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 28584 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(49 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.

Pierbred Charters
Fishing charter in Panama City

5.0 / 5

(25 reviews)

Caught three large Reds thanks solely to the expertise and professionalism of the captain. I will do this trip again and would recommend to anyone seeking a great fishing adventure to book with Pierbred charters.

Curtis H.

My Girls Adventures
Fishing charter in St. Petersburg

5.0 / 5

(155 reviews)

We had a great time. We caught a wide variety of fish, never a dull moment. Steve was a great guide was always ready to put on more bait or try something new. Even recommended somewhere to take some of our fish to get it cooked for our dinner.

Jared E.

Fan Sea Luxury Charters
Fishing charter in Naples

5.0 / 5

(59 reviews)

Captain Santiago was excellent! He put us on fish right away and we caught the entire time. Highlight was catching a giant grouper, huge redfish and beautiful snook as well as a couple big jacks. Top notch operation and he knows how to catch fish! Boat was beautiful as well, pretty much brand new with high end electronics.

John B.

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.

Wish Upon A Fish Charters
Fishing charter in Belleair Bluffs

5.0 / 5

(49 reviews)

My husband and I have four active boys who love being outdoors, and spend countless hours on the lakes in Maine fishing. We are currently on vacation and decided to surprise them today with this fishing charter. Captain Ethan provided us with a wonderful experience as a family. Many smiles, and laughs were shared by all and we cannot thank Capt. Ethan enough for his patience, assistance, and the joy of fishing that he shared with our boys today.

Eric V.

Grand Slam Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Myers Beach

5.0 / 5

(57 reviews)

Nick is a great Captain! He is personable and he is a fishing expert. Our family of 4 had a great morning on the water.

Julie D.

Got 2 Go Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Shalimar

5.0 / 5

(96 reviews)

Capt. Shaun and Solomen were amazing it extremely rough water. We caught our limit on fish, 3 amazing Bonita while trolling back, and an assortment of others. Was a great day will be back next year!!

Jennifer D.

Flatzlife Charters
Fishing charter in Summerland Key

5.0 / 5

(262 reviews)

Captain was very knowledgeable and very helpful. It was a great experience and would recommend captain Brandon.

Bryce A.

Beaver’s Guide Service
Fishing charter in Santa Rosa Beach

5.0 / 5

(197 reviews)

Our daughter is only 4 had the time of her life Alex was very patient with her and we caught fish. Overall great experience

Michael M.

Destin's Boggy Bayou Inshore Charter
Fishing charter in Panama City Beach

5.0 / 5

(110 reviews)

Had a wonderful time fishing with Dexter. He was fun, informative and above all a true gentleman host . Highly recommend him. You won’t be disappointed

Cynthia P.

Rebel Coast Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(388 reviews)

Perfect! Even better than we could’ve even imagined we caugt so many fish! The Captain took us to all the best spots and when catching got slow, he moved us to another. The weather was perfect. He positioned the boat where we were most comfortable, and we came back with dinner for three nights here of catch and cook, can’t wait to come back !

Sherri R.

Fish-On Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Port Charlotte

4.7 / 5

(140 reviews)

Rough water conditions and weather forced us to fish in areas fishing isn’t prevalent.

Doug C.

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.

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.

Pharmasea Outfitters – 23'
Fishing charter in Santa Rosa Beach

5.0 / 5

(36 reviews)

Capt Brandon Simon was great! He took us to some great fishing spots and was very helpful with my kids. I highly recommend!

David K.

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.

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.