Miami Family Half Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Private halfday charter targets multiple offshore species aboard 39foot boatMorning and afternoon departure options accommodate up to 6 guestsAll equipment, bait, tackle and fishing licenses provided by captain
Nothing beats getting the whole crew out on the water for some serious fish action. This Miami family half day charter puts you aboard a custom 39-foot sportfisher that's built to handle whatever South Florida's waters throw at you. Captain and crew know these offshore waters like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put your family on fish while keeping everyone comfortable and safe. Whether you're dealing with first-timers or seasoned anglers, this 4-hour trip delivers the perfect balance of action and relaxation that makes for killer family memories.
Your day starts at the dock with a quick safety briefing and gear check before heading out to prime fishing grounds. The 39-foot custom sportfisher gives your group plenty of room to move around, with shade when you need it and open deck space for fighting fish. You'll choose between morning (8 AM–12 PM) or afternoon (1 PM–5 PM) departure times, and both have their advantages depending on what's biting. Morning trips often catch the sunrise bite when fish are actively feeding, while afternoon charters let you sleep in and still get plenty of action. The boat's equipped with all the latest electronics to find fish, plus outriggers for trolling and plenty of rod holders to keep multiple lines working. Captain provides everything fishing-related – rods, reels, bait, tackle, and even handles the fishing licenses so you don't have to worry about paperwork.
Miami's offshore waters offer multiple ways to catch fish, and your captain will switch techniques based on conditions and what's biting. Trolling is the bread and butter for covering water and finding pelagic species like mahi mahi and sailfish – you'll have multiple lines out with different lures running at various depths and distances. When we find structure or mark fish on the bottom machine, we'll switch to jigging or bottom fishing to target amberjack and snapper around wrecks and reefs. Kite fishing is a Miami specialty that's deadly effective for sailfish and other billfish – it keeps baits dancing on the surface where predators can't resist. Live bait fishing with goggle-eyes or pilchards often produces the biggest fish when they're finicky about artificials. The captain reads water conditions, current, and fish activity to decide which technique will be most productive, and part of the fun is learning different approaches throughout the trip.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Miami offshore fishing, and these acrobatic billfish put on a show like nothing else in the ocean. They're most active during winter and spring months when they migrate through South Florida waters, often traveling in schools that can produce multiple hookups. Sailfish average 6-7 feet long and fight with spectacular jumps and long runs that test your drag and endurance. What makes them special is their speed and aerial displays – watching a sailfish greyhound across the surface or launch completely out of the water never gets old, and it's something kids remember forever.
Mahi Mahi are another customer favorite that hit hard and fight with non-stop energy. These colorful fish show up year-round in Miami waters but peak during spring and summer months around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks. Bulls can reach 30-40 pounds and provide arm-burning fights, while smaller fish are perfect for kids to handle. Mahi are also excellent table fare with firm white meat that tastes amazing grilled or blackened. They're aggressive feeders that hit both trolled baits and jigs, making them a reliable target species.
Wahoo earn their nickname "ono" (delicious) for good reason, but they're also one of the fastest fish in the ocean with blistering runs that can strip line in seconds. These torpedo-shaped speedsters prefer deeper offshore waters and are most common during cooler months. Wahoo average 20-50 pounds in local waters and are notorious for their razor-sharp teeth that can cut through wire leaders. They're excellent eating and provide heart-stopping initial runs that separate the serious anglers from weekend warriors.
King Mackerel patrol Miami's reefs and wrecks year-round, with larger "smoker kings" showing up during winter months. These aggressive predators average 15-30 pounds but can exceed 50 pounds, and they're known for long, powerful runs and sharp teeth. Kings respond well to both live bait and trolled spoons, and they're perfect for teaching kids proper fighting techniques since they don't give up easily. They're also outstanding on the dinner table when prepared fresh.
Bull Shark encounters add serious excitement to any fishing trip, with these powerful predators showing up when least expected. Bulls are year-round residents that can exceed 200 pounds, and they're known for their aggressive nature and incredible strength. While they're catch-and-release only for conservation, hooking into a bull shark creates memories that last a lifetime. They're ambush predators that often grab fish being fought by anglers, turning a regular catch into an epic battle.
