Florida Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Florida fishing trip is US $622, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,173 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 28561 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

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

We have used 5 different charters in Destin. Captain Si was by far the best. Use Nelson Charters. I won’t use anyone else from now on.

5.0 / 5

We have used 5 different charters in Destin. Captain Si was by far the best. Use Nelson Charters. I won’t use anyone else from now on.

Nelson Guide Company

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

Wear sun screen and if you think you might get sea sick take Dramamine before going. Have a great time and enjoy. It was great ?.

5.0 / 5

Wear sun screen and if you think you might get sea sick take Dramamine before going. Have a great time and enjoy. It was great ?.

Native Fishing Charters

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

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

Charming little town where the small-scale fishing industry is on full-display

5.0 / 5

Charming little town where the small-scale fishing industry is on full-display

Tides Turn Fishing Charters

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 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

Not a lot in season but if you don’t care about keeping your fish then it’s loads of fun

5.0 / 5

Not a lot in season but if you don’t care about keeping your fish then it’s loads of fun

Too Hot 2 Handle Charters

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

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

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

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

Keep lines tight on bottom to feel bite stand near middle of boat for less up down movement. The bite is gentle. Real up when you feel it.

5.0 / 5

Keep lines tight on bottom to feel bite stand near middle of boat for less up down movement. The bite is gentle. Real up when you feel it.

Native Fishing Charters

Captain Ed, personable, service minded, found the fish, provided a great experience, great fun. I'd recommend Fishstick

5.0 / 5

Captain Ed, personable, service minded, found the fish, provided a great experience, great fun. I'd recommend Fishstick

Fishstick Fishing Charters

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

Big John of Florida Charter Boat
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(53 reviews)

Captain Chris got us on fish and Denis and Brian educated and were quick to help. Vermillion snapper was the target and we got a lot. Best part was taking the filets over to The edge restaurant next door and they cooked all 10 lbs up for us. Blackened snapper was so good. For those looking for a business event in short time Big John’s made it a breeze to get on fish and have fun.

Garry G.

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(27 reviews)

We had a great day with Captain Dave He was laid back and knowledgeable we caught lots of fish and enjoyed the day on the water. We would highly recommend. David and Meg

David B.

Anglers Choice Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Key Largo

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

Captain Ryan and Keshawn were great! We got some yellowtail right away and then went on the hunt for Mahi. It took some time to find them, but we got a nice catch and a cooler of fish to take home. Thanks for the tip for Hobo Cafe…they cooked our snapper to perfection to end a perfect day!

Lisa K.

Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(27 reviews)

Captain was very friendly and helpful for 3 kids aged 9, 7, and 4. 2 hour trip and we were able to all catch a few fish and even time to get on sandbar to cool off a little. Always had poles ready with bait.

John M.

Todd's Rods Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Augustine

5.0 / 5

(29 reviews)

We had a fantastic day with Captain Todd. Caught redfish, keeper flounder,trout, bluefish, Black Sea bass,jack cravelle, and toad fish. Great guy to spend a half day on the water. Very knowledgeable and personable. Fish on!!

Jerrald W.

Knotical Tides Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Vero Beach

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

Took my 10 year old out and captain Mike asked what we wanted for an experience and we requested catching multiple species and he didn't let us down. Multiple pockets of mangrove snapper cast after cast then a snook. Then a red fish and Jack! Saw manatees, eagles, shark! Awesome time, great conversation and quick to rebait and kept us on fish!

Mark N.

Silver Tide Charters
Fishing charter in Stock Island

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

Awesome time with Captain Bryson and First mate Carl! These guys know how to put you on the fish, over 40 caught and the ladies were loving it! Thanks Guys!!

Amine C.

Life’s 2 Short
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

Captain Alex was fantastic! Will definitely join him again on another trip!

Julie K.

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
Fishing charter in Belleair Bluffs

5.0 / 5

(95 reviews)

I'm exhausted from all the reeling but extremely happy with Capt. Gary and the amazing time we had. 5*

William O.

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.

850 Charters—Capt. Jared
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(149 reviews)

Somewhat windy but Jared got us to spots early and we caught a little of everything

John H.

Captain Chris Fishing Charters LLC
Fishing charter in St. Augustine

5.0 / 5

(320 reviews)

Chris is a seasoned professional with a nice clean boat. Can’t brag about the fish today but he is clearly knowledgeable. That’s fishing.

Donald L.

Outlaw Gunner Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

4.7 / 5

(409 reviews)

Another great trip with Capt. Gage and Peyton!! Caught our limit of grouper and topped it off with some snappers and grunts!! Nice day on the big blue!

Dennis H.

Tug Of War Charters - Mosquito Lagoon
Fishing charter in Oak Hill

5.0 / 5

(19 reviews)

Caught mangrove snapper a sheepshead, a Jack cravelle and a 30 inch and a giant 47 inch bull red fish! Captain Randy had many good fishing tips…

Al L.

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

5.0 / 5

(331 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.

La Costa Charters
Fishing charter in Treasure Island

5.0 / 5

(348 reviews)

Capt and mate were great ! Very helpful and professional!! First class trip!!!

Edward M.

Emerald “C” Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Pensacola

5.0 / 5

(189 reviews)

We fished the 3rd week in April and several told us fishing is not great this time of year but we were out for the experience & catching fish would be a bonus. Craig put us on fish almost immediately and caught several keepers thru our 4 hour trip. Thanks Craig for your knowledge & experience!

Les D.

Deep Color Fishing
Fishing charter in Bay Pines

5.0 / 5

(413 reviews)

Hank took my boyfriend and I out for the best fishing trip we’ve had! He had the best spots picked out and was extremely helpful with everything. We were able to bring enough fish home to feed the family and he provided us both the awesome experience with reeling in some huge barracuda! 10/10 will be coming back!

Dana W.

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.