7 Best Fishing Spots in Miami

Miami is known for its beaches, but it also has some of the best fishing spots in the world. The city offers everything from freshwater to saltwater fishing, and many different areas for inshore fishing and deep sea fishing. 

Miami fishing spots: comparison table

Do you need the best Miami fishing spots? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve compared several proper fishing spots in Miami that are popular with anglers who are looking for that perfect catch!

And if you are in a need of a boat to go fishing, we’ve got the perfect Miami boat rentals for you at sail.me!

Here are the 7 best fishing spots in Miami

Miami is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and with such diversity, you have to expect that there are some great fishing spots. Its tropical climate and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it an ideal place for catching fish of all kinds.

Here are seven of the best fishing spots in Miami:

1. Haulover Beach Park | Haulover Inlet
2. Oleta river state park
3. South Pointe Park
4. Bache Shoal Reef
5. Liberty Ship
6. Star Trek Reef
7. Matheson Hammock Park

1. Haulover Beach Park | Haulover Inlet (overall best Miami fishing spot)

Haulover Inlet is a canal that connects Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. The fishing at this spot is suitable for a variety of species, but you'll have the best luck with bottom fish. Shallow waters make it a great place for sight-fishing and catching Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, and Yellowtail Snapper can be found here as well.

Popular fishing areas include Haulover Park Beach and the north end of Crandon Park Beach where anglers can catch peacock bass when conditions permit.

Haulover Inlet is the pathway to many species of gamefish and a great day on the water.

Fish

• Bottom fish
• Jack Crevalle
• Spanish Mackerel
• Mangrove Snapper
• Yellowtail Snapper

Pros

• Variety of species
• Shallow waters
• The place is suitable for both trolling and bottom fishing
• In close proximity to Haulover Park Beach

Cons

• Sometimes can be dangerous because of the rough inlet waters

2. Oleta river state park

Oleta River State Park is a great place to enjoy fishing. The river runs through the state park, which is located in North Miami. The Oleta River is a stream that flows from Biscayne Bay and empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Sunny Isles Beach.

Oleta River State Park has a fishing pier where you can fish for largemouth bass, snook, redfish, and other popular species. The park's location (West of Sunny Isles Beach on Biscayne Bay) makes it one of the best places in South Florida to fish for snook during winter months when they are migrating upriver from their saltwater habitats. As well as being an excellent spot for catching blue crabs, flounder, and Spanish Mackerel in the summer months when they migrate into warm freshwaters throughout southern Florida.

There are many different fish species that you can catch on your fishing trip to the Oleta river:

Fish

• Redfish
• Snook
• Spanish Mackerel
• Pompano
• Amberjack
• Bass Fishing

Pros

• Parking
• Trails
• Wheelchair accessible
• Family-friendly
• Piers & docks
• Fly fishing
• Bank fishing

Cons

• There are sharks in the water so you need to be warry

3. South Pointe Park

South Pointe Park is the best place for pier fishing in Miami Beach. The park sits right on Government Cut, and you can fish from the end of this pier for free. You will also need a license to fish off this pier, but it's worth getting one if you really love fishing.

The beach here is very shallow and deep water starts just beyond it, so there are plenty of options for both beginners and experts alike! This is where most people go fishing because of its convenience and accessibility from land or watercrafts such as boats or kayaks. South Pointe Park has cleaning stations and lines disposal available as well so that you don't have to worry about getting your hands dirty after catching something delicious!

Fish

• Snapper
• Amberjack
• Grouper
• Mahi Mahi
• Sailfish
• Tarpon

Pros

• The Best Place for Pier Fishing in Miami Beach
• Perfect for beginners
• Accessible from land
• Beautiful View

Cons

• You need a fishing license in order to fish at South Pointe Park

4. Bache Shoal Reef

Bache Shoal Reef is a popular fishing spot in Miami because it's a great place to catch king mackerel, snapper, and Mahi Mahi. You can even land a record-breaking grouper fish here! Bache Shoal Reef is surrounded by wrecks, making it the perfect place for bait fish—the perfect meal for larger predators like sailfish or grouper.

Bottom fishing and kite fishing are the most productive approaches while you're at this reef. You could also go spearfishing if that's your thing!

The reef itself is just a short boat ride away from Miami Harbor so it’s super convenient if you don’t have your own vessel yet (you can use a fishing charter). And since there are many other activities nearby including snorkeling at North Beach Park or water sports at South Pointe Park, they can make up for any inconvenience when traffic gets crazy during peak seasons like summer vacation time.

