5.0(1 Reviews)Biscayne Bay Trophy Sight Fishing Adventure
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
World-class sight fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarponTechnical flats boat targeting trophy inshore saltwater speciesLight tackle and fly fishing in premier Biscayne Bay waters
Captain Martin C. knows Biscayne Bay like the back of his hand, and there's a reason this legendary fishery draws anglers from around the globe. When you step aboard our 18-foot technical flats boat, you're entering what many consider the crown jewel of sight fishing destinations. This isn't your typical fishing trip where you cast blindly and hope for the best. Here, you'll spot your target cruising through crystal-clear shallows before making your cast, creating those heart-pounding moments that keep anglers coming back year after year.
Your day starts early when the light is perfect for spotting fish against the sandy bottom and turtle grass beds that make Biscayne Bay famous. Captain Martin positions the boat using his push pole, keeping noise to a minimum while scanning for tailing bonefish, rolling tarpon, or permit cruising the flats. The beauty of sight fishing is that it's a team effort – you'll learn to read the water, spot nervous water from feeding fish, and understand how tide and weather affect fish behavior. Most of the day you'll be casting from the boat, but don't be surprised if Captain Martin spots a school of fish that requires getting out and wade fishing for the perfect presentation. The technical flats boat is designed specifically for this style of fishing, with a raised platform that gives you the best vantage point to spot and cast to your targets.
This is light tackle and fly fishing at its finest. Whether you're throwing flies or using spinning gear, the emphasis is on finesse and precision rather than brute force. Captain Martin will have you rigged with the right tackle for conditions – maybe a 9-weight fly rod when the tarpon are rolling, or spinning gear with small jigs and shrimp when the permit are being picky. The key to success here is presentation, not power. You'll learn to make long, accurate casts and how to work your bait or fly to trigger strikes from fish that can see you just as well as you can see them. The shallow water means every movement matters, from how quietly you move on the deck to the splash your lure makes when it hits the water. When the sight fishing gets tough, the ever-present barracuda provide fast action and help keep your casting sharp while waiting for the premium species to show themselves.
"Very knowledgeable, very patient. Excellent time." - Wesley
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and Biscayne Bay holds some of the largest specimens in the world. These silver bullets typically range from 6 to 12 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 15 pounds or more. They're most active on incoming tides when they move onto the flats to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes bonefish so special is their incredible speed and the challenge of spotting them before they spot you. Their initial run when hooked is legendary – stripping line off your reel faster than almost any fish their size. The best part about bonefishing here is that you can target them year-round, though fall and winter months often produce the largest specimens.
Tarpon are the silver kings of Biscayne Bay, and hooking one of these giants on light tackle is a bucket-list experience. Juvenile tarpon in the 20 to 80-pound range are common, but don't let the word "juvenile" fool you – these fish have incredible jumping ability and stamina. Spring through fall is prime tarpon season, with the largest numbers showing up during the warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What anglers love most about tarpon fishing is the visual aspect – watching a 100-pound fish roll on the surface before making your cast, then seeing it eat your fly or lure. The fights are spectacular, with multiple jumps and long runs that test your tackle and your patience.
Permit are considered the holy grail of flats fishing, and Biscayne Bay offers world-class opportunities for these finicky feeders. Most permit here range from 15 to 35 pounds, with their distinctive black, sickle-shaped fins making them easy to identify when they're tailing or cruising. They're notorious for their selective feeding habits and spooky nature, often requiring perfect presentations to get a bite. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons, though permit can be found year-round in deeper channels and on the edges of flats. Landing a permit on fly or light tackle is considered one of fishing's greatest achievements because of their fighting ability and the difficulty in getting them to eat.
Redfish, or red drum, are the workhorses of the flats and provide consistent action when other species are being difficult. Bay reds typically run 18 to 27 inches, with their copper-colored sides and distinctive black spots making them easy to identify. They're aggressive feeders and more forgiving than permit or bonefish when it comes to presentation, making them perfect for anglers still learning sight fishing techniques. Fall and winter are prime redfish seasons, when they school up in large numbers and provide fast action. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures, plus they put up a strong fight with powerful runs and head shakes.
