Premium Half Day Inshore Fishing Adventures in North Miami
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour guided fishing trip targeting grouper and tuna offshoreExpert captains provide equipment and guidance for all skill levelsSixperson maximum capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Get ready to hit some of the most productive inshore waters on the East Coast. This 4-hour guided fishing trip out of North Miami puts you right in the sweet spot where the Gulf Stream edges close to shore, bringing big pelagics and hungry bottom fish within easy reach. Our experienced captains know these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod. With top-shelf tackle and a boat that can handle up to 6 anglers, this is your chance to tangle with some serious Miami fish without burning a whole day on the water.
We'll meet you at the dock bright and early, and after a quick safety briefing and gear check, we're off to where the fish are biting. North Miami's unique position gives us access to both reef structure and blue water, so your captain will read the conditions and target whatever's most active that day. The first hour usually involves running to the spots while rigging up – this is when you'll get the lowdown on techniques and what we're expecting to find. Don't worry about bringing tackle; we've got everything from light spinning gear for the smaller stuff to heavy conventional rigs that can handle whatever wants to play. The boat's equipped with a full spread of outriggers, downriggers, and all the electronics you need to locate fish and structure. Expect a mix of trolling, bottom fishing, and maybe some live bait fishing if the conditions are right.
This trip runs the gamut from high-speed trolling for pelagics to slow-pitch jigging over structure. When we're targeting the bigger tuna and mahi, we'll pull a spread of lures at 6-8 knots, watching the fish finder and looking for temperature breaks where the fish stack up. For grouper and amberjack, we'll anchor up over ledges and wrecks, dropping live pinfish or cut bait right to the bottom. The tackle varies depending on what we're after – 20-30 pound spinning gear for the mahi and smaller tuna, stepping up to 50-80 pound conventional gear when we're hunting grouper and big amberjack in the rocks. Circle hooks are the rule here, both for conservation and because they hook fish better in the corner of the mouth. Our captains will show you the right jigging cadence for amberjack and how to work a trolling rod when a fish hits the spread. If you've got your own lucky lures or favorite rods, feel free to bring them along.
Blackfin Tuna are the bread and butter of Miami inshore fishing, and for good reason. These 10-20 pound speedsters hit trolled lures like freight trains and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They school up over reefs and wrecks year-round, but peak season runs from fall through spring when cooler water brings them closer to shore. What makes blackfin special is their willingness to bite – they're aggressive feeders that'll chase down a well-presented lure even in broad daylight. Plus, they're fantastic table fare if you're looking to take some fish home.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphinfish as the locals call them, are pure excitement on a fishing rod. These brilliant green and gold fighters are acrobats that'll jump, dive, and make long runs once hooked. Most of the mahi we catch here run 5-15 pounds, perfect for light tackle fishing. They love floating debris and weedlines, so we'll cruise the edges looking for birds and debris piles where these fish concentrate. Spring and summer are prime time, but North Miami's proximity to the Gulf Stream means you can find them almost any time of year. The key is finding the right water temperature – mahi want that 72-78 degree sweet spot.
Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef. These powerful fish can push 40-60 pounds and will try to drag your bait straight back into the rocks where they live. They're ambush predators that hang around wrecks and ledges, waiting to crush anything that looks like an easy meal. The fight is all about leverage – they'll use their broad sides and that classic amberjack death spiral to try and break you off. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, and they're suckers for live bait dropped right on top of structure. Landing a big AJ is a rite of passage for any serious angler.
Bull Shark encounters add some serious adrenaline to any fishing trip. These apex predators patrol the reefs and can show up when you're fighting other fish, looking for an easy meal. They're incredibly strong and built like torpedoes, capable of making runs that'll spool you if you're not careful. While we're not specifically targeting bulls, they're always a possibility when fishing these waters. If one shows up, you'll know it – nothing fights quite like a bull shark in shallow water.
Black Grouper are the prize catch for many anglers, and North Miami's reef system holds some real quality fish. These deep-bodied bottom dwellers can reach impressive sizes and are known for their powerful runs straight back to the rocks. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, so you need to get your bait right in their neighborhood. The challenge is pulling them away from their rocky homes before they can cut you off. Winter months are typically best, when cooler water brings them up to shallower reefs where we can reach them.
