Florida Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Florida fishing trip is US $623, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,174 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Florida are good for families?

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

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

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

What are the top fishing techniques in Florida?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Florida are:

What are the top types of fishing in Florida?

The top 3 types of fishing in Florida are:

Do Florida fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

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

Who are the best rated captains in Florida?

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

Who are the top awarded captains in Florida?

Who are the top awarded captains in Florida?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Florida?

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

2-hour fishing trips – US $335
3-hour fishing trips – US $406
4-hour fishing trips – US $539
5-hour fishing trips – US $613
6-hour fishing trips – US $785
7-hour fishing trips – US $650
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,041

Fishing in Florida

Florida fishing charters have built up a serious reputation among anglers from around the world. Known as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” Florida is nothing less than an angler’s paradise. Choose between the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, or the state’s endless freshwater fisheries. Wherever you go, you’ll find gamefish galore and enough tasty table fish to feed an army. Florida, quite simply, has it all.

Regardless of what you’re after and how you plan to do it, Florida will deliver. From Catfish to Swordfish, all types of marine critters can be targeted in various parts of the state. Redfish tends to top the target lists in the Gulf, Sailfish is the king of the state’s Atlantic coast, while Red Snapper reigns supreme nearshore. As you can see, trophies await all around!

There’s so much going on in Florida, it’s impossible to cover it all. You can, however, get a great taste of what fishing here is all about in a variety of ways. From short inshore excursions with the kids, to multi-day adventures offshore, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here. It’s all going to come down to what you’re looking to accomplish and which target you want to pursue!

Florida’s angling hubs are located in multiple cities across the state. Once again, it’d be hard to say which one to visit first since it’s all going to depend on the experience you’re looking for. Some of the more popular destinations are certainly Destin, Tampa, Miami, Florida Keys, and Lake Okeechobee. They all have unique offerings and finding out more about them could help you narrow down your search.

Rules & Regulations

You don’t need to buy a license on a Florida saltwater fishing charter, although you will need to pick one up for freshwater fishing. Many species have strict closed seasons which can change year on year so get informed on these before wetting a line.

Florida

4.8 / 5

Based on 28578 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Florida Fishing Seasons

January

The West Palm Beach Silver Sailfish Derby kicks off the year with incredible Billfishing. Lower temperatures and rainfall make for great sight fishing in the Keys, but may make fish sluggish further north.

February

Islamorada offers awesome Sailfish action, while Redfish and Trout inhale live baits across the state. The Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament kicks off, as it has done for over half a century.

March

Cobia start to make their way up the Atlantic Coast, hitting Fort Lauderdale by the middle of the month. The Marlin bite is incredible down across much of Southern Florida.

April

Fish are on the move across Florida. Cobia make their way up the Atlantic Coast as Tarpon hit Cape Coral in the west. This is one of the best times and places to battle the Silver King.

May

Tournament season kicks off with the Pompano Beach Fishing Rodeo, Miami Billfish Tournament, Florida Keys Dolphin Tournament, and more. Tarpon are on fire in Boca Grande.

June

It’s Red Snapper Season, and Destin is full of anglers looking for a piece of the action. Tarpon are still putting tackle to the test along the Gulf Coast, while Cobia hit Jacksonville in the Northwest.

July

The Del Brown Permit Tournament is the most important fly fishing event in the state, and anglers flood Key West to enjoy it. Speaking of fly fishing, Tarpon are still around in Tampa Bay!

August

The heat and humidity can be exhausting this time of year. Beat the heat by fishing at night for Tarpon or Flounder. Otherwise, head offshore in search of huge Amberjack — it’s open season.

September

Snook are open for harvest from September onwards. The guys are as great to eat as they are to catch, and make inshore angling incredible. Kingfish show up in Jacksonville, making their way south.

October

The Destin Fishing Rodeo is the biggest tournament in the country, drawing tens of thousands of anglers each year. Blackfin Tuna are biting hard in the Keys and along the Gold Coast.

November

Lake Parish opens its gates for the exclusive Fish United Way Tournament. This is some of the best Crappie fishing around, if you can get in. Lower temperatures make for fun inshore action everywhere.

December

Sailfish are back across Southeast Florida, and the Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament has been making the most of it since the ‘50s. Reef fishing can be amazing this time of year.

Florida Fishing Calendar

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Featured photos from Florida

Watch Out for the Barracuda hiding under the boat! Summertime Mackerel Fishing

What anglers said about fishing in Florida

Really check out the guides before you commit. We've had some losers. It's kind of hard to do long distance; we are from Montana. On our trip, late April 2024, it was a cooler than normal spring evidently. Luckily, the water temp worked out. April is an awesome month to come out. The weather is great, the water is warm, fishing is like no other.

