Where boats run for king mackerel out of Miami
The named king grounds off Miami sit within a few miles of the beach, and one of them is a short ride from the harbor.
When kings are around
Timing, water temperature and biology are covered in the king mackerel species guide. The seasonal run up and down this coast is covered in the Atlantic Southeast guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
Bache Shoal Reef
Bache Shoal Reef is a short boat ride from Miami Harbor. It appears on the target lists of The Reward Fleet and Double Threat Charters.
The Edge
The Edge lies about 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach. It is one of several named grounds within a few miles of the beach.
Grounds and structure off Miami
The named structure off Miami runs from 22 ft at Bug Light Shoal to 370 ft at the Liberty Ship Reef.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Distance/notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bug Light Shoal artificial reef | 22 | |
| 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 | Short boat ride from Miami Harbor | |
| The Edge | About 3 miles from the coastline, just off Miami Beach | |
| Star Trek Reef |
Fowey Rocks is a lighthouse and rocks in 160 ft, known as sailfish grounds. Star Trek Reef is another named ground on the list.
The Chart Contours layer shows the drop from the 22 ft Bug Light Shoal to the 370 ft Liberty Ship Reef. Chart layers are not for navigation. Check the official marine forecast for wind, wave height and period before you run.
How kings are fished out of Miami
Locally, kings are fished from party boats and through reef fishing. For rigs and technique, see our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Who fishes kings out of Miami
Three local operations list king mackerel. Each detail below comes from the operator’s listing.
Top Gun Fishing Charters
The listing shows a 41 ft Hatteras convertible that takes up to 6 anglers. The captain is Capt. Nel Martinez.
The Reward Fleet
The listing gives a departure from Bayside Marketplace, Miami. It is the party-boat option, and Bache Shoal Reef is on its target list.
Double Threat Charters
The listing shows a 43 ft Hatteras built in 1972, with two 450 HP Cummins engines, taking 6 persons. Bache Shoal Reef is on its target list.
FAQ: King mackerel fishing out of Miami
How far do you run from Miami for kings?
Bache Shoal Reef is a short boat ride from Miami Harbor. The Edge is about 3 miles off Miami Beach, and the Liberty Ship Reef is about 2 miles off the coast. Kingfish grounds off Miami are close to the beach.
Where is Bache Shoal Reef?
Bache Shoal Reef is a short boat ride from Miami Harbor. It is on the Reward Fleet and Double Threat target lists.
How deep is the Liberty Ship Reef?
The O.L. Bodenhamer Wreck, also called the Liberty Ship Reef, sits in 370 ft about 2 miles off the coast.
Which Miami party boats list king mackerel?
The Reward Fleet’s listing includes king mackerel and gives a departure from Bayside Marketplace. Top Gun and Double Threat run Hatteras charter boats that also list kings.
Where are the king mackerel rules for Miami?
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the state rules. State and federal waters both apply close to the harbor.
