Damn Good Tilapia Fishing Guides In Miami

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Recently Booked Tilapia Fishing Guides In Miami, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Miami

Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

100% (10)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake Fishing Trip in Miami

Key Largo Peacock Bass

100% (10)
26 ft 1 - 8 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing Trip near Miami

Cat Fish Hunter

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 12 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Lake, Flats Fishing Charter near Miami

Everglades Gigging

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $400

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Miami

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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Other Trips in Miami

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Lake, Invasive Species Fishing, Hunting Trip in Miami

Peacock Bass + Iguana Cast & Blast

100% (10)
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River, Lake Fishing Charter in Miami

Quick Peacock Bass, Snook & Tarpon Trip

NEW
19 ft 1 - 4 People From $395
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, River, Lake Fishing Charter in Miami

Peacock Bass, Snook & Tarpon Charter

NEW
19 ft 1 - 8 People From $548
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Miami Beach Deep Sea

NEW
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

"Bahamas Or Bust" Trip - 37’ SeaVee

NEW
37 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Miami

Deep Sea Trip

100% (1)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Miami

South Florida Inshore Fishing

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Marvelous Miami Fishing Experience

100% (1)
43 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Miami Lobstering Trip - 28' Bertram

NEW
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Offshore Fishing

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Miami

Reef Wreck Drift

100% (3)
30 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Miami

Expert Level Spearfishing Trip

NEW
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,500

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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Miami

What are the best tilapia fishing trips in Miami?

The best tilapia fishing trips in Miami are:

Why should I book a tilapia fishing trip in Miami with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 3 tilapia trips in Miami, and the most popular trips in the area are Freshwater Peacock Bass & More guided by Charles and Key Largo Peacock Bass guided by Charles.

Our guides in Miami are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly tilapia guides / fishing lessons in Miami? Check out our beginner and family friendly tilapia guides in Miami.

What types of tilapia fishing trips are common in Miami?

Lake fishing is the most popular type of fishing for tilapia in Miami as well as river fishing, flats fishing, and inshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Miami are live bait fishing, artificial lure fishing, and light tackle fishing but cut bait fishing and gigging are popular as well.

How much does a Miami tilapia fishing trip cost?

Prices for tilapia in Miami can range anywhere from about $590 to $2,500, but the average price for a half day trip for tilapia in Miami is $993. The average price for a full day trip for tilapia in Miami is $1,583.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for tilapia fishing in Miami?

The most popular season for tilapia fishing in Miami is spring, and most anglers book their trips 29 days in advance.

Do I need a Miami fishing license for tilapia and what are the bag limits for tilapia in Miami?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Miami, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Miami. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Miami.

What is tilapia in Miami all about?

In Miami, tilapia fishing offers anglers a unique opportunity to target a widespread and adaptable freshwater species in a subtropical environment. Tilapia are commonly found in the city's lakes, canals, and ponds, where they thrive in warm, shallow waters with abundant vegetation. While not native to Florida, tilapia have become established in the state's waterways and are often pursued by anglers seeking a rewarding fishing experience close to home. In addition to providing recreational fishing opportunities, tilapia also play an important role in the local ecosystem as a food source for other aquatic species.

One of the most popular methods for catching tilapia in Miami is using live bait such as worms, crickets, or bread dough. Anglers often target areas with submerged vegetation or structures such as fallen trees and brush piles, where tilapia congregate to feed and seek shelter. Float fishing or bottom fishing with light tackle can be effective for enticing tilapia to bite, with anglers employing subtle presentations to avoid spooking these wary fish. Tilapia are known for their cautious feeding behavior, so patience and persistence are key when targeting them in Miami's freshwater habitats.

In addition to live bait, artificial lures such as small jigs, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits can also be effective for catching tilapia in Miami. Anglers may use these lures to mimic natural prey items or trigger a reaction strike from tilapia as they search for food. Fly fishing for tilapia is also gaining popularity among anglers seeking a more challenging and rewarding fishing experience. Whether using conventional or fly fishing gear, anglers in Miami can enjoy pursuing tilapia year-round in the city's diverse freshwater environments, adding variety and excitement to their angling pursuits.

What are the most popular months to fish for tilapia in Miami?

In Miami, tilapia can be found year-round due to the city's warm climate and abundant freshwater sources. However, certain times of the year may offer more favorable conditions for tilapia fishing. Generally, spring and summer are considered prime seasons for tilapia fishing in Miami. During these warmer months, tilapia are more active and tend to spawn, making them easier to locate and catch in greater numbers. Anglers often find success targeting tilapia in shallow freshwater areas such as canals, ponds, and lakes, where these fish congregate to feed and breed.

Fall can also be a productive season for tilapia fishing in Miami. As temperatures begin to cool slightly, tilapia may move into deeper water or seek out areas with more cover, such as submerged vegetation or underwater structures. Anglers may need to adjust their fishing tactics accordingly, focusing on areas where tilapia are likely to seek shelter or feed. Despite the change in habitat preferences, tilapia can still be caught throughout the fall months, providing anglers with opportunities to enjoy this popular freshwater species.