5.0 / 5

Off The Hook – Islamorada

Yes great back bay fishing captain new way around the bay and where the fish were we used all the bait

5.0 / 5

Yes great back bay fishing captain new way around the bay and where the fish were we used all the bait

Florida Excursions

Your trip is only as good as your captain! Captain Mike Sharpe, Is Knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend his charters!

5.0 / 5

Your trip is only as good as your captain! Captain Mike Sharpe, Is Knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend his charters!

Big One Charters, LLC

Easy pick up across from the Gulf Harbor Marina. Free, public parking along Casey Key Road. Leave extra time to find parking as the lots can fill up with beachgoers on the weekends.

5.0 / 5

Easy pick up across from the Gulf Harbor Marina. Free, public parking along Casey Key Road. Leave extra time to find parking as the lots can fill up with beachgoers on the weekends.

Salty Freedom USA

We had a lot of reeled in fish and hits but can't speak to how it compares to other months. The captain did a good job putting us where we wanted to be.

5.0 / 5

We had a lot of reeled in fish and hits but can't speak to how it compares to other months. The captain did a good job putting us where we wanted to be.

Florida Professional Charters

Awesome trip, would highly recommend it to anyone, even younger kids. Nice way to experience Florida freshwater!

5.0 / 5

Awesome trip, would highly recommend it to anyone, even younger kids. Nice way to experience Florida freshwater!

South Florida Fishing Guides

If you want to catch fish the size of humans, just book it! You won’t regret the decision!

5.0 / 5

If you want to catch fish the size of humans, just book it! You won’t regret the decision!

Flat Bottom Fishing Charters

What a great introduction to fishing in the flats on the Gulf. Captain Josh looked after all of us like we were family. Patiently showed us how to cast.Covered all concerns, bait, no see-end. Sunscreen & water. We all had opportunities to caught fish!! So many different fish to catch. So he’s wanting to let them all go, but we did come to fish. Perfect weather-captain and time. Go with Captain Josh. He knows his business.

5.0 / 5

Reel Pressure Inshore Fishing

Yes. He explained more than other guides. He worked hard the whole time and kept everyone busy.

5.0 / 5

Yes. He explained more than other guides. He worked hard the whole time and kept everyone busy.

Too Lethal Charters

I was hoping to hook up on some Cobia but I heard it had been a bad few years for Cobia in Pensacola. But other than that the fishing was great!

5.0 / 5

I was hoping to hook up on some Cobia but I heard it had been a bad few years for Cobia in Pensacola. But other than that the fishing was great!

Emerald “C” Fishing Charters

Find a captain that cares. Be careful of booking thru resorts. We’ve had bad experiences.

5.0 / 5

Find a captain that cares. Be careful of booking thru resorts. We’ve had bad experiences.

Two Trolls Sport Fishing

Just make sure to call the captain ahead of time. Find out what species is biting and ask what you should bring along that is not provided

5.0 / 5

Just make sure to call the captain ahead of time. Find out what species is biting and ask what you should bring along that is not provided

Endless Summer Charters

Bring food drink sunscreen and you will need time to find the fish more time to find the fish as the ocean is vast

5.0 / 5

Bring food drink sunscreen and you will need time to find the fish more time to find the fish as the ocean is vast

Captain Pete Jacobsen

Yes, pick the right captain and your will catch fish as well as see plenty of cool stuff.

5.0 / 5

Yes, pick the right captain and your will catch fish as well as see plenty of cool stuff.

Lock It Up Charters

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

I recommend keeping a good attitude and remember you are paying for the experience.

5.0 / 5

I recommend keeping a good attitude and remember you are paying for the experience.

Phil’s Charter Service

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

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

Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.

5.0 / 5

Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.

Bluewater-Charter & Boat Excursions

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

The Way Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale

5.0 / 5

(54 reviews)

My son and I had a great trip. First time fishing in South Florida. We caught some mackerel which was fun then a red grouper but to end the trip we caught and brought up a hammerhead shark. Capt. Jedidiah was great very knowledgeable about the area and great with the gear. Will definitely book again.

Sean V.

First Choice Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

4.3 / 5

(35 reviews)

Capt Larry and 1st Mate Frank were very accommodating & knowledgeable. Both ensured that we had ha great experience

Jeff S.

Reel Magic Adventures
Fishing charter in Port Canaveral

5.0 / 5

(315 reviews)

Captain Gregg was great! He was constantly making sure that we were in the right spot to make sure we had the best chance to get fish. He got a bunch snook and a blue. We had a great day!

Alex J.

