5.0(5 Reviews)Sunset Fishing Trip In Key Biscayne
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Sunset inshore fishing targeting Tarpon, Snook, and SnapperSmall group experience with maximum 2 guestsFlexible timing and locations based on daily conditions
There's something magical about being on the water as the sun starts to paint the sky in those golden hues, and that's exactly what you'll get with Captain Anthony and the crew at Reel'n Tails Charters. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience Key Biscayne's world-class inshore waters during the most productive time of day. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this sunset adventure delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people talking long after they've headed home. The intimate 2-person capacity means you'll get personalized attention and coaching from one of the area's most respected captains.
Captain Anthony knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got a knack for reading conditions that'll put you on fish when others are still searching. You'll be targeting the flats, channels, and structure around Key Biscayne where the big predators come to feed as the light starts to fade. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast might bring a silver king tarpon to the surface, while the next could have a feisty jack pulling drag. Anthony's approach is all about adapting to what the fish are doing that day, whether that means working live bait around mangrove edges or throwing artificials at cruising schools. The timing couldn't be better either – sunset is when the water comes alive, and you'll feel that energy as soon as you make your first cast.
You'll be fishing with quality tackle suited for the species we're targeting, from medium-heavy spinning rigs for the jacks and snapper to heavier gear when we're chasing those legendary tarpon. Anthony keeps the boat stocked with a variety of live baits – pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp – along with proven artificials that produce in these waters. The techniques vary based on conditions, but expect to do everything from sight fishing in shallow water to working structure in deeper channels. If you're new to inshore fishing, don't worry – Anthony's teaching style makes it easy to pick up the nuances of reading water, feeling bites, and fighting fish properly. Experienced anglers will appreciate his willingness to let you work your own techniques while offering insights that only come from years of guiding these waters.
"Anthony made this an amazing trip. From the very beginning after booking Anthony was very attentive with a courtesy call to confirm details and give a chance for questions. He was very timely for the meet up, and text an update on ETA etc. Once out on the water it was just a completely chill and awesome experience. Anthony clearly knows what he's doing and got us onto the fish very quickly. We tried several spots chasing different fish. As soon as Anthony saw the signs of some prime Tarpon fishing we were locked in and he helped teach us how to fish them and we had the privilege of landing one of those beautiful, powerful fish. Truly a great experience, 10/10 will go again and would recommend Capt Anthony Darna to anyone." - Christopher North
"Captain Anthony was amazing. We went fishing with him for two hours and it truly felt like the time of our lives. He was incredibly patient with my young daughter, made her feel comfortable, and went out of his way to make the experience special for her. You can tell he loves what he does and takes real pride in giving people a great day on the water. We will be booking him every time we are in Miami." - Mike Wolde
Tarpon: The silver king is the holy grail of inshore fishing, and Key Biscayne's waters are prime tarpon territory, especially during their migration from April through August. These prehistoric giants can reach 200 pounds and are famous for their aerial acrobatics when hooked. What makes tarpon so special is their fighting ability – they'll test every ounce of your skill with powerful runs and jaw-dropping jumps. The best action typically happens in the early morning and late afternoon, making this sunset trip perfectly timed. Even if you don't land one, just seeing a 6-foot tarpon roll on the surface next to the boat is something you'll never forget.
King Mackerel: Kings are speed demons that'll scream drag off your reel faster than you can blink. These toothy predators patrol the edges of the flats and can grow to 40 pounds in these waters. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, but you'll find smaller ones year-round. What anglers love about kings is their aggressive strikes – when they hit, there's no mistaking it. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, making them a favorite among locals who know good eating fish.
Mahi Mahi: While typically thought of as an offshore species, mahi regularly push into the inshore waters around Key Biscayne, especially during summer months. These colorful fighters are pure excitement on light tackle, with their aerial displays rivaling even tarpon. Bulls can reach 30 pounds, and their golden-green colors are absolutely stunning when they come boatside. Mahi are also considered one of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Crevalle Jack: Don't let anyone tell you jacks aren't worth targeting – these brutes are some of the hardest fighting fish in the inshore waters. They travel in schools and can be found year-round, though they're most abundant during warmer months. A 20-pound jack will give you a workout that rivals fish twice its size, with bulldogging runs that test your equipment. They're ambush predators that love to crash bait schools, creating some of the most exciting topwater action you'll find anywhere.
