America is not just about skyscrapers, startups, and huge portions of fast food. It’s a country where the word "opportunity" hides a whole world of experience, adrenaline, and open horizons. Fishing is one of those opportunities. Here, it has long gone beyond a hobby: it’s a type of leisure, a cultural code, and a true spectacle on the water.

This is especially evident in Miami. This city seems made for fishing. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, a network of canals, lagoons, and inland waterways. The climate is warm year-round, the fish bite constantly, and the infrastructure is world-class.

In Miami, everyone fishes — from local grandfathers in baseball caps to NBA stars and tourists holding a fishing rod for the first time. It’s accessible, fun, and utterly unforgettable.

Why is fishing in Miami more than just a “catch-and-release”?

• A show on the water
  Many yachts and boats are equipped no less impressively than a concert stage: music, bar, grill, and photo zone. While you wait for a bite — you sunbathe, sip mojitos, and watch the tranquil ocean.
• Fresh catch — straight to the skillet
  Miami has a special tradition: Catch & Cook. You catch a fish — take it to a restaurant — and get a fine dining dish prepared right before your eyes. It’s not just food, it’s a gastronomic triumph.
• The aesthetics of fishing
  It’s not just the result that matters, but the process. How you stand on the deck, the wind blows your hair, the sun plays on the water, and you hold a powerful fishing rod. Cameras click, cocktails sparkle, and your heart beats faster as the line starts to pull.
• A social adventure
  Miami fishing brings people together. In the boat, there might be an Englishman, a Canadian, a Japanese, and you — and within half an hour, you’re friends united by the catch, discussing the sea bass like it’s family.
• The catch of your dreams
  Here, you can really catch a marlin weighing over 100 kg or a tuna the size of a suitcase. Not to mention the barracuda, which puts on a whole show while being reeled in.
• Access to everything
  No need to bring anything yourself. Everything is provided: boat, license, captain, tackle, bait, and even sunglasses if needed.

Miami knows how to turn even a simple fishing trip into a celebration. It’s not just quietly sitting on a stool with a jar of worms. It’s drive, fun, excitement, emotions. It’s a true American dream — only with a fish on the other end of the line.

What’s Included: When Fishing Becomes an Adventure

Fishing in Miami is much more than just casting a line and waiting for a bite. It’s an adventure that starts on the shore and continues long after your catch is safely stored in the fridge.

Many yachts rented for fishing are true mini-resorts on the water. They aren’t rented just to “float with a fishing rod” — they’re booked for a full marine experience filled with comfort, excitement, and even luxury. What do these sea tours include?

1. 01. Professional guide
   Not just someone who shows you how to cast a line. This is a seasoned sea wolf who knows:

• Where the fish are biting today;
• How to spot promising fishing spots from barren ones;
• How to properly reel in a marlin or a shark;
• When to release the fish and when to keep the trophy.
  They’ll advise you, take photos of you with your catch, and even recommend which fish is best to take to a restaurant for dinner.

1. 02. Tackle, bait, and everything else
   You won’t need to bring anything but a good mood. Everything is already included:

• Spinning rods and fishing poles for different types of fish;
• Tackle, leaders, hooks, braided lines;
• Professional bait — from live small fish to exotic artificial lures;
• Coolers to keep your catch and drinks fresh.

1. 03. Diving and snorkeling gear
   If you want to dive into the clear Atlantic waters between bites — go ahead. On board you’ll find:

• Masks and snorkels;
• Fins and wetsuits;
• Sometimes even underwater cameras.
  You can explore coral reefs, swim with tropical fish, or just refresh yourself.

1. 04. Video and photo of your catch
   A trophy photo is an important part of any fishing trip. Even better — a video showing you reeling in a 40-kg mahi-mahi. Many boats are equipped with GoPros and drones. You don’t have to worry about a thing — you just get your epic story on a flash drive.
2. 05. Dinner from your catch — right on board
   This is not a metaphor. Some yachts are equipped with a grill or even a full kitchen. A chef or the captain will cook your freshly caught fish, serve it with a side dish and a glass of white wine. And you — in the middle of the ocean, watching the sunset, are dining on the fruits of your own efforts. Isn’t that perfect?
3. 06. True fishing fellowship
   One of the biggest perks — you’re not alone. Such tours often bring together:

• Experienced anglers seeking new trophies;
• Curious tourists stepping on deck for the first time;
• Families wanting to spend a day outdoors;
• Canadians and Americans who come to Miami each season just for fishing.
  Amazing as it sounds, in one day you might make new friends, hear dozens of fishing tales, and feel part of a real community.

