5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Afternoon Fishing in Key Biscayne
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour inshore fishing adventure in Key Biscayne watersTarget Tarpon, Snook, and Snapper with expert guidanceAll equipment provided for up to three guests
When you're looking for a solid afternoon on the water without the commitment of a full day, this 4-hour fishing trip with Reel'n Tails Charters hits the sweet spot. Captain Anthony runs a tight ship out of Key Biscayne, and he knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you want to stay in the shallows working the grass flats for tarpon and snook, or head out to the reef for some bottom fishing action, you've got options. The boat's clean, the gear's ready, and all you need to bring is your fishing license and maybe a cooler with some drinks.
This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip where you're crammed on a party boat with 30 other people. With just 3 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish. Captain Anthony adapts the trip based on what's biting and what you're after. Some days that means working the channels and bridges for snook and jacks, other days it's drifting the reef edge for grouper and snapper. The afternoon timing works great because you miss the morning rush of other boats, and the fish are often more active as the sun starts to drop. Key Biscayne's location gives you quick access to both shallow water flats and deeper structure, so there's always a backup plan if one spot isn't producing.
All the gear is provided, from spinning reels loaded with braid to circle hooks and a variety of baits. Depending on what you're targeting, you might be throwing live pilchards under a popping cork for tarpon, or dropping cut bait down to the bottom for grouper. The boat's rigged with quality tackle that can handle everything from schoolie dolphin to monster tarpon. If you're new to saltwater fishing, Captain Anthony will show you the ropes on fighting fish in current and how to work different baits. Experienced anglers can bring their own gear if they prefer, but honestly, the provided tackle is solid and saves you the hassle of traveling with rods.
"Anthony created an incredible experience for my whole family, starting first with the meeting point. I didn't realize that our hotel was an hour away from his normal advertised meeting point. He quickly offered to meet me at a Marina about 25 min away, even though it was further from him. Anthony's boat was clean and organized, I could tell write away he takes pride in his work. He was great with my son Rowen, who loves fishing and was super excited. My 12yr old daughter was initially not excited to go fishing for 4 hours, but after she caught exactly 12 fish (she was keeping very strict count), she told me several times how much fun she had and she thanked me for booking with Anthony. When we come back to Miami, we will book with Anthony and he will take us off shore fishing. This trip was inshore, which was great since I didn't want to get too crazy... This was my 11yr son's first time on a boat and we were able to keep things manageable, while still catching lots of cool fish. Oh, and I had fun too. I caught a 25lb Tarpon. :)" - Jeff
Tarpon are the kings of Key Biscayne's waters, and hooking one is something you'll never forget. These silver giants can range from 20 pounds up to over 100, and they're known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Best action is typically from April through October, with peak season in late spring and early summer. They're found around bridges, channels, and along the flats edges. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size - it's the fight. They'll jump, tail walk, and give you a workout that'll have your arms burning. Most anglers practice catch and release with tarpon since they're not great table fare, but the photos and memories last forever.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your reflexes. These toothy predators cruise the reef lines and channel edges, typically ranging from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters. Spring through fall offers the best action, with summer being particularly productive. Kings are known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They're excellent eating too, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or making fish dip. The key to catching kings is having fresh bait and being ready - when they hit, they hit hard and fast.
Mahi Mahi, or dolphin fish, are the most beautiful catch you'll find in these waters. Their brilliant gold and green colors are stunning, especially when they're fresh out of the water. Most mahi in the Key Biscayne area run between 5 to 20 pounds, though larger bulls show up occasionally. Peak season runs from spring through early fall, and they're often found around floating debris or weed lines. Mahi are fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that's versatile in the kitchen. They're also one of the most acrobatic fish you'll encounter, with jumps and runs that'll keep you on your toes.
Crevalle Jack might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure muscle and determination. These bruisers are found year-round in Key Biscayne waters, often in schools around structure or baitfish concentrations. They typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 30 plus. Jacks are known for their bulldogging fights - they don't jump much, but they'll pull drag and test your tackle with their raw power. They're catch and release fish for most anglers, but the fight they provide is worth the effort.
Black Grouper are the prize of bottom fishing around Key Biscayne's reef systems. These hefty fish
This restored 21-foot Dusky center console is your ticket to Miami's best fishing spots around Key Biscayne. The 175HP Suzuki engine gets you to the action fast, cruising at 35 knots while staying smooth in choppy waters. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat comes loaded with everything you need - GPS to find the hotspots, fish finder to locate schools below, and a wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on spooky fish without spooking them. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Miami afternoons. Whether you're targeting snapper on the reefs or chasing tarpon in the shallows, this center console handles both inshore adventures with ease. The wide beam gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of our reefs, averaging 20-40 pounds with some bruisers hitting 80+ pounds. These olive-colored ambush predators hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom in 60-200 feet of water. Winter months are prime time when they move shallower to spawn. What guests love is the initial power dive when hooked - they'll test your drag and try to cut you off in the rocks. The payoff is some of the finest eating fish in the ocean with sweet, flaky white meat. They're long-lived and not built for speed, preferring to suck prey into their massive mouths. Pro tip: once you feel that thump, start cranking immediately. Don't give them time to dive back into structure or you'll lose both fish and tackle.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats, averaging 3-5 pounds but capable of reaching 30+ pounds. These brassy-colored fighters inhabit everything from shallow grass beds to deeper reefs around Key Biscayne. They school up year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action. Watch for diving birds - jacks push baitfish to the surface where the birds attack from above. What makes them fun is their pure muscle and determination; they'll drag you around the boat without giving up. They're not great table fare, but the fight more than makes up for it. My trick: cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast. These bullies love the chase, so aggressive presentation is key.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that typically run 10-30 pounds around Key Biscayne, with some pushing 50+ pounds. These silver rockets cruise 40-150 feet deep along drop-offs, wrecks, and current breaks. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temps are in the 70s. What makes them special is that blistering run when hooked - they'll peel line faster than almost any fish out there. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat that grills perfectly. We usually troll with live bait or spoons to find them. Here's a local trick: rig two hooks on a wire leader - one through the bait's nose, another trailing behind. Kings often hit the back half of the bait first.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing, flashing gold, green, and electric blue when hooked. Most run 15-30 pounds and about 3 feet long around Key Biscayne. Look for them under floating debris, weedlines, or anywhere birds are working in 100+ feet of water. Spring through fall brings the best action in our warm Gulf Stream waters. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - they'll tail-walk and put on a real show. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the ocean with sweet, firm white meat. They mature quickly and spawn year-round, so the population stays strong. My go-to technique: troll ballyhoo or small lures near any floating structure, and make that bait skip on the surface.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds around Key Biscayne, though monsters over 200 pounds cruise our waters. They're famous for those heart-stopping jumps - sometimes 10 feet clear of the water - when hooked. You'll find them in the shallow flats, deeper channels, and around structure from spring through fall when water temps hit the mid-70s. Most anglers fish them for the pure thrill since the meat isn't great eating due to all those small bones. They're ancient fish that can live 50+ years, so we practice catch and release. My tip: keep your rod tip down and bow to the fish when it jumps to avoid a broken line. The fight alone makes this a bucket list species.
5.0 out of 5.0Anthony created an incredible experience for my whole family, starting first with the meeting point. I didn't realize that our ho...
Key Biscayne