Snook are the ultimate ambush predators, lurking around structure like mangrove shorelines, docks, and channel edges. These fish range from schoolie-sized juveniles to trophy specimens over 30 inches and 15 pounds. They're most active during warmer months and around dawn and dusk when they move into shallow water to feed. Snook have a distinctive black lateral line and are known for their explosive strikes and aerial displays when hooked. What makes snook fishing exciting is their aggressive nature – when they want to eat, they'll crush your lure with authority. They're also excellent table fare, though many anglers choose to release these prized gamefish to ensure healthy populations for future
This 18-foot technical flats boat is perfectly rigged for sight fishing Biscayne Bay's legendary waters. Built for the shallow flats where trophy bonefish, permit, and tarpon cruise, she's equipped with a wireless trolling motor that lets you ghost into position without spooking fish. The GPS keeps you on productive spots while the fish finder helps locate schools when sight fishing gets tough. An onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days chasing silver kings and cuda. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space whether you're throwing flies at permit or working topwater for snook. The shallow draft design gets you into skinny water where the big fish feed, making those shot opportunities at world-class gamefish. Perfect platform for both seasoned flats veterans and anglers ready to experience Biscayne Bay's world-renowned sight fishing action.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the ghosts of the flats - silvery torpedoes that average 3-6 pounds and blend perfectly with the sandy bottom. They hunt in 6 inches to 3 feet of water, often "tailing" while digging for crabs and shrimp with their heads down. Year-round fishing here, but incoming tides are prime time. What gets people hooked is that first screaming run - a 4-pound bone can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. They're catch-and-release due to all the small bones, but the sport is addictive. The challenge is spotting them before they see you, then making a perfect cast 10 feet ahead of their path. My tip: look for "nervous water" and moving shadows, not just tails. When you hook one, let it run and enjoy the ride.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these disk-shaped silver ghosts with tall bodies and forked tails average around 15-25 pounds but can hit 40+. They cruise shallow sand and grass flats, often in just 2-3 feet of water, but those big eyes spot you from 100 yards away. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, particularly April to October during spawning season. What makes permit so addictive is their difficulty - most anglers go years between catches. They're incredibly spooky and selective feeders. The payoff is an amazing fight and serious bragging rights. Fresh blue crab is the gold standard bait, but crab-pattern flies work too. Here's the secret: when you spot one, get ahead of its path and let your crab sit motionless on bottom. Any movement and they're gone.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect sight fishing target - copper-colored backs with those signature black spots near the tail. They run 20-30 inches on average but we see plenty of "bull" reds over 35 inches. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up, but they bite year-round in our waters. What clients love is how aggressive they are - redfish will crush topwater plugs and make long runs when hooked. They're also fantastic eating with mild, flaky meat. The trick is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. When you see their backs out of the water while feeding, that's your shot - just don't cast right on their heads.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators that love structure - mangroves, docks, and channel edges in 2-10 feet of water. They average 18-24 inches but can push 40+ inches here in Biscayne Bay. These golden-sided fish with that distinctive black lateral line are most active during dawn and dusk, especially in warmer months from April through October. What makes them special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every piling and root to try breaking you off. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The key to landing snook is presenting your bait or fly right along the structure without spooking them. I always tell clients to cast past the target and work back parallel to the cover - that's where they're waiting.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "silver king" is what we're all chasing out here - these prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can top 200. Tarpon cruise the deeper channels and flats edges, often rolling on the surface in 6-15 feet of water. Peak season runs May through July when they're here to spawn, though we see them year-round in South Florida. What hooks people is watching a 6-foot fish launch itself 10 feet in the air - pure adrenaline. They're catch-and-release only due to their bony meat and conservation status. These fish have been around 125 million years, so they've learned every trick. My advice: keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them jump, keep your rod tip down, and be patient. A big tarpon can fight for over an hour.
5.0 out of 5.0Very knowledgeable, very patient. Excellent time.
Key Biscayne, FL