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Government Cut Tarpon Fishing
Fish Miami’s most famous inlet for rolling tarpon, strong current seams, and seasonal bait pushes. Time the tides, stay clear of ship traffic, and be ready for explosive strikes.
Government Cut is the deep-water inlet connecting the Atlantic Ocean to Biscayne Bay and PortMiami, running between South Beach (Miami Beach) and Fisher Island. Strong tidal flow funnels bait through a marked, dredged ship channel—creating classic tarpon “ambush lanes” along edges, seams, and the inlet mouth.
For boaters, this is a high-reward, high-awareness fishery. Expect heavy commercial traffic, turbulence in wind-against-tide conditions, and fast-moving recreational boats—especially around sunrise and late afternoon. The payoff is a chance at consistent tarpon activity when bait (shrimp, mullet, and other forage) is present and the water is moving.
A convenient land-based meetup and visual reference point is South Pointe Park at the tip of Miami Beach, where you can watch current lines, bait, and rolling fish before heading out.
About This Experience
Government Cut tarpon fishing centers on timing and positioning. The inlet’s tidal exchange concentrates bait, and tarpon often stage where current breaks form—near jetty lines, along channel edges, and around the inlet mouth. Productive drifts and controlled trolling passes typically track the “soft edge” of the flow rather than the middle of the ship channel.
Because Government Cut is the primary deep-water entrance to PortMiami, safety and etiquette are part of the plan: give large vessels and working boats wide berth, avoid stopping where you create a navigation hazard, and keep a sharp lookout for pilot boats and tugs. When the bite is on, expect fast runs and big jumps—so bring leader strength and tools that support quick, clean releases.
Boat routes and game plans (from Government Cut)
Inlet Edge Drift (Seams + Mouth)
Set up controlled drifts or slow passes along current seams near the inlet mouth and along channel edges—focusing on where bait stacks and predators pin it against the flow.
South Pointe to Fisher Island Side Sweep
Work the protected side lines and pressure points between South Pointe and Fisher Island, watching for rolling fish and birds marking bait. Reset often to stay on the cleanest seam.
Biscayne Bay Follow-Up
After the tide window, slide into Biscayne Bay to explore nearby channels and flats. This is a natural plan B when the inlet gets crowded or the current peaks.
Downtown Waterfront Run (Scenic + Tactical Reset)
Run the marked channels toward the Miami River entrance/Downtown waterfront for a change of water and traffic pattern—then return to the cut for the next tide turn.
Perfect Boats for This Activity
Cruiser RE 48
La Dolce Vita II 60
Azimut TH
Azimut 48
Azimut DD90
The Godfather
Azumut Fly 80
Azimut FR60
Andiamo Azimut
Pardo 43 I
Whiskey & Waves at Miami Beach
Le Grand Bleu at Miami Beach
Cruiser RE 48
La Dolce Vita II 60
Azimut TH
Azimut 48
Azimut DD90
The Godfather
Azumut Fly 80
Azimut FR60
Andiamo Azimut
Pardo 43 I
Whiskey & Waves at Miami Beach
Le Grand Bleu at Miami Beach
Where This Activity Takes Place
Getting There
Multiple departure points available
Open in Maps
Government Cut tarpon tips
Fish moving water: plan around tide changes and target current seams rather than the center of the ship channel.
Follow the bait: tarpon action here can be “on/off” depending on shrimp and baitfish presence—stay mobile and watch the surface.
Prioritize safe positioning: never impede navigation; give cruise ships, cargo ships, tugs, and pilot boats wide room and avoid risky drifts.
Use release-friendly tackle: heavier leader and strong hooks help shorten fights and improve outcomes.
Keep big fish in the water: Florida rules require tarpon over 40 inches to remain in the water unless legally harvested under tag/record rules.
Bring the right tools: dehooker, cutters, and a ready camera for quick in-water shots—avoid lifting large tarpon aboard.
Best time to go
The most consistent windows are when tidal flow is strongest and bait is moving—often around early morning or late afternoon tide changes. If wind opposes the tide, expect steeper chop and turbulence near the inlet mouth; adjust your plan to the bay side or fish protected seams.
Do Government Cut Tarpon Fishing with BoatPass
BoatPass makes it easy to plan a tarpon session around the tides—whether you’re launching from Miami Beach or staging near the inlet for a quick run to Biscayne Bay. Your BoatPass membership covers the captain, fuel, and docking on every trip, so you can focus on timing the bite and fishing safely around traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Government Cut is the deep-water inlet between South Beach (Miami Beach) and Fisher Island, connecting the Atlantic to Biscayne Bay and PortMiami. A common map pin is near the NOAA Government Cut tide station by South Pointe (25.76330, -80.13000).
Experienced boaters can fish it independently, but Government Cut is busy and fast-moving. If you’re unfamiliar with inlet currents and commercial traffic patterns, going with a captain first is a smart way to learn safe positioning and productive drifts.
Focus on moving water and tide changes. Tarpon often stage along current seams and edges when bait is pushed through the inlet, so plan your trip around the strongest flow periods and be ready to reposition as the seam shifts.
In general, yes—tarpon are catch-and-release only. Harvest is limited to specific record-attempt circumstances using a tarpon tag, and tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless legally harvested under those rules.
You should avoid anchoring or stopping in areas that create a navigation hazard. Government Cut is working infrastructure with cruise ships, cargo traffic, tugs, and pilot boats—fish the edges and seams while maintaining a safe, predictable course.
South Pointe Park (1 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach) is a popular visitor hub with great views of the inlet, currents, and bait movement. It also has paid parking, with rates best confirmed on-site via posted signage.
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