An incredible combination of urban vitality and natural wilderness, there is more to the Miami area than just nightclubs and beach parties. When it comes to fishing, few places in Florida are able to offer as many diverse environments and varieties of fish as Miami. Fishing trips in Miami offer the opportunity for deep-sea fishing, Intracoastal, and reef fishing. No matter your fishing preferences, there is sure to be something in this coastal gem to get any fisherman’s heart racing. You can even combine your love for partying with your love for fishing in Miami - party fishing boat rentals are available to have the best of both worlds.

If it's your first time renting a boat in Miami for your fishing trip, check out our Miami Boating Guide for all the information you need on where to go and what to expect when boating in Miami.

Here are some of the top fishing destinations in Miami and the types of fish you can catch there

Go Fishing in North Bay Village

Also aptly referred to as Three Island Paradise, this village is really a composite of three small islands: Harbor Island, North Bay Island, and Treasure Island. North Bay Village’s proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway — a mere 2.5 miles away — makes it particularly attractive to serious fishermen who are looking to get away from the throngs of the more touristy areas and pursue a tantalizing array of gamefish. Rent a fishing boat and explore North Bay Village, access to the brackish waters of the waterway, as well as the opportunity to boat around the Haulover Inlet or Government Cut channels. Prices for fishing charters in Miami start around $200/hour on fishing boats that can accommodate 5-10 guests.

Off North Bay Village you can expect to find such fish as: 

  • Pompano Dolphinfish
  • Speckled Trout
  • Red Drum
  • Tarpon
  • Gulf Flounder
  • Bluefish
  • Snook
  • Crevalle Jack
  • Florida Pompano
  • Spanish Mackerel

After a full morning of fishing, you might consider stopping over on Pelican Island, a 10-acre natural preserve and bird sanctuary that features barbecue pits, picnic tables, sand volleyball, and wet slips for your watercraft.

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Fishing Charters in Miami Beach

A resort city that also boasts a vibrant sport fishing culture, Miami Beach is a fascinating fusion of outdoorsy appeal and metropolitan glamor. A 20-minute boat ride will take you right into the Gulf Stream for the ultimate deep-sea fishing experience, and night trips will increase your chances of reeling in some of the more elusive types of locally-found fish.

A fishing charter in Miami Beach will cost you anywhere from $95/hour to over $1000 for a full day. Guided fishing charters come equipped with all the gear and bait you need on the boat, with a local Miami captain and guide to take you to the best spots to make catches.

While fishing out of Miami Beach, you can expect to find many varieties of fish, but particularly: 

  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Grouper
  • Sailfish
  • Snook
  • Swordfish
  • Tarpon 

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Fishing Charters in Virginia Key

Situated in Biscayne Bay, the small island of Virginia Key is accessible by land via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Kayak fishing is a very popular activity in Virginia Key, and the park offers a full-service kayak fishing center to attend to all of your needs. This picturesque island is a wonderful place to take the family and is sure to appeal to everyone.

The fishing is phenomenal off of Virginia Key, and you are likely to find many kinds of reef fish, such as:

  • Trigger Fish
  • Gulf and Atlantic Grouper
  • Amberjack
  • Gulf and Atlantic Snappers
  • Black Sea Bass
  • Hogfish

In addition to reef fish varieties, there are also quite a few saltwater species, such as:

  • Drum Fish
  • Lionfish
  • Flounder
  • King and Spanish Mackerel
  • Sea Trout
  • Bonefish
  • Snook
  • Tarpon
  • Sharks
  • Mullet
  • Florida and African Pompano
  • Triple Tail
  • Sheepshead
  • Cobia

Coconut Grove Fishing

Often referred to by locals as simply “the Grove,” this historic Miami neighborhood hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year such as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, The Great Taste of the Grove Food & Wine Festival, the King Mango Strut, and the lively Goombay Festival, which is a celebration of Bahamian culture. After a long day of fishing, there are plenty of restaurants and open-air cafes to satisfy any appetite, and many boutiques and shops, as well as two open-air malls. When night falls, the Grove is the go-to destination for the students and young professionals that occupy the two nearby universities. 

Coconut Grove has three marinas to choose from Grove Harbour Marina, Bayshore Landing Marina, and Dinner Key Marina, which offer a total of 790 wet slips. Once you leave the marinas and enter Biscayne Bay, you will have the opportunity to catch such fish as:

  • Dolphinfish
  • Tuna
  • Amberjack
  • Marlin
  • Cobia
  • Snapper
  • Sailfish
  • Wahoo
  • Swordfish
  • Shark
  • Kingfish
  • Grouper

Key Biscayne Fishing

Connected to Miami by Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne is Florida’s southernmost barrier island. You can rent a fishing boat or book a fishing charter leaving right from Key Biscayne, there are plenty available to get you out on the water. With Biscayne Bay on the island’s western side and the Atlantic on its eastern side, fishermen from all over the world are drawn to Key Biscayne for this particular combination of lagoon and ocean. While the town of Key Biscayne takes up the center portion of the island, most of it is comprised of two sprawling parks: Crandon Park at its northern tip and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park at its southernmost tip.

The Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has over 400 acres, with biking, kayaking, picnic pavilions, two restaurants, and even overnight camping. Be sure to see the historic lighthouse that was originally built in 1825 and rebuilt in 1847. It carries the distinction of being the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County, and guided tours of the lighthouse will astound you by recounting its rich history. 

In addition to the two parks and the resort town which offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, Key Biscayne also features the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the United States, as well as miles of bountiful fishing grounds. In Key Biscayne, you can expect to come across fish such as:

  • Sharks
  • Snook
  • Snapper
  • Barracuda
  • Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)
  • Bonefish
  • Tarpon 

Fishing in the Magic City of Miami 

More than just a city, the colorful towns, and islands of the Miami area make it a premier fishing destination. When it comes to staying in a temperate climate where there are opportunities to experience history, nightlife, culture, and outdoor fun, all while fishing in one of the most stunning regions of the world, few places come close to the offering the many varied locales and fish specimens that you can find in Miami. 

Want to book a fishing charter in Miami? Search your options on the Getmyboat app by using the "Fishing" filter to see what's available near you!