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 $344
3-hour fishing trips – US $419
4-hour fishing trips – US $544
5-hour fishing trips – US $613
6-hour fishing trips – US $782
7-hour fishing trips – US $650
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,021

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 28590 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

Book a 3/4 or full day trip. 1/2 day is too short with the commute to the fishing area

4.7 / 5

Book a 3/4 or full day trip. 1/2 day is too short with the commute to the fishing area

Reef Runner Charters Key West

I brought 2 never fished adults and they taught them everything with patience.

5.0 / 5

I brought 2 never fished adults and they taught them everything with patience.

Cora Beth Fishing

Great boat, great crew, everything needed for quick fishing for all ages to enjoy themselves.

5.0 / 5

Great boat, great crew, everything needed for quick fishing for all ages to enjoy themselves.

Nothin' Matters

Take sunscreen and plenty of water or sports drinks. Bring a cooler to take your cleaned fish away in.

5.0 / 5

Take sunscreen and plenty of water or sports drinks. Bring a cooler to take your cleaned fish away in.

Flight Risk Fishing Charters

Sun screen ... polarized glasses. Depends on the time of year you might want a jacket.

5.0 / 5

Sun screen ... polarized glasses. Depends on the time of year you might want a jacket.

Gettin' Reel Sportfishing

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'

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and wear clothing that's thin and breathable. Drink water and bring a good attitude. Be prepared to learn.

5.0 / 5

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and wear clothing that's thin and breathable. Drink water and bring a good attitude. Be prepared to learn.

Big One Charters, LLC

Remember your sunscreen & water and be ready for a great time! I was happy to book with Old Coast because he is a fellow veteran. The Captain & 1st Mate were great at keeping everyone relaxed/entertained and the lines in the water. They were a font of information and professionalism! We caught enough to feed our big family dinner that night! They also hooked my teen son up with some sets so he can go shore fishing during the remainder of our vacation.

4.7 / 5

Old Coast Charters

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

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

Check what kind of fishing you’ll be doing (trolling, spinning, bottom fishing) with the captain. A lot of boats list all fishing techniques like my charter did, but all we did was trolling even though we asked to change it up. Conditions, time of year etc I know are all factors in what’s working so good to check!

5.0 / 5

La Costa 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

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

Book the whole day, it took close to 45 minutes to get on the fishing spots so a 4 hour trip would not give you as much time to fish. Be open and listen to your captains as they are very knowledgeable. I’ve fished freshwater species but this was my first time in saltwater and there are differences I had to make but they coached me through it. Great experience.

5.0 / 5

Fish Key West - The Coolcast

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

Don’t expect to always catch a huge amount of fish. The fishing is not like it used to be. You are lucky to catch a few. Tell Capt if u prefer to catch to eat or catch for fun /size. That matters.

5.0 / 5

Don’t expect to always catch a huge amount of fish. The fishing is not like it used to be. You are lucky to catch a few. Tell Capt if u prefer to catch to eat or catch for fun /size. That matters.

Second Nature 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

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

Angle Drop Charters
Fishing charter in Lake Worth

5.0 / 5

(72 reviews)

This was a great trip for me and my 2 sons, captain had us on fish 10 min after we got set up. Lost a couple to sharks but landed 2 beautiful blackfin tuna. Can’t recommend this guy enough. We will be on his boat again!

Will S.

RocketCity Charters – Cocoa Beach
Fishing charter in Cocoa Beach

5.0 / 5

(96 reviews)

Thanks to Joseph me and my wife had a killer time. Very knowledgeable. Caught a dream fish. Thanks again

Nicholas R.

Reef Runner Charters Key West
Fishing charter in Key West

4.7 / 5

(78 reviews)

Had a great time, the captain and first mate got us on mahi mahi pretty quickly and did a great job getting them on the line for us. Very friendly

Mitch M.

Get After It Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Dunedin

5.0 / 5

(95 reviews)

Would go back fishing with Derek at any time great captain, nice person. My grandson had a blast.

