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Best 4-Hour Key Biscayne Inshore Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Key Biscayne
- $400 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: December 7, 2025
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Half-Day Miami Fishing: Grouper, Mackerel & More
Ready to hit the waters of Key Biscayne for some serious rod-bending action? This 4-hour morning trip with Reel'n Tails Charters is your ticket to Miami's best inshore and nearshore fishing. Whether you're itching to battle a massive Tarpon or looking to fill the cooler with tasty Grouper, Captain Anthony's got you covered. With all the gear provided and his local know-how, you're in for a productive day on the water – no experience needed!
What's Biting Today?
Hop aboard our well-equipped charter boat and get ready for some serious fishing. We'll cruise out of Key Biscayne, targeting the hottest inshore and nearshore spots. Depending on what's running, we might be dropping lines for Black Grouper near the reefs, sight-casting to rolling Tarpon, or trolling for King Mackerel. The beauty of fishing these waters is the variety – one minute you're finessing a Snook out of the mangroves, the next you're battling a hard-pulling Jack Crevalle. Captain Anthony keeps a close eye on the tides, weather, and recent bite patterns to put you on the fish.
Rods, Reels, and Tactics
Leave your gear at home – we've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. We'll use a mix of techniques to target different species. For Grouper, we might be bottom fishing with live bait or jigging. Tarpon often call for sight-fishing with artificial lures or live bait on circle hooks. If we're after Mackerel, get ready for some fast-paced trolling action. Don't worry if you're new to these methods; Captain Anthony is a pro at teaching and will have you casting like a local in no time. The key is to stay alert – when that rod doubles over, it's game on!
Reel Stories from Happy Anglers
"Anthony is fantastic and made it a great experience from the start. Right after booking he called to ask what we were looking to target, talk about options and ideas - excellent hospitality. His communication in the days leading up to our trip was phenomenal as well. I've never seen a captain work so hard to put us in fish!!! Would use him again in 2 seconds!" - Andrew
"I recently enjoyed an incredible half-day offshore fishing trip in Miami with a knowledgeable and friendly captain who made the experience even better. The boat was well-kept and provided a smooth, comfortable ride. We had a successful day on the water, reeling in mahi-mahi, yellowtail snapper, Bonita, and mackerel. The captain's expertise ensured we stayed on the fish, making the most of our time. With perfect weather and calm waters, the trip was an absolute pleasure. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, this is a fantastic way to enjoy Miami's beautiful waters!" - A
"A huge thank you to Captain Anthony for sharing his expertise, valuable tips, and taking us to some incredible spots. He provided all the gear—poles, reels, and bait—making the experience even more accessible. Highly recommend without hesitation!" - Betsy
Fish on the Menu
Tarpon: Known as the "Silver King," Tarpon are the ultimate inshore gamefish. These prehistoric-looking beasts can grow over 6 feet long and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. Spring through early summer is prime Tarpon time in Miami, but you can find them year-round. The sheer power and aerial displays of a hooked Tarpon make them a bucket-list fish for many anglers.
King Mackerel: Also called "Kingfish," these speedsters are a blast to catch. They're known for blistering runs that will make your reel scream. Fall and winter are peak seasons, but you can find them year-round. Kings are great eating and can reach sizes over 50 pounds. When trolling for them, be ready for sudden, explosive strikes.
Mahi Mahi: While we primarily focus inshore, sometimes we'll venture a bit further out for these beauties. Mahi (also called Dorado or Dolphinfish) are known for their vibrant colors and acrobatic fights. They're most abundant in summer and fall. Not only are they fun to catch, but they're also one of the tastiest fish in the sea.
Crevalle Jack: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the inshore world. What they lack in table fare, they make up for in pure fighting power. Jacks can be found year-round and often travel in schools. When you hook into one, hold on tight – they're known for powerful runs and dogged fights.
Black Grouper: If you're looking to fill the cooler with some of the best-tasting fish in the ocean, Black Grouper is hard to beat. These bottom-dwellers are ambush predators, using their massive mouths to inhale prey. They're available year-round but tend to be more active in warmer months. The challenge with Grouper is getting them away from their rocky homes before they can break you off.
