Whether you call it “Magic City” or “Sunshine City,” one thing’s certain – the charm and unique vibe of Miami can’t be overstated. Whether you come here to escape harsh winters, have an unforgettable night out in the world-famous art deco clubs, or go scuba diving, the city will not disappoint. And if you’re coming here to fish, well, you couldn’t have picked a better spot. While there are many ways to explore these prolific waters, Miami party boat fishing is a stepping stone for many first-comers.
Affordability, great fishing action, and availability are some of the reasons why party boat fishing is so popular in Miami. If you’ve never been party boat fishing before, we’ll walk you through all the info you need to get started.
What to Expect When Fishing on a Party Boat
Despite the name, “party boat” doesn’t mean you’ll be at an actual party, with music blasting and alcohol everywhere. When you book your spot on a party boat, you’ll be fishing with other anglers from all over the country. You’ll have a professional crew at your disposal and plenty of room on a big fishing vessel. Here’s what you can expect.
- Arrive early. A good rule of thumb to follow is to arrive at the dock half an hour early. That way, you get to pick your spot on the boat and get to know the crew a little. If there’s time, you can also familiarize yourself with the tackle you’ll be using.
- All the basics included. One of the perks of party boat fishing is that the operator provides the tackle, live bait, and fishing licenses. Everything from rods and reels to hooks and leaders is already taken care of when you step on the boat. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer.
- Big boats, bigger crowds. Party boats, also called drift fishing boats, can be massive, around 70’ and accommodate dozens of people. Captains try not to have their boats too crowded so that every fisherman has enough room to land their fish.
- All facilities on board. Because these boats are made to cater to a lot of people, there are usually toilets on board. There are also built-in ice boxes to keep your catch fresh, and plenty of shade to protect you from the unavoidable summer heat.
- Half day trips are the sweet spot. Most party boat trips last 4–6 hours, and they take place in the morning and in the afternoon. It’s plenty of time to reach excellent fishing spots, hook into good fish, and come back for lunch or dinner.
- Complimentary fish cleaning and filleting. Some party boats in Florida charge extra for catch cleaning at the dock, but that’s not the case in Miami. Most crews are happy to do it for you free of charge.
- Wait for bait. If you’re using live bait, your deckhand will bait the hook for you, it’s faster and safer that way. If you’re using cut bait, a crew member will show you how to use it and leave you to it.
- Discuss your ambitions. Talk to your crew members about what you’d like to catch. Is it just a few good-eating fish? Are you looking for a trophy? Let them know, and they’ll try to accommodate your requests, either by giving advice about what rig to use or which spots to fish extra hard.
- Tips are always welcome. You probably already know the catchprase “it’s called fishing, not catching,” and this is the rule to live by. While most charters can’t promise you’ll catch something, the crew usually goes out of their way to provide good service. The best way to thank them is with a tip – 15% of the trip price is the norm.
When to go party boat fishing in Miami?
When it comes to South Florida and Miami itself, there’s no bad time to hit the water. Your timing solely depends on what you’d like to target and when you have the time to visit the city. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream that’s only 1,5–3 miles offshore, the bite is on all the time, it’s just the species that change.
Come to Miami in spring, and you’ll be spoiled for choice, especially if you’re casting your line inshore. Party boats will put you on a variety of smaller Snapper and Grouper around the reefs. This translates into a fabulous dinner down the line. Variety is the name of the game in spring.
Summer and fall are the most productive fishing seasons – anything from Tarpon to Swordfish is fair game. Thousands of anglers flock to this nook of the Sunshine State in the summer, looking for their next trophy catch. And since the fishing is outstanding, there’s a lot of people looking to get a piece of the action. Charter boats, be it private or shared, get booked up very quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance.
In the winter, Miami is the perfect getaway from frigid temperatures, and there’s plenty to catch in the nearshore waters. The fishing pressure is much lesser during the colder months, which leaves brag-worthy catches like Sailfish, Blackfin Tuna, and King Mackerel to you. Miami party boat fishing is very good in the winter and can take you to some great fish for a very good price.
What fish are running in Miami?
With its many reefs, wrecks, and hotspots, Miami’s fishery offers a great mix of pelagic, reef, and bottom species. With the Gulf Stream at your doorstep, you’ll be in the realm of great catch opportunities just 15 minutes after leaving the dock.
Miami party boats focus on fishing the reefs, most of which hold Snapper and Grouper – both are fun to catch and delicious. This is the combo most anglers can’t resist, no matter their expertise. Snappers come in all shapes and sizes, be it Mangrove, Mutton, Yellowtail, and of course, Red when they’re in season. On the Grouper side of things, Black and Gag are commonly caught, but sometimes you might stumble upon the mighty Goliath. Bottom fishing could put you on any of these fellas.
Aside from Snapper and Grouper, Miami’s reefs are the playground of impressive Amberjack, Cobia, Sharks, Wahoo, and Mackerel, both Spanish and King. The most popular among pelagics, Mahi Mahi are the “bread and butter” of party boat anglers, and they’re available year-round. These colorful beauties can grow up to 50 pounds, and their fighting prowess and delicious meat set them apart from all others.
