Fishing may be taking a back seat to fine restaurants and pulsing nightlife, but Miami fishing charter boat captains are still enjoying steady business. With the Gulf Stream so close, anglers can enjoy catching grouper, tuna, dolphins, kingfish and more.
So, if you’re planning a Miami deep-sea fishing trip, try checking out the area’s top four marinas – the Crandon Park Marina, Haulover Beach Marina, Miami Beach Marina and the Bayside Marketplace. Each offers something a little different and a wide range of captains and ships to choose from.
Miami Crandon Park Marina
The Crandon Park Marina is considered the prime spot to go for some of the best Miami fishing charter boat companies and captains in the business. The marina is well-known, popular and has a strong reputation. However, thanks to its popularity, the rates can be slightly higher than other marinas and will typically range from $500 for 4 to 5 hours to $700 for an entire day.
Haulover Beach Park
Head down Collins Avenue in Miami Beach and you’ll find the Haulover Beach Park Marina just steps away from the infamous Haulover Beach nudist beach section. Perhaps its the area’s proximity to the Gulf Stream, but the Haulover Marina is home to the largest drift and charter fleet in South Florida. You can also call ahead at 305-947-3525 for recommendations and fishing updates.
Haulover Beach Marina is busy, with numerous boats to choose from, but recommended charters include the Helen C, Haulover Charter Company and the Kelley Fleet.
Miami Beach Marina
The majority of boats docked at the Miami Beach Marina are private vessels, but there are a number of private fishing charters. Recommended captains and fleets include Miami Beach Charters, the Reward Fleet and the Sissy Bay.
You can find the Miami Beach Marina along the MacArthur Causeway to 300 Alton Road, or by phone at 305-673-6000.
The Bayside Marketplace Marina
Like the Miami Beach Marina, the Bayside Marketplace is a mix of private boats, commercial vessels and private fishing charter companies. Laid-back angles might prefer the more relaxed atmosphere and low-pressure sales pitch. The marketplace is 5 minutes from Miami Beach and just 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale.
Average Costs
For a private Miami fishing charter boat, you can expect to pay between $450 and $500 for a 4-5 hour day. Passage can also be booked on party boats or group vessels for as little as $30.
However, if you’re on more of a budget, you can book passage on a group boat for about $30. Many of these boats also offer a 50-50 plan, where you can sell or take half your catch, while they sell or take the other half.
Taking a fishing charter from one of the marinas in Miami can be a thrilling experience for the true angler. For most, the costs are affordable (apart from the transportation to and from Miami, of course), and the waters are teeming with pending catches that would be well-worth bringing home.
For information on exciting fishing adventures – please visit alaskafloridafishing.com – a popular site providing great fishing trip insights – such as an Alaska fly-in fishing – Fort Lauderdale sport fishing – and many more!