Get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime on the Miami River! This 15-hour marathon trip with River Jet Outfitters is perfect for die-hard anglers who can't get enough time on the water. You'll chase a variety of species from sunrise to well after sunset, experiencing the river's ever-changing moods and testing your skills against some of Miami's most sought-after fish.
This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're talking about a full 15 to 16 hours of non-stop action on the Miami River. You'll kick things off at the crack of dawn, targeting smallmouth bass and saugeye as the sun peeks over the horizon. As the day heats up, we'll switch gears to chase some hard-fighting carp - trust me, these "river pigs" will give you a run for your money. When evening rolls around, it's time to break out the heavy tackle for some serious catfish action. But don't worry, we'll keep lines wet targeting other species throughout the day too. This trip is all about variety, endurance, and making the most of every minute on the water.
We'll be using a mix of techniques to keep things interesting and maximize our chances of hooking into fish all day long. Early morning calls for finesse tactics - think light spinning gear, small jigs, and subtle presentations for those wary smallmouth. As we transition to carp, be ready to switch to medium-heavy rods and reels spooled with stronger line. We'll use specialized carp baits and tactics that these clever fish can't resist. For the evening catfish bite, it's time to break out the big guns - heavy rods, baitcasting reels, and stout hooks to handle those whiskered bruisers. Throughout the day, we'll also mix in some good old-fashioned live bait fishing and maybe even try our hand at fly fishing if conditions are right. Don't sweat the gear - we've got you covered with top-notch equipment suited for each species and technique.
The Miami River has been on fire lately, with anglers reporting some killer catches. We've seen smallmouth pushing the 5-pound mark, saugeye topping 24 inches, and some absolute tank carp in the 30-pound range. The catfish bite has been ridiculous too, with several blue cats over 40 pounds hitting the nets in recent weeks. Of course, every day on the river is different, but that's the beauty of this marathon trip - with so much time on the water, your chances of connecting with a personal best are better than ever.
Smallmouth Bass: These bronze bombers are the bread and butter of the Miami River. Known for their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes, smallmouth love to hang around rocky structure and current breaks. We typically see fish in the 1-3 pound range, but don't be surprised if a 4+ pounder gives your drag a workout. They're most active during the cooler morning hours, so we'll target them early for best results.
Sauger: Often mistaken for their walleye cousins, sauger are fun-sized predators that pack a punch. They love to hunt in schools, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. We'll look for them in deeper holes and along current seams. Sauger have great table fare, so if you're looking to take home a meal, these are a top pick. The average size runs 12-18 inches, but we occasionally see some pushing 24 inches or more.
Blue Catfish: When the sun goes down, it's time to tangle with the river's heavyweights. Blue cats are the apex predators of the Miami, capable of growing to massive sizes. We've landed fish over 50 pounds, and there are certainly bigger ones lurking in the depths. These whiskered giants love cut bait and put up a battle that'll leave your arms shaking. The night bite can be explosive, so hang on tight!
Common Carp: Don't let anyone tell you carp aren't worth targeting - these "golden bones" are some of the smartest, strongest fish in the river. We focus on them during the midday hours when other species slow down. Carp require finesse and patience, but when you hook into a 20+ pounder, you'll understand why European anglers are obsessed with them. Plus, watching these bulldozers cruise the shallows is a sight to behold.
This marathon trip isn't for the faint of heart, but that's exactly why serious anglers can't get enough of it. Where else can you target four completely different species, using various techniques, all in one epic day? The ever-changing nature of the river means no two trips are alike, and the extended hours give you the best shot at experiencing those magical fishing moments that keep us coming back for more. Plus, there's something special about watching the river transition from dawn to dusk and into the night - it's a full immersion into the ecosystem that you just can't get on a shorter outing.
If you're the kind of angler who never wants to leave the water, this 15-hour Miami River marathon is calling your name. It's a true test of skill, endurance, and passion for fishing. You'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the river, a mixed bag of species, and probably a few sore muscles (trust me, it's worth it). Remember, we're limited to just two guests per trip to ensure a personalized experience, so don't wait to lock in your date. Deposits are non-refundable, but hey, once you're on the water, you won't be thinking about anything else but the next big bite. Give River Jet Outfitters a call and let's get you geared up for the fishing adventure of a lifetime on the mighty Miami River!
Blue catfish are the heavyweight champions of the Miami River, with some monsters topping 100 pounds. These slate-blue bruisers prefer deep holes and channels, especially areas with some current. They're opportunistic feeders, gobbling up everything from small fish to clams. Summer nights are prime time for blues, as they move shallow to feed. Anglers love targeting them for their bone-jarring strikes and epic battles - hooking into a big blue can feel like you've snagged a submarine. Fresh cut bait is key; try chunks of shad or skipjack herring for best results. One local trick: use a santee cooper rig to keep your bait suspended just off the bottom where big blues cruise. Be sure to bring heavy tackle - these cats have serious pulling power and won't give up easily.
Common carp are the bulldozers of the Miami River, with hefty bodies that can top 30 pounds. You'll find these golden-hued giants rooting around in shallow, weedy areas or cruising mudflats. Spring and fall are prime times, as carp feed aggressively before and after spawning. They're wary creatures, so stealth is crucial. Carp offer a unique challenge - they're strong fighters that will test your gear and patience. Many anglers use specialized rigs like hair rigs baited with boilies or sweet corn. For a local edge, try chumming an area with cracked corn a day before fishing. It'll bring carp in without spooking them. And don't underestimate these fish - their power and stamina can surprise even experienced anglers. Whether you're after a trophy photo or just want to tangle with a freshwater powerhouse, carp fishing is an adventure unto itself.
Sauger are sleek, olive-colored predators that typically run 12-20 inches long. You'll find them hanging out near the bottom in the Miami's deeper, muddier sections. These cousins of the walleye have a knack for disappearing into murky water, making them a real test of an angler's skills. Spring and fall are prime times, as sauger move into shallower water to feed. They're aggressive eaters, so a lively minnow or flashy jig can trigger some savage strikes. Sauger put up a respectable fight and make for excellent table fare, which is why many folks target them. One local tip: try fishing the edges where muddy water meets clearer areas - sauger love to ambush prey along these natural borders. And don't be afraid to fish after dark; their light-sensitive eyes give them an edge when the sun goes down.
Smallmouth bass are a feisty freshwater favorite, averaging 2-4 pounds but capable of reaching 8+ pounds. You'll find them lurking around rocky areas, fallen trees, and current breaks in the Miami River. These bronze battlers put up an impressive fight, using the current to their advantage. Spring and fall are prime times, as smallies feed aggressively in cooler water. They're wary, so a stealthy approach is key. I like to use light spinning gear with 6-8 lb test line for a more sporting fight. Soft plastic jigs and tubes in natural colors work well, especially when bounced along the bottom. For a local trick, try casting upstream and retrieving with the current - smallies can't resist an easy meal drifting by. Whether you're after their acrobatic jumps or tasty fillets, smallmouth bass offer an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Chevrolet
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 400