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Expert-Guided Reef Fishing in Key Biscayne
- Published Date: October 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Key Biscayne, FL
- Updated Date: December 6, 2025
Summary
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Reeling in the Action
Reel in the Big Ones: Key Biscayne Reef Fishing
Ready to chase some monsters off the coast of Key Biscayne? Captain Jesus Castell's got you covered with this action-packed half-day reef fishing trip. You and five of your buddies will hop aboard a sweet 31-footer and hit the rich waters just minutes from Miami. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, you're in for some serious rod-bending action targeting everything from hard-fighting king mackerel to trophy sailfish.
What's the Deal?
This 4-hour private charter is all about putting you on the fish. Captain Jesus knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you dropping lines on productive reefs and wrecks in no time. The boat's got plenty of room to move around, top-notch electronics to find the fish, and a cooler ready for your catch. You'll be using a mix of techniques to target a variety of species - one minute you might be drifting live bait for snappers, the next you could be jigging deep for grouper or trolling the surface for pelagics. It's a Choose Your Own Adventure, fishing style.
Fishing Know-How
Don't sweat it if you're new to saltwater fishing - Captain Jesus has seen it all and he'll get you up to speed quick. You'll learn the ropes on different techniques like bottom fishing (great for snapper and grouper), drift fishing (perfect for when the current's running), and trolling (the go-to for speedsters like king mackerel and sailfish). The crew provides all the gear, from sturdy rods and reels to fresh live bait that the local fish can't resist. Pro tip: listen to the captain when he says "Fish on!" - that's your cue to start reeling!
Fish Tales
No customer reviews are available for this trip yet.
The Big Five: Top Targets
Atlantic Sailfish: These are the rock stars of Key Biscayne's waters. Known for their blazing speed (we're talking up to 68 mph) and acrobatic leaps, hooking into a sailfish is like strapping yourself to a rocket. They're most active in the cooler months, from November to May. When one of these beauties skyrockets out of the water, shaking its bill trying to throw the hook, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.
King Mackerel: These toothy torpedoes are the sprinters of the sea. "Kingfish" as the locals call 'em, love to chase down fast-moving baits. They've got a nasty set of chompers, so we use wire leaders to prevent break-offs. Kings can top 50 pounds around here, and when they hit, hold on tight - they're known for blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Prime time for kings is fall through spring.
Cobia: Nicknamed "lemonfish" for their yellowish-brown color, cobia are the bruisers of the bunch. These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, but don't let their docile appearance fool you. Once hooked, they fight like hell, using their broad, flat bodies to bull-dog you all the way to the bottom. They're here year-round but really fire up in the spring and fall. Cobia make for some fantastic eating, too.
Lemon Shark: These golden-hued predators are a blast to catch and release. Lemon sharks cruise the shallower reefs and can grow up to 10 feet long. They're not the fastest sharks out there, but they've got stamina for days. When you hook into one, be ready for a drawn-out battle of strength and will. Spring and summer are prime lemon shark seasons in Key Biscayne.
Bull Shark: The heavyweights of our inshore waters, bull sharks are pure muscle. These bad boys can top 500 pounds and they're not afraid to use every ounce of that weight against you. Bulls are aggressive feeders and will hit just about any bait you throw their way. They're year-round residents, but the bite really heats up in the warmer months. Landing one of these monsters will give you bragging rights for years to come.
Time to Get Hooked Up
Look, if you're itching for some rod-bending action just a stone's throw from Miami, this Key Biscayne half-day is your ticket. Captain Jesus knows how to put clients on fish, and with everything from reef dwellers to pelagic speedsters in the mix, you never know what's gonna crush your bait next. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or test your skills against some serious gamefish, this trip's got you covered. So round up your crew, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to make some waves. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Don't let this one get away - book now and let's get you out on the water!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Sailfish
Atlantic Sailfish are some of the fastest fish in the ocean, and they put on quite a show when hooked. These beauties average 7-8 feet long and 50-80 pounds. You'll find them in the warm waters off Key Biscayne, usually 30-65 feet deep but sometimes down to 650 feet. Winter's the prime time to target sailfish here, especially in the famous "Sailfish Alley" between North Miami Beach and Fort Pierce. Anglers love chasing sailfish for their spectacular aerial acrobatics and powerful runs. To catch one, set up with heavy tackle and let your bait swim freely as you troll slowly. When a sailfish hits, hold on tight - they'll try to shake the hook immediately. Let it run before you start fighting back. For flies, bright pink and white tube flies work well. It's an unforgettable battle with one of the ocean's most magnificent game fish.
Bull Shark
Bull Sharks are the heavyweights of Key Biscayne's inshore waters. These brawlers average 8-10 feet and can top 300 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal areas, often in less than 100 feet of water. They're here year-round but are most active in warmer months. Bulls are known for their aggression and powerful fights, making them a top target for shark anglers. To hook one, use fresh cut bait or whole fish like mullet on heavy tackle. Chumming can help bring them in close. Once hooked, be ready for a marathon battle - Bulls have serious stamina. A local trick is to use freshwater eel as bait - its high oil content drives them wild. Remember, these sharks can tolerate freshwater, so you might find them in unexpected places. Always practice catch-and-release with Bulls to help conserve the population. It's all about the thrill of tangling with one of the ocean's most powerful predators.
Cobia
Cobia are bruisers that'll give you a serious workout. These hefty fish average 30-50 pounds but can top 100. Look for them around structures like reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water off Key Biscayne. Spring's prime time as they migrate through, often visible right at the surface. Cobia are prized for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs or live eels. A local trick is to use darker colored jigs on sunny days, lighter ones when it's overcast. Once hooked, be ready for a long, dogged battle - cobia are known for their endurance. They'll often make multiple runs to structure, so heavy tackle is a must. The meat is firm and delicious, making cobia a favorite for both the fight and the grill. Just remember, they're solitary fish, so finding them takes patience. But when you do, it's always worth the wait.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or Kingfish, are speed demons that'll test your skills. These silvery missiles typically run 20-40 pounds, with some topping 90. You'll find them cruising the warm waters 40-150 feet deep off Key Biscayne, often near reefs or wrecks. Kings are migratory, so prime season here is late fall through early spring. Anglers love targeting them for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. To land one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or goggle-eyes. Use a stinger rig with two hooks - kings are notorious for short-striking. Wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs from those razor sharp teeth. When you hook up, be ready for smoking runs and spectacular aerial displays. Kings make great eating too, just be mindful of mercury levels in larger fish. For a real thrill, nothing beats the screaming run of a big kingfish peeling line off your reel at highway speeds.
Lemon Shark
Lemon Sharks are a common sight in the shallow waters around Key Biscayne. These stocky sharks typically run 8-10 feet long and can weigh up to 200 pounds. You'll find them cruising close to shore, often in less than 30 feet of water. They're most active at night, but you can catch them year-round here. Anglers target Lemons for their strong fights and the thrill of landing a shark. To hook one, use fresh cut bait like mullet or bonito on a heavy wire leader. Chum helps draw them in. Once hooked, be ready for powerful runs - these sharks don't give up easily. A local tip: look for them around mangroves and seagrass beds, especially during high tide. Remember, Lemon Sharks are catch-and-release only in Florida waters. It's all about the excitement of the fight and the chance to see these impressive predators up close before safely releasing them.
About the Island time charters of Miami
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
