Miami-Dade County, FL
Key Biscayne Fishing Charters
Inshore flats, the reef, and the Gulf Stream - all within reach of Key Biscayne aboard the Nomad with Capt. Orly.
Fishing Key Biscayne
On the Water with Nomad in Key Biscayne
Key Biscayne is the island that anglers dream about. You get shallow grass flats on one side, the reef and Gulf Stream on the other, and Stiltsville's old stilt houses sitting out on the bank between them. The fishing here is some of the most productive and scenic in all of Miami-Dade. We run charters across the flats, the channels, and the blue water just off the island.
What We Run
Charters Available Out of Key Biscayne
Live Bait & Kite Fishing
Kite fishing and live bait charters off Miami targeting sailfish, tuna, and wahoo, with baits suspended at the surface for explosive bites.
Tarpon Fishing
Evening and night tarpon charters in Biscayne Bay, around the bridges, and near Government Cut, targeting hard-fighting, high-flying Silver Kings.
Wreck & Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing charters over Miami's artificial wrecks and coral reefs, targeting snapper, grouper, amberjack, and more for great table fare.
Shark Fishing
Light-tackle shark fishing charters in Miami targeting bull, hammerhead, lemon, and blacktip sharks, with catch-and-release and night-fishing options.
Jigging
Vertical and speed jigging charters over Miami's wrecks, targeting amberjack, tuna, kingfish, snapper, and grouper with high-action lure fishing.
Run & Gun
Summer run and gun charters in Miami chasing mahi-mahi along Gulf Stream weed lines, with bonus shots at marlin and wahoo.
Kids Fishing
Family-friendly Miami fishing charters built around fast, steady action to introduce children to fishing in a fun, patient, and safe way.
The Key Biscayne Fishery
The flats around Key Biscayne are the heart of its inshore fishery. The clear shallows off Cape Florida and the banks near Stiltsville hold tarpon, bonefish, and crevalle jacks that feed on the tide. Sight-casting in skinny water demands patience and a quiet approach, and it is one of the most rewarding ways to fish in South Florida.
The island also gives quick access to the deep stuff. Run out past the lighthouse at Bill Baggs and you reach the reef edge fast, where the Gulf Stream pushes sailfish, mahi, and kingfish within easy range. That short run is a real advantage on a half-day trip when you want offshore action without a long haul. We troll and switch to live bait and kite fishing when the conditions line up for sailfish.
Between the flats and the blue water sit the wrecks and reef patches that make Key Biscayne so versatile. These spots hold mutton and yellowtail snapper, grouper, and amberjack, and they fish well even when the wind keeps you off the open ocean. When the seas are up, the lee side of the island stays calm - the same protected water we duck into on rough days for trips out of Coral Gables.
The tarpon fishing around the island and the nearby bridges is a signature draw in the warmer months. When the silver kings stage in the channels, a tarpon charter off Key Biscayne is a bucket-list trip.
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What Anglers Say
"My 3 sons and I had a terrific outing with Captain Danny. The communication before our trip was fantastic, with Captain Orly answering questions about the weather, what to bring and what to wear. We caught something at pretty much every stop and everybody got fish. Highly recommend this trip!"
Sarah Tims, Chicago, IL
"Thanks to our captain, Arty, for the best possible experience fishing in Miami! He was extremely helpful and hands-on, highly knowledgeable and an expert at what he does. We said we wanted action, and Arty went above and beyond. One of the best charters we've done. We'll always book with Orlando and Arty going forward."
Tracy Do, Texas
"What a great first experience! It's evident this crew comes with decades of experience. A VERY hard working captain who works with all different levels of experience and is very patient. They also filet the fish we caught. Looking forward to booking another trip."
Bailey DeGroat, Ohio
Local Knowledge
Reading the Water Off Key Biscayne
The defining challenge off Key Biscayne is the flats themselves. The water is thin, the bottom is grass and sand, and you have to know the channels and the tide to move without spooking fish or running aground. Capt. Orly has fished these banks for decades and reads the water by sight, which is exactly what skinny-water fishing demands.
On the ocean side, the reef edge stands up quickly when a northeast wind blows over the Gulf Stream current. The good news is the island gives you options - when the open water is rough, the lee flats and the channels behind Cape Florida stay fishable, so a trip rarely gets blown out entirely.
Boat traffic spikes on weekends around the sandbar and Crandon, so we time our flats approaches for the quieter early hours when the fish are least pressured. The reward for working around these conditions is access to both worlds in one trip. When the wind keeps us inside, the bottom and wreck fishing on the protected reef stays dependable, and trips also stage well from nearby Miami. Reach out to book a Key Biscayne charter and we will plan the day around the tide and the wind.
Book Your Key Biscayne Fishing Charter
Reserve online or call Capt. Orly to plan your day on the water from Dinner Key Marina.