1. 07. You’re not just fishing. You’re part of a show
   The tour turns into an exciting event. Whether you catch an 80-kg tuna or a barracuda the size of a foot — you return to shore a different person. With a story. With memories. With video. And with a desire to do it all again.

Where They Fish and What They Hunt in Miami

Miami is not just a city by the ocean. It’s a true paradise for anglers of all levels — from beginners to veterans with a collection of trophy gear. Here, you can fish almost anywhere, and each style offers its own level of emotions, catch, and adventure. The main thing is to understand what you really want.

1. 01. From the shore or pier
   This is the most accessible and “lazy” option. Perfect for those who want to just relax without going far from civilization. Miami has plenty of equipped piers and waterfronts where you can settle down with a fishing rod, a beer, and a couple of friends.

• Great for families with children.
• You can often catch sea bass, mackerel, flounder.
• Nearby — cafes, restaurants, and recreation areas.
• Some restaurants right on the piers provide gear and cook the fish you just pulled out of the water.

1. 02. From a boat or yacht
   A classic option for those who want to truly “go out to sea.” You are picked up from the shore, head out into the ocean — and the fishing begins in Discovery Channel style.

• Ideal for catching tuna, mahi-mahi, barracuda, and sharks.
• The trolling method is used — gear is dragged behind the boat as it slowly moves along the route.
• Often on board — a guide, captain, chef, bar, and professional photo equipment.

1. 03. Night fishing
   For romantics and hunters of rare trophies. The bite at night is no worse — just different. A special guest of night fishing is the swordfish.

• It takes place in the open ocean, in complete darkness.
• Gear is often equipped with lights to attract nocturnal predators.
• An unforgettable experience: silence, stars, the splash of waves, and a sharp tug on the line.

1. 04. Commercial fishing with a crew
   For true enthusiasts. You become part of a professional crew that fishes not just for photos, but for real results. This is not a leisure tour, this is an adventure.

• You may be taken on a commercial trip where fish is caught for restaurants and markets.
• You participate in the process: casting gear, pulling nets, sorting the catch.
• Sometimes fishing lasts 8–10 hours, going to deep-water spots.

Fish that await you

Miami is a real underwater zoo. And not decorative, but quite predatory and substantial. Here’s who you might meet:

• Mahi-mahi (dorado)
  A beautiful fish with a green-yellow coloration, excellent taste. Weight up to 18–20 kg.
• Tuna
  Strong and fast like an underwater torpedo. Weight from 10 to 60 kg. Fried, smoked, served in sushi.
• Marlin
  A fisherman’s dream. Weight 100+ kg. Powerful, daring, difficult to catch. A photo with it is a trophy for life.
• Barracuda
  A predator and performer. Jumps, struggles, poses. Not always edible, but impressive.
• Tarpon
  A silver giant up to 2 meters. Very popular among Americans as a “game fish.”
• Shark
  Not as scary as it seems. Often caught for photos and released. There are even organized “Catch & Release” tours.
• Swordfish
  A night hunter. Rarely caught but with great excitement. Its premium fillet is served in expensive restaurants.

The taste of the catch: can you eat the fish you catch?

Yes, and not just can — you should! In Miami, fishing is not only about excitement and trophy photos. It’s also about gastronomy. The popular “Catch & Cook” system has long been in place here: catch — bring — get a restaurant-quality dish. It’s a true coastal feature loved by tourists and locals alike. How does it work? It’s very simple and stylish:

• You catch a fish — for example, mahi-mahi or tuna.
• After fishing, the captain recommends a restaurant — usually they collaborate with specific venues.
• You bring your catch there and arrange how it will be cooked.
• In 20–40 minutes — you sit with a cold beer and a beautiful chef’s special dish in front of you with the words: “This is your fish.”
  Many restaurants even post photos of guests with their catch on the wall or social media. It’s both tasty and memorable.

