Never been offshore before? Everything you need to know before your
first trip out of Miami.
By Capt. Manny·9 min read
If you have never been deep sea fishing, Miami is one of the best
places in the world to start. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore,
so you reach deep water fast. You do not need experience or your
own gear.
What is deep sea fishing?
Heading offshore into deeper water for larger fish you cannot reach
from land, mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish and grouper. A charter handles
everything for you.
You show up, and the crew takes care of the rest.
What can you catch?
Mahi-mahi, a favorite for first-timers.
Tuna and wahoo, fast and powerful.
Sailfish, the spectacular one.
Grouper and snapper, on the reefs and wrecks.
First time out? Start with a half day.
Four hours, calm and beginner-friendly, everything included.
Never been offshore before? Here is everything you need to know
before you step on the boat, from what you will catch to what to
bring, so your first trip out of Miami is a great one.
By Capt. Manny·9 min read·Updated June 2026
If you have never been deep sea fishing, Miami is one of the best
places in the world to start. The Gulf Stream runs close to shore
here, so you reach deep water and real fish within a short run of
the dock. You do not need any experience, and you do not need to
bring your own gear. This guide walks you through what a day
offshore actually looks like.
What is deep sea fishing?
Deep sea fishing means heading offshore into deeper water to
target larger fish you cannot reach from land or the bay. Off
Miami that includes species like mahi-mahi, tuna, sailfish and
grouper. A charter takes you out on a boat with a captain and
crew who know where the fish are and handle everything for you.
You do not need experience or your own gear. You show up, and the
crew takes care of the rest.
What can you catch off Miami?
It depends on the season and how far out you go, but a typical trip might put you on:
Mahi-mahi, bright, hard-fighting, and great eating. A favorite for first-timers.
Tuna and wahoo, fast, powerful fish caught trolling offshore.
Sailfish, the spectacular one, and Miami is one of the best places to catch one.
Grouper and snapper, caught closer in on the reefs and wrecks.
Not sure which trip matches what you want to catch? See our charter options or just call and we will point you the right way.
First time out? Start with a half day.
Four hours, calm and beginner-friendly, everything included.
None at all. Most people on our boat have never fished offshore
before. The crew rigs the rods, baits the hooks, and shows you
exactly what to do when a fish is on. Plenty of first-timers reel
in the biggest fish of the day.
What should you bring?
Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
A light jacket if it is early or breezy
Non-marking shoes or sandals
Food and drinks for the trip
Anything you take for motion sickness, taken before you leave the dock
We provide all the rods, reels, bait, tackle and licenses. You just bring yourself.
When is the best time to go?
Miami fishes year-round, which is part of what makes it special.
Different seasons bring different fish, but there is always
something biting. If you have a specific fish in mind, check our fishing reports to see what has been running lately.
Common questions
How much does deep sea fishing in Miami cost?
A half day charter starts at $850 for up to six people, with
everything included. Prices go up for longer trips and larger
groups. There are no hidden costs, gear and licenses are
covered.
Do I need a fishing license?
No. The boat's license covers everyone on board, so you do not need to buy your own.
Will I get seasick?
Some people do, some never do. If you are unsure, take motion
sickness medication before you leave the dock, not after. The
waters close to Miami are often calmer than people expect.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, within legal limits for each species. The crew will clean
and bag your catch so it is ready to take home.