When you go pier fishing in Miami, you will not need a license on fishing piers that are state-licensed. The reason is that the pier has a permit that covers everyone that fishes on it. You do need to check to see if the pier is state-licensed because if it is not, then you will need a license. The best time for pier fishing is sunset and sunrise but many piers are closed at night. State park piers are open from sunrise to sunset so that means no night fishing.
Fish You Can Catch From the Pier
The most common catches from a pier are the small snappers and grunts but you can also find barracuda, jacks, Spanish mackerel, flounder, and more. You may also see lemon and nurse sharks but you are prohibited from catching them. Although you will not land a monster from pier fishing you can catch a dozen species in a day.
Miami’s Top Fishing Piers
South Pointe Park Pier
This is one of the best places to go pier fishing in Miami and sitting right on Government Cut, the water gets pretty deep here. One thing to note is that there are only certain parts of the pier that are designated for fishing but they are marked clearly so you should have no trouble knowing where to fish. Some will even fish off the rocks that run alongside the pier that goes into deeper water.
On the pier, you will find line disposal and cleaning stations. You can fish here from 7:30 in the morning until sunset and it is free to fish here. There is no tackle shop on or around the pier so you will have to bring your rod, reels, bait, and tackle. You will also need a license to fish off this pier.
Newport Fishing Pier
This is a fully-licensed 600-foot long pier that will cost you five dollars a day if you are planning to fish and two dollars a day if you just want to sit, enjoy the view, and watch others fish. On this pier, there are line recycling, rod holders, and cleaning tables. If you are on vacation and do not have a rod but want to fish, there is a shop where you can rent rods for the day. You can get bait there too but it would be less expensive somewhere else.
The one thing that makes Newport Fishing Pier so great is that it is open all night, which is the time when the night feeders like sharks, tarpon, and snook come out to feed. At night, it is the best time to avoid all the crowds that inhabit the pier during the day. During the day, it is a very busy pier.
North Bayshore Park
This is not exactly a pier but more of a walkway with spots to fish and cleaning stations but it is still a great place to make some casts. Due to all the structures around the fishing spots, there will be many reef fish that you can catch. It is free to fish here. What makes this such a spectacular place to fish are the views. Here you can look out toward Key Biscayne and watch ships passing through the Broad Causeway Drawbridge while you are fishing.
It does have limited space so you need to get there early to get a spot. It is open from sunrise to sunset and you will need a license to fish here.
Oleta River State Park Fishing Pier
This state park borders the Intracoastal Waterway located in northern Miami. It is also a place where there are many family activities besides fishing. You can fish from the pier or the shores of the park. When fishing here you can catch redfish, spotted sea trout, snapper, or pompano. The pier is 90 feet so there is plenty of room for some great fishing. There is an entry fee for each vehicle.
William Lehman Park Fishing Pier
This pier is another of the many favorite fishing piers in Miami. It has just been renovated to include recycling tubes for monofilament line and stations for bait cutting.
Rickenbacker Causeway Fishing Pier
This is often cited as one of the most popular fishing piers in Miami Beach because of the close proximity to the city. When you get out of your car you can walk along the gangway and cast near any structures that are likely to hold fish, like the rock piles.
Haulover Inlet
This is a barrier island that is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Haulover Park is on the Atlantic Ocean side and is also the largest public nudist beach in the United States. You will find fishing on the south side of the inlet. The most productive fishing area will be the jetties due to the underwater shelter for fish to hide and feed and swift current, which is the perfect habitat for baitfish. And there is also sure to be game fish nearby. Some of the fish that you can catch here are barracuda, black drum, and Spanish mackerel.
South Pointe Park Pier, Government Cut
This is a prime location for fishing and is a manmade waterway between South Beach and Fisher Island. This was made for cruise and cargo ships to get to Port Miami. When fishing this waterway you can catch grouper, Spanish mackerel, and snapper. The pier is a wooden structure that lets you get up close and personal with fishing. It has some of the most beautiful scenery that Miami has to offer.
Conclusion
Miami is a great place to go fishing. With all the various fishing piers you will have the opportunity for some downtime and also be able to get a taste of the fishing in that area. If you want to catch the big one, you will have to take a charter but pier fishing in Miami is great for some fun, relaxation, and great views. It also has diverse fisheries and a warm climate so how can you go wrong enjoying fishing here in Miami.
