Florida · Fishing
Fishing in Homestead, Florida
Homestead sits at a rare convergence of fishable water — Biscayne Bay to the east, the Everglades to the west, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary within easy reach to the south.
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View on mapFishing · 3 spots
Homestead sits at a rare convergence of fishable water — Biscayne Bay to the east, the Everglades to the west, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary within easy reach to the south. That geography means you can wade a flat for bonefish and permit at Convoy Point one morning and be poling a canoe through Nine Mile Pond in Everglades National Park the next, targeting largemouth bass, peacock bass, snook, and tarpon in the same body of water. The fishing here is not one-size-fits-all. Convoy Point on Biscayne Bay is rated expert-level for good reason — fly fishing for bonefish and permit on open flats demands accurate casts, an understanding of tides, and the ability to spot fish before they spot you. Nine Mile Pond is more forgiving, rated moderate, and gives anglers a legitimate shot at four different species in a single outing. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary adds offshore and reef options that expand the menu considerably. If you are driving down from Miami or planning a multi-day stay in the area, Homestead is a practical base that puts serious fishing within 30 minutes in almost any direction.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I realistically target fishing out of Homestead?
From Convoy Point on Biscayne Bay you are primarily chasing bonefish, permit, tarpon, and redfish on the flats. Nine Mile Pond in Everglades National Park holds largemouth bass, peacock bass, snook, and tarpon. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary opens up additional saltwater options including reef and offshore fishing depending on how far south you head.
Do I need a fishing license, and are there special regulations for these areas?
Yes, a Florida fishing license is required for most anglers, with separate freshwater and saltwater endorsements depending on where you fish. Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary both have their own layered regulations on top of state rules — including gear restrictions and no-take zones — so check the current rules for each specific area before you go rather than assuming standard Florida regs apply.
What skill level do I need for fly fishing at Convoy Point on Biscayne Bay?
Convoy Point is listed as expert difficulty, and that rating is accurate. Bonefish and permit on open flats are notoriously spooky, and you will need to make quick, precise casts — often 50 to 70 feet — to moving fish in bright conditions. If you are newer to saltwater fly fishing, Nine Mile Pond in the Everglades is a better starting point while you build confidence.
What is the best time of day to fish these spots?
For the Biscayne Bay flats at Convoy Point, early morning low-light windows and tide movement matter more than clock time — bonefish and permit feed most actively when the tide is pushing water onto the flats. At Nine Mile Pond, early morning and late afternoon are generally most productive for bass and snook, especially in warmer months when midday heat pushes fish into shade and deeper water.
What gear should I bring for a fishing trip based out of Homestead?
For Convoy Point, a 9-weight fly rod is the standard starting point for bonefish and permit, with a 10 or 11 weight if tarpon are the target. Nine Mile Pond is accessible by canoe or kayak — the park rents canoes on site — and light to medium spinning gear works well for bass and peacock bass, while a heavier setup is worth having if snook or tarpon are around. Polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable for sight fishing on any of these waters.
