Fishing in Key Biscayne: The Ultimate Guide

As soon as you get acquainted with Key Biscayne, often called "Paradise Island," you'll realize it's not merely a gimmick or a cheap marketing trick – there is more to it!

In the hinterland of Miami, amidst its white sandy beaches and the sea that overflows in all the crystalline shades of blue and green, there is this tropical haven, just far and close enough from the urban bustle to become a real little fisherman's sanctuary. 

Key Biscayne is the northernmost point of Biscayne Bay, and its excellent strategic position serves as an ideal launching pad for exploring the fishing habitats within its perimeter.

Within this guide to the shores, shallows, and depths of Key Biscayne, you will discover with us why it is so attractive to anglers of all kinds, who come not only from various parts of the USA but also from all over the world. With water enveloping it on all sides, many native and migratory species swim here, and there are many micro-locations from where you can explore and create fishing hours or days to suit you! 

Fish Species Found in Key Biscayne

The Gulf Coast's secludedness, the powerful Gulf Stream, and the warm weather have resulted in a wealthy variety of fishing in Key Biscayne.

Below, we introduce you to the most representative native and migratory fish species, but to truly experience their richness, you must witness them in person.

Native Species

The waters in this area offer a fantastic environment for the native fish population. They have a spacious and abundant area to hunt, play, and breed in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Anglers are also drawn to these waters and can enjoy various catches. Let's take a closer look at some of these respected fish species.

Snook

In the waters of Key Biscayne, you can often meet the Snook, the species that enchants anglers with its cunning character and somewhat intimidating appearance. Snook is known as a lover of complex, labyrinthine habitats, where it finds a hiding spot, an ambush, or a feeding place. You will likely find it lurking among banks, bridges, and canals.

They can grow to truly impressive sizes where adults often reach lengths up to 40 inches or more. Anglers use a whole arsenal of baits to lure them in, including live shrimp, pilchards, and mullet, as well as artificial baits such as lures and swimbaits. 

• Best Time to Catch: From spring to fall

• Habitat: Among banks, bridges and canals

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, pilchards, mullet, lures, swimbaits

• Fishing Technique: Casting, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

Their season is from spring to fall when they are most numerous and highly active. Depending on your skill, you can catch them using techniques such as bottom fishing or casting, and the technique choice mainly depends on the location and depth where you spotted the Snook.

Although quite a common species for these waters, Snook is always exciting, which speaks to the frenzy of hunting for it. It belongs to species that are relatively difficult to catch, which primarily depends on angler experience.

Tarpon

In the aquatic realm of Key Biscayne, the Tarpon has always been considered a magnificent species and a highly desirable catch. With a beautiful, streamlined body and silvery sheen, Tarpon can grow to an incredible size range of 6 feet and weigh over 200 pounds, enough to challenge even the most experienced angler. It is very unusual in its habitat, and you can see it in shallow and deep waters.

• Best Time to Catch: From spring to summer

• Habitat: Among banks, bridges and canals

• Preferred Bait: Live mullet, crayfish, plugs, flies

• Fishing Technique: Sight fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow to deep

It's also a picky eater, so you'll do best if you perform sight fishing with live mullets, crayfish, or artificial such as plugs and flies. Tarpon season in Key Biscayne is during the warmer months, from spring to summer. 

The most effective techniques for catching Tarpon in their different habitats are casting on a target in shallow plains and drifting baits in canals near bridges and passes. Tarpon provides an exciting and memorable fishing experience regardless of where or how you catch them. Get ready for the ultimate battle!

Mahi Mahi

Mahi Mahi, also known as Dorado or Dolphinfish, amazes anglers with its beautiful shades – similar to Key Biscayne's water colors! Lively and somewhat silly, they often fight and like to roam the open ocean, scavenging near floating debris and coastal structures.

In addition to their character, speed, and acrobatic displays, Mahi Mahi is also hunted for their size, which usually ranges from 20 to 30 pounds. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Near floating debris and coastal structures

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, pilchards, mullet, lures, swimbaits

• Fishing Technique: Casting, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Moderate to deep

The favorite and most effective techniques for hunting these greenish dolphins are trolling and casting with live bait, such as pilchards and ballyhoo, or brightly colored lures and rigged baits. Their season in Key Biscayne is from late spring to early fall.

Mahi Mahi is one species whose behavior and overall appearance evoke joy, optimism, and the desire to catch and outwit through fishing techniques.

Permit

With their distinctly elongated yet compact bodies, vivid silver scales, and sturdy tails, the Permit is one of those opponents that tests the skills and patience of even veteran anglers. Permits patrol shallow flats, canals, and sandy bottom areas near seagrass beds and lush vegetation.

