Biscayne Bay Full-Day Fishing for Tarpon & More
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday charter targets tarpon, snook, redfish, and bonefishProfessional Maverick flats boat with expert guide includedAll tackle, bait, and water provided for two guests
If you're serious about inshore fishing in South Florida, this full-day charter on Biscayne Bay is where you want to be. We're talking about one of the most productive flats systems in the world, packed with tarpon, snook, redfish, and plenty of other species that'll keep your rod bent all day. You'll launch from either Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront depending on conditions, and we'll put you on a top-rated Maverick flats boat that can get into skinny water where the big fish hang out. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip – it's a full day of serious fishing with everything included except your fishing license.
Your day starts early with a launch from one of two prime locations. Crandon Park gives us quick access to the northern flats and the famous tarpon spots around Stiltsville, while Homestead Bayfront puts us closer to the southern reaches where the water gets super clear and the bonefish get spooky. The Maverick flats boat is built for this kind of fishing – it drafts less than a foot of water and runs whisper quiet, so we can sneak up on tailing redfish and cruising tarpon without spooking them. Your captain will have all the bait and tackle sorted, plus plenty of water to keep you hydrated under the Florida sun. With just two anglers on board, you'll get personal attention and plenty of shots at quality fish. The boat's equipped with a casting platform up front, so whoever's up gets a clear shot without tangling lines.
We fish multiple techniques depending on what we're targeting and what the conditions give us. For tarpon, we'll set up with live pilchards or crabs on circle hooks, either free-lining them or fishing them under floats near structure. When we're sight-fishing for them, it's all about the approach – getting close enough for a good presentation without bumping the fish. Snook fishing changes throughout the day, from working the mangrove edges with live shrimp in the morning to throwing artificials around docks and bridges later on. Redfish are a blast on light tackle, especially when we find them tailing in the shallows. We'll use spinning gear with 15-20 pound braid for most situations, stepping up to heavier tackle when the big tarpon show up. The boat carries a full selection of live baits plus plenty of artificials – soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs that work great when the fish are aggressive.
Tarpon are the kings of Biscayne Bay, and for good reason. These silver giants can push 150 pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, when massive schools move through the bay feeding on baitfish. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's the way they fight. They'll jump, they'll run, and they'll test your patience for 30 minutes or more. The bay holds fish year-round, but the big migratory schools are what everyone talks about.
Snook are probably the most popular inshore species we target, and Biscayne Bay has some of the best snook fishing in Florida. These ambush predators love structure – docks, mangroves, bridges, anywhere they can hide and wait for bait to swim by. They're extremely temperature sensitive, so the fishing changes dramatically with the seasons. Summer and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily and fighting hard. A good bay snook will go 28-32 inches and provide an awesome fight on medium tackle. They're also one of the best eating fish in these waters.
Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of flats fishing. Biscayne Bay's reds typically run 18-27 inches, perfect slot-sized fish that are legal to keep and great on the table. What makes redfish fishing so exciting is the visual element – you'll often see them tailing in shallow water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months are outstanding when they school up in big numbers. These fish are strong, they don't give up easy, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and Biscayne Bay has some of the most accessible bonefishing in the Keys. These fish are incredibly spooky and require precise casting and stealthy approaches. They average 3-6 pounds in the bay, and while that might not sound huge, they're pound-for-pound one of the strongest fish you'll ever hook. Bonefish are most cooperative during moving tides when they're actively feeding on the flats. The challenge and the fight make them a favorite among serious anglers.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and while they're not as common as the other species, Biscayne Bay does hold some quality fish. These disc-shaped fighters are notoriously difficult to hook, often refusing perfectly presented baits for no apparent reason. When you do connect with one, they'll make screaming runs that'll have your drag smoking. Permit fishing requires patience and skill, but landing one is an achievement that'll have you talking for years.
This full-day charter gives you the best shot at multiple species in one of Florida's most productive inshore fisheries. With everything included except your license, professional guidance, and a boat that can access water other charters can't reach, it's the kind of trip that creates lasting memories. The two-angler limit means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. Biscayne Bay fishing is good year-round, but booking in advance ensures you get your preferred dates and the
Your ride for this full-day Biscayne Bay adventure is a 2020 Maverick HPXV Carbon Edition flats boat – a 17-footer built specifically for prowling shallow waters where the big fish hang out. The Yamaha 70HP gets you moving at a smooth 40 mph cruise, perfect for covering water between spots as you chase tarpon, snook, and reds around the flats. This boat's shallow-water design lets you slip into those skinny areas where most boats can't go, giving you access to prime fishing real estate. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of casting space and personalized attention from your guide. The stable platform keeps you steady when that tarpon starts jumping or a hefty snook makes its run toward the mangroves. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Florida hours on the water, while GPS navigation helps locate productive spots across the bay. VHF radio ensures safe communication throughout your day. Whether you're launching from Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront, this Maverick is your ticket to some of South Florida's best inshore action.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "grey ghosts" of the flats - these silvery torpedoes average 4-8 pounds but pack surprising power. They cruise grass flats and sandy areas in just 6 inches to 3 feet of water, using their cone-shaped snouts to root out crabs and shrimp. Fishing is good year-round, but cooler months often concentrate them on warmer, shallow flats. What makes bones special is their speed - they'll rip 100 yards of line off your reel in seconds. Plus, they're incredibly spooky with amazing eyesight. Most folks release them since they're full of small bones. Live shrimp, small crabs, and bone jigs work well. Key tip: look for "tailing" fish with their tails sticking up while feeding, then cast 10 feet ahead and strip your bait slowly past their nose.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silver, disc-shaped fish are notoriously difficult to fool. Most run 15-25 pounds with that distinctive tall profile and deeply forked tail. You'll spot them on sandy flats and grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, often cruising in small groups. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, especially around spawning season April-October. What draws anglers is the challenge - permit have incredible eyesight and spook easily. When hooked, they make blistering runs that'll test your tackle. Live blue crabs are the gold standard bait, though crab imitations work too. My advice: approach them like you're hunting - move slowly, cast well ahead of their path, and be ready to wait. Most permit are caught by patient anglers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. Most fish we catch run 20-35 inches and fight like bulldogs with that signature head-shaking run. Look for them on grass flats, oyster bars, and around mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They bite year-round here, but fall and winter months are prime time. That black spot near their tail isn't just for show - it confuses predators. They eat almost anything: shrimp, crabs, cut bait, and artificials. These fish have excellent table quality with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see them "tailing" in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle to the bottom.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Biscayne Bay. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line usually run 18-30 inches, though we see some real slabs pushing 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water - anywhere from 2-8 feet deep. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps stay above 70 degrees. Snook hit hard and make powerful runs, plus they're fantastic eating with white, flaky meat. They're ambush predators, so live shrimp or pinfish work great. My tip: cast your bait just past the structure and let it drift naturally into the strike zone - snook like an easy meal that looks natural.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our flats - these silver giants typically run 80-150 pounds in our waters, though we hook monsters over 200. You'll find them rolling in channels, around bridges, and cruising shallow flats in 3-15 feet of water. Peak season runs May through September when they migrate through for spawning. What makes tarpon special is their fight - they'll jump 8 feet out of the water and can peel 200 yards of line in seconds. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're bony and not great eating. Live crabs, pinfish, and mullet work best. Here's the key: when you see one jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip - it prevents the line from breaking on their gill plates when they crash back down.
Miami, FL, United States