South Florida Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour South Florida fishing trip is US $643, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,104 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in South Florida are good for families?

Fishing charters in South Florida that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in South Florida?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in South Florida are:

What are the top fishing techniques in South Florida?

The top 3 fishing techniques in South Florida are:

What are the top types of fishing in South Florida?

The top 3 types of fishing in South Florida are:

Do South Florida fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in South Florida provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in South Florida?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in South Florida are:

Who are the top awarded captains in South Florida?

Who are the top awarded captains in South Florida?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in South Florida?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in South Florida are:

2-hour fishing trips – US $400
3-hour fishing trips – US $485
4-hour fishing trips – US $599
5-hour fishing trips – US $738
6-hour fishing trips – US $902
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,213

Fishing in South Florida

When it comes to fishing, there’s hardly a better place to visit than Florida. Hop aboard a South Florida fishing charter, and you’ll see just why. This untamed land is a force to be reckoned with and, as the sunniest part of the Sunshine State, it’s magnificent throughout the year. Thanks to its tropical climate, it holds some of the most interesting fish species around.

Everything’s in the cards when you’re fishing in South Florida. The shallow saltwater will have you reeling in anything from Trout, Redfish, and Tarpon, to Permit, Bonefish, and Sheepshead. Fishing inland will yield prized Largemouth and Peacock Bass. Going on a half day trip is a great choice if you want to target these, and it’s fun for the whole family!

The numerous reefs off the coast boast great numbers of Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack, while the deep offshore waters hide some truly magnificent game fish. Marlin, Sailfish, Swordfish, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Wahoo… the list goes on! Make sure to book a full day trip so you have enough time to head offshore and fill your bags.

South Florida is such a fishing haven, that you'll have no trouble finding a charter to take you out. Fishing is very much a way of life here, so you can't go wrong. The Everglades, the Keys, the Gulf, or the Atlantic coast – no matter where you go, South Florida will deliver!

Rules & Regulations

Saltwater fishing licenses are included on all charters, but freshwater licenses are your responsibility. Because fishing is so important in South Florida, making sure there’s enough fish to go around is a priority. That’s why there are specific regulations in place, and booking a trip with a reputable captain is the best way to make sure you’re fishing within the law.

South Florida

4.8 / 5

Based on 28564 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

South Florida Fishing Seasons

January

Kick off the year with world-class Sailfishing along the Gold Coast or down in the Keys. Otherwise, you can enjoy some great flats fishing all over Southwest Florida.

February

What could be a more romantic Valentine’s Day than fishing for Largemouth Bass with your significant other? Saltwater anglers can target anything from Redfish to Sailfish this time of year.

March

Along the Gulf Coast, you can catch Sheepshead, Redfish, Trout, and more, while Cobia can be caught throughout South Florida. The last of the Sails are threading through Sailfish Alley this time of year.

April

You can catch everything in April – it’s just a case of where. The Keys are bustling with Bonefish and Blue Marlin, Bass are swarming the lakes and canals, and the Gulf reefs are getting busy.

May

It’s your last chance to harvest Snook before catch-and-release season. Tarpon are starting to show up around Boca Grande, though, and most people have forgotten about them completely.

June

Red Snapper are open for harvest in federal Gulf waters from June. Naples, Fort Myers, and other Gulf Coast towns really come into their own this time of year.

July

July is a great time for deep sea fishing in the Atlantic, with Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Sailfish devouring baits and lures offshore. Inshore, Tarpon are going crazy in Boca Grande.

August

Amberjack are open for harvest in the Gulf, making up for the end of Snapper season. You can always rely on amazing Bass fishing, with Peacock and Largemouth Bass both in season.

September

Tarpon Start to move on from Boca Grande, but so do the crowds! Beat the heat and enjoy world-class flats fishing, or go out at night to bowfish in the Everglades - watch out for alligators!

October

Sailfish start to show up along the Southeast, while Red and Black Drum bite hard in Cape Coral. Fishing’s always great in the Keys, with Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Wahoo, and more.

