Florida is the most popular sportfishing destination in the US– and the entire world. It’s a place where any and all of your fishing dreams can come true. Not to much surprise, it also has one of the most competitive charter markets on the planet. Both Floridians and captains from all over the country come to the Sunshine State for a chance to guide trips in these prolific waters.
There are currently several thousand licensed guides in the Sunshine State, and if you’re thinking of becoming one, we’re here to talk you through the requirements. We had a chat with Captain Tyler Allen of Always Tight Fishing Charter to get the inside scoop on what it’s like becoming a captain, what you need to know before you start, and what you can expect from the process. Let’s get started!
Becoming a Saltwater Fishing Guide
The first thing you need to think about as you prepare to become a fishing guide in Florida is your previous fishing experience. Capt. Tyler mentioned he spent 5 years working as a deckhand before he decided to run his own business. That way, he was eligible to get his captain’s license.
And in order to run a legal saltwater fishing charter business in Florida, anglers need to have a certain level of experience on the water before they start running trips.
“You need to know how to run the square end before you’re able to run the pointy end.”
Capt. Tyler
After you’ve spent some time learning from seasoned anglers and guides, you can think about going at it on your own. When you do feel like you’ve got enough experience, you’ll need to get the following documents:
- Captain’s License (USCG)
- Charter/Fishing License
- Boat Registration
Each of these documents has a specific purpose that lets you and your future customers fish within the law. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to obtain them.
Captain’s License
All saltwater fishing guides in Florida must comply with USCG requirements. This means that you must have a captain’s license – officially called “Merchant Mariner Credential” – for saltwater guiding. You can check out the step-by-step instructions here.
After you make sure you have enough registered hours on the water, you’ll need to pass a series of tests. These usually include either the Coast Guard exam or one you’ll take at the end of the courses of your selected captain school.
Most captains-to-be choose to go to a captain school, simply because they get a more comprehensive understanding of the courses, as well as the type of license they need. You’ll also do a course in first aid and CPR and all other safety regulations. The whole process takes around two weeks and can cost around $800.
“The most important thing I learned was safety and ‘rules of the road.’ You learn all the things that will help you navigate the waters safely. “
Capt. Tyler
We also asked Capt. Tyler what was the most challenging aspect of the exam, and he mentioned that charting and plotting took some time to grasp. However, the most important lesson of them all is knowing how to work and be personable with your customers.
“I tell everybody, fishing is not always great, but as long as you have a great attitude, great hospitality, folks will always come back and fish with you.”
Capt. Tyler
While every lesson you learn in captain school is vital for being a responsible guide, this last piece of advice is crucial. In order to provide the best possible service, you need to know the water and how to get that fish to bite, but more importantly, you need to connect with your anglers. That is the bit that promises a good time even if the fish are being moody.
Charter/Fishing License
Fishing/Charter licenses are issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, although you need to go to a tax collector’s office to purchase one. You can find information on how to apply for these licenses on their website.
There are two types of licenses, the Charter Captain License and the Charter Boat License:
- Charter Captain License. This license allows a USCG-licensed captain to go from boat to boat. At the time of writing, it costs $201.50 for 4 or fewer passengers, $401.50 for 10 or fewer passengers, and $801.50 for 11 or more passengers.
- Charter Boat License. It can only be used on the one boat designated on the license. The costs are the same as for the Charter Captain License. Note that, in order to apply for this license, your boat already has to be commercially registered, which means you need to have the Boat Registration from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. More on that below.
All fishing charter businesses (charters, headboats, and saltwater fishing guide operations) need to have either a Charter Boat License or a charter captain with an FWC Charter Captain license. Either of these licenses covers your customers automatically. Customers never have to buy their own fishing licenses for saltwater charter fishing in Florida (except for specific species such as Snook).
If you plan on fishing for Snook or going after Lobster, you’ll need special permits for your charter, which you can easily buy online. They cost:
- Charter Snook Permit: $10
- Charter Lobster Permit: $5
While these are far smaller expenses than all the other licenses you’ll need, it’s important to take them into account when deciding where and what you’ll be fishing for.
Gulf of Mexico Federal Waters Fishing License
If you want to fish legally in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico (9 miles out or more), you need a Coastal Pelagics Permit and/or a Reef Fish Permit.
Your choice will depend on the species you’re targeting. Unfortunately, the only way to get such a permit is to buy it from somebody who already has it. This is because the Gulf Council, the organization which manages the Gulf’s federal waters, has not issued these permits since 2003.
Boat Registration
All charter boats must be registered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Only the vessel owner can apply for this vessel registration at the county tax collector’s office.
It’s important to remember that you must always have your boat registration certificate on board your boat when you’re operating it, exactly like you would for your car. The price of registering your boat depends on its size, and whether or not you’re a resident of Florida. It can cost anywhere between around $10 to over $200.
Boat Insurance
As of 2011, boat insurance is not mandatory, but a marina or boatyard may require customers to carry insurance. In any case, we strongly recommend every charter captain insure their boat. That way, you’re protected in case there’s a problem with your boat, so it’s a “two birds, one stone” kind of situation.
Becoming a Freshwater Fishing Guide
To be a legal freshwater fishing guide in Florida, you don’t need any specific state guide licenses.
You also don’t need a Charter Captain License or a Charter Boat License from the FWC. Moreover, you only need a USCG captain’s license if you fish in “navigable waters,” meaning waterways with (commercial) traffic. This includes, for example, the St. Johns River and its lakes.
If you fish in non-navigable freshwaters, you do not need a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential in the Sunshine State. However, you do need to have your boat registered at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
When it comes to fishing licenses, you as a guide just need to purchase your own annual, 5-year, or lifetime Freshwater Fishing License. When you take out people fishing, each of your customers needs to purchase their own license and take it with them on the trip.
You can buy freshwater fishing licenses on the Go Outdoors Florida website. A standard annual resident license costs $17, while for non-residents it’s $47.
Becoming a Florida Fishing Guide – It’s Worth It!
Being a fishing guide is a calling and, in Florida, more than anywhere else, it’s a way of life. Capt. Tyler confirmed that while it’s labor-intensive, running his own charter business is the most rewarding job he’s ever had.
Obtaining your licenses is only the first of your journey, but it’s an important one. Now that you know what kind of documentation you need and what you can expect, you’re ready to go. Come up with a memorable charter name and, if you’re looking to get on the map, list your business on FishingBooker and start building your reputation today.
Are you planning on becoming a fishing guide in Florida? Do you have any additional questions? Maybe a first-hand experience you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments.
Tight lines!