Bait fishing in Miami is a highly effective and popular method for catching a variety of species. From sailfish and kingfish to bottom fish like grouper and snapper, live bait fishing in Miami can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Most Effective Live Baits to Use in Miami
When it comes to bait fishing in Miami, certain live baits tend to be more effective than others. Here are some of the most popular and effective live baits to use:
| Bait Type | Target Species |
|---|---|
| Sardines | Sailfish, kingfish, bonito, barracuda, dolphin (mahi-mahi), mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, wahoo, and various bottom fish |
| Blue Runners | Sailfish, kingfish, and bottom fish |
| Threadfin Herring | Sailfish, kingfish, bonito, barracuda, dolphin (mahi-mahi), mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, wahoo, and various bottom fish |
| Cigar Minnows | Sailfish, kingfish, and bottom fish |
| Goggle Eyes | Sailfish, marlin, big kingfish, amberjack, grouper, snapper, and cobia |
| Pilchards | Sailfish, kingfish, bonito, barracuda, dolphin (mahi-mahi), mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, wahoo, and various bottom fish |
| Mullet | Sailfish, marlin, big kingfish, and bottom fish |
| Flying Fish | Big game fish like sailfish, marlin, and tuna |
| Ballyhoo | Sailfish, marlin, big dolphin (mahi-mahi), tuna, wahoo, barracuda, kingfish, and various bottom fish |
| Finger Mullet | Sailfish and kingfish |
| Pinfish | Sailfish |
Best Bait Sellers in Miami
Finding reliable and well-stocked bait sellers is crucial for successful bait fishing in Miami. Here are some of the top-rated bait shops in the area:
- Rampway Bait & Tackle: 4.4-star rated with 14 reviews
- Jays Marine: 5-star rated with 1 review
- JD Outdoor Adventures: 4.6-star rated with 9 reviews
- ACO Live Bait: Known for providing frisky live bait, especially near Key Biscayne and Government Cut. Call Ariel at 305-496-9140 or channel 80.
- Capt. Jimmy Lewis (Kite Hunter): A reliable and skilled bait fisherman, often found near Bug Light and Government Cut. Call him at 305-725-8807 or channel 80.
Popular Species to Target with Live Bait Fishing in Miami
Miami’s diverse marine ecosystem offers anglers the opportunity to target a wide range of species using live bait fishing techniques. Some of the most popular species include:
- Sailfish
- Kingfish
- Bonito
- Barracuda
- Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi)
- Mackerel
- King Mackerel
- Cobia
- Wahoo
- Amberjack
- Grouper
- Snapper
Additional Tips and Information
- Fishing Locations: Bait fishing in Miami often takes place close to the beach, within 3-4 miles off the coast, with 30 miles of coastline to explore.
- Bait Fishing Techniques: Live bait fishing is the most effective technique in Miami, with methods including using sabikis and cast nets to catch baitfish.
- Cost of Live Bait: Expect to pay between $40 and $100 for live bait, depending on the type and quantity needed.
References
- Top Gun Miami. (n.d.). Live Bait Fishing. Retrieved from https://topgunmiami.com/live-bait-fishing/
- Therapy-IV. (n.d.). Baitfish for Deep Sea Fishing in Miami. Retrieved from https://therapy4.com/baitfish/
- The Hull Truth. (2013, January 7). Where can I catch bait in Biscayne Bay. Retrieved from https://www.thehulltruth.com/sportfishing-charters-forum/476178-where-can-i-catch-bait-biscayne-bay.html
- Yelp. (2024). Top 10 Best Bait Shops in Miami, FL. Retrieved from https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Bait+Shops&find_loc=Miami%2C+FL
- Miami Fishing. (2016, October 28). Where to Buy or Catch Live Bait In Miami, Florida. Retrieved from http://miamifishing.com/fishing-reports/live-bait-in-miami.