November

Sheepshead start to show up in big numbers as the water cools in the Gulf. This is your last best chance for Bonefish in the Key. Tripletail are on form along the Gold Coast.

December

If all you want for Christmas is great fishing, you’ll be happy wherever you go in South Florida. The weather’s warm, the rains have stopped, and sportfish teem the shallows looking for a fight.

South Florida Fishing Calendar

Loading Fish Calendar!

Please Wait...

What anglers said about fishing in South Florida

First time trip was great! Captain answered a million questions from us and hooked us up throughout the day!

5.0 / 5

First time trip was great! Captain answered a million questions from us and hooked us up throughout the day!

Cross Em' Off Charters

Book a longer trip to catch multiple species, or offshore species, or a shorter trip if you’re looking for a specific close to shore fish and are tighter on time.

5.0 / 5

Book a longer trip to catch multiple species, or offshore species, or a shorter trip if you’re looking for a specific close to shore fish and are tighter on time.

Big One Charters, LLC

Talk to your captain and tell them what you would like to catch and don’t be bashful on your experience level they will work with you and make it worth your wile and catch fish and have a great trip!

5.0 / 5

Floridaze Fishing Charters- Captiva

Don't necessarily expect to catch your target fish, but enjoy the variety of fish that you do catch.

5.0 / 5

Don't necessarily expect to catch your target fish, but enjoy the variety of fish that you do catch.

Native Guided Fishing Tampa, Florida

Jason is a great Captain for an outing with inexperienced fishermen. He is helpful, patient, and very knowledgeable.

5.0 / 5

Jason is a great Captain for an outing with inexperienced fishermen. He is helpful, patient, and very knowledgeable.

4thStoryCharters

Water is fairly shallow so it does not get rough. Few weeds and obstructions. Easy fishing.

5.0 / 5

Water is fairly shallow so it does not get rough. Few weeds and obstructions. Easy fishing.

Fish With a Pro - Lake Okeechobee

Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!

5.0 / 5

Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!

Cora Beth Fishing

Die beste Saison soll scheinbar im circa Dezember/Januar oder im Juli/August sein. April ist trotzdem eine gute Zeit, für Anfänger sogar ideal. Es muss ja nicht gleich ein Hai oder Tuna sein ?

5.0 / 5

Die beste Saison soll scheinbar im circa Dezember/Januar oder im Juli/August sein. April ist trotzdem eine gute Zeit, für Anfänger sogar ideal. Es muss ja nicht gleich ein Hai oder Tuna sein ?

Chef Charles The Fishing Chef

It was a calm day, 78 degrees when we left, water temp was 75. Bright sun with no clouds. Saw a shark. Dolphins kept stealing our catch once on hook. ☹️ But we had a great dinner of of a large snook. ?

5.0 / 5

Dragonfly Charters

Book with Singing Reels! The crew provided exceptional instruction and service, and were so personable and fun. Captain Tony emailed me the same day we booked, kept in touch and called to make sure all our questions were answered so we knew what to expect!The recommendations of where to take our catch to have it prepared, and to have some shipped home were great, and we enjoyed our catch at an Oceanside restaurant. We will book again with Tony and his crew! Best Florida fishing experience ever!

5.0 / 5

Singing Reel Charters

Invest in a good fishing shirt it made all the difference. Bring snacks and drinks. Toggle your phone to yourself things can get pretty exciting out there.

5.0 / 5

Invest in a good fishing shirt it made all the difference. Bring snacks and drinks. Toggle your phone to yourself things can get pretty exciting out there.

Drop Off Sportfishing

Would highly recommend Glenn . He was very knowledgeable and amazing with the kids !!

5.0 / 5

Would highly recommend Glenn . He was very knowledgeable and amazing with the kids !!

Inshore Odyssey Inshore Fishing

Take the full day of fishing. It is tiring, but gives you a much better chance of catching some nice fish.

5.0 / 5

Take the full day of fishing. It is tiring, but gives you a much better chance of catching some nice fish.

YB Normal

Waters can be a bit choppy in April. For an amazing experience, if there is a slight possibility you may get sea sick, be sure to take something ahead of time.

