Saltwater Vs. Freshwater Rods

All fishing rods are not made for the same purpose. There is a distinct difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing rods, but they aren't hard to tell apart. Selecting the right rod will help you be successful on your next Miami deep sea fishing trip!

Consider what fishing techniques you want to use and what fish you want to catch. Depending on the fish, rods can snap from the weight of a catch if they aren't made for such heavy fish. Saltwater fish typically weigh more, making saltwater rods studier and heavier than freshwater ones. 

Rods made for saltwater will last longer than ones that aren't - this is because there is more corrosion possible in saltwater, so rods are made of materials that help prevent corrosion like titanium, fiberglass carbon, and stainless steel. Due to their makeup, these rods are categorized as slow to medium action. Freshwater rods are usually made of aluminum oxide and are faster. The more the rod can flex, the slower it will be. 

Saltwater rods fall into three categories: spinning, bait-casting, and trolling, and jigging. Offshore trolling rods are often much shorter but studier, while an inshore spinning rod can be cast long distances. Freshwater rods fall into the spinning, baitcasting, closed-face spin casting, transportable telescopic, and ultra-light categories. 

Medium power rods can hold up to 17 pounds and are a good option for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Always opt for a studier saltwater rod when marlin fishing in Miami Beach to ensure a great catch!

Most rods are similar, but the little differences are what will make your fishing trip a fun and successful one. Visit us online for more information on deep-sea fishing!

Fourth of July Fireworks in Miami

Last year saw many cancellations for the Fourth of July gathering and fireworks due to COVID-19, but this year, several events will be taking place across South Florida, with a few exceptions. America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park, A Gables Fourth in Coral Gables, and fireworks shows in Key Biscayne, and Palmetto Bay are among a few of the larger events that are still on hold. However, there are still plenty of places to check out fireworks after spending the Fourth of July Miami deep sea fishing!

The Drive-In 4th of July Celebration will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway, located at One Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd. in Homestead, at 7 pm, with their drive-in style show beginning at 9 pm. Music to accompany the fireworks will be broadcasted at 100.3 FM.

The 18th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks show lasts from 7 pm to 10 pm. Catch these family-oriented events with Sound Wave Entertainment, a large LED screen, food trucks, and of course, fireworks at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West. Tickets are free but must be registered in advance. 

Hialeah's Independence Day Celebration includes Grammy-award-winning Gente de Zona, Amaury Gutierrez, DJ Nancy Starr, DJ Yus, DK A10, and DJ Saroza. Food trucks will be there, accompanied by fireworks and a laser display later in the night. Catch the fun from 4 pm to 11 pm!

Star-Spangled Awesome Independence Day Celebration at The Wharf Miami will have delicious food from the Chicken Spot, Sake Room, Spris Artisan Pizza, Mojo Donuts, and La Santa Taqueria. Dogs are also welcome (must be leashed). After 6 pm, the event is 21 and up only, and you must register in advance for free entry. 

Marlin fishing in Miami Beach is a great way to start your holiday weekend. Visit us online to learn more and book an appointment!

How Dangerous Are Mako Sharks?

You may not have heard of the Mako Shark since its close relative, the great white shark, typically steals the spotlight. Often referred to as the "peregrine falcon of sharks," these hunters can reach speeds over 60 miles per hour and may be the most agile in the ocean. 

The name mako is derived from the Maori name for shark. The mako shark has long been the subject of Maori myths and are highly prized for their sharp teeth. There are two species of mako shark, shortfin and longfin. Shortfin Mako Shark encounters are more common, and they can be found throughout the world in offshore temperate/tropical zones (shortfin) or Gulf Stream warmer waters (longfin).

This is a giant mackerel shark, and can reach lengths of 4 meters, and typically live to be 30 years old. The world record for the highest mako shark rod and reel is 1,300 pounds off the coast of North Carolina!

The speed of the shortfin mako attracts lots of attention for fishermen when Miami Deep Sea Fishing. They are deadly hunters but can prove to be most dangerous to humans when lifting them into boats. It's recorded that shortfin mako sharks are only the cause behind one out of nine fatal shark attacks. 

When Miami fishing in Florida, shortfin mako fishing limits include one shark limit per person per day and two sharks per vessel limit (the maximum number of sharks that are allowed to be retained from a vessel is two even if there are more than two fishers on the boat.) The maximum size limit is 83 inches (fork length.)

Giant Wahoo Catch

Wahoos - one of the great fish that is local to Miami. These fish are fast-growing and can get pretty big, reaching lengths between 2.8 feet (males) and 3.3 feet (females). You can find them in the Gulf stream or inshore of the Gulf Stream just below the surface. Wahoos are pretty solitary. They usually travel in groups of two to three or solo. So, when we get a great catch when Miami deep sea fishing, it’s always a good day!

Wahoos can also be referred to as the Pacific Kingfish Ono, which means delicious in Hawaiin. They’re pelagic fish that can be found in many tropical and subtropical waters, most famously in the Atlantic Indian and Pacific Oceans. They’re closely related to the King Mackerel.

These fish are pretty slender and are strong and fast, even being rumored to be the fastest swimming fish in the ocean. They have beautiful blue and silver stripes, which can be most visible immediately upon catching. Beware! Wahoos are another fish with razor-sharp teeth.  

They’re also skilled fighting fish since they are known for their long runs. They fight near the water’s surface but can go deeper. They fight differently when hooked when trolling at deeper depths when you compare them to live bait fishing. When hooked, they shake their heads vigorously while staying just below the surface.

Catching fish like the Wahoo when Marlin fishing in Miami Beach isn’t such an easy task when they’re skilled fighters! We’re proud of these folks for reeling in a great catch. It can be quite a good feeling to catch a fish that’s so fast, making deep sea fishing one of the most entertaining and enjoyable parts of any Miami staycation, getaway, or weekend adventure. 

Rules and Regulations for Catching Tuna Fish in Miami

Tuna might just be one of the most common types of fish people consume. Great for salads, sandwiches, and even sushi, these fish are incredibly abundant off the shores of South Florida. While these fish are tasty, they can provide an exciting Miami deep sea fishing adventure due to their speed (close to 40 miles per hour!) and surprising power for such a small fish. 

Most of the time, tuna fishing can be done with kites or a troll. The most common types of tuna in Miami are the yellowfin, blackfin, and bluefin tuna. 

Before you head out to catch some tuna while Miami fishing be aware of current regulations. 

When fishing for tuna managed as a Highly Migratory Species (HMS), you must have a federal HMS Angling Permit in state and federal waters. HMS travel long distances and are monitored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which help enforce permits for commercial and recreational fishing and catch limits.

Since the start of 2021, the bluefin tuna daily retention limit is limited to one school, large school, or small school, applicable to both HMS angling category-permitted vessels and HMS Charter/Headboats. Angling vessels and Charter/Headboats can catch up to one bluefin tuna measuring 73" or more per vessel per year in all trophy areas.

The limit for recreational yellowfin tuna is three per person per day or trip. The smallest size of both yellowfin and bigeye tuna is 27". There are currently no recreational limits for bigeye, skipjack, or albacore tuna.