Florida Tilapia Fishing Charters

Florida Tilapia Fishing Charters

Top Florida Tilapia Fishing Destinations

Best Tilapia Fishing Charters in Florida

Florida: 19 fishing charters available
Sebring
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $250
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Umatilla
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $700
Just listed
Tampa
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $575
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(7 reviews)
Orlando
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600

Tilapia Fishing in Florida

Tilapia
  • Size 1โ€“5 lbs (0.5โ€“2.5 kg)
  • Food Value Good
  • Game Qualities Average
  • Habitats Backcountry, Lake, River

(Oreochromis)

Tilapia fishing in Florida is widespread. Primarily a freshwater species, you’ll find them in lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds, as well as brackish waters. You can target them in Tampa Bay on the west coast, the lakes around Orlando, and on the east coast, all the way from Cocoa Beach to Daytona Beach. To some anglers, abundance is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Tilapia. After all, how many other fish were symbols of rebirth and fertility in the hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt?!
 

How to Catch Them

The basic way of catching Tilapia is with light tackle, using worms, bread, or corn. Since Florida has other, more desirable fish species you can target, Tilapia is rarely the reason you’ll go out on the water. That’s why clever fishing guides thought of a more exciting way to catch Tilapia – bowfishing!
 
You’ll usually start your trip just before dark. Your fishing guide will provide you with the necessary equipment and show you how to use it. Slowly gliding through the shallow water, you’ll see only a small area around the boat, illuminated by the boat’s light system. There’s something suspenseful and exciting in the fact that you can’t see anything beyond the lights, and then, suddenly, your prey appears!
 

Need to Know

Your fishing guide will cover whatever equipment you need, and it’s usually included in the price. Some guides gladly fish with novices and they do an introductory lesson before the trip starts. On the other hand, certain guides take only guests with previous bowfishing experience, as the equipment can be dangerous to handle. Having that in mind, be sure to choose a guide based on your bowfishing experience.
 
Fishing with a licensed guide in Florida means you don’t have to purchase your fishing license – it’s already covered by your guide.
 

To Eat or Not to Eat

Tilapia meat has a small amount of fat and calories, which makes it healthier than some other fish species. There’s an opinion that Tilapia shouldn’t be on anyone’s menu but this heavily depends on the habitat. Farmed Tilapia that lived in cramped conditions can be risky. In contrast, a spacious environment, like the spots you’ll be fishing from, produce healthy fish.
 
Tilapia fishing in Florida is something you can do any time of the year. Still, the best time to come is March–May, during their spawning season. Get that bow, aim steady, shoot precisely, and get your Tilapia!
 

Florida Tilapia Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Tilapia fishing in Florida varies moderately throughout the year. High season is March to May. Low season is January and December. There is no closed season.
Florida
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Tilapia Fishing in Florida