North Miami fishing delivers year-round action with some of the most diverse fishing on the East Coast. This half-day trip gives you a taste of everything these waters have to offer without committing to a full-day adventure. Our captains live and breathe these waters, and they'll make sure you're on fish whether it's your first time or your fiftieth. With gear, b
Step aboard this brand new 2023 Pathfinder 27' center console, your floating base camp for chasing grouper, tuna, and whatever else is biting in North Miami's productive waters. With room for up to 6 anglers, this boat packs serious fishing features into a comfortable package. The 425HP Yamaha gets you to the hot spots quickly, while the fish finder helps locate those deep-water structures where the big fish hang out. When you need to work a spot quietly, the wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned perfectly without spooking the fish. GPS and radar keep you on course and safe, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Between the multimedia system for tunes and the onboard head for convenience, you'll have everything needed for a productive half-day on the water targeting Miami's best gamefish.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reefs - chunky, powerful fish that live around hard structure from 60-200 feet deep. Most catch runs 10-25 pounds, but 40+ pound giants lurk around our deeper wrecks and ledges. They're year-round targets, with cooler months bringing them shallower where they're easier to reach. What makes them special? They're ambush predators with crushing power once hooked, plus the meat is outstanding - firm, mild fillets that are tough to beat. They'll inhale anything you put down there - live bait, dead bait, jigs - but the fight happens fast. Here's the deal with grouper: when you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them a second to think or they'll dive straight back into the rocks and snap you off. Heavy drag, 80lb braid, and 100lb leaders are minimum. Once you get them up from the bottom, the fight's usually over.
Thunnus AtlanticusBlackfin tuna are the smallest in the tuna family but pack serious punch. These beauties typically run 15-25 pounds with that classic tuna speed and stamina. You'll find them in the warmer offshore waters here in Miami, usually in schools around 100-200 feet deep. They love structure like wrecks and drop-offs. Best action happens fall through spring when water temps stay above 68°F. What makes them special? They fight way above their weight class and taste amazing - firm, mild flesh that's perfect grilled or seared. The meat quality rivals much larger tunas. Pro tip: scale down your tackle when targeting blackfins. They're spooky with sharp eyesight, so use 30lb fluorocarbon leaders and 5/0 circle hooks. Live pilchards work great for chum, and once you get them fired up, vertical jigs will get bit fast. These fish are pure fun on lighter gear.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the ultimate thrill for anglers looking for serious power. These stocky, aggressive predators average 6-8 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. You'll find them year-round in Miami's coastal waters, from shallow flats to 100+ feet deep, especially around inlets and channels. Summer brings the best action when they're most active. What gets people excited? The raw power - nothing pulls like a big bull shark. They're built like tanks with that blunt nose and thick body. Their unique ability to handle fresh and saltwater means they roam everywhere. We target them with heavy tackle and big baits - whole fish, cut mackerel, or fresh eel work best. Pro tip from years of guiding: fresh eel is absolute gold for bull sharks. Its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible, and it stays on the hook through their powerful runs. Always use circle hooks and wire leaders.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of our reefs - thick, powerful fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. Most run 20-50 pounds, but 60+ pounders show up regularly around our local wrecks and hard bottom from 80-200 feet. They're year-round residents, but spring and fall produce the best action when they're most active. What makes them special? Pure brute strength. These fish will drag you straight down to the structure, and that first run is something else. The amber stripe along their sides is unmistakable. They're also excellent eating - firm, meaty fillets with a clean flavor. We target them with heavy tackle - 50lb gear minimum - using live bait like blue runners or large jigs. Key tip: once you hook an amberjack, don't let up on the drag. Keep steady pressure and pump them up fast, or they'll wrap you around the wreck and break you off every time.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi mahi are hands-down one of the most exciting fish to catch in Miami waters. These bright golden beauties average 15-30 pounds but can push 40+ pounds. They're surface dwellers that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks from 100-1000 feet deep. Peak season runs April through August when they're most abundant offshore. What guests love most? The spectacular color show - they flash brilliant gold, green, and blue when hooked, changing colors like a light display. Plus they jump, run, and fight hard. The meat is fantastic too - firm white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for any recipe. Best technique is trolling ballyhoo or small lures near floating structure. Here's a local secret: when you hook one, leave it in the water and cast to the school - mahi often travel in groups and seeing a hooked fish keeps them around.
Miami, FL