6hr Biscayne Bay Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesAccommodates up to two guests on shallowwater Maverick skiffAll gear, licenses, ice and water included in package
Six solid hours on Biscayne Bay puts you in prime position to hook into some of Miami's best inshore species. This isn't your typical half-day rush job — you'll have real time to work the flats, hit multiple spots, and dial in on what's biting. Lifeline Charters runs this trip from a nimble 17' Maverick skiff that can slip into skinny water where the big fish hide. With just two anglers max, you get personal attention and plenty of elbow room to fish your way. All your gear, licenses, ice, and water are handled, so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Biscayne Bay is a world-class inshore fishery that stretches from downtown Miami south to the Keys. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand — every channel, every flat, every structure that holds fish. The 17' Maverick is the perfect platform for this kind of fishing. That Yamaha 70hp gets you there fast, but more importantly, the shallow draft lets you access grass flats and backcountry spots that bigger boats can't reach. You'll spend your six hours moving between productive areas, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling you. Some days you'll sight-cast to cruising fish in crystal clear shallows. Other days you'll work deeper channels and structure. The beauty of a longer trip is having time to adapt and find the bite.
Inshore fishing in Biscayne Bay calls for finesse and local knowledge. You'll use light tackle — spinning reels spooled with 10-20 lb test that lets you feel every bump and tap. Live bait is king here: pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish that get presented around mangrove shorelines, grass edges, and rocky structure. Artificial lures have their place too — soft plastics bounced along the bottom, topwater plugs worked over shallow flats at first light, and suspending baits that mimic injured baitfish. The key is reading the water and matching your presentation to conditions. Your captain will position the boat to work with wind and tide, keeping you in the strike zone longer. Six hours gives you time to master different techniques and really understand how these fish behave in their home waters.
Permit are the holy grail of Biscayne Bay flats fishing. These disc-shaped fighters cruise shallow waters looking for crabs and small fish, often with their distinctive black-tipped dorsal fins cutting the surface. They're notoriously spooky and selective, which makes landing one such a rush. Peak season runs from March through October when water temperatures climb and permit move onto the flats to feed. A 15-20 pound permit will test your drag and your patience — they make blistering runs toward deep water and use their flat profile to bulldoze against the current.
Peacock Bass might seem out of place in saltwater talk, but Miami's freshwater canals hold some of the best peacock fishing outside of South America. These colorful predators hit hard and fight harder, with males displaying brilliant orange and gold colors during spawning season. Winter months from December through March offer the most consistent action as peacocks school up in deeper holes. They're structure-oriented fish that love to ambush prey around docks, fallen trees, and canal intersections. A 3-4 pound peacock will bend your rod double and put on an acrobatic show.
Cobia are the wanderers of Biscayne Bay, often found cruising in small groups or following rays and sharks looking for stirred-up prey. Spring migration from March through May brings the biggest fish — 20 to 40 pounders that will stretch your tackle to its limits. They're curious fish that often approach the boat for a closer look, giving skilled anglers a sight-fishing opportunity. Cobia are excellent table fare and strong fighters that make long runs toward structure when hooked.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats — silver torpedoes that materialize out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly. Biscayne Bay's grass flats and sandy banks provide perfect bonefish habitat year-round, with peak fishing during warmer months when fish move shallow to feed. They average 2-6 pounds but punch well above their weight class, making screaming runs that strip line off reels in seconds. Spotting bones requires patience and polarized sunglasses — you're looking for shadows, nervous water, or the glint of silver in the turtle grass.
Largemouth Bass round out the freshwater opportunities in Miami's canal system. These green machines lurk around vegetation, docks, and structure throughout the canal network that feeds into Biscayne Bay. Florida strain largemouths grow fat and healthy in the year-round warmth, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon. They're most active during cooler months from November through March, but can be caught year-round by adjusting techniques and timing. Early morning and late afternoon provide the most consistent topwater action.
