Miami Flats Fishing Guide for Tarpon, Permit & Bonefish
Light-tackle sight fishing in Biscayne Bay and Key Biscayne with USCG-licensed Captain Tom Weber. Half-day charters from $750.
Target Species
The Key Biscayne triangle holds miles of inshore flats, bridges, beaches, docks, and inlets—the prime feeding grounds for Miami’s best sportfish.
Tarpon
The Silver King. Miami tarpon fishing peaks during the annual spring migration of giant breeding fish through Government Cut and Biscayne Bay.
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Bonefish
Biscayne Bay bonefish average 8 lbs with trophy giants up to 16 lbs. Known for ghost-like feeding behavior and drag-screaming 200-yard runs.
View Bonefish Fishing →
Permit
After spawning on deep offshore wrecks, permit move directly onto the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay for world-class light-tackle sight fishing.
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Snook
Snook gather near Government Cut and Biscayne Bay tidal passes during summer spawns, giving light-tackle anglers powerful strikes from 6 to 30 lb fish.
View Snook Fishing →
Cuda
Sight cast to giant aggressive barracuda laid up in 2 feet of gin-clear water during the winter months, or target them on light tackle.
View Cuda Fishing →
Shark
Exhilarating shallow-water sight fishing for lemon, bull, and hammerhead sharks across clear winter flats on incoming tides.
View Shark Fishing →Key Biscayne Fishing Charters on the Biscayne Bay Flats
Florida Native Charters is a USCG-licensed Miami inshore guide service operated by Captain Tom Weber. Departing from Key Biscayne, trips target tarpon, permit, bonefish, snook, barracuda, and shark throughout Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park.
Every charter is tailored around tide cycles, seasonal patterns, and angler skill level. Whether you are an experienced fly caster or bringing your family for a first flats trip, Captain Tom provides hands-on instructional guidance.
Miami Charter Rates
All charters include custom rod and reel tackle, live bait, ice, cold drinks, and state fishing licenses. Book directly with Captain Tom Weber.
Half Day
Ideal for families and first-time anglers pursuing bonefish, snook, or sharks on the shallow Key Biscayne flats.
Book Half DayTarpon Special
Focused migration trip targeting silver kings around bridges, channels, and Government Cut during prime tide windows.
Book Tarpon TripFull Inshore Day
Maximized water time across multiple tide shifts to target grand-slam species (tarpon, permit, and bonefish).
Book 6 HoursLocal Expertise
Captain Tom Weber fishes the flats, bridges, beaches, docks, and inlets of Biscayne Bay year-round.
All Skill Levels
A patient teaching guide welcoming beginners and families as well as technical fly anglers.
Year-Round Fishing
Miami inshore fishing remains active 365 days a year with shifting seasonal targets.
Light Tackle & Fly
Specialized shallow-draft flats fishing using premier light spin gear or fly tackle.
Miami Inshore Fishing Seasons
March through November represents peak flats action, while winter months bring giant barracuda and shallow-water shark fishing.
Peak Season — March through November
Spring through autumn delivers non-stop light-tackle action in Biscayne Bay. Migratory tarpon arrive in November and peak through July, staging along deep channels and cuts. Watching a 100+ lb tarpon leap in front of the Key Biscayne skyline remains an unforgettable angling moment.
From June through September, spawning snook pack into Government Cut on outgoing tides, while large permit tail on clear, shallow grass flats across western Biscayne Bay.
Winter Season — December through February
Winter cold fronts push aggressive barracuda onto shallow 2-foot flats where they strike high-speed lures. Resident tarpon and permit remain active around deep seawalls and structure.
Biscayne Bay is known for winter lemon and bull shark sight fishing. Low sun angles and clear water from January through April let you spot feeding sharks from hundreds of yards away.
Biscayne Bay & Key Biscayne Flats Ecosystem
Biscayne Bay is a protected estuarine ecosystem bordered by Key Biscayne and Biscayne National Park. Its turtle grass flats, mangrove channels, and ocean inlets hold the Florida inshore grand slam: tarpon, permit, and bonefish.
Captain Tom Weber has fished South Florida light tackle for 40 years and has guided Biscayne Bay since moving to Miami 22 years ago. Charters run from a shallow-draft flats boat built for skinny water and sight fishing.
Call Captain Tom: (954) 536-6646
Miami Fishing Charter FAQ
When is the best time for tarpon fishing in Miami?
Miami tarpon fishing is strongest from November through July, when migratory breeding fish move through Biscayne Bay, local bridges, and Government Cut.
Where do Florida Native Charters launch from?
Charters launch out of Key Biscayne, Florida (4000 Crandon Blvd) and fish the flats, bridges, beaches, and inlets of Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park.
How much does a Miami inshore fishing charter cost?
Half-day trips (4 hours) start at $750. A 5-hour tarpon special is $850, and a full 6-hour inshore charter is $950. Rods, custom tackle, live bait, ice, fuel, and fishing licenses are included.
Are fishing licenses and gear provided on the charter?
Yes. Captain Tom Weber provides all state saltwater fishing licenses, high-end light-tackle spin and fly fishing gear, bait, and cold drinks.