Fish

• Largemouth bass
• Grouper
• Mahi Mahi
• Sailfish
• Snapper
• King Mackerel

Pros

• The Best Place for Pier Fishing in Miami Beach
• Perfect for beginners
• Accessible from land
• Beautiful View

Cons

• You need a fishing license in order to fish at South Pointe Park

5. Liberty Ship

Liberty Ship is home to an abundance of swordfish and sailfish which can be caught throughout the year. Located approximately 3 miles east of Bal Harbour, this reef offers anglers a wide variety of fish to target. Amberjack, Grouper, Snapper, and Barracuda all inhabit this reef year round.

This site is considered one of the top spots for game fishing in Miami due to its large size and excellent location within easy reach from most areas on the coast. The Liberty Shipwreck attracts numerous species of fish including Sailfish throughout the year as well as Swordfish during their seasonal migration periods. This site works best when there’s a strong current running offshore because it brings bait into these waters from deeper depths where they feed when storms pass through South Florida in the late summer months.

Fish

• Amberjack
• Sailfish
• Grouper
• Snapper
• Barracuda
• Swordfish
• Sailfish

Pros

• A lot of potential for a catch
• Not a lot of people know about the reef/shipwreck
• Can catch a swordfish

Cons

• You need to get in deepwater to get to the spot

6. Star Trek Reef

Star Trek Reef Miami is a sunken freighter from the Korean War, that attracts numerous critters and baitfish. It is 210 feet deep and rich with marine life, so it's no wonder why this reef attracts trophy fish like Sailfish, Mahi, Wahoo Mutton, and Vermillion Snapper.

The big game fishing in Miami can be amazing. You can get Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Blackfin Tuna, and Sailfish on almost any day during the fall.

Fish

• Sailfish
• Wahoo Mutton
• Vermillion Snapper
• Blackfin Tuna
• Swordfish

Pros

• The reef attracts multiple different species of fish
• Beautiful View
• A great snorkeling spot if you wish to combine fishing with diving

Cons

• Did not find any

7. Matheson Hammock Park

Matheson Hammock Park is located at 9610 Old Cutler Road, just south of Coral Gables, right across Key Biscayne. It’s home to a unique man-made atoll pool that’s perfect for fishing—and it’s also a great spot for snorkeling. The water ranges from shallow to deep, making this one of the best Miami fishing spots for both beginners and experienced anglers. You can expect to find an endless supply of mullet, snapper, and snook—all perfect specimens for your next meal! Fishing under the bridge on the right side of the park just past the tollgate is worth trying as well, as it is one of the park’s more famous fishing sites.

Matheson Hammock Park was designated as a Heritage Park to recognize its cultural, historical, and recreational contributions to our city's heritage. In addition to being stocked by MDFW with various species of fish including catfish (channel), grouper (gray), black drum (royal), bluegill sunfish, and even tilapia! There are no limits on size or number when fishing there so bring all you'll need! And remember you don't need any permits either because they're free!

Fish

• Grouper
• Snapper
• Snook
• Mullet
• Catfish
• Black Drum

Pros

• Perfect for inshore fishing
• White and sandy beaches
• A historical and recreational place

Cons

• There are some complaints about the park being a little bit dirty at times

5 best places to fish in Miami without a boat

We’ve researched the best places to fish in Miami without a boat for you, so you don’t need to! Sit tight and explore the best 5 fishing places that you can visit without owning a boat. But before you go, make sure you have a saltwater fishing license with you! Here is our short list of Miami’s top fishing from land places:

1. Blackpoint Marina
2. Haulover Park Beach
3. Pelican Harbor Marina
4. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
5. Crandon Park

1. Blackpoint Marina (best place to fish in Miami without a boat)

Blackpoint marina is the best place to fish in Miami without a boat! This marina is located on the eastern side of Miami, where you can fish from land. Blackpoint is one of the best places to catch snapper, snook, and bonefish. You can also catch barracuda occasionally at this spot. The trail that runs through Blackpoint Marina extends 1.5 miles into Biscayne Bay, which makes it a great place for fishing if you don't have access to your own boat or kayak! There are plenty of parking spaces available for those who drive out here to fish as well as picnic tables so that you can enjoy a meal once you're done catching your dinner!

Inside the marina itself, there are several restaurants that serve up some delicious food after a long day out on their beautiful lakefront deck overlooking Biscayne Bay a great spot for lunch or dinner after spending all day fishing!

