Miami Florida fishing guide for Bonefish, Snook, Tarpon and Redfish.

I fish the following areas: Miami Florida Fishing Charter

(saltwater), Miami (freshwater), Biscayne Bay, Biscayne National Park, Key Largo, Islamorada and Florida Bay. Some of the names refer to the same area. They are found within a 70 mile radius of my home in southern Dade County.

The types of fishing I offer fall into four categories and can be described as follows:

Flats Fishing - Fishing in extremely shallow water for bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish, barracuda, shark and, snook. A shallow-draft skiff is used. The fishing is primarily sight-fishing - spotting and stalking to within casting range of fish and then making an accurate cast with a fly, spinning lure or bait. In my area, the best flats fishing is accessed from Miami, Key Largo, and Islamorada . The best times of year are March through October, but during warm spells in the winter bonefish and redfish do inhabit the flats. This type of fishing is some of the most challenging and exciting and is best suited to those with intermediate to advanced fishing skills.

Backcountry Fishing - This type of fishing encompasses t Florida Fishing

he areas that can be accessed from Islamorada andKey Largo. We use a wide variety of techniques and catch many species of fish. A list of the species available is long:

snook, redfish, spotted seatrout, tarpon, black drum, shark (5 species), mangrove snapper, tripletail, cobia, bluefish, jack crevalle, jewfish, gag grouper, ladyfish, permit, pompano, and largemouth bass.

We use a shallow draft skiff or canoes to fish these areas. Techniques include casting shorelines, live baiting, trolling, and chumming. Fly and light tackle are used for most of this fishing, except for when targeting large fish like jewfish and shark. The type of water fished varies from freshwater creeks to mangrove islands to the open Gulf of Mexico. Numerous sightings of an amazing number of wading birds and wildlife (alligators, crocodiles, dolphins and manatees) are an extra bonus.

There is always something biting in the backcountry - year 'round - and weather rarely causes a client's trip to be canceled. Backcountry fishing produces the most action of any south Florida fishing and is suited to those of all skill levels - from advanced flyfishermen to first-time anglers.

Night Fishing: Tarpon and snook Florida Permit Fishing

generally feed more at night. We offer night trips in the Miami, Key Largo, and Islamorada areas to pursue these fish. Mangrove snapper and permit can also be caught at night at certain times of the year. The fishing is done primarily around bridges, jetties and docks with some drifting in open water. Most of the areas are lit well enough to see the fish both in the water and when they jump. Live bait, spin and fly fishing are all effective.

Night fishing is productive year - 'round for tarpon averaging 30 pounds, but the period from January to mid-June is the best time to take a large one (over 80 lbs.). Anglers of all skill levels can be accommodated for night trips. The Miami-based night trip is especially attractive to the visiting business person who has a limited amount of time available during their stay in south Florida. The tarpon are found within a few minutes boat ride from any location in downtown Miami or Miami Beach.

Freshwater Fishing: Miami/Dade County has a vast network of freshwater canals and small lakes throughout the metropolitan area. Largemouth bass and peacock bass (from South America) inhabit these waters. In addition, there are a few salt water species that spend some or all of their life in fresh water that can be caught in these areas -

�We fish these waters by motor skiff, canoe and on foot. The best time of year is December through June during any warm weather period. This fishing can be done in weather that is so windy that most other fishing trips would be canceled. This makes it a good back-up plan for other trips. Because of the proximity to all major hotels in Dade County, this is a great trip for the angler with a minimal amount of time to spend fishing during his/her visit to Miami. Bait fishing will appeal to anglers of all levels, while spin and flyfishing here is best for those with intermediate and advanced skills.

All fishing charters include rods, reels, flies, lures, bait, ice and fuel. Clients do not need a fishing license for any salt water fishing trips, but must bring their own lunch and drinks. Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, Polaroid sunglasses, and rain jacket are recommended.

Passenger capacity: My flats skiff can handle 3 anglers maximum with some restriction as to total weight.

Captain Adam Redford
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