Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with Have Fun Charter's 5-hour private fishing trip off the coast of Miami! This isn't your average boat ride – we're talking about serious angling action targeting some of Florida's most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert crew will make sure you're in prime position to land the big one. We'll be using both live and dead bait to entice King and Spanish Mackerel, and if conditions are right, we'll drop lines for tasty bottom dwellers like Red and Vermilion Snapper. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and have room to work those fish. No need to pack heavy – we've got top-notch gear ready and waiting. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a cooler for your catch (and don't forget the sunscreen)!
Once we clear the harbor, it's go-time. We'll start by targeting the feisty mackerel species that cruise these waters. Expect fast-paced action as we troll with live bait or chunked fish to mimic their natural prey. Keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface – that's often a dead giveaway that fish are feeding. If the mackerel aren't cooperating or we're looking to mix things up, we'll switch gears and try some bottom fishing. This means dropping baited hooks to the seafloor where snapper and grouper hang out. It takes a bit more finesse, but when you feel that telltale thump and start reeling up a big red snapper – trust me, it's worth it. Our crew will be right there to help you bait up, offer tips on technique, and most importantly, get that fish in the boat for a quick photo before we decide whether it's a keeper or needs to go back.
What sets our trips apart? It's all about the personal touch. We're not just here to put you on fish (though we're darn good at that) – we want you to have a blast doing it. Our captain and mate know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're always happy to share local knowledge. Whether it's pointing out landmarks, swapping fish tales, or giving you the inside scoop on the best seafood joints back on shore, we aim to make your day memorable both on and off the rod. Plus, with our private charter, you're not stuck following someone else's schedule. Want to spend more time chasing mackerel? No problem. Prefer to focus on bottom fishing? You got it. It's your trip, and we're here to make it happen.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the adrenaline junkies of the sea. Known locally as "kingfish," they can hit speeds of up to 60 mph and make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. Averaging 10-20 pounds but capable of topping 50, kings are most active in our waters from fall through spring. They're aggressive feeders, often skyrocketing on bait near the surface – a sight that never gets old. Landing a big king is a Miami fishing rite of passage.
Spanish Mackerel: The smaller cousins of kings, Spanish macks are no less exciting. These torpedoes with teeth school up in huge numbers, creating frenzied feeding scenes at the surface. They're here year-round but really shine in the warmer months. Pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighters out there, and they're delicious on the grill. Expect non-stop action when we find a school – it's not uncommon for everyone on board to hook up at once!
Red Snapper: These ruby-red beauties are the pride of the Gulf and Atlantic. They lurk near structure on the seafloor, using their powerful bodies to muscle smaller fish and crustaceans out of hiding spots. Red snapper season is strictly regulated, but when it's open, it's like striking gold. They put up a stubborn fight all the way to the surface, and there's nothing quite like seeing that flash of red coming up from the deep. Plus, they're world-class table fare – ask any local chef.
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweights of the bottom-fishing world. Gags love to hang around reefs and wrecks, ambushing prey with their massive mouths. When you hook into a big gag, be prepared for a battle – they'll do their best to wrap you around the nearest obstruction. But if you can muscle them away from the bottom, you're in for a treat. Gags can easily top 20 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. They're most active in cooler months and are prized for their firm, white flesh.
Listen, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter fishing trip, there are plenty of big party boats that'll take your money. But if you want a real Miami fishing experience – the kind locals brag about – this is it. Our 5-hour private charter gives you the flexibility to chase the hottest bite, the personal attention to up your fishing game, and the local know-how to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're dreaming of that smoker king mackerel, a cooler full of tasty snapper, or just a great day out with friends and family, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the sun is shining, and the boat is ready – all we need is you. Don't let this chance slip away – book your Miami fishing adventure with Have Fun Charter's today and get ready to make some serious angling memories!
Gag Grouper are the bruisers of the reef, usually 10-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them lurking around rocky bottoms and wrecks in 60-250 feet of water. They're ambush predators, so look for structure. Winter is prime time as they move to shallower spawning grounds. Anglers love gags for their powerful fight and excellent eating. These fish will try to break you off in the rocks, so come prepared with stout gear. Live bait is king - pinfish or squid work great. Here's a pro tip: when you hook up, get that fish's head turned up fast. If you let it dive, you're in for a tough battle. Apply steady pressure and be ready for a long, grinding fight. The reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the sea, so it's worth the effort.
King Mackerel are speed demons of the sea, typically weighing 20-30 pounds but some monsters hit 90+. You'll find them in waters 40-150 feet deep, cruising near the surface. These fish are built for pursuit, with a sleek body and razor-sharp teeth. They're most active in warmer months when baitfish are plentiful. Anglers love targeting kings for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. The meat's tasty too, especially when smoked. To land one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or menhaden. Keep your gear heavy - kings will test your tackle. A local trick: use a stinger rig with two hooks to improve your hookup ratio. These fish often strike the tail of the bait, so that trailing hook makes a big difference. Just be ready for a fight when a big king decides your bait looks like lunch.
Red Snapper are the prize of the deep, usually hanging out 100-300 feet down near reefs and wrecks. Most average 5-10 pounds, but they can grow over 30. Look for that bright red color and those big eyes - dead giveaways you've hooked into a good one. They're bottom dwellers, so you'll need to drop your bait right in their zone. Late spring through fall is prime time, when the water warms up. Anglers chase these fish for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To boost your chances, use fresh cut bait or live pinfish. Here's a tip: when you feel that telltale thump, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give it a few seconds - snappers often grab the bait and swim up before fully committing. That pause can mean the difference between a story and a picture.
Spanish Mackerel are the speedsters of inshore waters, usually 2-4 pounds but can hit 12. You'll spot them zipping around in schools near the surface, often in 20-40 feet of water. They love hanging around inlets and beaches, especially when bait schools are thick. Spring and fall are your best bets as they migrate. These fish are a blast on light tackle, making blistering runs and occasional jumps. They're also great eating, with a rich, oily flavor perfect for smoking. To catch 'em, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind a planer. A local secret: look for diving birds - they'll often lead you right to the fish. When you find a school, cast a small silver spoon and retrieve it fast. Spanish macks can't resist that flash, and you'll be in for some fast action.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300