We will be overnighting in Miami when we catch a cruise in February. Staying near a causeway so salt water there. Any ideas for a DIY trip?
Any information would be appreciated. PM here or email Michaela.bartosh@yahoo.com
Tight lines!

Back when I lived there I would bank fish the ship channel but that was in the 70's, not sure where you can get to now. Ask at the place that you are staying where you can fish. Don't know what a fishing license will cost you?

Go to any canal with a small hair jig and catch all the peacocks you want...

Spent 25 years in Miami area fishing year round. I would definitely lower expectations as the coldest month of the year combined with the start of the windiest months (Feb and March) doesn't make for a fun time... especially if you're land based. Best bet would be to check out the Pier in Sunny Isles. You won't need a license fishing from the pier. It was closed for many years when I lived in the area but I believe it has been rebuilt. Now what you might experience could be fantastic. On full moons when the winds are strong from south, south east you might see what many have never seen... a shrimp run. It doesn't happen every year, but when it does it is unreal. When that happens, word gets out quick and the piers from Sunny Isles and north to Deerfield Beach will have shrimp fishermen lowering lanterns just above the waves to attract them. With long dip nets they will dip shrimp from the ocean as fast as they are coming through. When this happens the snook and tarpon fishing can be incredible (catch and release only as the season is closed). The shrimp are swimming on the surface by the thousands and they come through in waves... slow to a trickle and then pick back up. You'll hear and see where the tarpon and snook are busting them on top. Toss a live shrimp either weightless or with a couple of split shot, depending on the wind, and you have a great chance of hooking up with snook or tarpon. Dress warm as being on a pier in damp conditions can get cold fast with winds blowing. You can usually rent rod/reels at any of the piers. I would just pay to walk out and see whats going on before deciding what you want to do.. Always enjoyed all the piers in south Florida. There's a great place to eat near the pier as well..305 Kitchen at Newport Beach Resort.

https://goo.gl/maps/p5MyKTYpvGs

Not much land based fishing from Rickenbacker Causeway if that is near where you are staying. Have heard the grass has disappeared over the years and its not what it used to be. I would have suggested Bill Boggs State Park for big bonefish from the beach but not this time of year.

Good Luck


My old friends from the Newport Beach Resort.

If you want a sure bet for a great time, go here instead.. not far from Miami and all kinds of things to do. I was there this past August for a day and stopped in. My favorite place to take friends visiting on a tight schedule when I lived there.
http://www.gulfstreampark.com/shopping

Party party