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 $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 28603 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

The weather was impeccable. April weather is certainly the best. Not too hot. We were able to enjoy ourselves without sweating. Absolute perfection.

5.0 / 5

The weather was impeccable. April weather is certainly the best. Not too hot. We were able to enjoy ourselves without sweating. Absolute perfection.

Velocity Sportfishing Charters

Get your fly casting down very good. It’s much different than river fishing for trout

5.0 / 5

Get your fly casting down very good. It’s much different than river fishing for trout

Captain Martin Carranza

Fishing was a little slow. Dylan description was honest to just plan a good day on the water and not necessarily an awesome fishing day

5.0 / 5

Fishing was a little slow. Dylan description was honest to just plan a good day on the water and not necessarily an awesome fishing day

Capt. DL Spragg Charters

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

Bring a good attitude, sunscreen and water. Snacks if necessary. Listen to the captain and crew. They will get you on the fish. Let them know if you want to catch something specific. With kids, it's not daycare and it might take some time to get on the fish.

5.0 / 5

Deep Sea Fishing Miami

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

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

Blue water was only 7-9 miles off. Can’t beat the selection of what you can catch within an hour of leaving the dock.

5.0 / 5

Blue water was only 7-9 miles off. Can’t beat the selection of what you can catch within an hour of leaving the dock.

Hate 2 Lose Sportfishing Charters

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

Highly recommend Jason and Chasing Dreams charter. Very professional, polite, and a hard working captain. We caught fish all day and once he located the species we were looking for we quickly caught the boat limit. Great day on the water.

5.0 / 5

Chasin' Dreams Charters

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

At first we booked this trip without targeting something specific so we could maybe catch a little bit of everything, but our captain suggested us tarpon because we wanted something with action and it was a good time to target them. It didn’t disappoint! Amazing experience like nothing else!

5.0 / 5

Easy Does It

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

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

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

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

Experience matters ! Capt. Troy put us on fish at an early season date with cold water temps. His mate Dakota was knowledgeable and personable. My wife said she can't wait to come back, that say's it all !

5.0 / 5

Reel Chill Charter

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

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'

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

Gulf Water Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Naples

5.0 / 5

(29 reviews)

4 buddies on a guys trip took a 4-hr charter, and had a great time! RJ took care of everything and made it easy. Caught lots of fish, including trout, whiting, catfish, black nose shark, cow nose ray, sharp nose shark. Even a huge hammerhead shark which was too big to get on the boat! He cleaned and filleted the catch and we ate them for lunch, yum! Definitely recommend!

My N.

Sea Dawgs Fishing Charters - John's Pass
Fishing charter in Treasure Island

5.0 / 5

(19 reviews)

We hooked on to something massive, but damn boat would not get out of the way and broke the line Trip was awesome, crew was amazing, tenth time going fishing on a charter by far the best will be coming back as soon as possible

Jerry S.

Bay Breeze Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

50 lb amberjack king fish were eating good tonight will use them again anytime

Robert M.

Jacked Up Fishing
Fishing charter in Port Orange

4.7 / 5

(1 review)

My son and I had a great time fishing with Capt. William. Caught some fish and had some laughs.

Michael B.

Reel Fun Charter
Fishing charter in Cortez

5.0 / 5

(55 reviews)

This trip was an awesome time! Captain Terry he is in fish within minutes of taking off. The bite slowed a bit and he worked very hard to put us them. After a few spots he brought us to what I would call a honey hole!! We caught a bunch of nice snook!!! The wind don’t play nice today so that made things tough but the Captain didn’t give up!! Awesome charter!

James B.

Second Nature Charters
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(33 reviews)

Such an amazing trip! We adjusted a little, given the windy conditions, going deep wasn’t going to be an option, but the amazing crew put us on the fish no matter where we were. Caught and released a huge nurse shark, caught our limit of yellowtails and had a great time all around. Already planning a trip in the fall to come hit it hard again!

Justin M.

