6 Hour Fishing Trip and Eco Tour - Miami, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour combination fishing and eco tour adventureFour hours reef fishing plus two hours intercoastal cruisingWildlife viewing through coral reefs and mangrove areas
Looking for a fishing adventure that combines serious angling with some stunning South Florida sightseeing? This 6-hour combo trip with Pelagic Pirate Charters delivers the best of both worlds. You'll spend four solid hours working the reefs for some of Miami's top-rated game fish, then cruise the intercoastal waterways for two hours to soak in the natural beauty that makes this area legendary among anglers. With space for just four guests, you're getting personalized attention from our crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
This trip starts with the serious business – four hours of reef fishing where you'll target some of South Florida's most sought-after species. The first part of your day is all about putting fish in the box, working structure and reefs that consistently produce quality catches. Our crew will get you dialed in on the techniques that work best in these waters, whether you're a weekend warrior looking to up your game or a seasoned angler wanting to learn local secrets. After we've loaded the cooler, we'll shift gears and cruise the intercoastal for two hours. This isn't downtime – it's your chance to see the mangrove systems, coral formations, and wildlife that make South Florida's ecosystem so special. You'll spot manatees, dolphins, and countless bird species while learning about the interconnected habitats that support our fishery.
We'll be working live bottom and artificial reefs in depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet, using techniques that match the conditions and target species. Bottom fishing with heavy tackle is the bread and butter here – think circle hooks, egg sinkers, and fresh bait to entice grouper and snapper off the structure. When kings and cuda are running, we'll switch to wire leaders and freelined baits or pull small lures through the water column. Our boat comes rigged with quality Penn and Shimano gear, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. The reef structure here holds fish year-round, but the species mix changes with the seasons and water temperature. Our crew reads the conditions daily and adjusts tactics accordingly – some days it's all about precision bottom fishing, other days we're covering water to find the bite.
Mutton Snapper are the crown jewel of South Florida reef fishing, and these waters consistently produce quality fish in the 5 to 15-pound range. They're structure-oriented and incredibly finicky, requiring precise bait presentation and light leaders to fool. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temperatures climb and muttongs move shallow to feed. What makes them special is their fight – they'll use every inch of structure to try and cut you off, plus they're absolutely delicious table fare.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, ranging from keeper-sized fish around 24 inches up to true giants pushing 30-plus pounds. They're ambush predators that sit tight to structure, so you'll need to get your bait right in their face and be ready for a freight train hit. Fall and winter months typically produce the largest fish as they stage for the spawn. Gags are pure power – once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole, so heavy tackle and quick pressure are essential.
King Mackerel patrol these reefs in schools, with fish ranging from "schoolie" size around 10 pounds up to smoker kings over 40 pounds. They're incredibly fast and will absolutely scream drag when hooked. Spring and fall migrations bring the largest concentrations, but resident fish are here year-round. Kings require wire leaders due to their razor-sharp teeth, and they're notorious for spectacular jumps and blistering runs. They're also fantastic eating when prepared fresh.
Barracuda are the opportunists of the reef, striking with lightning speed and putting on aerial displays that rival any game fish. South Florida cuda typically range from 5 to 25 pounds, with the occasional giant over 40. They're present year-round but most aggressive during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. What makes them exciting is their explosive strike and unpredictable nature – they'll hit anything from live bait to shiny spoons, often when you least expect it.
Blacktip Shark add serious excitement to any reef fishing trip, with most fish running 20 to 50 pounds and putting on spectacular jumping displays. They're most active during warmer months when they move inshore to feed and reproduce. Blacktips are pure adrenaline on the end of a line – multiple jumps, long runs, and incredible stamina make them a favorite among anglers looking for something different. They're also surprisingly good eating when handled properly.
This combo trip offers something you won't find with most Miami fishing charters – serious angling combined with an educational eco tour that shows you the natural systems supporting our incredible fishery. With only four spots available, you're getting personalized instruction and prime fishing real estate without the crowded boat experience. Our crew's local knowledge and commitment to showing you both the fishing and conservation sides of South Florida waters makes this a world-class experience whether you're visiting or looking to explore your own backyard differently. The reef fishing alone would make this trip worthwhile, but adding the intercoastal eco tour gives you a complete picture of what makes these waters so special. Book your spot now and get ready for a day that combines productive fishing with some of the best natural sightseeing South Florida has to offer.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are Miami's most aggressive predators, and they put on a show every time. These torpedo-shaped fish typically run 2-4 feet long with razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through monofilament in a heartbeat. You'll find them prowling shallow grass flats, mangrove edges, and reef drop-offs year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What guests love is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight. They're also everywhere, so it's rare to have a slow day when targeting them. The meat is decent if prepared right, but most folks enjoy the catch and release battle. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep your lures shiny. They hunt by sight and can't resist anything that flashes like a wounded baitfish. Cast fast and retrieve even faster.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are the acrobats of the shark world, known for jumping completely out of the water when hooked. These streamlined predators average 4-5 feet but can reach 9 feet and 270 pounds. They cruise shallow bays, inlet mouths, and near-shore reefs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring and summer are prime when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their aerial show and strong, steady runs - plus they're surprisingly social, often showing up in groups. They're catch and release only, but the fight is worth it. Here's what works: set up multiple lines with circle hooks and heavy braid, then start a chum slick with oily fish like mackerel or sardines. The smell brings them in from a distance, and once one shows up, others usually follow.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are perfect for anglers who like a serious tug-of-war. These chunky bottom dwellers average around 20 inches but can grow massive - we're talking 50+ inches and 80 pounds for the real giants. They hang around rocky structure, reefs, and wrecks, usually in 40-150 feet of water. The cooler months are best when they're feeding more actively before spawning season. What guests love is the pure power these fish have - once hooked, they'll immediately try to drag your bait back into whatever hole they came from. The meat is fantastic too, sweet and flaky. Here's the key: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch. The moment you feel that thump, start cranking because they're heading straight for the nearest ledge or crevice.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are pure speed and excitement on light tackle. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up regularly in deeper water. You'll find them anywhere from 40-150 feet, often around temperature breaks and structure where baitfish gather. Fall through early spring is peak season when they're migrating through our waters. What makes them so popular is their blistering runs - they'll peel line off your reel like few other fish can. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled. Here's a proven tip: rig two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait. Put one hook through the nose, let the second treble dangle near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of the bait first, so that trailing hook will save the day.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snappers are some of the best fighters on the reef. These olive-colored fish with distinctive blue lines around their eyes typically run 20 inches, though the big ones can hit 30+ inches and weigh over 20 pounds. They love hanging around coral reefs and rocky bottoms, usually between 130-230 feet deep, but you'll find them in shallower water near mangroves too. Spring through summer is prime time when they're more active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is their strong fight - they'll try to dive straight back to the structure once hooked. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: use the freshest bait you can get and keep your weight light. When you see that pink color coming up through the clear water, you know you've got one.
Miami