4hr Biscayne Bay Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour charter targets inshore species in Biscayne BayAll fishing gear, licenses, and refreshments included for convenience17' Maverick skiff accommodates up to two guests comfortably
Picture this: you're casting into crystal-clear flats with Miami's iconic skyline as your backdrop, waiting for that telltale flash of silver or the subtle wake that gives away a tailing redfish. This private 4-hour Biscayne Bay charter puts you right in the heart of some of South Florida's most productive inshore waters, where the fishing is as reliable as the scenery is spectacular. With space for just two anglers, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and one you'll talk about for years.
Your captain will pick you up bright and early, and within minutes you'll be gliding across Biscayne Bay's gin-clear shallows aboard a 17-foot Maverick skiff. This isn't just any boat – Mavericks are the gold standard for sight fishing, built low and quiet to sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. The Yamaha 70hp gets you to the spots quickly but runs whisper-quiet when you're working the flats. The shallow draft means you can get into those back-country areas where the big fish feel safe, places that deeper boats simply can't reach. Everything's included – rods, reels, tackle, licenses, even ice-cold water to keep you hydrated. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading the tides, wind, and structure to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been wetting a line for decades, they'll adjust the approach to match your skill level and make sure you're having fun.
This is all about finesse fishing – using light tackle and sharp eyes to spot fish before they spot you. Your captain will pole the skiff silently through the shallows while you scan the water for movement, shadows, or nervous baitfish. When you see a fish, the real fun begins. You'll need to make accurate casts, often into tight spots near mangroves or structure, then work your lure or bait with just the right action to trigger a strike. The tackle is perfectly matched to the quarry – spinning reels loaded with 10-15 pound test, rods with enough backbone to turn a fish away from cover but light enough to feel every headshake and run. Live shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish are the go-to baits, but don't overlook artificials like DOA shrimp, spoons, and topwater plugs when the fish are aggressive. The key is staying quiet and being ready – when your captain spots a fish and gives you the direction, you need to get that bait in front of it quickly and accurately.
Permit are the holy grail of Biscayne Bay, and for good reason. These silver ghosts cruise the flats in small schools, their tall dorsal fins cutting the surface as they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Averaging 15-25 pounds with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon, permit are notorious for their wariness and explosive runs once hooked. They're most active during the cooler months from November through March, often found tailing in water so shallow their backs are exposed. What makes them special isn't just their fight – it's their intelligence. They'll inspect your bait like a jeweler examining a diamond, and one wrong move sends them racing for deep water. Landing a permit is a badge of honor that separates casual anglers from serious flats fishermen.
Peacock bass bring a different kind of excitement to Biscayne Bay's freshwater canals and residential areas. These stunning fish, with their vibrant colors and aggressive attitude, average 2-5 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Originally from South America, they've thrived in South Florida's warm waters and provide year-round action, though they're most active during the warmer months from April through October. Peacocks are ambush predators that love structure – docks, seawalls, overhanging trees, anywhere they can hide and attack unsuspecting prey. They're suckers for topwater lures, and watching a peacock bass explode on a surface plug is pure adrenaline. What anglers love most is their predictability – find the right structure and technique, and you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot.
Cobia are the bulldogs of Biscayne Bay, averaging 20-40 pounds with fish over 50 pounds caught regularly. These brown torpedoes are curious by nature, often approaching the boat to investigate, which makes for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Spring and early summer are prime time, particularly from March through June when they're moving through the bay in good numbers. Cobia are structure-oriented, hanging around channel markers, bridges, and wrecks, but they also cruise the flats hunting for crabs and rays. They're surprisingly good eating despite their appearance, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling. The fight is all about power – long, sustained runs that test your drag and endurance.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, silver torpedoes that can appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. Averaging 3-6 pounds in Biscayne Bay, they make up for their size with speed and wariness that challenges even experienced anglers. Winter months from December through April offer the most consistent action, when cooler water temperatures concentrate fish on the deeper edges of flats. Bonefish are grazers, tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs, shrimp, and worms in the sand. The telltale mud puffs and nervous water give away their location, but getting close enough for a shot requires skill and patience. Once hooked, they make blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. Many anglers consider bonefish the perfect game fish – challenging to catch, beautiful to behold, and built for speed.
