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 $1,176 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 28586 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

Just enjoy every part of the experience not just catching fish! Soooo much to soak in and enjoy out there!

5.0 / 5

Just enjoy every part of the experience not just catching fish! Soooo much to soak in and enjoy out there!

Captain Sandy

Listen to them they know what they are talking about. Even if you have been fishing before, just listen to them and you will catch more fish.

5.0 / 5

Listen to them they know what they are talking about. Even if you have been fishing before, just listen to them and you will catch more fish.

Angling With Adria Charters, LLC - 31'

It’s hard at this time of the year with the water temperature and the coldness coming in

5.0 / 5

It’s hard at this time of the year with the water temperature and the coldness coming in

Native Fishing Charters

Any anglers wanting to charter a fishing excursion should definitely check out CASTOUTFISHINGCHARTERS. They will treat you right

5.0 / 5

Any anglers wanting to charter a fishing excursion should definitely check out CASTOUTFISHINGCHARTERS. They will treat you right

CastOutFishingCharters- 235 Reviews

Let the captain be your guide. They probably know better than you what’s going to work the best.

5.0 / 5

Let the captain be your guide. They probably know better than you what’s going to work the best.

All Caught Up Fishing Charters

Hat a captain that is as enthusiastic as his clients. To catch and stay on fish

4.0 / 5

Hat a captain that is as enthusiastic as his clients. To catch and stay on fish

La Costa Charters

Be prepared with multiple layers as the wind chill can be very cold. From 50 degrees to 76 degrees in hours.

5.0 / 5

Be prepared with multiple layers as the wind chill can be very cold. From 50 degrees to 76 degrees in hours.

Apalachicola's Legacy Charters

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

Laid Back Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Panama City Beach

5.0 / 5

(14 reviews)

Captain Dustin put us on plenty of triggers and snapper. We did a short 3 hour trip but was on a great spot in no time. Not to mention a beautiful day ! Had a great time. Thanks !!

Jeff G.

Don't Panic Sport Fishing - 43' Sportfish
Fishing charter in Pompano Beach

5.0 / 5

(87 reviews)

Solid trip with the family thanks to the knowledge on the boat from the cap and mate ended up getting a 38” mahi aswell as a smaller mahi and tuna

Jon G.

One More Charters
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg

5.0 / 5

(80 reviews)

Captain Torin is great! Wanted to make sure we all had a great time and caught fish. We highly recommend booking a trip with him. We will be back for sure!

Greg W.

Life’s 2 Short
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(18 reviews)

Captain Alex was excellent! He put my kids to work to catch live bait right off. He got us on fish right away and the live bait my kids caught assisted in landing a 70lb. Cobia. Thank you Captain Alex for an unforgettable day of fishing. We will be back to book another trip!

Bill C.

Anna Maria Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Bradenton Beach

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

Really great trip for me and my family. Captain was attentive to all of our needs and made sure everyone was catching fish. Great time!

Kyle B.

Native Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(35 reviews)

Captain Bobby is very professional. The boat is clean .he is on top of all the equipment. he’s on top of the clients to make sure that they know what to do and how to do it . he helps you . amazing guy.. He doesn’t stop different techniques of fishing until you catch something. He goes around the world to catch fish. he cleans all the fish, but he doesn’t cook it for lunch.. 🏆 LOL

Larry O.

Chasin' Dreams Charters
Fishing charter in Port St. Joe

5.0 / 5

(66 reviews)

He was knowledgeable, helpful and worked very hard to take care of us and put us on fish. Caught a lot of fish but many were too small or out of season. Still we wanted to catch fish and we did and we got plenty for several dinners. Good man

Barry J.

Hooked4life Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Cape Coral

5.0 / 5

(93 reviews)

Capt. Andy was awesome, he had us on fish all day. Also was very patient with the inexperienced fishermen in our group and made sure everyone had a good time. Recommend highly!

Frank S.

Live Action Sportfishing 2
Fishing charter in Stock Island

5.0 / 5

(117 reviews)

Our guide called us 2 days before our trip to check in and ask what type of fish we’d like to catch. He knew exactly the places to go.

Don P.

30A Shallow Water Guide Service
Fishing charter in Santa Rosa Beach

5.0 / 5

(133 reviews)

Ryan did an amazing job . We were on the fish 10 minutes after we leaving the dock . Was great all day and very knowledgeable. Great personality and caught a ton of red fish . Would definitely book with him again !!!

Mark H.

Home Again Old Florida Adventures
Fishing charter in Longboat Key

5.0 / 5

(98 reviews)

It was our daughters first trip! Capt Atkins was wonderful in explaining everything to her. Offering suggestions and showing her how to do it. My daughter brought in 2 keeper trout and my husband bought in a trophy trout at 22inches!!! It will be hard to top this trip but we will be back next spring for another trip with Capt. Atkins

Roy W.

Captain Chris's Fishing Adventures
Fishing charter in Belleair Bluffs

5.0 / 5

(178 reviews)

Captain Chris and Steve were amazing! They were very knowledgeable and kind. They got us on the fish and we had the best experience. Highly recommend them, especially for people with kids! They made my son’s birthday one he will remember forever.

Nicole V.

Gulf Coast Charter Service
Fishing charter in Fort Myers

5.0 / 5

(254 reviews)

I would recommend this trip to anyone of any skill level. Capitan Fabian was a great guide, fun and knowledgeable. We had a blast!

Audrey M.

King Slayer Charters LLC.
Fishing charter in Panama City

4.3 / 5

(99 reviews)

Capt Jon Jon and his first mate did a great job at putting myself on some heavy Amberjack fish! Very friendly crew. Can’t wait to go back

Troy M.

Captain Drew's Guide Service
Fishing charter in Tavares

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

Captain Drew knows where the fish are and makes an exceptional effort to assure that everyone in the boat is catching and having a memorable experience.

Eric C.

Captain Sandy
Fishing charter in St. James City

5.0 / 5

(40 reviews)

The best part was trying to real the catch in as fast as you can because a dolphin was trying to steal it from me!!!!! We did about 4 different types of fishing and all were fun but trout fishing was the best! We normally do backwater mangrove fishing which is cool to but this was great to try something new!!!!

Kathleen H.

J&F eXcursions - 26
Fishing charter in Islamorada

5.0 / 5

(161 reviews)

Capt. Joe is a pro and on the fish no problems. Great time and I'll be back for sure

Paul G.

MisStress Sportfishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Augustine

5.0 / 5

(379 reviews)

Guy and first mate Liam are fantastic and put us on fish. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks!

Sherry G.

TNT Freedom Fishing Charters – Siesta Key
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(393 reviews)

The fish didn't want to cooperate but Captain Tony made the right moves to get us on some fish. Good conversation and the Boat was well equipped with everything we needed. If he wasn't booked for the rest of our time here we'd definitely book again!

Gregg H.

Knot Right
Fishing charter in Panama City Beach

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

We are a family of 7 and we have never been on a charter before. I'm extremely grateful to have chosen this charter as it was a blast! They are very knowledgeable and made the experience worth doing. We will definitely be booking.again on our next trip here!

Timothy M.