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Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing at Miami-Dade Parks

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Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing at Miami-Dade Parks miamidade.gov
Miami-Dade Parks has a number of large and small freshwater lakes ideal for boating, stocked for fishing, and some saltwater areas that are popular with anglers. A few of the lakes are reserved for scenic purposes only, as resting sites for waterfowl. On the lakes that allow boating, you can rent paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, sailboats--even banana boats.

For the latest information on fishing opportunities, visit the Miami-Dade Parks Web Site or call 305-365-3018.

IMPORTANT: Find out what you need to know about Getting a Florida Fishing License.

FRESH-WATER FISHING

Amelia Earhart Park

The five lakes at Amelia make this 515-acre park one of Miami-Dade Parks’ largest water-based resources. You can fish in all five lakes, angle for bass, brim and mullet, and go paddle boating or canoeing on three of them. The Bill Graham Farm Village at the park has its own Babbling Brook stocked with fish. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in these lakes. Wakeboarding lessons are offered in the largest lake. Kayak and bicycle rentals are also available. During the summer, the park offers a Jr. sailing program.

Larry and Penny Thompson Park

The park offers a large freshwater lake with its own beach and water slide (open seasonally). Fishing is catch-and-release from the shoreline areas only. No boats are allowed.

Tropical Park

Tropical Park has four separate lakes. The freshwater fishing lake is stocked with large-mouthed bass, bluegill, catfish and more, and hosts frequent fishing contests. People enjoy paddle boating on the boating lake, or racing small radio-controlled vessels. A nice surprise for visitors is the hidden lake, tucked away in a quiet corner of the park. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in these lakes.

SALT-WATER FISHING

East Greynolds Park

The Lake at this park runs into the nearby Oleta River, where you can fish for mullet, grunt and crabs.

Haulover Park and Marina

Try your luck at tarpon, snook, snapper, or jack along the jetty and the cut leading from Biscayne Bay to the ocean, and on the west side of the park near the picnic area. Or, you can charter a drift fishing boat for a half or full day of fishing.

Crandon Park and Marina

Take a fun-filled trip and charter a sport fishing boat for a half or full day around Biscayne Bay, the ocean, or to the Bahamas.

Pelican Harbor Marina

Pelican Harbor is a great "in-town" marina where you can cruise the intracoastal for great shopping or dining or head out to sea with great ocean access at either Haulover Inlet or Government Cut. Pelican Island, a nature preserve and bird sanctuary, is just 400 yards offshore. You can take your boat or a marina water-taxi to the beautiful 10-acre island.

Matheson Hammock Park and Marina

You can fish for snapper, mullet and snook under the bridge, past the toll gate on the right side of the park. Dock a boat here and you'll enjoy a tropical hammock, sailing with the pros at Castle Harbor Sailing School, and a sandy beach and natural atoll pool with a first-class restaurant.

Black Point Park and Marina

Ideally located close to Biscayne National Park, this marina is a great starting point for fishing and diving expeditions. It has a dockside restaurant and bar, Ocean Grill Restaurant, large picnic pavilion and grill, bikeways, jogging trails, and a jetty which extends 1.5 miles into the Bay, enabling fishing enthusiasts to cast from shore.

Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina

Dock away from it all at this gateway to the Florida Keys in the crystal clear waters of south Biscayne Bay, next to the beautiful coral reefs of Biscayne National Park and the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. It is in a beautiful tropical setting with a natural atoll pool and beach. Fish in designated areas along the canal and bay areas for barracuda, snapper, mullet and sea bass.

Find many more ideas for Outdoor Activities in Miami.

SOURCE: Miami-Dade Parks & Recreation, http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/sports/fishing.asp

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