4.7 / 5

Waters can be a bit choppy in April. For an amazing experience, if there is a slight possibility you may get sea sick, be sure to take something ahead of time.

Mahi Mania Fishing Charters Tampa, Florida

Nothing, because Timothy does his job fantastic. Even for beginners no problem.

5.0 / 5

Nothing, because Timothy does his job fantastic. Even for beginners no problem.

First Light Exotic Species Charters

The crew performed on a top notch level, catering to everyones needs based on experience, comfortability and even sea sickness. Cole was an expert when it came to the fishing, and Chase was a work horse ensuring our group had the ultimate experience. Captain Mike handled the rough waters well, and made his boat feel like home. If were ever in the Keys again, wed rent this charted 10 times over.

5.0 / 5

Blind Squirrel Charters Key Wests largest

Windy. But a great captain and crew. They made it possible in those winds.

5.0 / 5

Windy. But a great captain and crew. They made it possible in those winds.

Grand Slam Charters

As long as you listen to your guide you’re going to have a great time and catch a lot of fish

5.0 / 5

As long as you listen to your guide you’re going to have a great time and catch a lot of fish

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters

Slim’s Bait and Tackle- great place to stop in before/after your charter. Ally was super nice!

5.0 / 5

Slim’s Bait and Tackle- great place to stop in before/after your charter. Ally was super nice!

Fish With a Pro - Lake Okeechobee

Not grouper season which was the only bummer. But certainly had nothing to do with our amazing crew!

5.0 / 5

Not grouper season which was the only bummer. But certainly had nothing to do with our amazing crew!

Second Nature Charters

How did anglers rate fishing charters in South Florida?

Harrison’s Chew Charters – “Dirty 30”
Fishing charter in Jensen Beach

5.0 / 5

(143 reviews)

We booked a quick 4 hour morning trip with Captain Kevin. Kevin is a real fisherman and had all of the necessary tackle and tactics to catch fish. Even though it was a shirt trip we managed to limit out on Black Fin tuna by 9 am. Also caught a 40 lb AmberJack that we threw back. Ended up with more than enough tuna fillets for us and friends. Kevin and mate were very courteous and professional and we would definitely book them again for our next trip.

Michael S.

Johnny Maddox Charters Papa 2
Fishing charter in Marathon

5.0 / 5

(72 reviews)

Hit our limit on mangrove snapper! Caught small yellow tail snapper and hooked up a nurse shark, twice. Great afternoon with Brian!

John P.

Bank And Bight Backcountry Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(122 reviews)

Booked this trip for my husband thinking I'd be bored for 6 hours...but I'm hooked. Wished we could have stayed out longer. 6 action packed hours flew by. Jon-Paul was great he answered all our questions and made us very comfortable for our first time out. We had the best time and can't wait to get back out there! Thanks again.

Lisa S.

Native Guided Fishing
Fishing charter in Goodland

5.0 / 5

(70 reviews)

Capt Nick guided our trip on the hunt for gulf's bounty. With patience and skill he moved us around the isles. We enjoyed the fish provided for us by chance, skill and fair weather. Most of the skill was the captain's. He managed to hook my wife on the idea of ocean fishing ( this was her first experience).

Robert T.

Reel Local Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Naples

5.0 / 5

(161 reviews)

Brandon was great he was very friendly and easy to be around. Had many interesting stories. He was very knowledgeable and put us on fish. Would not hesitate to book another trip with him.

Ronald G.

Hooligan Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(178 reviews)

Sal was great. Especially with my 88 year old father! We caught our limit and had a wonderful time.

Steven D.

Salty Dog Charters
Fishing charter in Naples

5.0 / 5

(87 reviews)

Beautiful day, excellent boat and captain, poor fishing skills, but a great time.

Mark H.

Better Days Charter Service
Fishing charter in St. James City

5.0 / 5

(3 reviews)

Captain Bill‘s charter was awesome! Bill is a great guy and very personable. He was extremely helpful for the duration of the trip. My family and I did a six hour trip and headed over 20 miles out in the gulf. Captain Bill was eager to find us fish the whole time. The boat was top-notch and extremely clean. A great day overall! I would highly recommend him for any get out on the water needs. We hope to get back out on the water with him in the near future!

