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Fishing around Miami
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyMiami Fishing Guide: Early Fall in Biscayne Bay and Coastal Waters
What's biting
Permit
Where: Shallow flats in Biscayne Bay, especially around coral heads and sandy patches; also the Keys and nearshore reefs.
Sight-fish on the flats with live crabs (blue or fiddler) or small mullet; cast ahead of cruising fish. Early morning and late afternoon are prime; water clarity is critical.
Caution: Extremely wary—use long leaders (0.6–0.9 m / 2–3 ft) and approach quietly.
Tarpon
Where: Inlets, mangrove channels, and deep holes in Biscayne Bay; Government Cut and Port of Miami are productive.
Fish live mullet or mackerel near structure at dawn and dusk; September is peak season as water temperatures remain high. Use heavy tackle (20–30 lb / 9–14 kg class).
Caution: Powerful jumpers—set hook hard and keep rod tip up to prevent line breakage.
Snapper (Mutton & Yellowtail)
Where: Nearshore reefs and wrecks 5–15 km (3–9 mi) offshore; also deeper holes in Biscayne Bay.
Drop live or cut bonito, mackerel, or squid to structure; fish bottom and mid-water. Yellowtail prefer shallower reefs; mutton favor deeper drops.
Caution: Check current FWC regulations for species-specific size and bag limits before fishing.
Kingfish (King Mackerel)
Where: Nearshore and offshore reefs, wrecks, and drop-offs; also trolling along the continental shelf.
Troll live mackerel or use live bait near structure; jigging with metal spoons is effective. September heat keeps them active in deeper water (15–30 m / 50–100 ft).
Caution: Use wire or heavy mono leader (30–40 lb / 14–18 kg) to prevent bite-offs.
Bonefish
Where: Shallow flats and tidal channels throughout Biscayne Bay and the Keys; muddy and sandy bottoms.
Sight-fish with small shrimp, crabs, or bonefish flies; cast ahead of tailing or cruising fish. Incoming tide is best; water clarity essential.
Caution: Extremely fast runners—use 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) tippet and keep drag set light but firm.
Best times
Early morning (06:00–09:00) and late afternoon (16:00–sunset) are prime for flats species; mid-morning to early afternoon suits offshore reef and wreck fishing. Incoming tide favors flats; slack water or outgoing tide works for deeper structure. The waning crescent (next new moon 11 September) means darker nights—good for tarpon in channels.
Waters to try
- Biscayne Bay (central and southern sections), Government Cut, Port of Miami, Nearshore reefs off Miami Beach, Coral Reef Park boundaries, Mangrove channels near Oleta River, Inlets and passes in the Keys.
Regulations
All species are subject to Florida FWC regulations, including minimum size, bag limits, and seasonal closures. Verify current rules at myfwc.com/fishing before departing. Biscayne National Park and Coral Reef Park have specific restrictions; obtain required permits and respect no-take zones. Tarpon and permit are catch-and-release only in many areas—confirm locally.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission ↗The fishing note for Miami, every week
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