Fish to Catch on an Inshore Fishing Charter in Miami

If you want to get into the fishing action with friends or family, we highly recommend joining an inshore fishing charter in Miami. It’s one of the best getaways to get started on fishing, whether with family, friends, or your own. Miami’s waterways are home to many amazing fish species known for their delicious meat, fighting attitude, and ease of catching.

But what exactly are the fish you can catch when on an inshore fishing charter in Miami anyway? If you’re excited and want to know what to expect, read on! That way, you know what to tell your charter captain if he asks if you have any preferences on species to catch around the area.

 

Fish to Catch on an Inshore Fishing Charter in Miami

Miami waters are filled with sportfishing A-listers, just as how the city consists of superstars! While many adventure seekers head to the deeper waters for offshore, those new to fishing, with children, less time, or have targeted species to catch, stay inshore! It’s just as enjoyable and where you can still catch fantastic fish that can put up a fight.

Wondering what those fish are? Here are just some you can catch:

 

Grouper

There are hundreds of wrecks and reefs scattered around Miami’s sea floors, with most of them home to many bottom fish like the red, black, and gag groupers. These are common targets for locals when fishing inshore. But if you go even deeper and try offshore fishing, you can find rarer grouper species like scamps and snowies.

One particular grouper species that dwarfs any other fish on the wrecks and reefs is the Goliath Grouper. These are beasts weighing hundreds of pounds. Sometimes, these groupers can weigh even more than the boat you try catching them on! So, if you’d like serious heavy tackle action to remember, it’s the Goliath Grouper you’re after.

 

Peacock Bass

Besides saltwater fishing, you can also head on to Miami’s canals, where you can target and catch Peacock Bass. These fish were introduced from South America, and used to combat the invasive tilapia. Since then, the Peacock Bass has achieved full gamefish status and is now a local favorite.

It’s obvious why many favor this fish, as it’s not only attractive and colorful but aggressive and puts up a fight. These fish also love the heat, tagging out native species like the Largemouth Bass when the waters get too hot for them come summer. That means you can target this species all year long, as long as you take the Miami heat!

 

Permit

Permit are one of the most targeted gamefish in Miami, thanks to their hard-fighting spirit. Because they are strong with phenomenal eyesight, you can expect them to put up one of the biggest fights you experience when inshore fishing.

You can usually find them inshore on flats and finger channels using crabs, jigs, flies, and shrimp. Come springtime, Permit will move offshore, particularly around the wrecks of the deep blue waters.

 

Redfish

Redfish are another popular inshore gamefish frequenting grass flats throughout the southeast USA. You can usually find them in South Florida and Flamingo, but you can also find redfish in small bodies of water around Biscayne Bay, making them fairly available and fun to catch.

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted seatrout is one of the crowd favorites when on an inshore fishing charter in Miami, and for great reason. While these fish don’t fight hard, they are very aggressive and will likely crush artificial baits. These fish also have good meat, making for decent meals.

Moreover, you can find an abundant amount of spotted seatrout on grass flats holding bait and with a decent tidal flow. We recommend targeting this species if you’re a beginner angler.

 

Snook

Snook is one of the all-time favorites anglers target in South Florida. Think of snook as largemouth bass… On steroids! Many love them because of their blistering runs, impressive acrobatics, and aggressive strikes, making it a challenge to catch that will be worth it once you get them on the boat. You’ll surely learn a lot of fishing techniques and test your strengths as you catch this fighting fish.

Depending on the time of year, you can find snook in mangroves, flats, or inlets. You can find larger snook come summer as they spawn in inlets at this time.

Tarpon

Tarpon are one of the undisputed kings of Miami’s inshore waters. These fish are impossible to predict and a challenge to catch. Targeting Tarpon in Miami is the way to go if you’re looking for a challenge.

Also known as Silver Kings, these will crowd the shallows of Biscayne Bay from May to July. However, you can still catch them all year long. During the other months, you may find a few holdover Tarpon hiding. You just need to know where they are and how to find them, which fishing charters and fishing guides can help you.

Another reason why Tarpon is a well-loved species among Miami anglers is how large they can get. These fish can weigh up to 100 pounds, though you can go after the smaller ones weighing between 20-40 pounds. These young “princes” feed more aggressively and are part of Miami’s fly fishing scene, making it even more fun to catch them.

 

Wrapping It Up

With many fish around Miami’s inshore waters, you never know what you’ll catch! From Bonefish to Tarpon, you’ll be able to reel in different species using various techniques, which will definitely help improve your skills for the big ones later on. The best part is that you can catch fish all year.

If you haven’t booked an inshore fishing charter in Miami yet, contact us to learn of our services! We can connect you with one of our many contacts on our directories in a snap.