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.

A relaxing and rewarding component of Miami-Dade Parks' recreation programs is the Urban Fishing Program, begun by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fishing Commission at Tropical Park (7900 Bird Road) in 1990. The Commission wanted to increase fishing opportunities in urban areas by stocking selected lakes and establishing specific rules and regulations for each area. Through a joint agreement with the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department, the Commission chose the 12-acre freshwater North Lake in Tropical Park as one of its prime fishing sites, and is currently managing it with the latest and newest techniques to insure top fish production.

Currently the Commission and the Park and Recreation Department are involved in new methods of aeration, aquatic plant management, supplemental breeding, channel catfish stocking (fish farming) and water quality monitoring. Coupled with alert supervision, it all makes for some good fishing right here in the middle of south Miami-Dade County. Following is a list of where you can fish, or boat in a Miami-Dade County park.

Freshwater Fishing Locations:

• Amelia Earhart Park
  Boating activities; we offer kayaks and water bicycles rentals.  We also offer a Jr. sailing program during the summer.
  
• Larry and Penny Thompson Park
  Fishing is catch-and-release from the shoreline areas only. No boats allowed.
  
  
• Tropical Park
  Catch largemouth bass, blue-gill and catfish in the park's Urban Lake on the north side.

Saltwater Fishing Locations:

• EcoAdventures
  Backcountry Kayak Fishing
  • You will be accompanied by an expert guide while fishing from a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 fishing kayak along the shallow western shoreline of Biscayne Bay. Your guide will instruct you on how to paddle a 14' sit-on-top kayak and will be available during your excursion to assist you with fishing techniques, lure selection, tying knots, and other professional advice.  Targeted fish include barracuda, redfish, bonefish, snook, tarpon, and permit.
  • You are REQUIRED to have a valid Florida saltwater recreational fishing license, available at many local bait & tackle shops, or on the Internet at www.myfwc.com, or by phoning 1-888-347-4356. A 7-day non-resident saltwater recreational fishing license is $17 (other options are available for residents and non-residents). You will also need to bring fishing gear & tackle, but no more than three (3) fishing rods per person. Bring plenty of water, at least 2-quarts per person. Protection from the sun, including sun block (SPF-15 or higher), light long-sleeved shirt, hat, and polarized sunglasses are important. Wear pants/shorts and shoes that can get wet and bring waterproof bags (Zip Locs) to store your car keys, wallet, cell phone, camera, and other items so they will not get wet. Snacks or a light lunch are recommended.  A rain jacket and small towel are advisable too, in case of rain.

Please meet the naturalist staff at either Matheson Hammock Park & Marina, 9610 Old Cutler Rd Coral Gables, FL 33156, Black Point Park & Marina 24775 SW 87th Ave Homestead, FL 33032, or Convoy Point (Biscayne National Park) 9700 SW 328th St Homestead, FL 33033.

• East Greynolds Park
  Here, the lake 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 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
  Fish in designated areas, or take a boat out.
  
    
• 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.  
  
  
• Black Point Park and Marina
  Fish by the long channel leading out to the bay for redfish, snapper, and snook.  
  
  
• Homestead Bayfront Park and Marina
  Fishing in designated areas and along the canal and bay areas for barracuda, snapper, mullet and sea bass.