5.0(5 Reviews)Sunset Fishing Trip In Key Biscayne
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Inshore fishing targets Tarpon, Snook, Jacks, and Snapper speciesCustomized trips adapt to weather conditions and guest preferencesSmall group experience limited to two guests maximum
Picture yourself casting lines as the sun paints the Key Biscayne waters in golden hues, with Captain Anthony Darna guiding you to the hottest fishing spots along Miami's most productive inshore grounds. This intimate 2-person charter with Reel'n Tails Charters puts you right in the heart of South Florida's legendary fishing scene, where shallow flats meet deep channels and trophy fish roam year-round. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add species to your logbook or someone who just wants to feel that rod bend with a solid hookup, this sunset trip delivers the perfect blend of relaxed atmosphere and serious fishing action. The timing couldn't be better – as daylight fades, fish get active, feeding heavily before nightfall, which means your chances of connecting with quality fish skyrocket during these magic hours.
Captain Anthony runs a personalized operation that adapts to conditions and what's biting on any given day. You'll launch from Key Biscayne and work the productive inshore waters where grass flats drop into channels, creating perfect ambush points for predator fish. The boat stays close enough to shore that you're never dealing with rough offshore seas, but far enough out to access serious fishing structure. Your captain reads the water like a book – watching for bait schools, bird activity, and subtle changes in current that signal where fish are holding. The sunset timing means you'll experience that special transition period when daytime species are still active while evening feeders start to move, giving you shots at multiple species during a single trip. With only two anglers aboard, you get plenty of personal attention and coaching, plus room to work without bumping elbows when a fish is on.
This inshore setup relies on versatile tackle that can handle everything from finicky snapper to bulldogging jacks. You'll primarily fish with medium to medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with braided line for sensitivity and strength in structure. Live bait fishing dominates the game plan – fresh shrimp, pilchards, and pinfish presented on circle hooks near structure where fish ambush prey. When targeting tarpon, expect to step up to heavier tackle with 4/0 to 6/0 circle hooks and 40-60 pound fluorocarbon leaders. Artificial lures also play a role, especially soft plastics bounced along the bottom for snapper or worked through the water column for jacks and mackerel. Captain Anthony supplies all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The techniques focus on reading structure, presenting baits naturally, and knowing when to let fish run versus applying pressure – skills your captain shares throughout the trip.
"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 are the crown jewel of South Florida inshore fishing, and Key Biscayne waters hold resident fish year-round with massive migrations peaking from April through July. These silver kings average 80-150 pounds in these waters, with some pushing over 200. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial displays when hooked, launching completely out of the water multiple times during fights that can last 30 minutes or more. They feed heavily during low-light periods, making sunset trips prime time. Tarpon require specific techniques: live bait presented just off the bottom near channels, and the discipline to let them eat before setting the hook. The fight is pure adrenaline, but the real magic happens when you watch a 100-pound fish clear the water six feet in the air.
King Mackerel patrol the deeper edges of the flats, especially where channels create current breaks and baitfish concentrate. These speedsters typically run 15-30 pounds in local waters, with occasional giants pushing 40-plus. Kings are notorious for their blistering initial runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, followed by dogged fights featuring powerful surges and direction changes. They respond well to both live bait fished near the surface and fast-trolled spoons or diving plugs. The key is sharp hooks and wire leaders – kings have razor-sharp teeth that slice through monofilament instantly. Their aggressive strikes and sustained fights make them a favorite among anglers who love feeling their drag scream.
Mahi Mahi occasionally move into the deeper inshore waters around Key Biscayne, particularly during summer months when Gulf Stream waters push closer to shore. These colorful fighters average 10-25 pounds, with bulls reaching 30-40. What sets mahi apart is their spectacular color changes during the fight – flashing gold, green, and electric blue – plus their habit of tail-walking across the surface. They're opportunistic feeders that crush both live baits and artificials,
Get ready to chase some serious fish aboard this beautifully restored 21-foot Dusky center console! This solid fishing machine was given new life in 2021 and runs like a dream with its reliable 175HP Suzuki engine, cruising comfortably at 35 knots to get you to the hot spots fast. The boat's center console design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, and with space for up to 4 anglers, you'll have all the elbow room you need. The wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on wary fish without spooking them, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate productive structure and schools. Keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold in the onboard icebox. Whether you're targeting snapper around the reefs, chasing tarpon in the shallows, or trying your luck with sharks and mackerel, this boat handles Key Biscayne's waters with confidence. Perfect for serious fishing or just enjoying a day on the water with friends.
Caranx HipposJacks are the bulldogs of the flats - pure muscle that'll bend your rod and test your tackle. They average 3-5 pounds but can push 20+ pounds around the deeper structures. You'll find them everywhere from shallow grass beds to our local reefs, and they're year-round residents. What guests love is their aggressive nature and that bulldog fight - they just don't quit. Look for diving birds - jacks push baitfish to the surface and create a feeding frenzy. They're not great table fare, but the action more than makes up for it. Best tip: cast past the school and rip your lure back fast. These fish love the chase, and aggressive retrieves trigger violent strikes.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag system and your arms. Around here, we typically see them in the 15-30 pound range, though 50+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise the 40-150 foot depths along our reefs and wrecks, especially when water temps hit that sweet 70-80 degree range. Spring through fall gives us the best action. What guests love about kings is that blistering first run - they can hit 35 mph and strip line like crazy. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that firm, flaky meat. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your live bait - one in the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the tail end of their prey.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are the rainbow warriors of offshore fishing - brilliant gold and green colors that put on a light show when they come out of the water. Most run 15-30 pounds, though we've seen 50+ pounders. They're surface feeders that love floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in deeper water. Spring through fall brings the best fishing when conditions allow us to run offshore. What makes mahi special is they're aggressive fighters and absolutely delicious - mild, sweet, firm white meat that's perfect on the grill. When you find one, there's usually more around. My go-to tip: make your bait skip on the surface when trolling - they can't resist something that looks like a flying fish.
Lutjanus AnalisMuttons are the prize of our reef fishing - beautiful pink and olive fish that can reach 20+ pounds, though most run 3-8 pounds. They hang around structure in 80-200 feet, especially the sand pockets near reefs and wrecks. We see them year-round, but spring and summer offer the most consistent action. Anglers love them because they're smart fighters and excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The trick with muttons is fresh bait and light weights - let that bait drift naturally in the current. Once hooked, they'll try to dive back into the structure, so keep steady pressure and bring them up quickly through that clear blue water.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver kings are what fishing dreams are made of - watching a 6-foot tarpon launch itself out of the water is something you'll never forget. Most we catch around Key Biscayne run 80-100 pounds, though they can hit 200+. They love the deeper channels and grass flats in Biscayne Bay, especially during spring and summer months when they migrate through. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - they're all about the fight and those aerial shows. We practice catch and release since these prehistoric fish can live 50+ years. Pro tip: when one jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip - it prevents the line from snapping on re-entry.
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