If you’re a fly rodder looking for your next thrill, Miami fly fishing will blow your mind! There are few better places in the country to test your strength and angling skills to the max. Ocean flats, national parks, and channels in and around Miami are teeming with popular fish species that are practically waiting for your fly.
What to Expect
Fly fishing in the area started in Biscayne Bay, where you can find all the most prized fish in one place – namely Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon. This doesn’t mean that you’re limited to these three species, however. These waters are also abundant with Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Spotted Seatrout, and many more.
What to Catch
Bonefish is one of the most elusive species you can target on the pristine flats, which is what makes it so attractive to anglers. These fish aren’t called “The ghost of the flats” for nothing. The hardest part of hunting Bonefish is finding them without spooking them. After that, you’re going to need all your skill and stealth to present your fly and have the fish gulp it down. And this is where the fun starts.
Permit is another master of camouflage that will put up a fight. You have to strike the delicate balance between sneaking up to your prey, choosing the right fly, and presenting it in an unimposing way. Once you’ve got a Permit on the hook, get ready to fight. Every step of this journey is worth it though, because the sense of accomplishment is something you’ll talk about for years to come. You’ll find the best bite anytime from December to May.
If you want to catch a Tarpon (Silver King) on a fly and “Bow to the King," aka catching a Tarpon (Silver King) on a fly is a big deal in Miami and beyond! They’re gorgeous, they’re acrobatic, they fight with everything they’ve got – what’s not to love? These guys can weigh anywhere from 50–200 pounds. Just imagine head shakes from a lunker like that at the end of your line! If you want to get in on the hottest bite, May and June are your best bet.
Aside from the Big Three, Snook and Jack Crevalle are very fun to catch while fly fishing. If you’d like to explore freshwater opportunities, look for Peacock Bass in numerous canals around Miami.
How to Catch ‘Em
There’s a significant number of fishing charters in Miami, as well as in the Everglades, Biscayne Bay, and Biscayne National Park. Local guides specialize in taking fly fishermen to where the fish are. They’ll also provide you with all the gear you need, as well as expert advice on which setup to use.
In general, Tarpon will require 10–12 wt rods with strong backing, and you can battle Bonefish with an 8 wt and Permit on 10 wt rod. When it comes to fly patterns, you’ll use a wide range, depending on what you’d like to target. Crab and bonefish patterns are very popular and productive, as well as an array of Tarpon setups.
Choose a charter that best suits your preferences, pack drinks, food, and plenty of sunscreen – and you’re ready to break your personal record on the prolific Miami waters!
