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 $1,175 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 $549
5-hour fishing trips – US $660
6-hour fishing trips – US $787
7-hour fishing trips – US $650
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,037

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 28580 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

April is windy so be ready for some lumpy days and even weather cancellations

5.0 / 5

April is windy so be ready for some lumpy days and even weather cancellations

Fishing Kings

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

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 have fished on a charter from Stock Island before and had great catches. We like the marina here.

4.3 / 5

We have fished on a charter from Stock Island before and had great catches. We like the marina here.

Cowboy Cowgirl Sportfishing – Cowgirl II

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check with the guide first if your an experienced fisherman. He will know when to come. and not to. We came at a tide event but he still knew where to go for fish I think he could dial in a perfect day if you called ahead and planned around that

5.0 / 5

Amelia Family Fishing 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

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

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

Reel Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Cedar Key

4.0 / 5

(18 reviews)

Overall a nice trip. Captain Nick was very nice and knowledgeable. Tried to get us on the fish. Weather was not the greatest but caught some nice fish

Al A.

Shotime Charters (239)825-6821
Fishing charter in Goodland

5.0 / 5

(48 reviews)

Captain Eddy is very friendly and helpful! He knows where the fish were and helps with everything - baiting, casting, taking fish off, etc. Yes, we caught fish and quite a variety. Definitely booking again!

Todd E.

Hooknreel Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Cocoa Beach

5.0 / 5

(84 reviews)

I caught more fish than I ever expected. Capt Ryan made sure I was happy. I caught everything on the list plus 2 other species. I also saw multiple dolphins and a manatee. I couldn’t of left a happier customer and will visit his boat again if I am back in area.

Jeanyves L. J.

Zak’s Hot Reels / Reel Conch Charters
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(72 reviews)

Captain Ron guided my wife and I for a 3 hour tour. Upon our introduction I had good vibes and felt very at ease! We were not disappointed as we were just looking for a relaxed morning of fishing and sightseeing. With a low pressure system in the area Capt. Ron got us hooked up on a variety of local fish using light tackle in no time at all! We visit the Keys yearly and plan on using his courteous and friendly services again.

Jim S.

FloAlong Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(26 reviews)

Had a great trip with Floalong. Boat was super clean/comfy. Spencer was very knowledgeable and put us on fish. Caught one nice tarpon and a ton of snapper

Jarrod S.

Inshore Odyssey Inshore Fishing
Fishing charter in Goodland

5.0 / 5

(86 reviews)

Capt. Glen made it a trip to remember for both the kids and parents. He was a gentleman from the start and payed specific attention to the kids. He helped them with fishing techniques as well as teaching them along the way. Highly recommend!!! We will be back.

Michael H.

Spot Stalker LLC – Ponce Inlet
Fishing charter in Ponce Inlet

5.0 / 5

(16 reviews)

This was a great day with Todd on his boat. He knew the spots to go to and fish were caught in all of those places. He is quick to get your hook set up with more bait so you can get your line back into the water. Highly recommended. We will certainly call him again when we are back in the area.

Eric Y.

YB Normal
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale

5.0 / 5

(347 reviews)

I was running numbers and comparing trying to find something for a few people who have never been fishing. If this is you, look no further! Captain Vinnie was very professional and fun. We were happy to just be out sitting behind a few wet lines, but we spent most of our time reeling in some big ones! 3 hours was the perfect amount of time for our schedule, but next time we’re in town we’re going for a 6 hour run. His deck hand was a ton of fun and captain kept him busy! 10/10 suggest!

Adam M.

Island Time Family Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(86 reviews)

Crew put us right on the fish from beginning to end! Caught all types of species…just to name a few Trigger, Mackeral, Snappers, Groupers and saw Tiger Shark surface at the end. Good family fun with plenty of fishing action!

Andrew P.

A-lure Fishing Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(142 reviews)

Captain John knows what he’s doing we hit on some jacks first which put up a fun fight. We then were on the sea trout and bagged a couple good ones for dinner. The best was I had hooked into a 40”+ Cobia over 40lbs and had a good 20-30 minute battle with it and ended up landing it! Unfortunately it was raged by Florida fish and game so we reported the catch and released but it was a great time and will be coming back time and time again now!

Riley R.

Coastal Life Charters & Adventures
Fishing charter in Navarre

5.0 / 5

(324 reviews)

Although it was cold and windy on our 7AM April fishing trip, Mike kept trying out different spots until he put us on some fish. We saw lots of dolphins playing around in different areas. Mike is really nice, knowledgeable, & very outgoing. We highly recommend him.

Kim H.

Nelson Guide Company
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(126 reviews)

We woke up to less than ideal weather, low 50°s and cool north winds 15-20mph. We knew these conditions usually slow the fishing down but Si was able to put us on the fish! We caught several species of fish and had a shot on some real nice fish on that ultimately won the fight. Had a delicious lunch with the fish we caught. Would recommend Nelson Guide Company to anyone looking for some inshore or nearshore fishing.

Warren J.

First Cast Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg

5.0 / 5

(75 reviews)

Highly recommend, we had a great day on water due to Bernie's expertise and knowledge of the waters and species. He maximizes every opportunity and is a pro. Thanks man, will be back. Caught snook, sea trout and red

Mike H.

The Program Sportfishing Charters
Fishing charter in West Palm Beach

5.0 / 5

(209 reviews)

Captain Christian was amazing. He knew where to find the big fish. I will be using him again!

Victor L.

Fishing Kings
Fishing charter in Marathon

5.0 / 5

(247 reviews)

Captain Isaac was awesome. Very knowledgeable about fishing in the area. Fishes hard and makes sure you get on some fish and have a good time.

Theodore L.

Gulfcoast Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Pete Beach

5.0 / 5

(392 reviews)

Awesome trip we had a blast!! We would definitely go with capt Robert again.

Shannon M.

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters – Siesta Key
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(392 reviews)

Captain Tony showed us a good time, and we came home with fish fillets for supper.

Ray A.

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.

850 Charters—Capt. Jared
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(151 reviews)

Captain Jarred did an outstanding job getting us on fish. He was very attentive to our needs. Caught many different types of fish. I highly recommend using this charter for a fun day of fishing.