Miami Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target sailfish, marlin, and mahi mahi offshore Miami watersCaptain Sig provides expert guidance for all skill levelsSix-person capacity ensures personalized deep sea fishing experience
When you're ready to get serious about offshore fishing, Captain Sig and Hot Shot Charters will put you on the fish. We're talking real Miami deep sea fishing here – not some touristy harbor cruise, but the kind of charter that gets you out to the blue water where the big boys live. With room for up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to battle some of South Florida's most sought-after species while learning from a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Captain Sig runs a tight ship, and that's exactly what you want when you're heading offshore in Miami. We're talking early morning departures to beat the heat and hit the prime feeding times when sailfish are tailing and mahi are crashing baits. The boat is rigged and ready with quality tackle, fresh bait, and everything you need to handle whatever decides to eat your hook. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Sig adjusts the program to match your crew's experience level. Don't expect to sit around – when we're on the fish, everyone's hands are full. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore here in Miami, which means we can reach productive waters without burning half the day getting there. You'll be fishing in 400-1000 feet of water where the current breaks and the food chain gets interesting.
We fish the way it's supposed to be done out here – trolling spread with a mix of ballyhoo, bonito strips, and artificial lures that have proven themselves in these waters. Captain Sig runs his lines at different depths and speeds to cover the water column effectively. When we mark bait or structure on the fish finder, we'll switch tactics and drop live bait or jigs to target specific species holding deeper. The tackle is matched to what we're after – lighter spinning gear for mahi and cobia, heavier conventional setups when we're hunting swords or big sharks. You'll learn proper fighting techniques, how to work a fish to the boat, and the difference between keeping steady pressure and knowing when to give line. Wire leaders, circle hooks, and proper release techniques are standard practice. We fish barbless hooks when targeting billfish to ensure healthy releases of these incredible gamefish.
Mahi mahi are the bread and butter of Miami offshore fishing, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive, acrobatic, and absolutely beautiful when they light up in neon green and gold. They travel in schools, so when you hook one, there are usually more around. Mahi feed heavily on flying fish and squid, making them suckers for a well-presented ballyhoo or diving plug. Peak season runs from April through July, but you'll find scattered fish year-round. They fight hard with lots of jumps and runs, and they're fantastic on the dinner table.
Wahoo are the speed demons of the deep, capable of hitting 60 mph when they want to. These fish have razor-sharp teeth and a mouth full of attitude. They'll absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run, sometimes peeling off 200 yards before you know what hit you. Wahoo prefer the cleaner blue water and are often caught while trolling for other species. Fall and winter months tend to produce the biggest fish, with 40-60 pounders not uncommon. Their white, flaky meat is considered some of the best eating in the ocean.
Crevalle jack might not win any beauty contests, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These fish are pure muscle and stubbornness wrapped in scales. They're ambush predators that cruise weed lines and structure looking for an easy meal. Jack crevalle will eat just about anything you throw at them and fight like they're three times their actual size. They're year-round residents in South Florida waters and provide reliable action when other species are being finicky.
Cobia are the gentle giants that cruise the surface like brown submarines. These fish are curious by nature and will often approach the boat for a closer look. They're structure-oriented, following rays, sharks, and floating debris. Cobia respond well to live bait and large jigs, and they're famous for their stubborn, bulldog-style fights. Spring migration from March through May brings the biggest fish through Miami waters, with 40-50 pounders showing up each season.
Swordfish are the ultimate trophy for serious offshore anglers. These prehistoric predators feed primarily at night or during deep daytime drops in 800+ feet of water. Swordfishing requires patience, heavy tackle, and specialized techniques, but hooking one is an experience you'll never forget. They're incredibly strong and can grow well over 100 pounds. The swordfish bite has really taken off in Miami over the past few years, with more captains targeting them specifically during the warmer months.
Bottom line – if you want to fish Miami's offshore waters the right way, Captain Sig and Hot Shot Charters will get you there. We're not promising you'll catch a world record, but we are promising you'll fish hard, learn something new, and have stories to tell when you get back to the dock. The boat holds 6 anglers comfortably, so grab your crew and let's see what's biting out there. Miami's deep sea fishing is world-class, and there's no better way to experience it than with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Book your charter and find out why anglers keep coming back to fish with Hot Shot Charters.
Get ready to chase trophy fish aboard the Custom Ricky Scarborough, a battle-tested 43-foot offshore sport fishing machine that's been prowling Miami's deep waters since 1995. This beast packs an 800HP MAN engine that'll cruise at 25 knots, getting you to the hotspots where sailfish, marlin, and mahi mahi are waiting. With room for six anglers, she's loaded with everything serious fishermen need – fish finder to locate the action, GPS and radar for navigation, VHF radio for safety, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Captain Sig knows these waters like the back of his hand, putting you on grouper, wahoo, swordfish, and whatever else is biting in the Gulf Stream. The boat even has a head onboard for those long days chasing pelagics in the blue water off Miami's coast.
Rachycentron CanadumThese brown sharks look-alikes are sight fishing at its finest. Averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing 100+, they cruise alone or in small groups around structure. Find them near reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-300 feet, often just under the surface. Spring migration (March-May) and summer months are peak, especially during spawning season. What draws people in? The sight fishing challenge and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that rivals the best. My go-to approach: sight cast bucktail jigs when you spot one cruising. They're curious fish, so a well-placed jig will usually get their attention. Just don't rush the cast when you see one.
Caranx HipposThe bulldogs of the flats that'll give you an arm workout. These brassy fighters run 3-5 pounds average but can hit 60 pounds when you find the big ones around structure. Look for them in 20-80 feet near reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs, plus they'll push into shallow grass flats chasing bait. Year-round fishing here with spring and fall being prime time. Why chase them? Pure fight - pound for pound, few fish pull harder. Plus they're great fun on lighter tackle. Watch for diving birds to find feeding schools, then cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast. They love the chase and aggressive movement.
Coryphaena HippurusThese golden beauties are what offshore dreams are made of. Running 15-29 pounds on average with that stunning color show when they hit the boat - bright blues and greens that fade fast once out of water. We find them around floating debris, weedlines, and current breaks in 100-600 feet. Peak season here runs March through November when water temps stay warm. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing with that firm white meat, and put on a real aerial show when hooked. The key is making your ballyhoo skip on the surface - these fish love chasing flying fish, so that skipping action triggers aggressive strikes every time.
Xiphias GladiusThe ultimate deep water trophy that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. These giants average 9 feet and 400 pounds, living in 800-1500 feet of water. We target them year-round here in South Florida, but peak action runs April through September. Night fishing is prime since they rise to feed after dark around 300 feet deep. What makes swordfish special? The sheer size, the technical challenge, and bragging rights that come with landing one. Use bright LED lights and fresh squid on heavy tackle. The secret most don't know: drop your bait about 50 feet above where your electronics mark the thermocline. That's where they cruise hunting.
Acanthocybium SolandriPure speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver missiles with blue stripes average 3-5 feet but can push 8 feet and 60+ mph when they take off. We target them in open water from 30-200 feet, especially around drop-offs and current edges. Best fishing runs July through November when they're thick. What hooks people? That blistering initial run and the premium table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. Here's the insider trick: run your lures fast at 12-15 knots with wire leaders. Their razor teeth will cut through anything else. When one hits, hang on tight because that first run will remind you why they call it "ono" - Hawaiian for delicious.
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