4 Hour Inshore Bay Fishing - Miami
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing adventure in scenic Biscayne BayTarget jack, snapper, sharks, and grouper with expert guidesSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Miami's Biscayne Bay is hands down one of Florida's hottest inshore fishing destinations, and our 4-hour charter puts you right in the middle of the action. When you fish with Pelagic Pirate Charters, you're not just casting lines – you're targeting some of the bay's most prized species with guides who know every grass flat, channel edge, and structure like the back of their hand. We keep our trips intimate with just 3 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your rod without bumping elbows.
Four hours gives us perfect timing to hit multiple spots and adapt to what's biting. We typically start early when the bite is hot, working our way through different zones of Biscayne Bay depending on tides, wind, and recent fish activity. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped inshore boat that can get into those skinny water honey holes where the big snapper like to hide. Our captains come armed with local knowledge that only comes from years of working these waters – they know which mangrove cuts hold jacks, what depths the grouper are hanging at, and where those blacktip sharks cruise the flats. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety. One cast you might be working a grass bed for mutton snapper, the next you're sight-fishing a cruising shark in crystal clear water.
We keep our tackle setup versatile since Biscayne Bay throws different situations at you throughout the day. You'll be fishing with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from finicky mangrove snapper to hard-fighting jacks. Live bait is king out here – we'll have fresh shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish ready to go. For the snapper, we often fish them on light tackle with minimal weight to let that bait move naturally around the structure. When we're targeting jacks or sharks, we'll bump up the drag and use slightly heavier leaders. Structure fishing is huge in the bay, so expect to work around docks, channel markers, and mangrove edges where these fish love to ambush prey. Our guides will show you how to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and position your boat to make the most effective presentations.
The blacktip sharks we target here are absolute bulldogs on light tackle. These fish typically run 3-6 feet and when they grab your bait, you know it immediately. Spring through fall is prime time for blacktips in the bay, and they love cruising the shallow flats hunting for stingrays and small fish. What makes them so exciting is their acrobatic fights – these sharks will jump, spin, and make blazing runs that test your drag system. Plus, they're abundant here, so your chances of hooking up are solid.
Crevalle jacks are the bay's ultimate bruisers. Don't let their average 5-10 pound size fool you – pound for pound, these fish fight harder than anything else in the water. They school up around structure and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Jacks hit hard and immediately head for the nearest piling or rock pile, so you need to turn them quick. Year-round residents, they're most active during moving tides when baitfish get pushed around.
Mutton snapper are the crown jewel of Biscayne Bay fishing. These beautiful fish with their distinctive red coloring and yellow fins are smart, spooky, and absolutely delicious. Most of our muttons run 2-8 pounds, though bigger specimens lurk around the deeper structures. They're finicky feeders that require light leaders and natural presentations. Summer months are prime time when they move into shallower water to spawn.
Gag grouper bring that deep-water power to the inshore scene. These spotted bruisers love hanging around any hard structure they can find, from bridge pilings to rocky outcrops. When a gag hits, it's usually a solid thump followed by a determined run straight back to cover. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they're more active in shallow water. Landing a quality gag on spinning tackle is always a trophy catch.
Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are the bay's most reliable target. These copper-colored fighters are incredibly common around any structure, from marina docks to channel markers. They're perfect for anglers wanting consistent action since they bite year-round and fight surprisingly hard for their size. Most run 1-3 pounds, but the bay holds some chunky specimens that will surprise you with their strength.
This 4-hour bay trip delivers everything that makes Miami inshore fishing special – variety, action, and the chance at some serious fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone new to saltwater fishing wanting to learn from experienced guides, Biscayne Bay provides the perfect classroom. Our top-rated charters book up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait too long to secure your date. With only 3 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed the personal attention and fishing room that makes for a world-class day on the water. Ready to see what all the fuss is about? Let's get you on the calendar.
Jump aboard our reliable 2003 Angler center console and get ready to work the productive waters of Biscayne Bay! This proven fishing machine runs on a strong 250HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 40 knots, getting you to the hotspots quickly so you can spend more time with lines in the water. The spacious layout gives all three anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Built-in icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the heat of the day. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps us on the productive structure where jack, mangrove snapper, grouper, and mutton snapper like to hang out. When nature calls, there's an onboard head so you don't miss any fishing time. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites. This boat has seen plenty of Miami fishing action and knows these bay waters like the back of its hand.
Carcharhinus LimbatusThese guys are the acrobats of Biscayne Bay - blacktips can launch 21 feet out of the water when hooked! You'll spot them by the distinctive black markings on their fin tips. Most run 4-5 feet, but we've seen some push 8+ feet. They cruise shallow flats and hang around structure in 30-100 feet, feeding on sardines, mackerel, and whatever baitfish we're targeting. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're most active. What makes them special is that wild fight - they'll jump, spin, and test your drag like crazy. Plus they're actually pretty timid, so the bite can be finicky. My trick: use oily bait like cut mackerel and keep multiple lines out. When you see one, there's usually more around since they school up when feeding.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bullies of the bay, and they fight like it. These golden-sided bruisers typically run 3-5 pounds in our waters, but the big ones can push 15+ pounds. You'll find them schooling around grass beds, channel edges, and any structure where baitfish gather. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue the jacks are pushing bait to the surface. They're year-round residents but spring and summer give you the most consistent action. What guests love is that raw power - pound for pound, they'll test your tackle harder than most fish twice their size. They hit fast-moving baits and never give up easy. The trick is to cast past the school and burn your lure back through them. Silver spoons work great, but live sardines are deadly when they're really fired up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the bottom - once you hook one, get ready for a straight fight to the rocks. These mottled gray bruisers average 3-5 pounds in the bay, but the big males can push 15+ pounds and show darker, almost black coloring. They love any hard structure - rocks, ledges, wrecks, even stone crab traps. You'll find them in 15-80 feet around here, with the bigger fish usually deeper. Winter months are prime time when they move inshore to feed. What makes them special is that bulldogging fight and excellent table fare - firm, white, sweet meat. The challenge is keeping them out of the rocks once hooked. Lock that drag down tight and don't give them an inch, or they'll wrap you up every time. Live pinfish or cut crab work best, fished right on the bottom.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as most locals call them, are probably the most common target in these waters. They're copper-red with that distinctive dark eye stripe, running 1-2 pounds typically, though the deeper water fish can hit 4+ pounds. You'll find them everywhere there's structure - mangroves, docks, rock piles, grass edges. They're year-round residents but bite best during warmer months, especially around new and full moons. What guests love is they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, and they're usually willing to bite. The trick is they're opportunistic - they want an easy meal. Live shrimp hooked through the tail works magic, but don't overwork it. Let it sit naturally and wait for them to commit. Once you feel that tap, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily to set the hook.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are hands down one of the best eating fish in these waters, with that sweet, flaky white meat. They're gorgeous too - olive backs fading to pink sides with blue streaks around the face. Most of our muttons run 2-4 pounds, but the big ones can hit 8+ pounds. Look for them around grass flats, coral heads, and inlet mouths where the tide moves bait around. They're more active during cooler months, especially winter and early spring. The fight isn't crazy strong, but they're smart - once hooked, they'll dive straight for structure to break you off. Fresh bait is key with these guys; they're picky eaters. My go-to tip is to use the lightest weight possible and let your bait drift naturally in the current. When you see that pink flash coming up, that's a mutton.
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