South Florida fishing

Freshly caught tuna and bonito laid out on a boat deck after offshore fishing near Miami Beach
Boating tips, South Florida fishing

South Florida Fishing Gear, Tactics & Hidden Hotspots from a Year-Round Local

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items I use myself.

I’ve learned a couple things after years fishing these waters—your success isn’t about having the newest tech. It’s about knowing what bait to throw, where to get it, how to rig it when the tide’s moving, and where to throw your line. You can outfish most people with a 16-foot skiff and a livewell full of pilchards if you know what you’re doing. Read below for South Florida fishing gear to have on your boat.

This is the kind of post I wish existed when I started: hard-earned local tips, go-to setups, and a few sneaky hotspots. No fluff, just tools that work in real Miami conditions. Bookmark it—you’ll want to come back.

Sailfish jumping offshore with Miami Beach skyline in background during local fishing trip
South Florida fishing, Boating tips

Local fishing in Miami isn’t just a hobby—it’s how we live here. (Miami Fishing Guide)

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend items I use myself.

Whether you’re dropping bait in Biscayne Bay or drift fishing near Key Largo, local fishing in Miami isn’t just a pastime—it’s part of living here. Forget the tourist traps and glossy charters. This is a local’s guide to South Florida’s fishiest waters—based on experience, not Google Maps.

I’ve fished these spots countless times, often launching from the beach, bridges, or a kayak. From urban jetties to hidden sandy holes, these locations deliver. Let’s start in North Miami and work our way south.

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