Miami's Premier Full-Day Flats Fishing Adventure

Miami Flats: Bonefish, Permit & Redfish

Ready to chase some of the most sought-after game fish in South Florida? Our Miami Flats Fishing Charter is your ticket to hooking bonefish, permit, and redfish in the crystal-clear waters of Biscayne Bay. We're talking skinny water sight fishing at its finest, folks. Whether you're a seasoned fly angler or just getting your feet wet with light tackle, this full-day trip will put you on the fish and give you a run for your money.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off early, meeting at the ramp before the sun's up. Our 18-foot skiff is dialed in for flats fishing - it'll get us into those super shallow spots where the big boys like to hang out. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water, giving us plenty of time to work different areas as the tide changes. Depending on conditions, we might start in the backcountry canals for some peacock bass action before hitting the flats as they flood. Your guide's got eyes like a hawk and will be on the platform, ready to call out fish. When we spot a tailing redfish or a cruising permit, it's game on. Be ready to make that cast count!

Flats Fishing 101

If you've never fished the flats before, you're in for a treat. This isn't your average chuck-and-chance-it fishing. We're talking stealth mode - no splashing, no unnecessary movement. Your guide will pole the boat silently, scanning for fish. When we spot one, it's all about making that perfect presentation. For fly guys, we're usually throwing 8 or 9 weight rods with floating lines. Bonefish love a well-placed crab or shrimp pattern, while permit might need a bit more convincing with a larger crab fly. Light tackle anglers, we've got you covered too. Small jigs, soft plastics, and live bait all have their time and place out here. The key is a smooth, accurate cast and a natural presentation. These fish didn't get big by being dumb!

What Anglers Are Saying

"Spent an incredible day on the water with Capt. Byron. His skiff was not only sleek and comfortable but also equipped with top-tier gear and electronics. We landed a solid number of bonefish and tarpon, and even had some great chances at permit in the clear, shallow waters of Biscayne Bay. Truly one of the most memorable fishing days I've had. Can't recommend Byron enough!" - Yasemin

"Had an awesome day out with Byron. His skiff was spotless and built for precision — perfect for navigating the shallow flats. All the gear and tackle were top-notch. We spent the day on the Biscayne Bay flats, targeting bonefish and bringing in two, along with a solid number of trout. Even came across some juvenile tarpon and had a few chances at permit. Big thanks to Byron for working hard on the pole all day — definitely recommend fishing with him!" - Bob

Species You'll Want to Hook

Bonefish: These silver ghosts are the bread and butter of flats fishing in Miami. They're lightning fast, spooky as all get-out, and will test your skills like no other. Averaging 4-6 pounds, with some pushing into the teens, bonefish are all about the chase and the blistering runs. When you hook one, hold on tight - they've been known to peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. Best fishing is typically in the warmer months, but we can find them year-round if conditions are right.

Permit: If bonefish are challenging, permit are on a whole other level. These wary fish have eyesight that would put an eagle to shame and are notoriously picky eaters. But man, when you finally fool one into eating your fly or bait, it's a rush like no other. We're talking 15-30 pound fish that fight like they're twice that size. Spring and fall are prime permit seasons, but don't be surprised if we spot some on any given day.

Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored bruisers are a blast on both fly and light tackle. They love to cruise the shallow flats, often with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Redfish in the 5-15 pound range are common, but we occasionally see some real giants pushing 30 pounds or more. Fall and winter are typically the best seasons for reds, but we catch them year-round in Miami.

Snook: These ambush predators are the perfect target when we're working mangrove shorelines or creek mouths. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They range from 5-15 pounds on average, but trophy fish over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. Spring and summer are prime snook seasons, especially around the full and new moons when they're spawning.

Tarpon: The silver king is the ultimate game fish for many anglers, and for good reason. These prehistoric beasts can top 100 pounds and put on an aerial show that'll leave you slack-jawed. While the big migratory fish show up in spring and early summer, we have resident tarpon in the area year-round. Juvenile tarpon in the 10-30 pound range are a blast on lighter tackle and are often found in the backcountry areas.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real - there's a reason Miami is considered a world-class flats fishing destination. Where else can you target such a diverse range of game fish in one day? One minute you're sight-casting to tailing bonefish, the next you're trying to entice a permit with a perfectly placed crab fly. Throw in the chance for a tarpon, snook, or redfish, and you've got the makings of a grand slam (or even a super slam if you're really on your game).

But it's not just about the fish. The scenery out here is something else. Crystal clear water stretching as far as the eye can see, with downtown Miami as a backdrop. You might spot manatees, dolphins, or even sea turtles as we're poling along. And let's not forget the birds - from ospreys diving for their lunch to roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows, there's always something to see.

Our full-day trips give us the flexibility to really work different areas as conditions change. Maybe we start off chasing bonefish on an incoming tide, switch to permit as the water gets higher, then finish the day working some mangrove shorelines for snook and reds. It's all about adapting to what the fish are doing and maximizing our chances for a memorable day on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, whether you're a die-hard fly fisherman looking to check some species off your bucket list, or a casual angler who wants to experience the thrill of sight fishing in crystal clear water, this trip's got you covered. We provide all the gear you need, from top-of-the-line rods and reels to the latest in fish-finding technology. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a lucky hat).

Remember, we're limited to three anglers max per trip. This isn't some crowded party boat situation - it's a personalized experience tailored to your skill level and what you want to target. Weekends book up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or shoot us an email, and let's get you out on the flats. The fish are waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the rush of seeing a big permit cruise into casting range. See you on the water!