Jump aboard this clean 17' Maverick skiff and hit the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay for some serious inshore action. Powered by a dependable Yamaha 70hp engine, this shallow-draft boat gets you into those tight spots where the snook and seatrout like to hang out. The open deck gives you and your fishing buddy plenty of room to cast without bumping elbows, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water. GPS and fish finder help locate the hot spots, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Perfect for sight-casting to cruising tarpon or working the mangrove edges for snapper. Everything's included - rods, tackle, licenses, ice, and water - so just bring your appetite for catching fish in some of Miami's best backcountry waters.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "gray ghosts" of the flats - silvery, torpedo-shaped fish that average 3-8 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. These spooky fish cruise grass flats and sandy areas in 6 inches to 3 feet of water, using their cone-shaped snouts to root out crabs and shrimp. Rising tides bring the best action as they move onto the flats to feed. You'll spot them "tailing" - fins sticking up as they dig in the bottom. What's special about them? The run - once hooked, they'll scream 100+ yards in seconds. They're catch-and-release only since they're too bony to eat well. The challenge is what hooks people - they spook easily and demand perfect presentations. My advice: when you see tailers, cast beyond the group and work your shrimp or crab pattern slowly toward the edges, never right into the middle.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are bruisers that look like sharks at first glance - dark brown, torpedo-shaped fish that average 30-50 pounds but can hit 100+. They're loners, rarely schooling, and cruise around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 15-50 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time when they're moving north and feeding heavily. What makes them exciting? Pure power - they'll drag you around the boat and never give up. Plus they're excellent eating with firm, white meat that tastes like shark. You'll often spot them just under the surface, making for great sight fishing opportunities. Bucktail jigs work best, but color doesn't matter much - just get it in front of their face. Pro tip: when you see one cobia, slow down and look around - there's often another one nearby.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are the classic gamefish - olive-green with dark stripes and that huge mouth that opens past their eyes. Most run 2-5 pounds around Miami's freshwater spots, hiding in thick cover like downed trees, grass beds, and dock pilings. They're aggressive predators that hit everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Year-round fishing here, but spring and fall are peak times when they're most active. What guests love? They fight hard with explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Plus they're good eating if you keep a few. These fish aren't spooky - they'll hit lures repeatedly and aren't afraid of boat noise. They love red-colored baits for some reason. My go-to technique: work a Texas-rigged worm slowly through heavy cover. Don't be afraid to fish thick - that's where the big ones hide.
Cichla OcellarisThese colorful freshwater fighters aren't true bass but they sure act like it. Peacock bass run 12-16 inches on average and are pure aggression with their bright yellows, greens, and that distinctive black eyespot on the tail. You'll find them in Miami's canal systems and freshwater areas, especially around structure like bridges, downed trees, and rocky banks. They love warm water and hunt actively during daylight hours. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're most aggressive. What guests love? These fish hit hard and fight dirty - no subtle bites here. They're also beautiful and make great photos. Unlike largemouth bass, they won't touch plastic worms, so stick with topwater plugs, spoons, or live shiners. Here's the key: cast near shaded structure and retrieve fast - peacocks chase down their prey.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silver, disc-shaped fish averaging 20-40 pounds are incredibly smart and spooky. You'll find them cruising shallow grass flats and sandy areas, often in just 2-4 feet of water despite their tall profile. Their golf ball-sized eyes rotate almost 360 degrees, making them tough to fool. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're spawning and more active. What makes them special? They're pure adrenaline - once hooked, they'll peel line like nothing else and test every knot. Most anglers release them since they're not great table fare. My tip: use fresh blue crab on a light jig head and make your presentation well ahead of cruising fish - they spook at the slightest disturbance but it's worth the challenge.
Homestead, FL