6 Hour Reefs and Wrecks Fishing - Miami, FL
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Sixhour reef and wreck fishing adventure in Miami watersTarget snapper, grouper, kingfish, barracuda, and sailfish speciesSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Miami's offshore waters hold some of the best wreck and reef fishing on the East Coast, and this 6-hour charter with Pelagic Pirate Charters puts you right in the thick of it. We're talking about dropping lines on structure that's been holding fish for decades – artificial reefs, sunken ships, and natural bottom that attracts everything from schooling snappers to trophy sailfish. You'll be fishing with a crew that knows these spots like the back of their hand, using top-shelf tackle, and targeting species that make South Florida famous among serious anglers.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you barely get warmed up before heading back to the dock. Six hours gives us real time to work multiple spots, adjust tactics based on what's biting, and put you on fish that other boats miss. We'll start early to beat the crowds and hit the best spots while they're still fresh. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, which means plenty of room to work and personalized attention from the crew. Miami's reef and wreck structure sits in 80 to 200 feet of water, usually just a 20-30 minute run from Government Cut. The water stays fishable year-round here, but each season brings different opportunities – winter means sailfish and kingfish, while summer heats up the snapper and grouper bite.
Wreck and reef fishing is all about precision and patience. We'll be anchoring up on structure and dropping baits right into the strike zone where these fish live. The crew provides all the gear – we're talking quality spinning and conventional setups spooled with fresh line, circle hooks that keep fish buttoned up, and a tackle box full of weights and rigs designed for this specific type of fishing. Live bait is the name of the game here. We'll start by catching pilchards, goggle eyes, or blue runners on light tackle, then send them down on knocker rigs or fish finder rigs to get them right in the fish's face. For the pelagics like kings and sailfish, we'll pull live baits on the drift or slow-troll around the structure edges. The wrecks hold fish because they create current breaks and ambush points – we'll position baits where the current carries scent right to waiting predators.
Mutton Snapper are the bread and butter of Miami wreck fishing. These guys average 3-8 pounds but can push 15+ pounds when you find the right schools. They're structure-oriented fish that rarely venture far from their home reef or wreck, feeding heavily on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. Muttons are smart – they'll inspect your bait before committing, so fresh live bait and light leaders are crucial. The best bite usually happens during moving water, especially on the incoming tide when baitfish get pushed against the structure. What makes muttons special is their fighting ability and table fare – they'll make blistering runs toward the wreck trying to cut you off, and they're absolutely phenomenal eating.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweights of the reef system. These ambush predators sit in holes and ledges, waiting for an easy meal to swim by. Gags in Miami waters typically run 5-20 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents, but the bite really turns on during cooler months when they're more aggressive. The key to hooking gags is getting your bait right to the bottom and being ready for the bite – they'll often just grab the bait and sit there, so you need to recognize that subtle thump and set the hook hard. Once hooked, they'll try to get back to their hole, so you need to turn them quick with steady pressure.
Atlantic Sailfish are the crown jewel of Miami offshore fishing. These spectacular gamefish show up in good numbers from December through March, following the current lines and bait schools. Sails average 6-7 feet and 40-60 pounds, but it's not about the weight – it's about the show. When a sailfish eats, you'll see the whole thing happen: the lit-up colors, the bill slashing at the bait, and if you're lucky, multiple fish competing for the same offering. We'll typically encounter them while live-bait fishing around the wrecks or when pulling baits on the drift. The fight is pure spectacle – long runs, multiple jumps, and that unforgettable sight of a sailfish dancing across the surface.
King Mackerel are speed demons that patrol the edges of reefs and wrecks looking for baitfish. Miami kings run from small "snake kings" around 10 pounds up to smoker fish pushing 40+ pounds. They're present year-round but really turn on during the cooler months when big schools of ballyhoo and sardines move through the area. Kings will hit live bait, dead bait, and lures with equal enthusiasm, but they're also notorious for their razor-sharp teeth that can slice through leaders in a heartbeat. Wire leaders are a must, and the bite often happens in a flash – one second you're fishing, the next your reel is screaming as a king makes a blistering 100-yard run.