A six-hour charter gives you real time to experience what makes Biscayne Bay special. You're not rushing between spots or cutting lines short when fish start biting. This is Miami inshore fishing the way it should be done — with patience, skill, and enough time to make it count. The 17' Maverick gets you into fish-holding water that bigger boats can't touch, while the two-angler limit keeps things personal and productive. Whether you're chasing permit on the flats, sight-casting to cruising cobia, or working structure for snapper, six hours lets you do it right. Book your trip with Lifeline Charters and discover why serious anglers choose longer charters when they want to put trophy fish in the
Fish Biscayne Bay's productive flats aboard this 17' Maverick skiff, designed specifically for shallow water fishing around Miami. The Yamaha 70hp gets you to the best spots quickly, while the shallow draft lets you work tight to mangroves where snook and redfish hang out. With room for two anglers, there's plenty of casting space on the open deck. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water, and the fish finder helps locate structure holding trout and snapper. Everything's included - rods, reels, tackle, licenses, plus a cooler with ice and water. GPS navigation means no time wasted wandering around looking for fish. This boat handles Biscayne Bay's conditions perfectly, from the backcountry creeks to the main bay flats where the action happens.
Albula VulpesThe "gray ghost" of the flats - these silvery speedsters average 6-8 pounds but pack enough power to strip 100 yards of line in seconds. Their torpedo shape and mirror-like scales make them nearly invisible on the flats until you see their tails poking up while they feed. You'll find them in skinny water from 6 inches to 4 feet deep, usually over grass or sand bottoms where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Incoming tides bring the best action, especially around dawn and dusk. Bonefish are pure sport - they're too bony to eat but give the most heart-pounding runs in shallow water fishing. The challenge is spotting them and making accurate casts without spooking the whole school. They have incredible eyesight and spook easily. Here's the key: when you see tailing fish, cast to the edges of the group, not the middle, and keep your movement to a minimum.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown, shark-looking fish that pack serious power - averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing 6 feet long. Don't let that dorsal fin fool you into thinking it's a shark though. These solitary fighters cruise around structure like channel markers, wrecks, and deep grass edges, usually in 15-40 feet of water. Spring migration from March through June is prime time, but we see them year-round in South Florida. What makes cobia awesome is their fight - they're strong, stubborn, and make long runs. Plus they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with firm, white meat that tastes fantastic. Most of the time we spot them cruising near the surface, which makes for exciting sight fishing. My go-to trick is a bucktail jig in any color - they're not picky about that. Just make sure your drag is set right because they'll test it.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green fighters are the kings of freshwater, running 2-6 pounds on average with that signature big mouth that extends past their eyes. In South Florida's canals and lakes, they love thick cover like fallen trees, grass beds, and dock pilings where they can ambush prey. You'll find them in everything from 2 feet to 15 feet deep depending on the season. Spring spawn from February to April is hot, but they bite year-round down here. What guests love is their aggressive strike and the way they jump and fight when hooked. They're decent table fare if you want to keep a few, but most folks release them. These fish aren't easily spooked, so don't be afraid to work an area thoroughly. My secret: throw something red - they're attracted to that color more than most anglers realize. Plastic worms, topwater plugs, and live shiners all work great.
Cichla OcellarisThese aren't true bass but they fight like heavyweights - colorful, aggressive fish that average 12-14 inches but can push 3 feet. Look for that distinctive black spot on the tail that looks like a peacock feather. They love our warm canal systems and prefer structure like bridges, downed trees, and rocky areas where they can ambush prey. Being freshwater fish, you'll find them in the canals throughout Miami-Dade, especially around shaded spots. Best fishing is during daylight hours when they're actively hunting, with peak action from March to June. Guests love them because they hit hard, fight dirty, and have amazing colors that brighten up during the fight. They're decent eating but most folks target them for the sport. Pro tip: skip the plastic worms - they hate them. Throw topwater lures or live shiners instead, and work them fast and aggressive.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - silver, disc-shaped fish that'll test every skill you've got. Most run 20-40 pounds with that distinctive tall profile and those massive eyes that can spot you from way off. You'll find them cruising shallow grass flats and sandy areas, sometimes in just 2-3 feet of water despite their size. Spring through fall is prime time when they're spawning and more active. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're extremely spooky and picky eaters. When you do hook one, expect a blistering run that'll have your drag screaming. They're not great table fare, so most folks release them. My tip: use live blue crabs and keep your distance when casting. These fish will humble you, but landing one is something you'll never forget.
Homestead, FL