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
Fishing charter in Belleair Bluffs

5.0 / 5

(96 reviews)

Capt Gary was a ton of fun to fish with. He knew where to move to out us on different species and different sizes and we came home with plenty of fish. As fast as we could drop our lines we were already reeling in another one. Would highly recommend him to people looking to get on fish.

David M.

Therapy IV
Fishing charter in Miami Beach

5.0 / 5

(56 reviews)

We had a great day on the water! The weather was amazing the crew was awesome, we caught all sorts of different fish. 10/10 would do it again!

Mallory T.

Just Killin Time Charters
Fishing charter in Punta Gorda

5.0 / 5

(61 reviews)

We caught a lot of fish. Snook, mangrove snapper and spotted sea trout. Limited out on the snapper.

Tom M.

Fan Sea Luxury Charters
Fishing charter in Naples

5.0 / 5

(58 reviews)

We went out on a half day trip, Captain Santi was very fun and experienced. He knows the areas very well and is determined to make sure you catch some fish! I highly recommend him and we will be chartering with him again!

Maizi K.

No Doubt CharterZ
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

Best charter I have been on and have traveled all over. On tarpon within first 20 minutes and 4 after that. After that we asked to catch a shark and caught 150 pounder. Capt knew bait and hot spots.

Chad K.

Cpt.Blake's Last Cast Guide Service
Fishing charter in Tarpon Springs

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

Captain Blake did a great job. Picked us up right at the dock of the house we rented. He is very knowledgeable about what works on the lake and fishing in general.

Jared E.

Spartina Guide Service – Islamorada
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(36 reviews)

There aren’t enough words to describe how much fun we had on our trip. We requested a couple species on our bucket list to catch and Capt. Josh put us on them in less than 15 minutes. Not only did he put us on our target fish, he was also a really cool guy to hang out with. This was our anniversary getaway to southern Florida and our fishing excursion was definitely the highlight of our entire trip. We can’t recommend Josh enough.

Itielu T.

Matt's Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Delray Beach

5.0 / 5

(24 reviews)

Matt did a great job putting us on fish , he is knowledgeable and fun to go out fishing with. Sent us great pictures after our trip !

Alan W.

Anna Maria Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Bradenton Beach

5.0 / 5

(13 reviews)

Colby was our guide and he was extremely knowledgeable about fishing. He made sure we were always with bait and helped us pull in the fish. I highly recommend him and Anna Maria Charter Fishing.

Becky B.

Sandbar Somewhere Charter
Fishing charter in Summerland Key

4.7 / 5

(45 reviews)

Joseph did a great job on our half day trip. The fish were not cooperating however, He managed to put us on a few fish despite a slow bite due to prevailing wind/tide conditions. Very enjoyable day on the water with him and he was very accommodating and all round a great host.

Don W.

#1 Offshore Fishing Charter Trips
Fishing charter in Pompano Beach

5.0 / 5

(22 reviews)

Captain Brad was helpful and brought some lefty combos as requested. He really put in the work to find the fish and we ended up with some nice yellowtails and a skipjack tuna.

Felix L. Miami Gardens, Florida

Big One Charters, LLC
Fishing charter in Fort Myers

5.0 / 5

(7 reviews)

We had an incredible time on our afternoon charter With BIG ONE CHARTER! Captain Mike Sharpe was fantastic and really knows his way around these waters! His enthusiasm is wonderful and his knowledge incredible! You can go wrong with captain Mike!

Kathleen H.

Knotical Tides Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Vero Beach

5.0 / 5

(13 reviews)

Such a great time! Captain Mike is very knowledgeable and a joy to talk with. We will definitely use his services again and highly recommend!

Dana P.

Reel Adventures SWFL
Fishing charter in Fort Myers

5.0 / 5

(32 reviews)

My friend and I were visiting south west Florida for a couple of weeks. We decided to go on a fishing excursion. We had a lot of fun catching sea trout, snook and red snapper. Dalton is a pro and knows what he is doing. After this experience, I wouldn’t choose anyone else for my next fishing excursion. Thank you Dalton!

Francois T.

One More Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg

5.0 / 5

(79 reviews)

Torin is a fun, laid back guy that works hard to get you on fish. We had an exceptional day, caught some biiiig Reds and enjoyed every minute. 100% recommended!

Dan O.

Salty Freedom USA
Fishing charter in Nokomis

5.0 / 5

(3 reviews)

Great Captain, great new boat, great fun. Awesome time with a well versed captain. Recommend to anyone!

Tom P.

Skirtchaser Charters – 36’ Yellowfin
Fishing charter in Bay Pines

5.0 / 5

(78 reviews)

Frank was a wealth of knowledge and put us on several fish! We did a full day which allowed us to go pretty far out. He was attentive and made sure our pole always had bait on it. Highly reccomend.

Kaitlyn S.