Deep Sea Fishing Miami

The southeast coast of Florida provides anglers with their closest approach to the Gulf Stream. And along the edge of this warm river that flows from the Gulf of Mexico up the Atlantic Coast, ending up in Europe, is some of the finest fishing anywhere.

Deep sea fishing in Miami begins in the calm waters of Biscayne Bay, which provides marinas and launching ramps from which to begin a trip to catch "the big one." And big they are, ranging from 20 pound barracudas and kingfish all the way up to sharks better than 10 feet long and weighing many hundreds of pounds.

In the winter, a solid body of kingfish appears every year, and they become one of the staples of deep sea fishing Miami. Party boats, charter boats, private boats and commercial vessels alike chase this giant of the mackerel family, which can top 60 pounds. When the kings are biting, it is not difficult to locate them. The fleet of boats will tip off the hotspot.

Kingfish can be caught deep sea fishing off Miami all year round. But it is interesting to note that the fish that are there in the summer are not the same ones that thrill anglers in the winter. The winter fish actually spawn in the western Gulf of Mexico, and at one time came under heavy pressure and were significantly depleted from commercial purse seining. Restrictions on the commercial catch have now returned the winter kingfishery to a solid level.

Sailfish, too, congregate in the winter for deep sea fishermen in Miami. This spectacular gamefish often bites anything offered. Yet sometimes it can be moody and difficult to entice.

When the sailfish and kingfish are not cooperating, there are plenty of other options. A little farther into the Gulf Stream there are dolphin (mahi mahi) and blackfin tuna. And if all else fails, there is bottom fishing on the reefs for dozens of different species. Deep sea fishing in Miami is tons of fun.

Techniques vary with the type of fish sought, but most species respond to two basic methods: medium speed trolling with dead bait; slow trolling or drifting with live or dead bait. Dead bait trollers mainly use ballyhoo, or strips cut from a bonito (little tunny). Live baits can be almost anything that swims; local favorites are goggle-eyes and pilchards. When it comes to deep sea fishing in Miami, the most popular bait for dead bait drifting is the Spanish sardine.

Tackle used for deep sea fishing Miami must be stout, because the next fish could always be "the big one." Reels with at least 30 pound test are de rigueur. Anything less is just looking for trouble.

Unless the angler is specifically seeking sailfish, which are toothless, wire leader is mandatory. Kingfish and wahoo have razor sharp teeth; sharks and barracudas will bite through monofilament also. Sport fishermen will not be disappointed when deep sea fishing in Miami's waters. And though there are size limits and closed seasons on many species, it is a rare day that deep sea fishing around Miami doesn't produce dinner.