Types of fish you can catch while fishing on Blackpoint marina:

• Snapper
• Snook
• Bonefish
• Barracuda

Pros

• Great fishing spot
• Yummy food and drinks at the restaurants
• Awesome Marina
• A really interesting and beautiful rocky trail that runs into Biscayne Bay

Cons

• There are opening and closing times, so the bay it’s not accessible all the time

2. Haulover Park Beach

As we already mentioned in the above section of this article, Haulover Park Beach is the place to be, when it comes to fishing with its white sand beaches and piers. This magical place offers a lot of opportunities for inshore fishing, so grab your fishing rod and lures and choose a spot on the jetty that allows fishers to reach deeper water.

Fish

• Bottom fish
• Jack Crevalle
• Sailfish
• Sharks
• Blackfin tuna
• Barracuda

Pros

• Beautiful park
• Great place to fish
• The jetty that allows fishers to reach deeper water

Cons

• Hard to find a parking spot

3. Pelican Harbor Marina

Pelican Harbor is a perfect marina that offers fishermen an opportunity for a great day filled with great fishing combined with shopping or dining at the marina after. From there you can easily access Haulover Inlet or Government Cut. While fishing, you can also enjoy the magnificent company of pelicans (hence the name), since Pelican Island is just 400 yards offshore.

Fish

• Blue striped grunt
• Common snook
• Crevalle Jack

Pros

• Really nice marina with shops and restaurants
• Great place for fishing
• Pelican Harbor Marina is one of the best fishing spots in Miami for inshore and offshore fishing

Cons

• $7 dollars parking fee

4. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park offers some of the best fishing spots in Miami on the west coast of the park along Biscayne Bay. You will be happy to find out that there are 8 fishing platforms, plus a section of the seawall at the southern tip of the park, which is also a perfect spot for fishing. Make sure to check the Florida fishing laws since all fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture, and season. 

Fish

• Kingfish
• Red Drum
• Snook
• Grouper
• Snapper

Pros

• Some of the best shoreline fishing spots in Miami
• Barbeque available in the park
• Parking
• Fishing platforms
• Great Views

Cons

• Sometimes there are lots of undersize catch
• Seaweed

5. Bear Cut Bridge

While fishing from the bridge is prohibited, getting under it can do the job. Get your waders on and hit the flats beneath the Bear Cut Bridge for your fill of fishing. You can even try night fishing with shrimps for a good mackerel bite and at night around the pilings, you can catch tarpon and snook.

Fish

• Tarpon
• Mackerel
• Snook
• Grouper
• Snapper
• Barracuda

Pros

• Some of the best shoreline fishing spots in Miami
• Enjoy the beauty of Key Biscayne
• Great Views

Cons

• Fishing from the bridge is not legal
• Lots of bull sharks

Surf fishing in Miami: top 3 best spots

If you live in Miami, Florida, and love the ocean as we do, then you're going to love surf fishing. Surf fishing in Miami is a great way to get out there and catch some fish from the beach. This can be done with just about any type of tackle and bait, so it's really easy to learn how to do it! These are our top 3 places in Miami that are perfect for surf fishing:

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park
2. Dania Beach Ocean Park
3. Hallandale Beach

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park (best surf fishing spot in Miami)

This is the most famous surf fishing spot, with good reason. It’s located on the south side of Fort Lauderdale Beach and offers easy access to both beach and pier fishing.

The park has a beautiful view of Fort Lauderdale Beach and offers visitors several amenities including restrooms and showers, picnic tables, grills or barbecues (bring your own charcoal), benches as well as an area where you can fish or launch your kayak or canoe into shallow waters without having to worry about being swamped by high tide waves breaking on shore due to rough weather conditions that happen during hurricane season which begins June 1st each year until November 30th every year here in South Florida so be prepared because those storms can come fast!

2. Dania Beach Ocean Park

Dania Beach Ocean Park is also known as "Dania Beach Fishing Pier", it’s located near 300 N Beach Rd, Dania Beach, FL 33004 United States. There are some special rules to follow there, so please read them before driving there.

The parking lot at Dania Beach Ocean Park is small and fills up quickly. It is also prohibited to bring pets, alcohol, or glass containers onto the premises of this park. Due to these rules, we recommend you park your car in one of the many public parking lots nearby, then walk down to the beach area where there are 2 fishing piers and a beach that you can use to cast out your fishing line and reel in some fish.

3. Hallandale Beach

Hallandale Beach offers some pretty decent surf fishing opportunities in a very family-friendly environment that includes great swimming beaches and playgrounds for kids!

The pier itself has lots of seating and is the perfect place to bring your gear or just relax while watching others fish from the shoreline. There are also some great swimming beaches nearby where families can spend time together in the sun splashing around in the ocean waves!