What do they usually cook? It depends on the catch and the customer’s wishes. Here are the kitchen favorites:

• Mahi-mahi (dorado)
  Often grilled with lime, mango sauce, and rice. Very tender and aromatic meat.
• Sea bass (snapper)
  Great in batter, served with fries or vegetable sauté.
• Tuna
  A sushi restaurant favorite. Served as steaks, sashimi, or rolls.
• Hogfish (fish-sniper)
  A delicacy especially popular in southern Florida. Often baked in banana leaf or served with lime and garlic sauce.

Why is it so cool?

• You see the journey of the food from sea to plate.
• It’s 100% fresh fish caught by you.
• You get taste, emotions, and impressions you can’t buy at any supermarket.
• And it’s another reason to make fishing in Miami a part of your vacation, not just entertainment.

Barracuda: Miami’s Tourist Star

If you’ve been to Miami and haven’t caught a barracuda, local fishermen say your vacation can still be considered “open.” The barracuda here is like the Eiffel Tower in Paris: you absolutely have to see it, touch it, and take a photo with it. Only — touching it is no easy task.

1. 01. Barracuda is not just a fish
   It’s an underwater predator, a real aggressor with a crazy stare and jaws full of razor-sharp teeth. The barracuda looks like it was designed specifically for horror movies: an elongated torpedo-shaped body, scales shining like chrome, a shark-like head with eyes that seem to be watching you.
2. 02. Why is everyone chasing the barracuda?
   Because it’s the perfect tourist trophy. Here’s what makes it so attractive:

• Caught close to shore — literally 10–15 meters from the beach, among reefs and rocks.
• Fights hard — a real battle. It makes lightning-fast dashes, moves sideways, dives under the boat, jumps out of the water.
• Photo pose — 10 out of 10. A photo with a barracuda looks epic: it’s huge, fierce, and you are the hero who conquered it.
• You don’t have to eat it. On the contrary, many release the barracuda back into the water, especially if it’s large. It’s part of the ethics and ritual.

1. 03. Is barracuda edible?
   Technically — yes. Some smaller specimens up to 2 kg are quite safe and edible, especially if prepared properly. But:

• Large barracudas can accumulate toxins (primarily ciguatoxin) dangerous to humans.
• In Florida’s warm waters, the risk of poisoning is higher, especially in summer.
• Therefore, in most cases, it is not recommended to eat it, especially for tourists.
• Local restaurants do not accept barracuda for the “Catch & Cook” program.

1. 04. Barracuda = photo and show
   Usually it goes like this:

• You reel in a barracuda.
• The deckhand shouts: “Beautiful! Take a photo!” — and grabs his phone.
• You are asked to “smile, but hold tight” — the barracuda can suddenly come alive.
• You get congratulations, sometimes even applause.
• The barracuda is released — and it swims away like a shark into the sunset.

If you really want to immortalize your encounter with this monster, there’s a way: a taxidermy mount. Some companies in Florida offer to make a replica of your barracuda — by photo, size, and even with an exact copy of its teeth. Such a “decoration” is often hung in bars or home offices — as proof of your fishing prowess.

Barracuda in Miami is not just a fish. It’s a symbol of drive, luck, and an unforgettable vacation. Even if you catch nothing else, the barracuda will make your day. It’s not always edible, but it’s always photogenic. And it’s an honestly earned souvenir that will stay in your memory much longer than fridge magnets.

Laws and Licenses: Serious, but Not Scary

Fishing in the USA is not just a pastime but an officially regulated activity. And it’s not about bureaucracy — it’s to preserve the ecosystem, control species populations, and ensure safety. America is a country of strict but clear rules: if you follow them, you can enjoy fishing with peace of mind.

Good news: if you go fishing as part of an organized tour, for example through American Butler, everything is already taken care of — license, equipment, local regulations, water safety, even trophy documentation.

All that’s left for you is to enjoy the process and maybe ask a few questions to the guide — they know where and how to fish legally. You can also arrange the paperwork on your own. Here are the main steps:

1. 01. Get a fishing license
   The license is a mandatory document. You can get it:

• Online on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website;
• At Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods — right at the checkout;
• From a coastal inspector — in some areas, they patrol along the coast or work in parks.
  Cost: from $17 for 3 days (non-resident), from $30 for a week, from $47 for a year.

