Backwater saltwater fishing in the Miami, Florida, area actually takes you away from the sights and sounds of the South Florida city and into the offshore wonderlands of creeks, bays and inlets. The prized fish of these inland fishing areas are no less revered than their offshore brethren with the likes of grouper, tarpon, redfish and bonefish comprising the list of backwater species. Challenging man-vs.-fish battles amid lush South Florida scenery make any backcountry trip worthwhile.
Paddle Biscayne Bay
Grab a kayak and all your gear and head to Biscayne Bay for some backwater saltwater fishing in Miami. Biscayne Bay is a gem of a saltwater playground where catching fish on a kayak is the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.
Although billfish, marlin and shark are not the fish you're targeting, a surprising fight lies just beneath the surface as smaller, backwater species including snook, redfish, tarpon and spotted sea trout give you a run for your money.
Don't be surprised, however, if you do hook a shark as spinner, hammerhead, bull, lemon and blacktip are all South Florida species more than willing to take a shot at your bait.
Everglades Action
Eighty miles west of Miami, and worth every one of the 91 minutes to get there, lies the Everglades.Trolling the flats, grasses and mangroves of the Everglades are a humbling experience as you witness the size and stealth of wildlife all around you.
Snook, tarpon and redfish are the prized fish of these waters and if you hook one you won't be disappointed. These fish fight hard and surprisingly long. The mullet hunting snook, in particular, are aggressive in the warmer months making for a fun catch. Head toward grass flats to try your luck at landing some black drum and some prized spotted sea trout.
Fly-Fishing the Flats
Cast and stalk your fish story of the season by fly-fishing in Florida Bay. The crisp, clear waters are home to great backwater fish that are up for the challenge. The shallow grass flats give anglers opportunities abound with schools of tarpon and easy sight fishing for snook, permit and bonefish.
The popularity of fly-fishing in the flats is growing, and once you see the fish you will know why. The 100 square miles of mud and grass along the flats of Florida Bay make it a challenging destination to get to but the fish are your reward.
Cycle to the Large Snook
Grab your tackle, your gear and pack your bike for a nice ride to North Biscayne Bay's inshore fishing spots. Large snook can be found foraging the inlets, jetties and pilings around Port Everglades, Haulover Inlet and Government Cut.
A short ride--and an excellent way to warm-up--and you're dropping line for one of Florida's most prized sport fish. Bottom fishing with large, live threadfin herring and pinfish are your best bet for snook in these waters. Although snook are quite active at night, it is not uncommon to see some action during the day as well with the best action early and late in the day.
A Stroll to Bay Fishing
Look for redfish, snook and snapper along the long channel leading to Biscayne Bay at Black Point Marina. Close to Biscayne National Park, you can take a long stroll along the jetty, which extends 1 1/2 miles into the bay. The recreation area, complete with jogging trails, picnic pavilions, restaurants and a killer jetty to fish from, is a great place to spend your day walking, jogging and, of course, fishing.
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