Cornhusker Charters
Fishing charter in Port Charlotte

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

Timothy is a remarkable guy!! He was persistent on getting us on the fish! Easy to talk to, we enjoyed our time with him on the boat.. and of course all the fish we catch 🎣 🐠 🐟

Kevin O.

Baytime Charters – Tampa Bay
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(195 reviews)

Mine and my boyfriend experience was great we had so much fun! Even though it was a little windy out today, we still caught fish and had a lot of fun

Giuliana R.

Captain Brian Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Lauderdale

5.0 / 5

(226 reviews)

So I asked my nephew and his friend (13 yrs) about Capt. Brian and today’s trip. I got the fallowing: funny, helpful, cool, he let us be us, knew everything, and we caught SO many fish. I highly recommend booking a trip with him. If you like being catered to, this is not your trip. You will help Capt. Brian on this personal trip which added to the trip.

Ray G.

Chasin’ Tail Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Sarasota

5.0 / 5

(406 reviews)

Mike was an awesome captain would recommend him to anyone trying to fish in the area !

Colin M.

Tarpon Magic Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Myers

5.0 / 5

(209 reviews)

Captain Robert is fantastic! Very knowledgeable and tries really hard to catch the fish you want. We took our three boys out with him today to shark fish and caught an Atlantic Sharpnose that they were able to hold and two Blacktips. Captain Robert was so great with our boys and overall fantastic company for a morning on the water. Highly recommend!

Cassie C.

Local Slayer – 30'
Fishing charter in Cedar Key

5.0 / 5

(4 reviews)

Overall great trip! The large boat accommodated my group of 4 people. The reels, line and choice of baits all worked well. Hooked up on a couple spotted trout and had a blast doing it!

Justin I.

Jarrod McKenzie Fishing LLC
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach

5.0 / 5

(66 reviews)

Had a Great time with Jarrod even with the nasty weather today. Put us on fish right away. Moved us all over the bay to stay on fish and find fish. Helped my Babe catch a Shark. The memory of that alone was worth the trip. We will definitely use him again in future.

Kevin M.

Aquatic Escapes – Tampa
Fishing charter in Tampa

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

Captain Jarrod and First Mate Aiden were terrific and very knowledgeable about the waters and regional species of fish. The day of our trip was very windy and the rough waters kept us closer inshore than planned but Jarrod quickly adapted to the conditions and put us on Spanish Mackerel, Snook, Ladyfish and we even caught a very large puffer! We had a great time all around and highly recommend Aquatic Escapes

David N.

Always Somethin' Charters
Fishing charter in Daytona Beach

5.0 / 5

(314 reviews)

My son and I had a great time! We’re beginners and learned so much. The Captain knew just where to take us and we hooked multiple fish! If we come back to Daytona we will definitely book again with “Always Somethin’!”

Amy G.

Lock It Up Charters
Fishing charter in Key Largo

5.0 / 5

(192 reviews)

I booked w/Captain Jason as a surprise fishing trip for my hubby’s Bday. It was the best part of the trip. Highly recommend! We caught lots of fish in addition to learning about the local fishing. Definitely booking again 👍🏽

Veronica N.

Outfront Charters
Fishing charter in Lantana

5.0 / 5

(67 reviews)

Very accommodating and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the charter immensely. Definitely recommend!

Michael R.

Captain Drew's Guide Service
Fishing charter in Tavares

5.0 / 5

(18 reviews)

Drew takes his craft seriously and it shows. He will put you on the fish fast. Will use again when I’m in the area.

Jarred L.

Reel Stubborn Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Pompano Beach

5.0 / 5

(36 reviews)

It was my first time deep sea fishing - unreal experience . The captain was friendly and knowledgeable on the boat, bait and fish . The boat was very clean - and he made sure we had every chance to catch a fish. 10/10 would reccomend. Will definitely be back.

Brandi T.

Beat The Oddz Charters LLC
Fishing charter in Fernandina Beach

5.0 / 5

(56 reviews)

It was a beautiful day off Amelia Island! Capt. Kenny took us to where the fish were biting. He also shared lot of information about saltwater fishing. Very helpful for my wife and I, who have very little experience on anything other than freshwater lakes.