City Guide

Fishing licenses are required in Florida. If you go out with one of the fishing charter boats listed below, you are automatically accredited because the companies are. If you go out on your own, however, you must have a Florida fishing license, which costs $17 for Florida residents and $32 for nonresidents. Call tel. 888/FISH-FLO or visit www.wildlifelicense.com for more information.

Some of the best surf casting in the city can be had at Haulover Beach Park at Collins Avenue and 105th Street, where there's a bait-and-tackle shop right on the pier. South Pointe Park, at the southern tip of Miami Beach, is another popular fishing spot and features a long pier, comfortable benches, and a great view of the ships passing through Government Cut, the deep channel made when the port of Miami was dug.

You can also do some deep-sea fishing in the Miami area. One bargain outfitter, the Kelley Fishing Fleet, at the Haulover Marina, 10800 Collins Ave. (at 108th St.), Miami Beach (tel. 305/945-3801), has half-day, full-day, and night fishing aboard diesel-powered "party boats." The fleet's emphasis on drifting is geared toward trolling and bottom fishing for snapper, sailfish, and mackerel. Half-day and night fishing trips are $31 for adults and $22 for children up to 10 years old; full-day trips are $49 for adults and $39 for children; prices are $5 cheaper if you have your own rod. Daily departures are scheduled at 9am, and 1:45 and 8pm; reservations are recommended.

Also at the Haulover Marina is the charter boat Helen C (10800 Collins Ave.; tel. 305/947-4081; www.fishmiamibeach.com). Although there's no shortage of private charter boats here, Capt. Dawn Mergelsberg is a good pick, since she puts individuals together to get a full boat. Her Helen is a twin-engine 55-footer, equipped for big-game "monster" fish like marlin, tuna, dolphin fish, shark, and sailfish. The cost is $100 per person. Private, full-day trips are available for groups of six people per vessel and cost $900; half days are $500. Group rates and specials are also available. Sailings are scheduled for 8am to noon and 1 to 5pm daily; call for reservations. Children are welcome.

Key Biscayne offers deep-sea fishing to those willing to get their hands dirty and pay a bundle. The competition among the boats is fierce, but the prices are basically the same no matter which you choose. The going rate is about $400 to $450 for a half day and $600 to $700 for a full day of fishing. These rates are usually for a party of up to six, and the boats supply you with rods and bait as well as instruction for first-timers. Some will also take you out to the Upper Keys if the fish aren't biting in Miami.

You might also consider the following boats, all of which sail out of the Key Biscayne marina and are in relatively good shape and nicer than most out there: Sunny Boy (tel. 305/361-2217), Top Hatt (tel. 305/361-2528), and L & H (tel. 305/361-9318). Call for reservations.

Bridge fishing in Biscayne Bay is also popular in Miami; you'll see people with poles over almost every waterway. But look carefully for signs telling you whether it's legal to do so wherever you are: Some bridges forbid fishing.

A Fisherman's Friend -- The Biscayne Bay area is prime tarpon fishing country and a pretty good spot for a lot of other trophy sportfish: snook, bonefish, dolphin fish, swordfish, and sailfish. For a fee, local guides are happy to show you the hot spots and make sure you reel one in. One such guide is Capt. David Parsons (tel. 305/968-9603), who owns a great 28-foot boat, Hakuna Matada. He knows where the fish are biting and will take you from Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean in search of the best catch of the day for $550 for four people (swordfish can be caught at nighttime only; those trips run at $600), including rods, gear, and bait. All you bring is food/drink. Capt. Parsons also leads trips to Bimini for those who want to explore the fishing in the Bahamas.

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