Beginner Snook & Tarpon Trip with Captain Toby
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing targeting Snook and TarponPrivate charter accommodates up to three guests with professional coachingEarly morning departure with light tackle and stepbystep instruction
There's nothing quite like your first real taste of Miami's legendary inshore fishing, and Captain Tobias knows exactly how to make it happen. This 4-hour morning trip kicks off at 6:00 AM when the water's glass-calm and the fish are most active. Designed specifically for newcomers to the sport, you'll learn the fundamentals while targeting two of Florida's most prized species – Snook and Tarpon. With just you and up to two friends aboard, Captain Toby keeps things personal, patient, and focused on building your confidence with every cast. Miami's inshore waters are some of the most productive in the country, and this trip gives you a front-row seat to see why local anglers get so fired up about fishing here.
Captain Tobias runs a tight but relaxed ship, making sure everyone feels comfortable from the moment you step aboard. The early morning departure isn't just for show – it's when Snook and Tarpon are most likely to be feeding actively in the shallows. You'll be working Miami's protected inshore waters, which means calmer conditions and less intimidating surroundings for those still getting their sea legs. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, including light tackle setups that won't wear you out but still pack enough backbone to handle these strong Florida fighters. Expect plenty of hands-on instruction covering everything from proper casting technique to reading the water for signs of fish activity. This isn't a sit-back-and-watch kind of trip – you'll be actively learning and applying new skills throughout the morning.
Captain Toby specializes in light tackle fishing, which means you're using gear that's perfectly matched to the fish and the environment. Think spinning reels loaded with braided line, medium-action rods that have some give to them, and lures or live bait that mimic what Snook and Tarpon naturally hunt. You'll learn the art of drift fishing, letting the boat move naturally with the current while presenting baits in the strike zone. Casting accuracy becomes crucial when you're targeting structure-loving Snook around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings. The captain will walk you through reading water conditions, understanding tidal movements, and recognizing the subtle signs that indicate fish are nearby. Live bait presentations often work best for beginners since they require less precise lure action, but you'll also get exposure to artificial lures and when to use each approach.
Snook are the inshore slam champions of South Florida, and for good reason. These ambush predators love hanging around structure during the day, then moving into open water to feed as light conditions change. They're notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs toward the nearest piling or mangrove root. Most Snook in Miami waters range from 20 to 35 inches, with the occasional monster pushing 40-plus. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though Miami's year-round warmth keeps some fish active even in winter months. What makes them so addictive to target is their aggressive strike and the way they test every aspect of your technique – from hook-setting to drag management to keeping them away from cover.
Tarpon fishing in Miami is like stepping into the big leagues of inshore angling. Even juvenile Tarpon in the 20 to 60-pound range will give you a workout you won't forget, with their signature aerial displays and bulldogging runs. These silver giants are most active during warmer months, typically from April through October, when they move into shallow waters to feed on baitfish, crabs, and shrimp. Miami's extensive canal systems and backcountry areas provide perfect nursery habitat for younger Tarpon, making them accessible to anglers without requiring offshore adventures. The thrill factor is off the charts – watching a Tarpon crash your bait, then explode out of the water in a series of cartwheeling jumps, creates fishing memories that last a lifetime. Captain Toby knows the local migration patterns and seasonal hotspots that give beginners the best shot at connecting with these incredible fish.
This top-rated Miami fishing experience delivers exactly what new anglers need – expert instruction, prime fishing locations, and realistic shots at two of Florida's most sought-after species. Captain Tobias has built his reputation on creating positive first impressions of inshore fishing, and the 4-hour format gives you enough time to really learn without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The private charter setup means you're not competing for attention or fishing space with strangers, and the early morning timing puts you on the water when conditions and fish activity are at their peak. Whether you're looking to start a new hobby, plan a unique outing with friends, or just experience what makes Miami fishing so special, this beginner-friendly trip checks all the boxes. Don't wait around – prime morning slots with Captain Toby's Guide Service fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons.
Step aboard this fully rebuilt 1996 Action Craft that's been completely restored for 2023 – your floating fishing classroom for Miami's legendary inshore waters. This classic center console handles the shallow flats and backcountry channels where snook and tarpon love to hunt, giving you access to prime fishing spots other boats can't reach. The modern GPS keeps you on productive water while the fish finder reveals what's swimming below, perfect for learning to read structure and locate feeding fish. With room for just 3 anglers, there's plenty of deck space to practice your casting and work those light tackle techniques. The boat's shallow draft design lets Captain Tobias position you right where the action happens – from mangrove shorelines to grass flats where these gamefish cruise and feed.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's signature inshore fish, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-28 inches in Miami waters, with that distinctive black lateral line making them easy to spot. You'll find them around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-10 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and current breaks. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make solid runs and try to wrap you around cover. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky when cooked right. Here's a local tip: cast your bait just upcurrent of the structure and let it drift naturally into their strike zone. Snook are ambush feeders, so patience pays off.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate Miami gamefish - pure silver dynamite that'll test your skills and your tackle. Most fish we encounter run 60-120 pounds and 4-6 feet long, though giants over 150 are possible. They cruise shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-30 feet of water. Peak season runs May through August when they're migrating through our waters. What draws anglers back is the explosive jumps - these fish can launch 8 feet out of the water and put on a show like no other species. The fight can last an hour on lighter tackle. We practice catch and release since they're mainly bones and not great eating. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line and prevents break-offs. Keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to.
Miami