They are agile, adaptable to various habitats, and like calm and turbulent water. Permits vary from 10 to 30 pounds, often exceeding 40 pounds.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Shallow flats, canals, and sandy bottom areas near seagrass beds and lush

• Preferred Bait: Live crabs, shrimp, small fish

• Fishing Technique: Casting, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Shallow to deep

These fish can be hunted year-round but are most active from late spring to early fall. They like to eat various baits but are also very cautious, so it is best to try to catch them on live crabs, shrimp, and small fish with light tackle and stealthy approaches. Fly fishing enthusiasts are also successful with Permita lures, especially if they use crab and shrimp patterns.

The permit's cautious and grumpy nature makes it a challenging catch, but that doesn't mean the species is boring. Moreover, due to his slender body, he knows how to perform acrobatic shows and fights worthy of top circus artists.

Seatrout

Although, unlike other species, it cannot boast of an impressive size, in the waters of Key Biscayne, Seatrout is popular due to its intriguing character. This silvery elongated fish swims or stalks prey around grassy flats, canals, and rocks. 

They usually range in size from 12 to 25 inches in length, with some exceeding 30 inches. Although small, it is very aggressive, greedy, and suitable for fishing on baits such as live shrimp, pilchards, and artificials such as soft plastics and water plugs. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Grassy flats, canals and around rock

• Preferred Bait: Live shrimp, pilchards soft plastic, water plugs

• Fishing Technique: Light spinning tackle, casting

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Moderate to deep

They are most active in Key Biscayne from late spring to early fall, which is also the easiest time to catch them. Hunting them at dawn and dusk is best because they are the least cautious and the most gallant. Anglers mainly use light spinning tackle and casting.

Seatrout is a light fish with a strong character and impressive fighting spirit. If you have luck and skill, hunting it will be equally exciting and victoriously sweet.

Migratory Species

The world of migratory species in Key Biscayne waters is the epitome of nature's bounty. The convergence of rich marine habitats and ocean currents creates an ideal stopover for seasonal travelers. From Sailfish to Kingfish, many migratory species bring new fishing excitement.

Sailfish

In the azure waters of Key Biscayne, the Sailfish is an iconic migratory species that dominates the desires and hopes of anglers looking for high-seas adventures. Famous for its sail-like dorsal fins and incredible lightning speed, the Sailfish captivates anglers with its spectacular jumps.

It inhabits deep waters, sea reefs, underwater structures, and all deep habitats where warm water and the Gulf Stream are present. Although it varies in size, adults typically reach a length of 6 to 10 feet and a weight of 60 to 120 pounds. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late fall to early spring

• Habitat: Deep waters, sea reefs, underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Rigged ballyhoo, mullet, or artificial lures

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Deep

They are mainly caught by trolling with rigged ballyhoo, mullet, or artificial lures. Although the mullet migrates through Key Biscayne waters several times a year, the official season is mainly from late fall to early spring.

Sailfish hunting is a challenging and intense adrenaline experience that requires patience, self-control, and a good situation assessment.

Kingfish

In the waters surrounding Key Biscayne, the Kingfish is considered a species that begs to be challenged by a serious angler who is self-aware enough to know that they can put a line on this mighty fish. It holds the field as a prized catch for anglers looking for high-speed thrills and fearsome combat.

Aerodynamic body, sharp teeth Kingfish are the ultimate dominators of offshore and coastal waters ranging from 20 to 200 feet, where they catch schools of baitfish and smaller marine species. Its size ranges from 10 to 50 pounds, and often, some specimens may exceed 70 pounds.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Deep waters, sea reefs, underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Ballyhoo, mullet, pilchards, blue chain

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Deep

It's best to use trolling with rigged baits such as mullet or ballyhoo or live baiting with blue chains or pilchards. From late spring to early fall, it's migration season through Biscayne Key.

A fishing encounter with Kingfish is always intense and requires two equal opponents for a memorable experience.

Amberjack

Amberjack is another vicious species that occasionally inhabits the waters off the coast of Key Biscayne. It is a powerful, stubborn, and generally strong pelagic species. Amberjacks are often found around wrecks, reefs, and underwater structures and prefer habitats with strong currents.

Amberjack weighs 20 to over 100 pounds, making it best suited for vertical jigging with live bait or bottom fishing.

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Wrecks, reefs, and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Live bait 

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Deep

In the waters of Key Biscayne, it is most abundant from late spring to early fall, when migration is at its highest.

Amberjack is one of those fish you will fight for a long time after they bite the bait, so often, you will not be sure who is hunting whom. They know how to put a lot of pressure on anglers until they land them, but it's worth the effort, especially if it is a happy end. 

Marlin

Marlin is a legendary and majestic species that takes many anglers' breath away. A powerful, magnificent, and attractive fish, hunting Marlin has always been the subject of fishing stories. 