But what can make Miami party boat fishing truly special are Sailfish. The artificial reefs in the Gulf Stream attract huge numbers of Sails and fishermen can’t get enough of them. From fall and all through spring, these speedsters are the stars of the Miami fishing scene and yes, you can catch one from a party boat. They’re the favorite target of experienced anglers and are available after only a short boat ride to the deep waters. What’s not to love?
Types of Party Boat Trips in Miami
If you’re considering going fishing on a party boat, chances are you’re interested in shorter trips. Most operators organize half day excursions, which give you plenty of time to get to the fishing grounds, battle the fish, and land something good. But there are different types of trips you can go for.
Half Day Trips (Morning/Afternoon)
These excursions are most frequently booked on party boats. They last 4–5 hours and are more affordable compared to private charters, mainly because you’ll be sharing the spacious boat with other anglers from all over the country.
It usually takes 10–15 minutes to reach the reefs and during that time, your deckhand will help you set up everything. They’ll give you the gear you need, advise on the most productive techniques to use, and bait your hook for you. Then it’s up to you to cast your line and make the most of the opportunities that arise.
Smaller Snapper and Grouper are the dominant catches during these party boat trips, but they’re certainly not the only ones. On a good day, you can hook into a nice King Mackerel or Mahi Mahi while trolling, or come face to gills with a hard-fighting Amberjack or Cobia. Even Sailfish are in the cards in the late fall and winter.
Night Trips (4–6 Hours)
The night bite in the Miami area is superb, and you can make the most of it by booking a night trip on a party boat. Your adventure will start as you board the boat just before dark – you can enjoy the stunning sunset on the water, and then it’s time to start fishing.
After nightfall, Snapper actively feed around the reefs, and they’ll be your primary target. Bottom fishing and chumming are usually the most productive ways to attract Snapper and get them into a feeding frenzy. Other usual suspects include Mackerel, Porgy, Jacks, Grunts, and Grouper.
Most fish that you catch on the night trips are first-class table fare and will make for a fabulous dinner. If you’d like to experience Miami party boat fishing in a new light (quite literally), then night trips are a great way to do just that.
Specialized Trips
Some operators have specialized trips on offer, for fishing enthusiasts who hit the water with a particular species in mind. Sometimes specialized trips are just full day hunts for Tuna, Sailfish, even White Marlin and Swordfish. You can also book your spot on a party boat for official season openers for certain species, like Grouper in May.
The main thing to remember about specialized trips is that they’re reserved for more seasoned anglers. This is mainly because fishing action will be intense, you’ll be spending the whole day on the boat and you need some level of experience to make the most of it. Another perk is that you’ll be fishing in the realm of the greats, so big catches are more than possible.
Private Trips
If you’ve got a special occasion you’d like to mark and friends who love to fish, then renting out party boats for a private celebration is an option. This is an original way to spend your birthday, anniversary, company bonding, even team building.
Naturally, renting a whole party boat will be much more expensive than simply booking a spot on it as a regular angler. You’ll have the entire vessel for yourself and your group, along with the crew, so the whole fishing experience will be taken to a whole new level.
What to Bring on a Party Boat
One of the best things about Miami party boat fishing is that your to-pack list is really short. Here are some of the essentials you’ll need.
- Comfortable clothing is a must. You’ll hardly be able to fish and be successful if you’re not comfortable in your clothes. We’d recommend wearing a breathable shirt and shorts made of light, quick-dry materials and a hat to protect you from the heat and sun. Don’t forget sunscreen! Rubber sole shoes will prevent slipping and losing your balance. Bring a rain jacket in case of surprise showers. It’s also a good idea to have a spare shirt and pants, just in case things get messy.
- Take your motion sickness medicine. If your stomach gets iffy on a boat, make sure to take your Dramamine well ahead of time to prevent any discomfort. Bear in mind you’ll have to stay on the boat even if you do get nauseous because it’s the rule on party boats not to turn around until it’s time to end the trip. So take all precautions to make the trip as enjoyable for yourself as possible.
- Bring snacks and drinks. You’ll be on the water for at least four hours, so at least bring some water with you to stay hydrated. Snacks are a good idea too, and if you’re fishing with your kids, make sure to pack some light lunch for everyone. This will allow you to keep your energy up and your focus sharp. Some party boats sell drinks and snacks on the boat in case you forget to pack your own.
- Keep things cool. Bring a small cooler for your food and filleted catch you’ll get at the end of your trip.
- Have some cash on you. We already mentioned it’s customary to tip your crew for a job well done, and it’s preferable to do it in cash. Make sure you bring some money for tips that you’ll give to the crew as you return to land.
Miami Party Boat Fishing – The Adventure That Keeps on Giving
If you’ve never gone fishing in the beautiful waters of the Magic City, party boat fishing is a great way to get started. Even if you’re a complete beginner on a budget, an experienced crew will help you learn the ropes. Miami party boat fishing has got something for everyone, and the best way to make sure is to test it out yourself. Here’s to new fishing adventures!
Have you ever tried fishing from a Miami party boat? Did you have a good time? Any recommendations fellow anglers should take into consideration? Let us know in the comments.
