Best Spearfishing Spots in Miami

By Peter12 mins read

Miami is the type of destination that is never short of where to visit. The list of exciting things to do and awesome spots to visit is incredibly long. Truly, the southeastern Florida city excellently lives up to its name as the ultimate holiday destination. But beyond its ever-bubbling nightlife and solid reveling credentials, Miami’s surrounding waters allow it to have some of the best spearfishing spots in the world.

The many sunken wrecks, reefs, and other underwater builds you will find in the waters all together rank high on the East coast. That is why their fish holes are numerous around these parts. It should be noted that the underwater structures allow for a wonderfully diverse fauna ecosystem. From different reed settlers to some of the most rewarding pelagics you can face, Miami offers a lot. Spearfishing there, you are most likely to catch species like snapper, grouper, hogfish, Spanish mackerel, mahi mahi, and so on. Here are Some of the Best Spearfishing Spots in Miami:

Miami Beach

A trip to one of the Atlantic coast’s best spearfishing spots is not the one to miss if you are big on deep-sea fishing trips. To maximize your time, it is often rewarding to employ the services of a fishing tour company. One such is Twysted Lyfe Charter, located at Miami Beach, Florida. Apart from their big game fishing charters, the company also has party boat charters and an international excursion tagged the Argentina hunting trips.

You can spearfish in private groups of up to 6, and the price covers fishing licenses, fuel, boat, dead bait, live bait, ice, bottled water, etc. Bear in mind that you are not guaranteed to catch fish. This is based on several factors, including weather, spear gear, luck, guides, and your own expertise. Sometimes, the fun isn’t in the result but in the effort. But in the case that you catch a fish, can you keep it? Some companies won’t allow you to own the catch, unlike Twysted Lyfe Charters. As long as it is legal and within the state limits, fish caught can be kept. What’s more, the company will package the catch by filleting and zipping it in lock bags. There is a wide variety of fish to catch in this area.

Additionally, it is common knowledge in Florida that precipitation is often brief at Miami Beach. But a good tour company closely watches the weather for the safety of its clients. The chance of getting soaked all day from light showers is 80% in the summer. Ensure that you observe the weather for a particular date before going ahead to make a spearfishing booking. Also, read company cancellation policies to prevent unpalatable situations.

Biscayne Bay

Situated barely off Miami’s radiant coast, Biscayne Bay hosts some of the most captivating marine activities, including spearfishing and boating. It stretches from North Miami Beach to the edge of the Florida Keys, spanning 271 square miles. A lot of marinas visibly mark the waterfront. This offers a range of options for boaters who want to either launch into the bay on their own or set out with the help of a charter’s captain if they do not have a boat. Many charters are available to have an unforgettable day fishing on the bay.

You will find dozens of fauna species, including butterflyfish, sunfish, sharks, cichlids, gobies, wrasses, tarpon, and so on. The list is endless. The bonefish is ubiquitous here, and even though it is not a big fish, it likes to dwell in inshore tropical waters where it scuppers in sand flats and mudflats while feeding on the small organisms in the tides.

Bear in mind that you can only spearfish in the North and Central Bay areas, but much of the South Bay region makes up part of the Biscayne National Park. Many have said fishing is not allowed there though it is recommended that you ask a park ranger for the latest information before your trip. After a day’s worth of spearfishing is over, you can choose to dive into the bay’s reefs to treat yourself to a spectacular view of Miami’s most beautiful tropical fishes.

Car Frame Reef

Situated just off Virginia Key, this perfect spearfishing spot is at a depth of 30 feet and is one of the best places to catch Lobsters. Car Frame Reef is mostly a stack of car frames close to a reef in Fowey Light. Spearfishing experts do not only go there for crustaceans; there are Groupers, Hogfish, snapper, and many more species at Car Frame Reef.

Emerald Reef

Welcome to the largest natural reef in Miami! Emerald Reef, which perches close to Key Biscayne, is 30 feet deep. As such, it is perfect for different types of spearos. This reef, for a long time, has had the reputation of being the most beautiful reef in the whole of Miami at the expense of the ones lying south in the Florida Keys. Emerald reef support pillar coral, living Elkhorn, juvenile tropicals, and a host of diverse sponges. The clarity of the water makes it a fascinating dive or snorkel location as well if you want to indulge in some other activity apart from spearfishing. When you visit, expect to catch Barracuda, Snapper, and lots of other reef faunas.

The Pillars

Only a few things are more worthwhile than spearfishing hogfish. The Pillars, that’s away from North Beach Oceanside Park and made up of a pipeline, and two steel beams, is the spot to visit for a satisfying spearfishing experience. You are bound to find sponges, hard coral, and gorgonians as well. As a result of the relief compared to adjacent reef areas, several fauna species are present in the Pillars.

Diving Army Tanks off of Key Biscayne, Miami

Like a lot of places on the Miami spearfishing scene, Army Tanks are made up of a delightful wreck pillage. No wonder the city has earned the epithet- the wreckreational diving capital. At Army Tanks, you will find two sunken Vietnam epoch tanks marked by limestone. Both tanks together form the Wreck Trek- a man-made reef situated 10 minutes from Miami Beach. It should be noted that only spearos with at least intermediate experience can successfully take on this spot because it is 50 feet deep in the water. The consolation is that the Army Tanks do not lack abundant fish.

Pete’s Reef

This reef is located in the Haulover area of North Miami Beach. Adding to the already fantastic variety of diving sites is Pete’s Reef. It is located 42 ft deep and offers a natural abode for diverse species, including roaming Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, and lots more.

Other Information About Spearfishing in Miami

Bear in mind that Nassau Grouper and Goliath are two species you cannot spearfish, according to local laws. Also on the list of untouchables include tarpon, tripletail, pompano, redfish, snook et al. When you go further from the coast, avoid sharks or billfish.

In addition, before you start your expedition, there is the need to secure a saltwater fishing license. This is unless you are spearfishing in the company of a Miami charter captain. A 6–pack license is already covered with a captain onboard your boat.

Do not forget that it is not allowed to spearfish in freshwater and within 100 feet of jetties and public beaches. In addition, bangsticks, powerheads, and rebreathers are all prohibited while spearfishing.