Marlin loves deep water and underwater structures and often follows the Gulf Stream for habitat and prey. Species over 10 feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds can be found, making them sea giants. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late spring to early fall

• Habitat: Wrecks, reefs and underwater structures

• Preferred Bait: Ballyhoo, mullets, and live bait with bonito, mackerel, or squid

• Fishing Technique: Trolling 

• Difficulty: Challenging 

• Depth: Deep

It is best to try trolling with rigged baits such as ballyhoo and mullet to get a hook of that size. Live bait with bonito, mackerel, or squid is also effective. Marlin season is from late spring to early fall, which coincides with their migration along the Gulf Stream.

Marlins are a species that, in many ways, epitomize great, uncompromising fishing; the one on which you invest all or nothing, and whatever the outcome, it will be a valuable and prized experience.

Pompano

Pompanos are attractive fish, not only because of their golden hue and elegant shape but also because of their delicious meat. They are primarily found in shallow coastal waters, near sandy beaches and coastal reefs. They are relatively small, the usual size ranging from 1 to 3 pounds, which they compromise with speed and aggression. 

You can use many techniques to catch it, including surf fishing, bottom fishing, and casting. Combining them with baits such as sand fleas, shrimp, clams, and small crabs suspended on light tackle with small hooks and floats is best. 

• Best Time to Catch: From late winter to early spring

• Habitat: Shallow coastal waters near sandy beaches and coastal reefs

• Preferred Bait: Sand fleas, shrimp, clams and small crabs

• Fishing Technique: Surf fishing, bottom fishing

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Depth: Shallow to moderate

On the coast of Key Biscayne, their season is from late winter to early spring, which is also the time of their migration along the coast. Although pompano is relatively complex to catch, although not overly large, it makes up for it with a fight and a strong run after the hook. 

Prime Fishing Spots in Key Biscayne

The bounty of Key Biscyne's beauty extends to the myriad ways to access the shore, the sea, and abundant fish habitats. In Paradise Island, you can find many micro and macro locations from which you can fish or launch your boat and go on deeper-water excursions. We have selected the best of the best for you!

Bear Cut Bridge

The Bear Cut Bridge connects Key Biscayne to the mainland, and next to that is the obvious one for practical purposes. It also serves as one of the favorite fishing spots for abundant catches. The very structure of the bridge and its location are sea funnels for various types of fish, so anglers come here to practice, enjoy, or learn the first beginner fishing techniques with species such as Snook, Tarpon, and Seatrout. 

The bridge and its surroundings offer enough space for everyone to have their own space. Given that the bridge is in the immediate vicinity, the constant flow of nutrient-rich water to the Gulf Stream and Biscayne Bay provides a continuous presence of fish species. You can fish from the nearby bank, the bridge's highest point, the middle, or anywhere else you feel you can cast enough to catch the fish you want.

Crandon Park Marina

Located on the northern tip of these islands, Crandon Park Marina is a well-organized and well-positioned gateway offering access to rich coastal habitats and fishing grounds. This marina is first-class, close to the best fish habitats, and from here, it is possible to set sail for spectacular fishing. In addition, Odio is the internationally famous Crandon Park and is close to the Bear Cut Preserve. This place is trendy, but it can be crowded.

You can chase various species from here, from Shellfish and fearsome Grouper to swift Kingfish. In addition, the marina has many places for boats, enough parking spaces, and enough specialized fishing shops to buy and find everything you need.

Key Biscayne National Park

Key Biscayne National Park is an excellent fishing location for those seeking a complete fishing experience in deeper waters. Accessible from various points along the coast, this National Park has boat ramps and kayak launches, providing easy and convenient access to its diverse aquatic habitats. 

Here, you will find a combination of mangroves and spacious flats, winding canals, and pristine coral reefs. Everything is arranged so that every form of life grows unhindered, and you can catch Snook, Tarpon, and Seatrout.

In addition, the entire ambiance of the National Park will always satisfy you. The location is excellent for family outings or solo explorations and merging with lush nature.

Fowey Rocks

Fowey Rocks is a legendary, traditional fishing destination off Key Biscayne's coast. It is primarily famous for its successful and complex reef system and fish that are magnetically attracted to these habitats.

Here, you can experience close encounters with the almighty Amberjack or Snapper and other vicious inhabitants of the deeper waters. This somewhat raw location is associated with times when fishing was the primary food source, and that has contributed significantly to a deeper understanding of species and their natural cycles. You can get to Fowey Rocks by boat and continue fishing from a boat or explore sights more in detail. 

Whatever your choice, you'll get goosebumps, at least for a moment, when you realize the beauty and significance of the location.

Fishing Techniques in Key Biscayne

The sea's wealth, combined with the beautiful natural environment of Key Biscayne, simply entices and encourages you to learn or try new fishing techniques. You can try your hand if you have the equipment, the necessary permits, experience, or a guide. We will present you with the most popular techniques that gracefully fit into the overall ambiance of Key Biscayne.

Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing is a very effective and, most importantly, highly productive technique often used by anglers in Key Biscayne. It allows you to hunt various species and easily adapts to different habitats and depths. It implies using live baits, such as pilchards and mullet, and their presentation as subtle and natural as possible.

This type of fishing attracts species like Tarpon, Snook, and Kingfish. Live fish can also be used by inserting the hook through the nose and letting it swim freely and look natural. Monitoring tides and other weather changes, such as wind or storms, is important to be more successful.

In areas with strong currents or choppy waters, it is possible to use weights or jigs to hold live baits at the desired depth.

Live bait fishing is an environment of friendly techniques that require patience, focus, and careful observation. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the terrain and try to intuitively connect with it so you can choose the right bait and make an effective presentation.

Sight Fishing

Sight fishing is a technique that combines excitement, precision, and focus. It is like being an archaeologist rather than an angler. This technique is excellent for catching target species such as Bonefish, Permit, and Walleye, often found in shallow flats and coastal waters.

Observation, stealth, and self-control of movement are crucial for a successful fishing trip. Anglers need to have a keen eye to spot fish in clear water, which often requires polarized sunglasses to reduce glare. Once fish is spotted, anglers must position themselves carefully to cast without disturbing the environment and spooking the fish.

Our comprehensive guide can help you plan your next fishing trip at Hillsboro Inlet, where you can experience an unforgettable journey and create cherished memories for a lifetime. Don't wait any longer. Start planning today!

It is essential to judge when it is time to attack and predict fish behavior and the next move. This fascinating technique is like the ultimate mind game; simultaneously, you are deeply immersed in nature and its laws.

Trolling

Trolling is a versatile fishing technique used to target pelagic species such as Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and Kingfish. It involves towing artificial rigs behind a moving boat. Thus, practicality is gained by targeting a large water surface and the possibility of catching several specimens at once. 

This technique requires various equipment to retrieve baits at different depths, such as a planning board, downriggers, and outriggers. Trolling is a multidimensional approach that involves adaptation and timely reaction.

Popular bait choices include trolling plugs, edge baits, and feather teasers. The boat's speed and direction must be adjusted to match the preferences of the target species. Trolling is a complex, efficient technique, especially for fishing in great depths. However, it requires the guidance and navigation of more experienced anglers.

Fly Fishing

The coast of Key Biscayne is an excellent choice for fly fishing enthusiasts. This technique combines the art of casting with the thrill of hunting and an overall feeling of lightness and elegance. Fly fishing anglers mainly cast in the shallows and areas rich in mangroves, thus catching Permit and Tarpon. 

When practicing this technique, it is crucial to stay calm, adjust all your senses to the environment, and change your movements and casting accordingly. Stealth and accuracy are paramount, as is quality bait presentation. 

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is a classic technique for stalking fish species mainly living on the bottom of the ocean or in the immediate vicinity. It involves presenting baits at or near the bottom of the sea in an attractive way to fish. The bait used is cut bait, such as squid, shrimp, and other natural offerings, that will easily attract vicious predators from the bottom. 

Accessories imply using weights to ensure the bait is firmly anchored to the bottom. Sinkers or drop-shot setups are also usually bottom fishing gear. This technique's bonus is that it can be done from a boat, pier, or shore. It is relatively complex to perform but can ensure an encounter with majestic Kingfish or Amberjack.

Fishing Regulations and Licenses in Key Biscayne

The necessary regulations and licenses to fish in Key Biscayne are vital components of responsible fishing, which ensures the conservation of marine resources and the protection of sensitive ecosystems. Florida state law requires all anglers over 16 to have a valid fishing license. 

Such a license can be obtained relatively easily online via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website. It can also be purchased from authorized agents or local, specialized fishing equipment stores. 

Not all permissions are the same; some have different privileges and expiration dates and serve locals and non-residents alike. Depending on the season, target species, fishing technique, bag size, and catch may be limited to prevent overfishing.

To ensure the sustainability of the fish community and the entire ecosystem, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these regulations and all seasonal closures in time to avoid fines and potential legal consequences.

In addition to legal obligations, human responsibility towards fish species, their habitats, and future generations of anglers is also important.

Final Thoughts

It's hard to sum up the pristine beauty and fishing appeal of Key Biscayne in a few words that are effective enough to capture the entire essence of this coastal paradise. Located near Miami, the Key Biscayne offers the perfect balance, extracted just enough of that urban vibe to be intriguing enough for all anglers who love complex and warm Florida waters. 

There are also enough locations for those who like a high-class fishing approach and quite enough beauty, fish, and locations for all other anglers.

We hope our guide has cast its hook far enough to inspire you to join our online fishing discussions! Share your thoughts in the comments if you enjoyed the guide or have something to contribute to our fishing community. We love hearing your stories!