Time to Wet a Line
So, are you ready to experience some of the best fishing Miami has to offer? Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this trip offers something for everyone. With Captain Anthony's expertise, top-notch equipment, and the diverse fishery of Key Biscayne, you're in for a morning of non-stop action. Don't let this opportunity slip away – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Book now and get ready to make some serious fishing memories in the Magic City!
Customer Reviews
Fishing Champ Anthony
Andrew McNamara
September 1, 2025
Miami Catch Bonanza
I recently enjoyed an incredible half-day offshore fishing trip in Miami with a knowledgeable and friendly captain who made the experience even better. The boat was well-kept and provided a smooth, comfortable ride. We had a successful day on the water, reeling in mahi-mahi, yellowtail snapper, Bonita, and mackerel. The captain’s expertise ensured we stayed on the fish, making the most of our time. With perfect weather and calm waters, the trip was an absolute pleasure. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, this is a fantastic way to enjoy Miami’s beautiful waters!
A A.
October 14, 2024
Hands On Fishing Fun
We really appreciated how Captain Anthony customized the trip to make it more interactive, allowing us to be more involved in the fishing process rather than just reeling in after a fish was already hooked.
Matthew L.
February 16, 2025
Expert Guide Anthony
A huge thank you to Captain Anthony for sharing his expertise, valuable tips, and taking us to some incredible spots. He provided all the gear—poles, reels, and bait—making the experience even more accessible. Highly recommend without hesitation!
Betsy B
March 15, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Grouper
Black grouper are the bruisers of the reef, averaging 2-3 feet but capable of topping 100 pounds. You'll find them around structure in 30-300 feet of water, with deeper spots producing bigger fish. They're here year-round, but winter can be prime as they move shallower. Anglers love 'em for their power and excellent table fare. Live bait on heavy tackle is the ticket - these fish don't give up easy. They're ambush predators, so work your bait close to the bottom near ledges and holes. Here's a local tip: when you feel that first thump, reel fast and pull hard. You've got to muscle them away from their rocky lairs before they can break you off.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the flats, all muscle and attitude. Most run 3-5 pounds, but they can top 60 in the right conditions. You'll find them in bays, flats, and near structure in both inshore and offshore waters. They're here year-round but really fire up in the warmer months. These fish are pure power - even a small one will test your gear. Look for birds working bait schools to find jacks busting on the surface. They'll hit just about anything that moves, from topwater plugs to jigs. Sight-casting to a school is a rush. Pro tip: use a fast retrieve to trigger their predatory instincts. Just be ready for a fight when they hit!
King Mackerel
King mackerel are speed demons, known to hit 35 mph when chasing bait. Most run 15-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them in 40-150 feet of water, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate. Trolling with live bait or lures is the go-to method - kings love to chase fast-moving prey. Anglers dig the blistering runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked. The meat's good eating too, just watch the mercury if you're keeping any. Pro tip: use wire leaders, those razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat. Kings also follow bait schools, so keep an eye out for birds diving.
Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish
Mahi are the acrobats of the open ocean, known for their stunning colors and high-flying antics. Most run 15-30 pounds, but 50+ pounders show up. You'll find them offshore around floating debris and weed lines, typically in the warmer months. These fish are fast growers and aggressive feeders, which makes for exciting fishing. Trolling with ballyhoo or casting live bait to a school can produce epic bites. Mahi are prized for both their fight and their excellent table fare. Here's a local trick: if you hook one, keep it in the water. The rest of the school will often stick around, letting you catch multiple fish.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, growing up to 8 feet and 280 pounds. You'll find them in coastal waters around Key Biscayne, especially in deeper channels and near structure. Spring and early summer are prime time as they migrate through. Anglers love 'em for their spectacular aerial displays - these fish can jump 10 feet out of the water! They put up an epic fight on medium tackle. Live bait like mullet or crabs work well, but artificials can produce too. My tip: when a tarpon jumps, drop your rod tip to give it slack. That'll help keep it hooked up. Just remember, they're catch and release only - we want to keep this fishery strong for years to come.
About the 21' Dusky
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175
Anthony is fantastic and made it a great experience from the start. Right after booking he called to ask what we were looking to target, talk about options and ideas - excellent hospitality. His communication in the days leading up to our trip was phenomenal as well. I’ve never seen a captain work so hard to put us in fish!!! Would use him again in 2 seconds!