Fall fishing in Miami finally turned on during the last few weeks. A few cold fronts have moved through the area which really pushed the baitfish down. Ballyhoo have started to school up on the reef and the sailfish are close behind them. Ballyhoo showers as we call them are a specieal treat during this time of year. In 30- 100 feet of water, massive schools of ballyhoo can be seen exploding out of the water with predators in hot pursuit. Sailfish, bonito, and kingfish are usually the culprits. During these events, sailfish can be seen as shallow as 25 feet deep chasing bait fish. Whenever we see showers, I like to go up in the tuna tower and have my first mate get ready with a live ballyhoo. Ideally, we like to sight fish the sailfish as they ball up the bait. It's definitely not the easiest way to catch sailfish but it is definitely exciting.
When the predators aren't up on the reef chasing ballyhoo, they generally swim off the edge into deeper water. Kite fishing in 80-150 feet of water can be extremely productive for sailfish, kingfsish, dolphin, tuna, and more. We have been averaging 3 sailfish bites per trip during the last few weeks so they have definitely shown up. Kingfish and dolphin are always a nice treat while kite fishing. Using a wire leader can be a great way to capitalize on king bites. In addition, always keep a bottom rod down with a trace of wire. Sometimes the bite is slow up top but the kingfish tear up the bottom rod.
When we aren't live baiting or sight fishing, troling fishing is usually the best bet during this time of the year. When we troll we like to fish 2 planers and 4 rigger baits . The kingfish and wahoo definitely prefer strips on the planers with most of the dolphin and tuna bites on feathers or ballyhoo off the outriggers. We have been getting a fair number of kings on the troll and a handful of blackfin tuna per trip when we swing a little further offshore. Overall the fishing has been heating up on the edge and it should only get better during the next few months. 
Tight Lines! Capt Nick Gonzalez, www.fishmiamicharters.com