Florida · Southeast
FLOUNDER FISHING
IN MIAMI
Miami is a solid destination for flounder fishing. Book a charter and target flounder with local experts.
About Flounder Fishing in Miami
A prized flatfish found along sandy bottoms and structure. Excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle.
Flounder are unique flatfish that lie camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms, ambushing prey from below. Gulf flounder and Southern flounder are the primary species in southern waters, while Summer Flounder (fluke) dominates from the Carolinas northward. Both eyes migrate to the top (left) side as juveniles, creating their distinctive flat profile. The "eyed" side is brown-green with irregular spots and blotches that change to match the surrounding bottom — a remarkable camouflage ability.
Scientific name: Paralichthys albiguttata
Flounder Seasonal Calendar — Miami
Month-by-month availability for flounder in Miami, FL.
How to Catch Flounder in Miami
Techniques & Bait
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
Recommended Tackle
Medium-light spinning rod (7 ft), 2500 reel, 10-15 lb braid, 20 lb fluorocarbon leader, 1/4-1/2 oz jig heads or Carolina rig with 1/0-3/0 wide-gap hooks. Patience is key — flounder often mouth the bait before committing, so wait for the second thump before setting the hook.
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Miami
Top spots where local captains target flounder and other inshore species.
Biscayne Bay Flats
The shallow grass flats of Biscayne Bay offer world-class sight-fishing for bonefish, permit, and tarpon on the southern end near Elliott Key and Sands Key. The bay's crystal-clear water and expansive turtle grass beds make it one of the closest bonefish fisheries to any major U.S. city. Guides pole skiffs across the flats on calm mornings for trophy fish.
Government Cut
Government Cut is the main shipping channel entrance to the Port of Miami between Miami Beach and Fisher Island. Tarpon, snook, jack crevalle, and large barracuda patrol the channel edges and jetties year-round. Night fishing around the channel markers produces consistent action, especially during the spring and summer tarpon migration.
Rickenbacker Causeway Bridge
The Rickenbacker Causeway connecting Miami to Key Biscayne features bridge pilings and channel edges holding tarpon, snook, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. The adjacent flats on both sides of the causeway are prime territory for bonefish and permit on the higher stages of the tide. It is one of the most accessible urban fishing spots in South Florida.
Black Point Marina Area
The mangrove shorelines and flats around Black Point Marina in southern Biscayne Bay provide excellent snook, redfish, and tarpon fishing. The nearby channels connecting to Card Sound offer access to additional bonefish and permit flats on the oceanside. The area serves as a gateway between the bay and the upper Florida Keys backcountry.
Other Species in Miami
More fish you can target while visiting Miami.
Flounder Fishing in Miami — FAQ
Flounder fishing in Miami is productive during .
Flounder fishing charters in Miami are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting live bull minnows (finger mullet or mud minnows) on a Carolina rig or knocker rig along sandy channel edges and drop-offs is the most productive method. Bounce a 1/4-3/8 oz jighead with a live minnow or Gulp! swimming mullet along the bottom near structure transitions (sand to mud, channel edges). "Flounder gigging" at night with underwater lights is popular in shallow bays. In passes and inlets, fishing the outgoing tide with live bait near the bottom produces the largest fish.
No — when you book a charter in Miami, your captain provides all required Florida fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Flounder regulations in Florida include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Flounder in Miami, you may also catch Sailfish, Snook, Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, Mangrove Snapper. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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