Everybody knows Miami as a city where sun, beaches, and nightlife reign supreme. There’s more to it than that, though. Being by the Atlantic Ocean offers so many great advantages, and one of them is fishing.
Miami is one of the greatest fishing spots in the United States, so if you’ve finished bringing the heat on South Beach, you might be interested in hiring a boat to take you out to see what you can catch.
If so, you’re in luck. This is a guide to everything you need to know about when you’re hiring a fishing boat in Miami. First, we’ll take you through some great companies to hire from, then look at some advice to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Finally, we’ll look at some frequently asked questions to make sure you’re as clued as can be. Let’s get into it!
Miami Fishing Charter
The easygoing crew on this company’s fishing trips will tailor the experience around you. This means that it’s a great choice for anyone, whether you’re a novice with a rod or have been fishing for years.
The crew is very knowledgeable and experienced when it comes to fishing, and the fishing gear available to customers is of good quality. The crew’s enthusiasm is infectious and should get absolutely anyone into the spirit of the trip. In addition, they’re confident handling their boat (the Marauder) in any conditions.
Therapy IV Deep Sea Fishing Experience
The captain and crew here have been sailing and fishing in the waters around Miami for 50 years, so you know that it’s second nature to them. This is a company that lets you fish in serious style. Their two custom-made fishing yachts come equipped with a flatscreen TV, wet bar, and indoor carpet.
The crew members themselves are enthusiastic, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile to make your trip enjoyable and successful. You can choose to go on a group fishing tour or to rent the boat privately
There is also the choice of renting for half a day or for a full day. Whichever you choose, you’ll soon see why so many customers want to come back for another go.
Double Threat Fishing Charters
Double Threat Fishing Charters offers fishing trips run by Captain Nick. Nick is an expert fisherman with years of experience, and he’s happy to use that experience to help you, whatever kind of fishing you’re looking for.
You can choose to go inshore or further out to sea, to the East coast or West coast. Whether you want to sight-cast for redfish, go kite fishing for sailfish, or go hunting for swordfish at night, Double Threat is the place for you to live out those dreams.
Top Gun Fishing Charters
Just tell the guys at Top Gun Fishing Charters what you’re looking to catch, and they’ll do everything they can to find you those fish. They cater to both beginners and experienced fishing enthusiasts, so don’t be shy about signing up.
Their crew is knowledgeable and happy to give lessons and pointers to those who need them. In case you need a break from the hot daytime sun, the boat has an inside area with air conditioning and a bathroom.
Urban Legends Fishing Charters
Captain Mike is another veteran fisherman who knows the fish and waterways around Miami like the back of his hand. He seems to have a sixth sense for where the fish will be biting, so you definitely won’t end your day disappointed.
Don’t be put off if you’re new to fishing, either. He’ll be more than happy to help you learn, both by showing you how it’s done and by giving you sage advice that you’ll still remember when you’ve got years of experience under your belt.
The gear they provide is high-quality and they’ll also give you enough live bait to keep you fishing all day.
Renter’s Guide
There are a few things you’ll probably want to think about before you make the commitment to rent a fishing boat in Miami. Here’s some advice on the most important points for you to consider.
What Kind Of Fish Are You Looking For?
There are countless different types of fish in the waters around Miami, and many of them are targets for different types of anglers. However, they don’t all appear in the same spots or at the same times of the year. Other differences include fishing techniques and the best baits.
If you’re looking for something specific, tell the crew of the ship. They have years or often even decades of experience and will be able to show you exactly how to catch your dream fish.
It will probably be best for you to talk with them beforehand so they can take you to the right spots for what you’re looking for – you won’t have much luck catching swordfish in shallow waters, for example.
You should also think about what time of year you’re fishing. If you’re just looking for a fun time in the sun and aren’t too worried about exactly what you catch, then feel free to just go whenever the weather’s looking good.
But if you’re on the hunt for one particular fish, then check out when the peak season is. For example, you can catch swordfish all year round but will have the best luck in the fall.
What Kind Of Experience Are You Looking For?
The fishing boat rentals mentioned in our list for this article are all the kinds of operations that offer a lot of personal attention and expert advice during the trip. They’re run by veterans of fishing who know the game better than anyone.
However, if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, it’s possible to go out on a party boat with fishing rods. There’ll be less personal attention and expertise here, but still enough for you to have a fun time catching some fish.
How Long Do You Want To Spend Fishing?
You can rent boats for varying amounts of time, ranging from a few hours to all day. Think carefully before you choose. If you’re a fishing novice who just wants to check it out and see how they find it, maybe hold off on going the whole hog with a full-day booking. You might end up very tired of it by the end if it’s not what you expected!
Do You Want A Private Or Public Booking?
Some companies will give you the choice between renting a fishing boat privately or being part of a tour with other customers. There are pros and cons to each, of course. You might find that joining a tour with others is a good way to meet people and make new friends.
On the other hand, you might prefer the privacy of a private rental, particularly if you’re going out as part of a family celebration. That said, private rentals are likely to be more expensive, so you’ll have to weigh up your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need A License To Rent A Boat In Miami?
No, you do not, as long as you will not be operating the boat yourself. However, you certainly do need a license to operate a boat rental service. All the companies on our list are reputable and properly licensed.
However, if you end up renting from another company, it would be a good idea to make sure they are properly licensed as well. Another thing to consider is that, even though you don’t need a license, you will need to be aware of basic boat safety.
If you will be operating the boat yourself and were born on or later than January 1st, 1988, you will need to have a valid Boating Safety Education Identification Card. To get one of these, you will need to complete an approved boating safety course.
Does Miami Have Good Fishing?
Yes, and then some. Miami is known across the US and beyond as one of the best vacation destinations for great fishing. Its climate and diverse ecosystem mean that there’s a wide variety of different species to look for, whatever your taste. This includes several big game fish like swordfish and marlin.
What Type Of Fish Can You Catch In Miami?
That’s a pretty big question and it’s not a short answer! One of the most popular is dolphin, but don’t panic – the Miami dolphin is a type of fish, not the kind with flippers. You can also catch swordfish, sailfish, grouper, marlin, red snapper, amberjack, various kinds of shark, and a lot more besides.
How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Fishing Boat In Miami?
The answer is that it really depends. There are options to rent boats for varying lengths of time, both privately or as part of a larger group. The costs of these can vary quite a bit, so you’ll need to shop around.
