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 28564 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

Loading Fish Calendar!

Please Wait...

Featured photos from Florida

Watch Out for the Barracuda hiding under the boat! Summertime Mackerel Fishing

What anglers said about fishing in Florida

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

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

First time trip was great! Captain answered a million questions from us and hooked us up throughout the day!

5.0 / 5

First time trip was great! Captain answered a million questions from us and hooked us up throughout the day!

Cross Em' Off Charters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida?

Headwaters Lake Bass Charters by Fish-N-Mania
Fishing charter in Palm Bay

5.0 / 5

(6 reviews)

I caught a 4,5, and 8 lb bass...My brother caught a 4 lb bass...cloudy..cool breeze..was really a fun time . Captain is very knowledgeable

Phil M.

Reel Fun Charter
Fishing charter in Cortez

5.0 / 5

(51 reviews)

Amazing trip with my son in law. CPT Terry put us on fish right away and for 4 hrs we were reeling them in. Amazing trip, amazing CPT, amazing boat !! We will definitely be back !!! HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!!!

Shawn D.

Landing Zone Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach

5.0 / 5

(13 reviews)

Captain Zach has a very nice, clean boat. He is super helpful and polite! We just showed up and Zach took care of everything. My son and I had a great time on the calm waters of the gulf.

Steven W.

Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Fishing charter in Marathon

5.0 / 5

(74 reviews)

Very professional Captain and a wonderful time catching a variety of species. The highlights included a Blue Parrotfish and a 200 lb shark! Very family friendly atmosphere and the Captain let my son participate in all aspects of the catch. In addition, we got to see some Loggerheads… highly recommend!

Matthew V.

Morrell Fishing Adventures – Headwaters Lake
Fishing charter in Fellsmere

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

We fished a half day trip with Captain Valerie at Headwaters Lake. We caught 42 Bass ranging from 2 to almost 8 pounds. We had a great time and Captain Valerie was very professional and fun to be with. We had a great time.

Leigh S. Greenwood, IN

#1 Offshore Fishing Charter Trips
Fishing charter in Pompano Beach

4.3 / 5

(21 reviews)

This fishing trip was pretty nice . Even though the fishing gods were trying to make it not work, we did it. I caught a nice Mahi and got some rays. The captain and the first mate made it happen!

Annmarie W.

2 Shea Charters
Fishing charter in Clearwater

5.0 / 5

(40 reviews)

The best charter fishing I have experienced! The crew was great! Very knowledgeable of the fishes. Put us on some monster fishes! Highly recommend.

Peter X.

Fan Sea Luxury Charters
Fishing charter in Naples

5.0 / 5

(57 reviews)

Captain Jason did a great job putting us on fish inside the bay. Was a really fun day particularly if you have some folks who don’t do so great with sea motion. Would highly recommend him.

Bruce I.

Sandbar Somewhere Charter
Fishing charter in Summerland Key

5.0 / 5

(43 reviews)

Capt Joe was great very friendly and knowledgeable and accommodating caught a variety of fish were trying for tarpon but they weren’t biting. We will use him again next year when we come back. Recommend him to freinds coming in June

Ralph V.

Hot Reels Inshore Charters
Fishing charter in St. Augustine

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

Ever get that thing when something you planned is coming up and feels anticlimactic? This trip was awesome even with that foreshadowing. Alden our guide is a good dude and knows his stuff. He explained why and where we were and was comfortable to be around as the whole trip was comfortable. Our party of 3 all had a great time and took home more than what we deserve from the ocean all cleaned and fileted by our guide. Thanks again Alden.

Christopher K.

L4K Charters
Fishing charter in Niceville

5.0 / 5

(78 reviews)

We had a great time with captain Ron. He was amazing with the kids, provided ample opportunity to catch fish and left us with some great memories..

Tom B.

Nothin' Matters
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(124 reviews)

We just went out with the Nothin Matters crew and we had an amazing trip with Bob and Frank. They put us on some great spots for catching fish. We were able to catch our limit and have a great time doing it. My son was pulling up keeper fish after keeper fish. We all had the best charter trip we have ever had. Thanks Bob and Frank for the great morning. We will be booking with you guys every time.

Tim N.

My Destin Charters
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(72 reviews)

This was our first trip, PJ and Anthony were great! We had a blast and caught plenty of fish! Thanks so much, we enjoyed it!

Heather T.

My Ohana Sport Fishing
Fishing charter in Key West

5.0 / 5

(247 reviews)

We had a great time! Fishing was a bit slow but the company made up for it! Tommy and Eric knew what they were doing and did everything they could to put some fish on deck! We ate fish at the restaurant that we caught after and will be planning a trip again!

Joe I.

Gulfcoast Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in St. Pete Beach

5.0 / 5

(391 reviews)

Meet captain bobbie at dock on time boat was fully equipped with everything we needed got me and my bunch on the fish right away my goal was to catch a shark I caught 5 along with some king fish and 10 Spanish mackerel which were cleaned filleted and packaged for us to take home next time I come to Florida I will be getting ahold of him again to go out for a great fishing experience thank you for a great day

Steve D.

Phil’s Charter Service
Fishing charter in Port St. Joe

5.0 / 5

(116 reviews)

We sent out husbands out with Captain Phil for a birthday gift. They had a great day! They came back with some dinner and lots of fun stories. Couldn’t be happier!

Courtney G.

Reel Natives Sportfishing – 29'
Fishing charter in Sebastian

5.0 / 5

(46 reviews)

Captain Taylor and First Mate Brandon made an incredible team. We had such a blast, learned a lot about different species of fish, our guides were VERY knowledgeable and EXPERIENCED. I have some health concerns and mobility issues, and they both were exceptionally gracious and helpful! We ABSOLUTELY recommend Reel Natives fishing charter out of Sebastian Florida—we are already making plans for a return trip next year!!

Melissa W.

Jewel Of The Bay Charters
Fishing charter in Holmes Beach

4.7 / 5

(171 reviews)

Captain Doug was awesome. He asked us what we wanted and took us to where the fish were. He put us on snook and we had a blast! We had an awesome time. Very helpful with my wife who is not the best fisher but she really enjoyed herself catching all the fish Doug found.

Al G.

Sudden Strike Offshore Adventures
Fishing charter in Daytona Beach

5.0 / 5

(322 reviews)

Had a group 5. It was an awesome experience and we all caught a fish. The captain was knowledgeable and easy to talk too. We all had a great experience and would do it and definitely recommend.

Renee C.

MM Charters
Fishing charter in Englewood

5.0 / 5

(675 reviews)

Short trip to Florida and decided to take my husband fishing for his birthday. We had a blast! Caught a bunch of fish and 2 shark! Also got to see a bunch a dolphin, stingray, and sea turtles. Captain Tim was very knowledgeable and sociable. Would definitely recommend a charter with Captain Tim.

Brandon D.