While winter in Miami is relatively mild compared to other parts of the country, tilapia fishing may slow down slightly during this season. Cooler water temperatures can cause tilapia to become less active, leading them to seek warmer, more stable environments. Anglers may need to target deeper water or areas with thermal refuges, such as warm-water discharges from power plants or heated ponds, to find tilapia during the winter months. Despite the potential challenges, dedicated anglers can still enjoy successful tilapia fishing year-round in Miami with the right techniques and perseverance.

What techniques are popular for catching tilapia in Miami?

In Miami, tilapia fishing offers anglers a rewarding experience with its variety of techniques tailored to the species' behavior and habitat preferences. One popular method for catching tilapia is using live bait such as worms, crickets, or small minnows. Anglers can present these baits beneath a bobber or float, allowing them to suspend at various depths where tilapia are known to congregate. Casting near submerged vegetation, docks, or other structures where tilapia seek shelter and food can increase the chances of a successful catch.

Another effective technique for tilapia fishing in Miami is using artificial lures or flies. Small jigs, soft plastic baits, or flies tied to mimic insects or small baitfish can entice tilapia into striking. Anglers can experiment with different colors, sizes, and retrieve speeds to determine what triggers the most bites. Working these lures along the edges of weed beds, drop-offs, or other tilapia habitats can yield excellent results, particularly during periods of heightened activity such as dawn or dusk.

Additionally, bottom fishing with bait rigs or Carolina rigs can be a successful approach for targeting tilapia in Miami's freshwater bodies. Anglers can use a variety of baits such as corn, bread, or dough balls to attract tilapia to the bottom. By adjusting the weight of the rig to keep the bait near the lake or canal floor, anglers can effectively target tilapia feeding along the substrate. Patience and persistence are key when bottom fishing for tilapia, as these fish may nibble or peck at the bait before committing to a solid strike. Overall, by employing a combination of these techniques and adapting to changing conditions, anglers can enjoy successful tilapia fishing outings in the diverse freshwater environments of Miami.

What other species are popular in Miami?

While tilapia fishing in Miami offers anglers an enjoyable pursuit, the city's diverse freshwater and saltwater environments provide ample opportunities to target a wide range of other fish species. One popular catch among freshwater anglers is the largemouth bass, which thrives in the city's numerous lakes, canals, and ponds. Known for their voracious appetite and aggressive strikes, largemouth bass provide exciting angling opportunities year-round. Anglers often use a variety of techniques such as casting topwater lures, flipping jigs into dense cover, or working soft plastic worms along weed lines to entice these prized game fish.

In addition to largemouth bass, Miami's freshwater bodies are home to a variety of other species, including peacock bass, snakehead, and catfish. Peacock bass, in particular, are highly sought after for their striking colors and powerful fighting abilities. Found in urban canals and lakes, peacock bass can be targeted using similar techniques as largemouth bass, such as casting lures or live bait near structure and cover. Snakehead, an invasive species, have also become a popular catch among anglers in Miami, with their aggressive nature and unique appearance adding to the appeal of targeting them.

For anglers looking to venture into saltwater environments, Miami offers a wealth of opportunities to target species such as snook, tarpon, redfish, and snapper. Whether fishing inshore along mangrove shorelines and flats or exploring offshore reefs and wrecks, anglers can encounter a diverse array of saltwater species that provide thrilling angling experiences. From sight-fishing for snook in shallow flats to battling tarpon in open water, Miami's saltwater fisheries offer something for anglers of all skill levels and preferences, ensuring an unforgettable fishing experience in the "Magic City."

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    John is the man, and Kevin his partner is a great guy. Would highly recommend.

    Benjamin H. | November 24, 2024

    Trip: Everglades Gigging

  • ★★★★★
    Charles was great.

    Hunter F. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

  • ★★★★★
    Charles was a personable guy who fishes hard. We had a blast!

    Matthew T. | May 27, 2024

    Trip: Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing day out in the water with Capt Charles ! He worked hard to give us a superb experience of the Miami peacock bass scene. Look forward to do it again with Charles , so much fan and some incredible fish !!!

    Stefano R. | May 7, 2024

    Trip: Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

  • ★★★★★
    Charles got us on big fish and really taught us a lot. Outstanding guiding skills. Will definitely use again. Greg

    Greg R. | October 20, 2023

    Trip: Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

  • ★★★★★
    Lunker Peacock city. Great guide, great experience, and great company. I'll be a regular with Captain Charles.

    Jorge B. | September 21, 2023

    Trip: Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Charles is the MAN. Can't ask for much more when it comes to a fishing charter. Took us to all the hot spots he knows about. Kept fresh bait on our lines from start to finish. Good music playing. And most importantly just a good wholesome dude who's easy to get along with and happy to help us! Would recommend to anyone trying to catch some fish while in the area!

    Scott O. | April 16, 2023

    Trip: Freshwater Peacock Bass & More

Other Hunting Species in Miami

What's biting in Miami?

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