Private Key Biscayne Fishing with Captain Jay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6-8 hour inshore fishing trips for up to 3 guestsTarget snook, tarpon, mahi-mahi and sailfish with Captain Jay JawitzCustomizable trips accommodate both experienced anglers and beginners
Picture yourself casting lines in some of South Florida's most productive fishing waters, with nothing but you and your crew having the entire boat to yourselves. That's exactly what you get with Captain Jay Jawitz on these custom 6 to 8-hour private charters out of Key Biscayne. This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – we're talking about a personalized fishing experience where every decision revolves around what you want to catch and how you want to spend your day on the water. Whether you're dead set on battling a monster tarpon or hoping to put together a mixed bag of snook, mahi, and whatever else is biting, Captain Jay tailors each trip to match your fishing goals and skill level.
Your day starts early at the Key Biscayne marina, where Captain Jay will have the boat rigged and ready based on what species you're targeting. The beauty of a private charter is flexibility – if the snook bite is hot in the backcountry, that's where you'll spend your time. If the mahi are running offshore and conditions look good, you might find yourself trolling the blue water instead. Captain Jay reads the water like a book and knows exactly where fish hold based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. You'll fish with quality tackle that's properly maintained, and Jay handles all the rigging details so you can focus on the fun part. The boat comfortably handles up to three anglers, which means everyone gets plenty of room to work and no one's bumping elbows when a fish is running. Expect to cover serious water throughout the day, hitting multiple spots until you find where the fish are feeding.
Depending on your target species and where the bite is happening, you'll learn several proven techniques that work consistently in these waters. For inshore action, you'll work with live bait presentations around structure – think pilchards and pinfish freelined near bridges, docks, and mangrove shorelines where snook and tarpon ambush prey. When targeting pelagic species offshore, you'll run trolling spreads with ballyhoo, strip baits, and lures designed to trigger strikes from mahi, sailfish, and kingfish. Captain Jay is big on teaching proper technique, so whether you're learning to pitch baits under docks or fighting fish from the chair, you'll pick up skills that make you a better angler. The gear setup varies based on conditions – lighter spinning tackle for finicky fish in shallow water, heavier conventional reels when you're pulling fish away from structure. You'll also get hands-on experience reading electronics, understanding how fish show up on the sounder, and learning to spot diving birds and other signs that indicate feeding activity.
Snook are the bread and butter of South Florida inshore fishing, and Key Biscayne waters hold some genuine giants. These ambush predators hang tight to structure – bridge pilings, dock lines, mangrove edges – waiting for baitfish to swim within striking distance. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight, especially when they try to cut you off on structure. A 30-inch snook will test your drag and your patience, pulling hard toward whatever cover it can find.
Tarpon fishing near Key Biscayne is legendary for good reason. These silver kings show up in big numbers during their annual migration, typically from March through July, with peak action in late spring. Juvenile tarpon in the 30 to 80-pound range provide steady action in the backcountry channels, while the giants – fish over 100 pounds – stage near the bridges and along the beach. When you hook a tarpon, everything changes. The first jump usually comes within seconds, and you'll watch 6 feet of silver fish trying to throw your hook while dancing across the surface. The fights are long and demanding, testing both angler and equipment.
Offshore, mahi-mahi represent everything that's fun about South Florida fishing. These fish are pure speed and color – bright gold and green when they're fired up, incredibly fast, and absolutely spectacular jumpers. Mahi typically show up around floating debris, weed lines, and temperature breaks, often in schools that provide multiple hookups. Spring and summer offer the most consistent action, though you can find them almost year-round in the right conditions. They hit trolled baits hard and fight with non-stop energy, making long runs and clearing the water repeatedly.
Sailfish bring the prestige factor to any offshore trip. South Florida's sailfish population peaks during the winter months, from December through March, when fish migrate along the continental shelf. These fish are built for speed, capable of reaching 60 miles per hour, and their acrobatic displays are second to none. A hooked sailfish will tail-walk across the surface, leap repeatedly, and make blistering runs that scream line off your reel. The fights are typically shorter than tarpon but incredibly intense, and releasing a healthy sailfish never gets old.
Captain Jay's private charters book up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons, because word gets around about guides who consistently put their clients on fish. The flexibility to customize your trip means you're not locked into someone else's fishing plan – you decide what species to target, how long to stay at each spot, and whether to focus on numbers or chase trophy fish. With no other anglers on board, you get Captain Jay's undivided attention and coaching, plus the freedom to fish at your own pace without feeling rushed. These 6 to 8-hour trips provide enough time to really get into the fish and try different techniques, whether that means working the flats for snook or running offshore for pelagics. Don't wait until you're down here to book – secure your dates now and get ready for some of the best fishing South Florida has to
This well-equipped motorboat puts you right in the action for serious fishing around Key Biscayne's productive waters. Captain Jay Jawitz knows these flats and channels like the back of his hand, targeting everything from snook and tarpon in the shallows to mahi and sailfish when we head offshore. The boat comes loaded with live bait, top-quality tackle, and plenty of ice – because we plan on filling the cooler. Our fish finder helps locate the best spots, whether you're after that trophy tarpon or a mixed bag of whatever's biting. Perfect for up to 3 anglers who want personalized attention and expert guidance. From beginners learning to work the flats to seasoned anglers chasing their next personal best, this setup delivers the goods in South Florida's legendary fishing grounds.
Miami, FL, United States