I headed out for a fish with Bearcutbandit charters today. The weather wasn’t kind but Alek still put us on some some a...
Outstanding trip with my 13 year old son. We caught a few nice fat snappers, then went hunting for mahi and found a nice school! K...
Great trip and Capt. Alek knows secrets! We started at 0700 with a trip down the beautiful Miami River. Picked up some live bait...
Captain Alek really put us on some great snappers and mahi. My 13 year old son and I had a blast! Will be back for sure!
We only did a half day 7am-1pm and still hooked into around 12 fish between 4 guys and kept 10. A few bonita, a blue runner, and a...
My 9 year old and I went out with Captain Alek and we caught fish in both the ocean and intercoastal. I really appreciated the tim...
Thank you for the kind words reading reviews like this makes my day glad I can instill the Fishing p...
Awesome adventure. Great time with the Boys on our guys trip. Be patient and let Alek work his magic. Once he finds them BE REA...
Miami