In addition to being a fun place for all ages, Hallandale Beach also features several playground areas where kids can have fun playing on jungle gyms, slides, or climbing trees. These areas are typically located within walking distance from each other so parents don’t have too much trouble keeping track of their children while they explore everything this area has to offer them both indoors & outdoors!

5 best freshwater fishing spots in Miami

When it comes to the best freshwater fishing spots in Miami, there are several places that are worth your attention:

1. Tamiami Canal (best freshwater fishing spot in Miami)
2. Everglades National Park
3. Amelia Earhart Park
4. Oleta River State Park
5. Lake Okeechobee

1. Tamiami Canal (best freshwater fishing spot in Miami)

Fishing in Tamiami Canal offers some of the most exciting and varied fishing in southeast Florida. Butterfly peacock, largemouth bass, snook, and tarpon are caught frequently by anglers who troll along its waters. Most anglers have reported catching a ‘trifecta’ or ‘grand slam’—butterfly peacock and largemouth bass topped off with a snook or even a tarpon—usually best from March through May, but they are caught consistently throughout the year.

It is best to go fishing early in the morning, look for tarpon rolling at the surface, especially in the area just east of Red Road. Snook can be found throughout the canal system but tend to concentrate along vegetated shorelines and under bridges close to lake areas.

We encourage anglers to release most butterfly peacocks, largemouth bass, snook, and tarpon they catch. If anglers don't practice catching and releasing most of the sportfish they see, these high-quality fisheries will deteriorate rapidly.

2. Amelia Earhart Park

Amelia Earhart Park, located in the northern stretches of Hialeah just south of Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, is a sprawling urban outdoor sports and recreation complex with a fascinating history. With multiple lakes, it’s also a one-of-a-kind destination for fishing. With so much wide open green space, it’s also the perfect park for an afternoon stroll along winding pathways beneath trees and past lakes or to simply sprawl in the grass on a picnic blanket.

3. Everglades National Park

Enjoy fishing in Florida's Everglades National Park. You'll find many different species of fish in the park, including snapper, sea trout, and redfish. Saltwater fishing includes Florida Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands. Freshwater fishing can be done at Nine Mile Pond or further south. A freshwater fishing license is needed if you plan on fishing at or north of Nine Mile Pond; a saltwater license is needed if you plan on fishing south of this area.

The licensed angler is allowed to catch and possess 20 fish at one time. However, the angler can only have 10 of any one species in his/her possession. It is also important for you to know that there is no limit on the number of non-native fish an angler can have. Please make sure you get a copy of our fishing regulations at all visitor centers or entrance stations.

4. Oleta River State Park

Fishing at Oleta River State Park is a popular pastime. The park’s location on the Oleta River, which empties into Biscayne Bay near North Miami, makes it one of the best places in South Florida to fish for snook during winter months when they are migrating upriver from saltwater habitats. As well as being an excellent spot for catching blue crabs, flounder, and Spanish mackerel in the summer months when they migrate into warm freshwater throughout southern Florida.

5. Lake Okeechobee

Lake Okeechobee offers a real slice of serenity. Casting a line here will see you surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of tranquility that can be hard to find in other South Florida locales. There are several species of fish native to the lake—including largemouth bass, white bass, sunshine bass, spotted bass, black bass, butterfly peacock bass, shoal bass, and striped bass—all of which grow as large as 15 pounds.

Does Miami have good fishing?

Miami's proximity to the Gulf Stream makes it a perfect place for fishing! Whether you want to catch something for dinner or just want to try out your new rod, there are plenty of spots in and around the city where you can find fish.

What fish are biting in Miami?

When you're fishing in Miami, you'll have no trouble finding a variety of species. Amberjack, grouper, and snapper can be found in the offshore waters, while cobia, pompano, redfish, Spanish mackerel, and snook await those casting their lines inshore. Tarpons lurk in the area's deeper waters.

What is the best time to go fishing in Miami?

Fish are plentiful in Miami year-round, but the best times to fish in Miami are from April to October. The best season for Miami fishing is summer into early fall. There are still plenty of species to be caught in the winter, but water temperatures tend to be cooler during these times.

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Good fishing spots in Miami: Our conclusion

Being home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and with such diversity, you have to expect that there are some good fishing spots in Miami. Its tropical climate and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean make it an ideal place for catching fish of all kinds.

If you've been wanting to go on a fishing trip in Miami, look no further! The fishing spots in this article will definitely ensure that you and your friends have a great time catching a wide variety of fish ranging from groupers to snappers. While these are just some of the great fishing spots in Miami, there is still plenty more that you can explore.