Just be patient! A bad day on the water is better than a great day at work as they say!! Just enjoy everything about being in such a beautiful place! March weather is beautiful!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Just be patient! A bad day on the water is better than a great day at work as they say!! Just enjoy everything about being in such a beautiful place! March weather is beautiful!
Aloha Boat Charters
Aloha Boat Charters
For the conditions the fishing was good. We went into this trip with low expectations but our captain did great putting us on fish. When I come back I will probably wait until April when the water temp is a little bit warmer.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
For the conditions the fishing was good. We went into this trip with low expectations but our captain did great putting us on fish. When I come back I will probably wait until April when the water temp is a little bit warmer.
Reel Irie Fishing Charters
Reel Irie Fishing Charters
Weather didnโ€™t fully cooperate, but the captain made it a great experience!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Weather didnโ€™t fully cooperate, but the captain made it a great experience!
Jewel Of The Bay Charters
Jewel Of The Bay Charters
This trip was expensive but worth every penny for the fun we all had (ages 9 to 77)!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
This trip was expensive but worth every penny for the fun we all had (ages 9 to 77)!
Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Sarasota Sport Fishing, Fish Guaranteed!
Seasoned anglers or first timers, this is a great opportunity to build lasting memories with family or friends on a boat with a crew that is top notch. Friendly, helpful, kind, I just canโ€™t say enough nice things about these guys. I highly recommend anyone trying this, it was an absolute blast, my kids have been talking about since we got off the boat!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Seasoned anglers or first timers, this is a great opportunity to build lasting memories with family or friends on a boat with a crew that is top notch. Friendly, helpful, kind, I just canโ€™t say enough nice things about these guys. I highly recommend anyone trying this, it was an absolute blast, my kids have been talking about since we got off the boat!
Drop Back Charters
Drop Back Charters
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get hooked up with Captain Blake. He knows the waters can confidently navigate you to the catch.
Key West Charter Fishing
Key West Charter Fishing
Bring a wet proof wind breaker , and old towel for wiping your hands. A good attitude b/c you will lose some fish and share the boat and the captain services with others. Sunscreen for epiderma protection is a must!
Excellent
4.3 / 5
Bring a wet proof wind breaker , and old towel for wiping your hands. A good attitude b/c you will lose some fish and share the boat and the captain services with others. Sunscreen for epiderma protection is a must!
Ami Excursions
Ami Excursions
We caught some great fish despite it being a very windy dayโ€”everyone on board left satisfied!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
We caught some great fish despite it being a very windy dayโ€”everyone on board left satisfied!
A Horizon Fishing Charters โ€“ย Lake Toho
A Horizon Fishing Charters โ€“ย Lake Toho
Key Largo has an awesome fishery, but due to the weather the day we went we werenโ€™t able to take full advantage of it, but did the best we could and got a good meal of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Key Largo has an awesome fishery, but due to the weather the day we went we werenโ€™t able to take full advantage of it, but did the best we could and got a good meal of fish.
Eye Catcher Charters โ€“ Key Largo
Eye Catcher Charters โ€“ Key Largo
Was a perfect day and we had so much fun. Even saw sunken boats from the hurricane. He pointed out so much interesting stuff to us!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Was a perfect day and we had so much fun. Even saw sunken boats from the hurricane. He pointed out so much interesting stuff to us!
Bowditch Point Charters
Bowditch Point Charters
Today the gulf was a little rough but got better as the day progressed. Wish the redfish were biting butโ€ฆthatโ€™s fishing.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Today the gulf was a little rough but got better as the day progressed. Wish the redfish were biting butโ€ฆthatโ€™s fishing.
Local Slayer โ€“ 30'
Local Slayer โ€“ 30'
If you are fishing in the morning, especially in March, make sure to dress appropriately (pants, jacket, etc). We used a waterproof case for our phones so we could take videos and pics quickly and didn't have to worry about getting phone wet. And most importantly, Jack knows what he is doing so just relax and enjoy the fishing time!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are fishing in the morning, especially in March, make sure to dress appropriately (pants, jacket, etc). We used a waterproof case for our phones so we could take videos and pics quickly and didn't have to worry about getting phone wet. And most importantly, Jack knows what he is doing so just relax and enjoy the fishing time!
Captain Jackโ€™s Fishing Charters
Captain Jackโ€™s Fishing Charters
It was definitely a windy day but the weather is out of everyoneโ€™s control. Captain Tom led us to a few areas so we could catch a few different types of fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was definitely a windy day but the weather is out of everyoneโ€™s control. Captain Tom led us to a few areas so we could catch a few different types of fish.
Bait-N-Bite
Bait-N-Bite
Donโ€™t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t expect too much on a 2 hour tour. Be realistic, and know you will still have a great time.
Captain Andy's Salty Adventures
Captain Andy's Salty Adventures
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be flexible and prepared to switch up the plan if game fish are not hitting.
Reef Runner Charters Key West
Reef Runner Charters Key West
If you are prone to getting seasick make sure to take something. Our trip today was very choppy but didnโ€™t bother any of us. They worked hard to find us fish to catch and it was a success!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you are prone to getting seasick make sure to take something. Our trip today was very choppy but didnโ€™t bother any of us. They worked hard to find us fish to catch and it was a success!
Ana Banana Fishing Charters (Cpt JoJo)
Ana Banana Fishing Charters (Cpt JoJo)
After Bryce cleaned our fish, we brought it to Lazy Days Restaurant and had a great dinner! They cook your fish for you and it was incredible. Highly recommend it!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
After Bryce cleaned our fish, we brought it to Lazy Days Restaurant and had a great dinner! They cook your fish for you and it was incredible. Highly recommend it!
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Spring time you need to get a charter boat for sure and get on the sheepshead. Very tough fish to catch but lot of fun when you get ahold of one.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Spring time you need to get a charter boat for sure and get on the sheepshead. Very tough fish to catch but lot of fun when you get ahold of one.
Emerald
Emerald "C" Fishing Charters
It was much better than I expected. I would bring a windbreaker as it was very windy on water.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was much better than I expected. I would bring a windbreaker as it was very windy on water.
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
Captain Jay Charters 2 (Bay Boat)
The day we went out was after a full moon so the biting was a bit slow but the captain was knowledgeable about the reefs and types of fishing and we still managed to get a fair few bites. Reccomend calling and asking about conditions and if itโ€™s a good time to go out.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The day we went out was after a full moon so the biting was a bit slow but the captain was knowledgeable about the reefs and types of fishing and we still managed to get a fair few bites. Reccomend calling and asking about conditions and if itโ€™s a good time to go out.
Reel E Sea Charters
Reel E Sea Charters

Fish Species Similar to Tilapia in Florida