Mutton Snapper
Our restored 21-foot Dusky center console is your ticket to some serious fishing action around Key Biscayne's productive waters. This reliable workhorse runs on a smooth 175HP Suzuki that'll cruise you out to the fishing grounds at 35 knots, getting you to where the fish are biting without wasting time. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for working those inshore spots where snook, tarpon, and jacks hang out. We've got you covered with an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus a wireless trolling motor for those stealthy approaches when you need to sneak up on spooky fish. The GPS keeps us on the productive spots while the fish finder shows us exactly what's swimming below. Whether we're drifting live bait for snapper or casting around structure for that trophy snook, this boat handles the shallow flats and deeper channels with ease. Built for fishing, not just cruising.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bullies of the flats - aggressive, hard-fighting fish that'll bend your rod in half. They average 3-10 pounds but can hit 20+, and they travel in schools that sound like washing machines when they're feeding. You'll find them everywhere from shallow grass flats to deeper reefs, often pushing baitfish to the surface. Year-round fishing here, but summer and fall are peak when they school up heavy. What makes jacks fun is their attitude - they hit lures like they're mad at them and never give up during the fight. Not great table fare, but perfect for catch-and-release action fishing. Watch for diving birds - that's your signal that jacks are busting bait on top. When you find a school, cast past them and rip your lure back fast. They love the chase, and that aggressive retrieve triggers violent strikes every time.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll smoke your drag in seconds - we typically see them running 15-30 pounds, though 40+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths around our local reefs and wrecks, hunting everything from ballyhoo to blue runners. Fall and winter are prime time when cooler water pulls them closer to shore. What guests love about kings is that blazing first run and the fact they're some of the best eating fish we catch - firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. These fish have razor-sharp teeth, so we always run wire leaders. Pro tip: when trolling, keep your baits skipping on the surface. Kings love to smash a ballyhoo that looks like it's trying to fly - that surface commotion drives them crazy. Once hooked, keep steady pressure but don't horse them or they'll cut you off.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the most colorful fighters we target offshore - brilliant gold and green fish that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds and rarely live past four years, but they grow fast and fight hard. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in blue water, usually within 20 miles of shore. Spring through fall offers the best action when warm water moves in close. Guests love mahi because they're aggressive feeders, beautiful fish, and absolutely delicious - mild, firm white meat that's perfect for any recipe. Once you hook one, others in the school often stick around, so we keep lines in the water. Local secret: look for frigate birds working floating debris. Where you see birds diving, there's usually mahi underneath feeding on the same baitfish.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the prize of the snapper family - beautiful pinkish fish with blue streaks under their eyes that can reach 30+ pounds. Most we catch run 5-15 pounds and they're typically found around reefs and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Summer months are best when they move shallower to spawn. What sets muttons apart is they're smart, strong fighters and absolutely top-shelf eating - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. Adults are usually loners, so when you catch one, work the area thoroughly. The key with muttons is fresh bait and light weights - let your bait drift naturally in the current. Once hooked, they'll try to cut you off in the reef, so keep steady pressure and work them up quickly. Here's the tell: when you see that pink color coming up through clear water, that's a mutton, and your dinner just got a whole lot better.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - massive fish that can reach 6-8 feet and jump clean out of the water when hooked. Most we catch run 80-150 pounds, but they fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them rolling in the shallow flats around Key Biscayne, especially near the deeper channels and drop-offs. Spring through fall gives you the best shots when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - they're bony and most folks release them anyway - it's that heart-stopping moment when 100 pounds of silver launches skyward right next to the boat. Here's a local trick: when you see them rolling, wait for the third or fourth roll before casting. That's usually when they're settled in and feeding, not just traveling through.
5.0 out of 5.0Anthony made this an amazing trip. From the very beginning after booking Anthony was very attentive with a courtesy call to confir...
Captain Anthony was amazing. We went fishing with him for two hours and it truly felt like the time of our lives. He was incredibl...
Captain Anthony was amazing. We went fishing with him for two hours and it truly felt like the time of our lives. He was incredibl...
Mike Wolde, Thank you! You both were awesome your daughter did an amazinf job and can tell she loves...
Anthony made this an amazing trip. From the very beginning after booking Anthony was very attentive with a courtesy call to confir...
Anthony made this an amazing trip. From the very beginning after booking Anthony was very attentive with a courtesy call to confir...
Key Biscayne