Sean S.

Jolly Roger II
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(522 reviews)

My husband and I went out with Captain Joe, and his first mate Brian. This was our first deep sea fishing experience. Both were very knowledgeable and made sure that we were comfortable with the reels and procedures. Not many fish were biting, but they did not give up. They stayed out longer to make sure we had the best opportunities to catch a fish. We caught a Wahoo, and baby Mahi Mahi. Would highly recommend this charter and plan to use again on our next trip.

Katie K.

Fish With a Pro - Lake Okeechobee
Fishing charter in South Bay

5.0 / 5

(332 reviews)

Fantastic day on the water with Capn William-caught a lot of fish and the biggest bass of our lives for me and my son. Great tour of Lake Okeechobee, put us on the fish right away, got us up close to several gators, lots of pro fishing tips, fantastic videos and pics of the day all delivered with with the utmost professionalism and great attitude. Can’t wait for the next trip out!

Timothy B.

Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
Fishing charter in Key Largo

5.0 / 5

(102 reviews)

Captain Chef Charles “Tight Lines” Maloney aka TLCCC offers a great experience. Kid friendly and we caught Lane Snapper, Yellow Tail and Porgy out on the reef, which is then prepared and delivered to your doorstep ready to eat and complete with sides. Thank you TLCCC.

Sheridan S.

Captain Jay Charters 1 (30ft Mako)
Fishing charter in Marathon

5.0 / 5

(281 reviews)

Capt. Des and Jake of Captain J were outstanding! They quickly put us on lots of fish. They were patient with the questions from my 13 year old son and taught him how to reel in a shark. I highly recommend them!

Frederick D.

Reel Easy Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(820 reviews)

I had a great experience with Captain Zac at Reel Easy charters. Me, my father and my brother had such a great time on our 6 hour trip. Captain Zac was very knowledgeable, attentive to our needs, and geared our trip to exactly what we wanted. I would highly recommend both Captain Zac and Reel Easy charters to anyone reading this review.

Kyle T.

Corsair 2 Sportfishing Key West
Fishing charter in Key West

4.7 / 5

(341 reviews)

Russ and Christian were a great team. On the fish within 15 minutes of being 7 miles out. Mahi Mahi and Backfin in the boat what more can you ask for.

Stephen F.

Too Lethal Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

4.7 / 5

(15 reviews)

Scott was very knowledgeable about the area and techniques to increase the chances of catching fish. He was prepared for the charter and his efforts paid off.

Kevin B.

Jersey Key "Whitewater"
Fishing charter in Marathon

5.0 / 5

(128 reviews)

Charter is top notch. Clean boat. Great day catching snapper and then amberjack on wrecks. Recommend them to anyone, knows the water well and very personalable Captain. Will book them again.

Ron And Debra Gallaway

Red Snarpon Charters Inc.
Fishing charter in Marco Island

4.7 / 5

(72 reviews)

We had a great day of fishing with Captain John. Unfortunately the fish weren’t biting much today, but he was extremely knowledgable about the area and the fish. We did enjoy fighting over some shark bait with the local dolphins, though. With that said, when we come back to Naples, we’ll definitely be calling him again.

Chris C.

Feelin' The Mojo Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Cape Coral

5.0 / 5

(45 reviews)

Captain Sean was instructional & professional We caught snook, sea trout, flounder, a puffer & jack cravelle. We had a great time

Tom N. J.

Ringmaster Charters
Fishing charter in Pompano Beach

5.0 / 5

(170 reviews)

Our group regularly go out on charters in this area. We were super pleased to have had a wonderful experience. Super Clean. Great CPT and a excellent First Mate. We will be back.

Joe A.

Jurassic Park Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Delray Beach

5.0 / 5

(68 reviews)

I found John to personable, knowledgeable, and a hard worker. You rarely find all those qualities in a captain. My friend and I had a great time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.