Afternoon Bass & Tarpon Fishing in Miami
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Afternoon guided fishing targeting peacock bass, snook, and tarponFourhour Miami trip includes gear and expert instruction providedAll skill levels welcome with access to premier local spots
Miami's freshwater canals and backcountry flats offer some of the most diverse fishing you'll find anywhere in South Florida. This 4-hour afternoon trip puts you right in the thick of it, targeting four of the region's most sought-after species: peacock bass, largemouth bass, snook, and tarpon. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to break away from the saltwater scene or a visiting angler wanting to experience what makes Miami fishing special, this guided adventure delivers the goods. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will have you rigged up and ready to go from the moment you step aboard.
The afternoon bite in Miami can be absolutely lights-out, especially during the cooler months when fish are more active later in the day. You'll start by exploring the extensive canal system that winds through South Florida, where peacock bass patrol structure and largemouth bass ambush prey around vegetation edges. The beauty of this trip is its variety – one cast you might be working a topwater plug for peacocks around a concrete seawall, and twenty minutes later you're pitching live bait to rolling tarpon in a quiet backwater. Your guide will read the conditions and adjust tactics accordingly, moving between freshwater canals and brackish areas where snook and tarpon cruise. The boat is equipped with everything you need, from spinning gear for finesse presentations to heavier tackle for when the big fish show up. Expect to cover water efficiently while learning local techniques that'll make you a better angler.
Miami fishing requires a mixed bag of approaches, and your guide will have the right setup for each situation. For peacock bass, you'll typically throw bright-colored lures like spoons, jigs, or small crankbaits around structure – these fish are aggressive and visual feeders that respond well to flashy presentations. Largemouth fishing often involves working soft plastics through grass lines or flipping creature baits into heavy cover. When targeting snook, live bait like pilchards or shrimp works magic, especially around bridges and docks where these fish ambush prey in the shadows. Tarpon fishing can range from sight-casting to rolling fish with live crabs to working the deeper channels with cut bait. Your captain will handle all the rigging and bait selection, but don't be afraid to ask questions about knot choices or retrieve techniques – most guides love sharing their knowledge with anglers who want to learn.
Peacock bass are the crown jewel of South Florida's exotic fishery, originally introduced from South America and now thriving in Miami's canal system. These aggressive predators average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds in the right spots. They're most active during warmer months and love to ambush prey around concrete structure, bridges, and residential docks. What makes peacocks so exciting is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll make screaming runs and jump like their saltwater cousins. The key is covering water with bright, fast-moving lures that trigger their predatory instincts.
Largemouth bass in South Florida grow fat and happy year-round, with the cooler months from December through March offering the best action. These fish relate heavily to vegetation and structure, often holding in the thick stuff where most anglers can't reach them. Miami's largemouths average 3-5 pounds, with plenty of 6+ pound fish mixed in. They're perfect for anglers who love working soft plastics and topwater baits, especially during the early morning and late afternoon periods when they move shallow to feed.
Snook are South Florida's signature inshore species, known for their explosive power and acrobatic fights. These fish patrol the brackish areas where freshwater meets salt, making them perfect targets during a mixed-species trip. Peak season runs from spring through fall, with fish averaging 5-15 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 20+. Snook are ambush predators that love structure – bridges, docks, and mangrove shorelines are prime real estate. They're also incredibly line-shy, so expect to use lighter leaders and more finesse presentations than you might with other species.
Tarpon are the ultimate gamefish, known as the "silver king" for good reason. Miami's backcountry holds juvenile tarpon year-round, typically in the 10-40 pound range, with larger fish moving through during migration periods in spring and summer. These fish are pure adrenaline – they'll jump repeatedly when hooked and can strip line like nothing else in freshwater. Finding them often involves looking for rolling fish or working areas where they're feeding on baitfish. The fight is worth every second of the search, and even smaller tarpon will test your tackle and technique.
This afternoon fishing adventure offers the perfect taste of what makes Miami such a world-class fishing destination. With four different species to target and a knowledgeable guide putting you on fish, you'll come away with new techniques, local knowledge, and hopefully some great photos. The 4-hour timeframe keeps things focused and productive without wearing you out, making it ideal for visitors with limited time or locals looking for a quick fishing fix. Afternoon trips often produce better action than morning sessions, especially during the warmer months when fish seek shade during midday heat. Don't wait on this one – Miami's fishing scene is trending upward, and spots with top-rated guides like this fill up fast during peak season.
You'll be fishing from a fully restored 2001 Bass Tracker Pro Team 175 that's been tournament-rigged for serious angling. This boat comes equipped with top-tier Garmin electronics, including an Echomap UHD PLUS 93SV with dual transducers and a Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor for precision positioning when you're working those prime spots. The real powerhouse is the 2021 70hp Suzuki outboard that'll get you to Miami's best fishing waters quickly and reliably. Whether you're casting for peacock bass in the canals or targeting snook and tarpon in deeper waters, the advanced fish finder will help locate your targets. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during the afternoon heat. This setup is perfect for navigating Miami's diverse fishing environments, from shallow flats to structure-rich areas where the big fish hang out.
Micropterus SalmoidesSouth Florida's largemouth bass typically run 12-24 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds, though we've pulled some real monsters over 6 pounds from our local canals and ponds. These green fighters love hiding around structure - fallen trees, boat docks, thick vegetation, and canal intersections where they ambush prey. They're most active during cooler months here, October through March, when water temps drop below 80°F. What makes them special is that massive mouth and the serious fight they put up once hooked. They'll jump, dive, and test your drag every time. The meat's decent eating too if you're keeping a few. My go-to local trick? Red lures work magic down here - something about that color drives them crazy. Target the shady spots early morning or late afternoon.
Cichla OcellarisMiami's peacock bass are pure aggression with stunning colors - yellows, greens, and that signature black eyespot on the tail. These South American imports average 12-14 inches but can hit 20+ pounds in our canal system. They love warm, slow-moving water around bridges, rocky areas, and canal intersections throughout Dade and Broward counties. Unlike largemouth, they hunt actively during daylight hours and peak from March through June when spawning colors really pop. Guests love them because they fight like bulldogs - no subtlety, just raw power and acrobatics. The colors alone make every catch worth a photo. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Skip the plastic worms - they hate them. Instead, throw live golden shiners or bright topwater lures near structure during mid-day heat when they're hunting.
Miami