Jocelyn A.

VooDoo Charters Wicked Fishing
Fishing charter in Crystal River

5.0 / 5

(26 reviews)

My daughters and myself booked a half day trip with Voodoo Charters Wicked Fishing and had an awesome and fun day with Captain Tony. He is very knowledgeable on how to fish and had great stories to tell us. Loved fishing with Captain Tony and plan on booking another charter with him in the near future. If you’re looking to plan a charter fishing trip, my daughters and me highly recommend booking with him. ❤️

Linda S.

Captain Andy's Salty Adventures
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg

5.0 / 5

(235 reviews)

Captain Andy was great. Very knowledgeable about the waters we fished and the equipment we used. Not only did we catch fish, we also saw a group of manatees and other marine life in the crystal clear gulf coast waters. Highly recommend spending some time out on the water with captain Andy

Chris F.

Easy Does It
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(640 reviews)

Had a great time we caught an 80lb tarpon and a limit of Mangrove snappers.

Anthony R.

Nothin' Matters
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(125 reviews)

We took 2 kids (9 & 11) and 2 grandparents out for a charter today and couldn’t have had a better time. Frank and Bobby put us right on the fish from the first cast. Frank was great with the kids - encouraging them and making sure everyone caught something. In the end, we caught our limit and had time to catch a bull shark. Truly a great time was had by all ages. The boat was clean and welcoming. Next time we’re in Destin - we’d definitely book here again. Thanks guys!

Rob S.

Destin Inshore Charters
Fishing charter in Okaloosa Island

5.0 / 5

(31 reviews)

Overall a great experience. I requested we target Red Fish. Captain Alex put us on fish. My daughter and I broke fish off and as experienced fresh water anglers we wanted to give it our best shot. The fish were there, we just didn’t capitalize on all opportunities! Already making plans to link up with Capt. Alex again next April! Captain Dan and Alex will work to find the fish! Get with them for a 5 star trip!

Rex R. I.

Davy Jones Fishing Company
Fishing charter in New Smyrna Beach

5.0 / 5

(236 reviews)

We left the dock right at 8am and by 8:30 we were on fish,, we caught 7 different species of fish,, you won’t be disappointed book a trip with Dave

Mike P.

Amelia Family Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Fernandina Beach

5.0 / 5

(314 reviews)

We had a great time - caught fish, the boat was clean, and we just overall really enjoyed ourselves. Thank you Captain Keith Edwards - well done!!

Dan B.

Southern Comfort IV Charters
Fishing charter in Hypoluxo

5.0 / 5

(192 reviews)

Bill and George is top notch service. Worked hard to get on the fish. They truly got the job done! Appreciate the company and planning book again in the future!

David P.

Whipp It Reel Good Charters
Fishing charter in Englewood

5.0 / 5

(95 reviews)

Amazing captain. Would suggest you book this charter !! Very knowledgeable .

Lesha S.

Whipp It Reel Good Charters
Fishing charter in Englewood

5.0 / 5

(95 reviews)

Our charter with Captain Nick was excellent. He’s a great guy and an excellent captain. We were on the fish early and often. Nick’s knowledge of the local fishing spots are second to none. I would strongly recommend booking a charter with Nick.

Terrance F.

Island Time Family Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(87 reviews)

Had a great time catching a lot of fish. Crew was amazing and extremely helpful.

Jack M.

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.

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.

Lonestar Fishing Charters 33’
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(120 reviews)

We hit the limit on mingos for 4 people and caught some good size snappers. Captn Hunter was very nice and helpful, did his thing all around. That center console was game changer. Glad we booked and will be booking with Lonestar Charters in the future for sure!! Thanks for a good time and good eats!!

Brody B.

Mirisola Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Boynton Beach

5.0 / 5

(19 reviews)

Captain Dom provided a great experience for us! From start to finish it was a great day on the water. He was kept us on the fish and we had an amazing time. Thanks!