Half-Day PM Inshore Charter: Biscayne Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore charter targeting tarpon, snook, and redfishMaverick flats boat accommodates two guests with gear includedDeparts from Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront locations
Looking for some serious action on the flats? This afternoon inshore charter puts you right in the heart of Biscayne Bay's best fishing grounds, where tarpon roll, snook ambush baitfish, and redfish cruise the shallows like ghosts. We're talking about a half-day trip that packs more punch than most full-day charters – and there's a good reason for that. The PM bite in South Florida is legendary, especially when the afternoon shadows start stretching across the water and these fish turn on like someone flipped a switch.
Your captain will pick you up at either Crandon Park or Homestead Bayfront, depending on where the fish are showing up that day. That's the beauty of having a local guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand – we're not locked into one spot just because it's convenient. The Maverick flats boat is built for this kind of fishing, drawing just inches of water so we can get you into those skinny spots where the big boys like to hang out. You'll have everything you need onboard: fresh bait, quality tackle that won't let you down when a 100-pound tarpon decides to go airborne, and plenty of cold water to keep you hydrated while you're battling fish in the South Florida heat. This is a two-angler maximum trip, which means you're not fighting for rod time or waiting around while someone else lands their fish of a lifetime.
We fish two ways out here, and both are absolutely deadly when done right. First up is sight fishing – this is where things get your heart pumping. We'll pole through the shallows, scanning for fish cruising the flats or laid up in pockets. When you spot a redfish tailing or see that silver flash of a snook under a mangrove overhang, you've got seconds to make the perfect cast. It's like hunting with a fly rod or spinning gear, and the adrenaline rush never gets old. The other approach is working structure with live bait. We're talking about channel edges, dock pilings, and oyster bars where these fish set up ambush points. A well-placed pilchard or shrimp in the right current can trigger explosive strikes from fish you never even knew were there. Your guide will read the water and switch tactics based on conditions – tides, wind, water clarity, and what the fish are telling us that particular afternoon.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish, and Biscayne Bay holds some absolute giants. These fish are ambush predators with attitudes – they'll slam a bait so hard it'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands, then immediately head for the nearest structure to cut you off. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, but the afternoon bite can be hot year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook special is their fighting style: explosive initial runs, gill-rattling jumps, and a stubborn refusal to give up even when they're boat-side. Plus, they're gorgeous fish with that distinctive black lateral line and prehistoric look that photographs beautifully.
Tarpon fishing in Biscayne Bay is world-class, period. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound range all the way up to mature adults pushing 150 pounds or more. Summer months bring the big migrations, but resident fish provide action throughout the year. When a tarpon eats your bait, you'll know it instantly – the water explodes, your drag screams, and suddenly there's a fish the size of a canoe launching itself six feet in the air. They're called the silver king for good reason: they fight like royalty and test every piece of your tackle. Landing a tarpon is something you'll remember forever, but honestly, just watching one jump is worth the price of admission.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Florida inshore fishing, and they never disappoint. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallows in schools, especially during fall and winter months when they're fattening up for spawning season. What's awesome about reds is their reliability – when other species are finicky, you can usually count on finding cooperative redfish somewhere in the bay. They're strong, steady fighters that make long runs and use their broad sides to leverage against you. The sight of a school of slot-sized reds moving across a flat in two feet of water is something that gets veteran anglers fired up every single time.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing – spooky, smart, and absolutely beautiful. These disc-shaped fish are notorious for their ability to appear out of nowhere, inspect your bait like they're conducting a scientific study, then vanish just as quickly. They're most active during warmer months and are often found around structure or cruising sandy flats. Permit have a reputation for being difficult, and that reputation is well-earned. But when everything comes together and you connect with one, it's pure magic. They fight with surprising power for their size and have this unique ability to use their body shape to create maximum resistance.
Bonefish might be the most challenging species on this list, but they're also incredibly rewarding to catch. These "gray ghosts" are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy bottoms until they move. Bonefish are primarily a winter and spring target in South Florida, when cooler water temperatures bring them into the shallows. They're incredibly spooky – one wrong move and an entire school will bolt for deep water. But their speed is legendary among anglers. When you hook a bonefish, it's like connecting to a torpedo. They make blistering runs that can take you well into your backing before you even realize what happened.
This afternoon charter hits the sweet spot for South Florida inshore fishing. You're getting peak
Your fishing platform for this afternoon charter is a 2020 Maverick HPXV Carbon Edition flats boat, perfectly suited for stalking tarpon, snook, and reds in Biscayne Bay's shallow waters. This 17-footer runs on a reliable Yamaha 70HP that'll cruise at 40 mph, getting you to the productive flats and backcountry spots quickly. The shallow-draft hull lets us slip into skinny water where the fish live, while the stable casting platform gives you solid footing when that tarpon rolls or a snook ambushes your livewell bait. Onboard GPS keeps us on the fish, VHF radio ensures safe communication, and the icebox handles your drinks and any keeper fish. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work lures around mangrove edges and grass flats without bumping elbows.
Albula VulpesBonefish are called "grey ghosts" for good reason - these silvery, torpedo-shaped fish blend perfectly with sandy flats and spook at the slightest disturbance. Most run 3-8 pounds and 16-24 inches, but they're incredibly fast and strong for their size. They hunt shallow grass flats and sandy areas during incoming tides, often in water so thin you can see their backs and tails. Year-round fishing is good here, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent opportunities. What makes bonefish addictive is the sight-fishing aspect and that first screaming run - they can peel off 100+ yards of line in seconds. They're mostly catch-and-release due to all the small bones, but the sport is unmatched. Watch for "tailing" fish feeding head-down in the shallows, and approach quietly with accurate casts well ahead of moving fish.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these tall, silver ghosts with deeply forked tails are notoriously difficult to hook. Most run 15-25 pounds and have incredible eyesight that can spot you from way off. They cruise sandy flats and turtle grass beds in 2-6 feet of water, often in small groups. Spring through fall offers the best shots, particularly during spawning season from April to October. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're extremely selective feeders and will test every bit of your skill. When you do hook one, they make blistering runs that can empty your reel in seconds. Most anglers target them for sport since they're tough fighters, though they are edible. The key is presentation - use small crabs or crab imitations, make long, soft casts ahead of cruising fish, and be ready to wait. Patience is everything with permit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for our shallow water fishing in Biscayne Bay. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots near their tails usually run 20-32 inches and put up a solid fight. You'll find them cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow edges in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They bite year-round here in South Florida, but cooler months often produce the most consistent action. Guests love redfish because they're aggressive feeders, great fighters, and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're also forgiving for newer anglers since they're not as spooky as some species. Pro tip: watch for nervous water or wakes on the flats - that's often redfish pushing through shallow areas where you can sight-cast to them.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most popular targets here in Biscayne Bay. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches, though we see some real bruisers pushing 40+ inches. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water - perfect for our flats boat setup. Best fishing is during moving tides, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their aggressive strike and that initial run when hooked - they'll jump and fight hard. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: when casting to structure, get your bait right up against the cover. Snook are ambush predators and won't chase a lure very far, so accuracy beats distance every time.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of these waters - massive, acrobatic fish that can reach 6+ feet and 150+ pounds, though most we hook are in the 50-80 pound range. They patrol deeper channels and flats in Biscayne Bay, often rolling on the surface as they gulp air. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially during the warmer months when they're most active. What guests love about tarpon is the raw power and aerial show - when one jumps, it's a sight you'll never forget. They're purely catch-and-release due to the bony meat, but the fight is what you're after anyway. My advice: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give slack and prevent the line from breaking on those gill-rattling jumps.
Miami, FL, United States