Miami Flats Fishing Charter Adventure
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Flats skiff fishing charter exploring Miami's shallow waters and covesExpert captains guide guests to prime fishing spots for trophy catchesHalfday and fullday options available for groups up to four anglers
Picture yourself standing on the bow of a shallow-draft skiff, watching the crystal-clear waters of Miami's backcountry flats stretch out before you. That's exactly what you'll get with Silver King Charters' top-rated flats fishing experience. Our nimble skiff cuts through water so shallow you can practically count the turtle grass blades below, giving you access to some of South Florida's most productive fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or just getting your feet wet in the flats game, this charter puts you right where the fish live and feed.
Your day starts early – and trust me, you'll want it that way. The flats come alive at first light when the water's still calm and the fish are actively hunting. Our experienced captains know these Miami waters like the back of their hand, from the shallow grass beds of Biscayne Bay to the crystal-clear flats around Stiltsville. You'll be fishing aboard a purpose-built flats skiff that draws less than a foot of water, letting us sneak into spots where bigger boats can't even think about going. The boat's designed for sight fishing, with a raised casting platform and a quiet trolling motor that won't spook the fish. We'll pole through the shallows, eyes peeled for tailing fish, nervous water, or that telltale shadow gliding over the sandy bottom. This isn't your typical deep-sea charter – it's intimate, technical fishing that puts you face-to-face with some of the smartest fish in the ocean.
Flats fishing is all about finesse and timing. We're talking about hunting fish in water so clear they can see you just as well as you can see them. Your captain will position the boat upwind and uptide, then use a push pole to silently move within casting range. The key is staying quiet – no slamming tackle boxes, no heavy footsteps on the deck. When we spot a fish, you'll need to make an accurate cast, often into a moving target zone. We provide all the gear you'll need, including lightweight spinning rods spooled with braid, and a selection of proven flats flies and lures. Live shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish are the go-to baits here, but artificial lures like spoons, jigs, and topwater plugs can be deadly when fish are aggressive. The fight happens in shallow water, which means these fish have nowhere to hide – they'll run, jump, and test every knot you've got.
Permit are the holy grail of flats fishing, and Miami's waters hold some real trophies. These disc-shaped fighters are notorious for being spooky and selective, often following a bait for what feels like forever before either eating it or vanishing like ghosts. They average 8-15 pounds in these waters, with occasional giants pushing 20-plus. Spring through fall offers the best permit action, especially around the full and new moons when they're most active on the flats. What makes permit so special is their intelligence – they'll inspect your bait from every angle, and one wrong move sends them bolting. When you finally hook one, get ready for searing runs and aerial acrobatics that'll test your drag system.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These silver bullets are Miami's training fish for tarpon, jumping repeatedly and putting a serious bend in your rod. You'll find them year-round in the deeper grass beds and channel edges, typically ranging from 1-4 pounds. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to small jigs, making them perfect for kids or anyone new to saltwater fishing. Don't let their size fool you – a 3-pound ladyfish on 8-pound test will give you a workout and plenty of laughs.
Crevalle Jack are the bullies of the flats, and when a school moves through, you better be ready. These golden torpedoes hunt in packs, often creating massive feeding frenzies that attract diving birds from miles away. They'll average 5-15 pounds in our waters, with the occasional bruiser hitting 20-plus. Summer and fall are prime time for jacks, especially when baitfish are thick on the flats. They're not picky eaters – topwater plugs, spoons, and live bait all work. The fight is pure power, with none of the finesse of permit or bonefish. They'll try to wrap you around every piece of structure they can find.
Bonefish are the ghosts of the flats, and spotting one tailing in skinny water never gets old. These silver phantoms are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with the sandy bottom until they tip down to feed. Miami's bones typically run 2-6 pounds, with the occasional 8-pounder that'll make your day. Winter through spring offers the most consistent bonefish action, when cooler water temperatures concentrate them on the warmer shallow flats. They're incredibly spooky – one heavy footstep or poor cast and they're gone in a muddy cloud. But when everything comes together and you watch a bonefish eat your shrimp, that first screaming run across the flat is pure magic.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a chance to experience Miami's world-class flats fishing with guides who live and breathe these waters. Whether you choose a half-day adventure or commit to a full day of hunting, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the art of sight fishing and hopefully some great fish photos. The flats don't fish the same way twice, and that's what keeps us coming back. Book your Silver King Charters flats experience today and discover why Miami's shallow water fishing has anglers traveling from around the
You'll have your pick between two proven fishing machines for your Miami flats adventure. The Maverick 17 HPX-V is built for serious sight fishing and fly casting in skinny water where the big tarpon and bonefish cruise. If you're bringing the family or prefer live bait tactics, the Pathfinder 22' Tournament gives you more room to move around while still getting into those productive shallow spots. Both boats come rigged with GPS to find the hottest fishing grounds, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position the boat silently without spooking fish in crystal-clear shallows. Whether you're stalking permit on the flats or working the mangrove edges for snook, these skiffs will get you there. Perfect for up to 4 anglers ready to test their skills against Miami's legendary inshore species.
Albula VulpesBonefish are the "grey ghosts" of the flats - silver torpedoes that average 4-8 pounds but can reach 15. They cruise our shallow grass beds and sandy flats in just inches of water, tailing when they feed on crabs and shrimp. Prime time is fall through spring when water temps cool down a bit. What hooks people is the sight-fishing challenge - spotting them, making that perfect cast, then holding on for a blistering 100-yard run. They're catch-and-release only here - too bony to eat well. Low tide is money time when they move onto the flats to feed. The key is stealth and patience. My advice: when you see tailers, cast to the edges of the group, not the middle, and let your shrimp or crab pattern sit dead still until a fish gets close.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the flats - thick, powerful fish that average 3-15 pounds but can hit 40. Look for birds diving on baitfish and you'll find jacks underneath, pushing mullet and sardines to the surface. They love shallow grass beds, sandy bays, and any structure where they can ambush prey. Year-round fishing here, but they really turn on during warmer months. What makes them special is that raw power - no fancy runs, just pure bulldogging strength that'll test your drag. They're decent eating when smaller, but most folks release them. They're aggressive as hell, so silver spoons and fast-moving lures work great. Here's the secret: cast past the school and rip your lure back through fast - they can't resist chasing something that looks like it's escaping.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are Miami's underrated fighters - these silvery rockets average 2-5 pounds but punch way above their weight class. They're everywhere in our shallow bays, canals, and around the flats, tolerating everything from salt to brackish water. What guests love is how aggressive they are - cast a small jig or live shrimp near a school and it's game on. They'll jump and thrash like mini tarpon, making light tackle sing. You can catch them year-round at any tide, which makes them perfect for filling in slower moments or getting kids hooked on fishing. They're not great table fare - too many bones - but man, they're fun. Pro tip: use a heavy mono leader because these guys have sharp little teeth and love to bite through line when they're jumping around.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - these silvery, disc-shaped fish average 20-40 pounds and can hit 60. They cruise shallow grass flats in just 2-3 feet of water, using those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees to spot danger. That's what makes them so tough to fool. You'll find them year-round here in Miami, but spring through fall is prime time when they're more active. What makes permit special is the challenge - they're way harder to catch than bonefish or tarpon, but that explosive run when you hook one is pure magic. Blue crabs are your best bet, but here's the trick: cast well ahead of them and let the crab sit motionless on bottom. Any movement and they'll spook instantly.
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