Barracuda are the wolves of the reef, patrolling in packs and attacking with lightning speed. Miami cuda typically run 10-30 pounds and are absolute savages on light tackle. They're year-round residents that will hit just about anything that moves – live bait, dead bait, spoons, plugs, you name it. What makes barracuda fishing fun is the visual aspect – you'll often see them following your bait to the surface, and when they decide to eat, it's explosive. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights, making multiple jumps and long runs. Just watch those teeth when
Get ready to hit Miami's best fishing spots aboard this reliable 2003 Angler center console! This workhorse is powered by a solid 250HP Yamaha that'll cruise you out to the reefs and wrecks at 40 knots, getting you to the fish faster. The spacious layout gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to work the rails while targeting snapper, grouper, kings, and whatever else is biting. You'll stay comfortable with the onboard toilet, keep your catch fresh in the icebox, and let the fish finder do the heavy lifting to locate productive spots. GPS keeps you on point for those secret honey holes, and the multimedia system adds some tunes between strikes. This boat's built for serious fishing - from yellowtail on the reefs to big kings cruising the wrecks, she'll get you there and back with room to move and fight fish properly.
Istiophorus AlbicansSailfish are the holy grail of our offshore fishing - pure adrenaline on a line. These torpedo-shaped beauties average 6-8 feet and 40-60 pounds, with that iconic sail dorsal fin. We find them in 100-300 feet of water along the reef edges and current breaks. Winter is peak season here in South Florida when they migrate through our waters. What makes them special? They're lightning fast, jumping and tail-walking like no other fish. Plus, they change colors when excited - flashing electric blues and purples. Most guests want the photo and release experience since they're not great eating. Here's the secret: when trolling, slow down to 6-7 knots and use bright pink/white combinations. Once hooked, keep your rod tip up and let them run - trying to horse them in will only result in a pulled hook.
SphyraenidaeBarracuda are the reef's ambush predators - built like torpedoes with attitude to match. Most range 2-4 feet and 5-15 pounds, though we see monsters over 30 pounds. They patrol shallow reefs, wrecks, and edges in 20-80 feet, always lurking near structure. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and summer are peak when baitfish are abundant. Guests love their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, spin, and make blazing runs. They're decent eating if bled properly, though many prefer the catch and photo. These fish hunt by sight, so shiny lures work best. Here's a tip from years on these reefs: use a wire leader and work spoons or tube lures erratically near structure. When they strike, hold on tight - they'll go airborne immediately.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that love our offshore wrecks and rocky bottom. Most run 20-24 inches, but we see plenty in the 30+ inch range weighing 15-25 pounds. They're not the prettiest fish - kind of a mottled gray with darker males - but they make up for it with attitude. Find them around structure in 60-150 feet, especially ledges and artificial reefs. Fall and winter are best when they move closer to shore. Guests love these fish because they fight hard, diving straight down trying to get back to their holes. They're also excellent table fare with firm white meat. Pro tip: once you hook one, lock that reel down tight and don't give them an inch. They'll run straight for the nearest rock or wreck to cut your line, so you've got to muscle them up fast.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll test your reflexes. These silver bullets typically run 20-40 pounds, though we catch plenty over 50. They patrol the reefs and wrecks in 40-150 feet, always on the hunt. Spring through fall are prime months when bait schools are thick. What gets people hooked? Their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth make every hookup memorable. They're also great for the grill with firm, flaky meat. Be ready for a fight - they'll make long, screaming runs that can strip 100+ yards of line in seconds. Local tip: use a wire leader and rig live bait with a stinger hook near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind, so that back hook is crucial. Keep your drag loose on the initial run or they'll snap you off.
Lutjanus AnalisMutton snapper are one of our favorite targets on the reefs. These beauties typically run 15-20 inches, though we've seen some push 30+ inches and 20+ pounds. Look for that olive coloring with distinctive blue streaks behind the eyes - that's your mutton. They hang around our deeper reefs, usually 80-200 feet, especially near sandy patches adjacent to structure. Winter months are prime time when they school up for spawning. What makes them special? They're strong fighters that'll test your drag, plus they're hands down some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a local trick: use the freshest ballyhoo on a knocker rig and let it drift naturally in the current. Once hooked, keep steady pressure - they love to dive straight into the reef structure to break you off.
Miami