Miami's family fishing scene doesn't get much better than this – you've got a proven boat, experienced captain, top-notch gear, and waters loaded with fish year-round. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect for keeping kids engaged without wearing them out, and having everything included means you can focus on fishing instead of logistics. Whether you're introducing the next generation to offshore fishing or just want quality family time on the water, this charter delivers the goods. Spots fill up fast during peak season, especially for weekend dates, so don't wait too long to lock in your preferred time. The memories you'll make pulling fish over the rail with your family are worth their weight in gold, and Miami's offshore waters are ready to deliver the action you're looking for.
Step aboard this beautifully restored 39-foot sportfishing machine, custom-built for serious angling and family comfort. Fresh from a complete 2021 renovation, she's loaded with everything you need for productive offshore fishing – GPS navigation to find the hotspots, fish finder technology to locate your targets, outriggers for proper trolling spreads, and a live bait well to keep your bait swimming strong. The fighting chair is ready for those bigger fish, while the onboard toilet and icebox ensure your crew stays comfortable during the 4-hour adventure. Whether you're trolling for Mahi and Wahoo or bottom fishing the reefs for Snapper and Amberjack, this boat handles Miami's offshore waters with ease. Perfect for up to 4 family members who want to experience real sportfishing without the crowds.
Istiophorus AlbicansOne of the fastest fish in the ocean, Atlantic Sailfish average 7-8 feet and around 50 pounds, though we've seen them push over 100. These blue-gray beauties are famous for that massive dorsal fin and their lightning-quick runs. We find them year-round in Miami waters, typically in 30-65 feet over reefs and drop-offs, but winter months from December through March are prime time. What makes sailfish special is the fight - they'll leap, dive, and strip line like nothing else. Plus, they change colors when excited, flashing blues and blacks during the battle. Here's a local tip: when we get a sailfish up, don't rush it. Let the fish tire itself out on those first few runs, keep steady pressure, and you'll land more of them. They're catch and release only, but the photos are worth it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are thick, powerful fish that average 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds around Miami. These gray predators are unique because they move between saltwater and freshwater, often cruising shallow bays and river mouths. We target them year-round in 20-80 feet of water, but summer months bring the most consistent action. Families enjoy the steady, bulldogging fight - no jumps, just raw power that tests your tackle and patience. They're strictly catch and release, but landing a bull shark is a memory that lasts forever. The key to success is using heavy tackle with circle hooks and fresh, oily baits like bonito or mackerel. Local secret: if you can get fresh eel, that's the ultimate bull shark bait. Its high oil content drives them crazy, and the tough skin stays on the hook through multiple hits.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them locally, are aggressive predators that typically run 20-40 pounds, with some pushing 60-plus. These silver speedsters have razor-sharp teeth and hit baits hard while trolling in 40-150 feet of water. We target them year-round, but fall through spring offers the best action when they move closer to shore. Kings are popular with families because they fight strong but steady - no crazy jumps, just solid runs that get everyone excited. The meat is excellent eating when prepared fresh. Pro tip from years of guiding: always use a wire leader when targeting kings. Their teeth will slice through mono instantly, and I've seen too many good fish lost because someone tried to save a few bucks on tackle. Trust me on this one.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are hands down one of the most exciting fish to catch in Miami waters. These golden beauties average 15-30 pounds and put on a spectacular color show when hooked - flashing from blue-green to bright yellow. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and drop-offs in 100-300 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water warms up. Families love mahi because they fight hard but fair, and the meat is some of the best you'll taste - white, flaky, and mild. When we hook one, there's usually more around, so we work fast to get multiple fish. Local tip: once you boat the first mahi, leave one in the water on a light drag. They're schooling fish, and that hooked fish will often keep the school around for more shots.
Acanthocybium SolandriWahoo are the speed demons of offshore fishing, hitting trolled baits at 40-50 mph with strikes that'll snap your head back. These slender, torpedo-shaped fish average 30-50 pounds and have distinctive blue stripes along their silver sides. We find them in 100-400 feet of water around wrecks, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Late fall through early spring is best in Miami, when cooler water pushes them closer to shore. Guests love wahoo for their blistering runs and excellent eating - the meat is white, firm, and perfect for the grill. The challenge is their razor teeth that cut through regular line instantly. My go-to trick: troll fast with wire leaders and keep multiple lines out. When a wahoo hits, it's usually game over in seconds - either you hook them solid or they're gone.
Miami Beach, FL