Gar Fishing in Miami
Lepisosteus platyrhincus
Florida gar are an ancient fish with a long snout, tough scales and a habit of rolling at the surface to gulp air. They are common in Miami’s canals and fun to catch on light tackle.
Quick facts
Most are 15 to 25 inches long.
Large fish are uncommon.
Very tough, diamond-shaped scales.
They gulp air at the surface.
Canals and lakes.
Where to catch them off Miami
Canals
Miami’s canals.
Everglades edge
Canals near the Everglades.
Lakes
Shallow lakes.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Gar are caught all year.
Best time and conditions
Warm months
More active in warm water.
Calm days
They roll at the surface.
Techniques and baits
Small live bait
Shiners or small fish.
Rope lures
Tangle in their teeth.
Patience
They hold bait before swallowing.
Light tackle
Spinning tackle.
Top baits and lures
- Live shiners
- Rope lures
- Cut bait
Florida regulations
A freshwater fishing license is required. We release gar. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Freshwater fishing rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
We release gar. Their eggs are toxic.
Which charter is best?
Peacock Bass (Miami)
- $350 per trip
- 2 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 2 guests
- Also targets Peacock Bass, Largemouth bass, Snook and Tarpon
Peacock Bass (Everglades)
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 2 guests
- Also targets Peacock Bass, Largemouth bass, Snook and Tarpon
Gar FAQ
When is gar season in Miami?
All year.
Can I keep a gar?
We release them. Alligator gar may not be kept.
Where do you catch gar?
Canals and lakes.
Are gar dangerous?
No, but their teeth are sharp.
Which charter is best for gar?
The Peacock Bass Miami trip.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.