1. 02. Check if you qualify for a free license
   Certain categories may be eligible for a free license. These include: foreign students studying in the USA, veterans and active military personnel, people with disabilities (with proper documentation), recipients of social assistance or food stamps, and seniors (in some counties).
   Important: even if you qualify for a free license, you still need to obtain the document. Simply saying “I’m a student” is not enough.
2. 03. Follow local rules
   Florida is a large state. Rules in Miami may differ from those in, say, Key West or Tampa. Pay attention to:

• Seasonality: some fish species are only allowed during certain months.
• Sizes: there are minimum and maximum catch sizes.
• Quotas: for example, no more than two tunas per day.
• Restricted areas: fishing on bridges, in nature reserves, or near reefs may be prohibited.
• Fishing methods: harpoons, fine-mesh nets, explosives (yes, that has happened…) are forbidden.

1. 04. Don’t forget about safety
   The law requires:

• Wearing life jackets, even for adults;
• Having an emergency beacon (on boats in open waters);
• Not polluting the water — fines up to $5,000;
• Not harming animals or damaging marine flora.

1. 05. What happens if you break the rules?
   Penalties are real. From fines of $50–500, to temporary fishing bans, and in severe cases — criminal prosecution (for example, for fishing in protected natural areas). But this mostly concerns those who deliberately ignore the rules. If you’re with American Butler, everything is under control. We handle all the necessary paperwork, provide legal equipment, advise who and where you can fish, consult on seasons, zones, and quotas, sparing you the headache.

Quick Tips

• If unsure — ask the guide or captain. They are required to know the rules.
• Planning to fish with kids? Make sure the place is safe and a license isn’t required for minors.
• Planning to make a trophy mount or take fish home — official trophy processing is mandatory.
• Always carry a printed or electronic copy of your license. Inspections happen.
• Caught doesn’t mean kept: some fish in Florida are protected by law. You cannot take them home, sell, use as bait, or keep them in the boat. If you catch such a fish, you must release it alive and as quickly as possible. Examples of protected or limited species include the Goliath grouper, some rays and sharks, small tarpon (below a certain length), and coral reef fish (in reserve zones).
• Size matters — Florida enforces a strict size regulation system. Each fish species has an allowed size range that must be respected. Too small fish must be released — they have not reached “legal age.” Too large — possibly a breeding female or old male protected by law. Professional fishermen almost always have a special measuring ruler onboard.
• Cleanliness is a strict rule. Miami is not only a photo-worthy city but also a highly ecologically sensitive area. Fines for littering apply even if you accidentally drop a plastic cup in the water. You cannot throw plastic packaging, bait, bottles, or food into the ocean. You must take your trash with you or dispose of it onboard. You may leave natural food scraps for pelicans — this is allowed if the food is natural (e.g., fish or bread, not packaging). Fines for water pollution go up to $5,000. Inspectors are vigilant.
• Wear gloves — some fish (especially barracudas) have sharp fins and scales.
• Don’t forget polarized sunglasses — they reduce glare and help see fish underwater.
• Secure your gear — even the strongest rod can be lost overboard if a strong fish bites.

Terms & Conditions

• $799 / 4 hours;
• $1249 / 8 hours;
• The minimum tour price is calculated for a group of up to 6 people, with an additional charge of $100 for each extra passenger;
• The duration of the tour departing from Miami is 4–8 hours;
• Travel time includes driving and traffic on the specified route, but will not be less than the stated duration. The cost of each additional hour is $200;
• The price includes: fishing, license, and equipment;
• The price does not include: transfer and tips;
• For a comfortable trip, we recommend a maximum of 5 people;
• Tips for the captain and crew are always appreciated and, in this case, mandatory. The minimum amount is 15% of the total charter cost;
• It’s advisable to start fishing early in the morning around 5–6 AM;
• We strongly recommend bringing hats and sunscreen.

Emotions, Sunshine, and the Catch of Your Dreams with American Butler

If you want to experience more than just a beach vacation, fishing in Miami will open a whole new horizon for you. You’ll feel the thrill, catch the excitement, meet new people, and maybe even land the trophy of a lifetime.

American Butler will help organize everything: transfer, boat rental, guide, equipment, and paperwork. All you need is the desire to experience something truly lively and memorable.

Ready to catch the fish of your dreams? Let’s go for the catch with American Butler!