Where Miami boats run for yellowfin tuna
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of Miami means running offshore to the Gulf Stream. One Miami charter lists yellowfin among its targets, and the evidence for local yellowfin fishing beyond that is thin.
For timing, tactics and fish behavior, see our yellowfin tuna guide. For the wider Gulf Stream picture along this coast, see the southeast Atlantic yellowfin picture (see also the Atlantic Southeast region guide). This page covers Miami only: the grounds, the structure and who fishes them.
Grounds and structure off Miami
Six named grounds sit off Miami. The table runs from shallowest to deepest, with distances where we have them. For inlets, ramps and getting out of the harbor, use the Miami port guide.
| Name | Depth (ft) | Distance or location | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bug Light Shoal | 22 | artificial reef | |
| Fowey Rocks | 160 | lighthouse and rocks; sailfish grounds | |
| O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef | 370 | about 2 miles off the coast | |
| Bache Shoal Reef | quick boat ride from Miami Harbor | ||
| The Edge | about 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach | ||
| Star Trek Reef |
The Miami-Dade artificial reef charts show the county’s reef sites if you want to check positions yourself. These depths line up with Chart Contours in the app. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Bug Light Shoal and Fowey Rocks
Bug Light Shoal is an artificial reef in 22 ft. Fowey Rocks is a lighthouse and rocks in 160 ft, and it is primarily sailfish grounds.
O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck / Liberty Ship Reef
The wreck sits in 370 ft, about 2 miles off the coast. It is the deepest named structure on the list.
Bache Shoal, The Edge and Star Trek Reef
- Bache Shoal Reef: a quick boat ride from Miami Harbor.
- The Edge: about 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach.
- Star Trek Reef: a named reef on the Miami list.
Who fishes yellowfin out of Miami
Miami Sailfish Charters runs a 35 ft T Open Fisherman with Capt. Christian Sanchez, departing from the Key Biscayne area. Its listing names yellowfin tuna among its targets.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna out of Miami
Is there yellowfin tuna fishing out of Miami?
Yes. Boats run offshore to the Gulf Stream, and one local charter lists yellowfin among its targets. For other tuna species and other ports, see our tuna fishing guides.
How far do boats run?
Boats run offshore to the Gulf Stream. Named structure on the way includes the Bodenhamer wreck, about 2 miles off the coast, and The Edge, about 3 miles off Miami Beach. Check wind and wave numbers in the NWS Miami coastal waters forecast before you go.
What structure is closest to Miami Harbor or Key Biscayne?
Bache Shoal Reef is a quick boat ride from Miami Harbor. Shallow structure includes Bug Light Shoal in 22 ft and Fowey Rocks in 160 ft.
Does a Miami charter target yellowfin?
Miami Sailfish Charters lists yellowfin tuna among its targets. It fishes a 35 ft T Open Fisherman out of the Key Biscayne area with Capt. Christian Sanchez.
Where are the rules for yellowfin off Miami?
Yellowfin falls under federal Atlantic tuna rules and FWC rules. The links are in the Regulations section above. Check the agency pages before you fish.
