Florida Tilapia Fishing Charters
Florida Tilapia Fishing Charters
Top Florida Tilapia Fishing Destinations
Top Florida Tilapia Fishing Destinations
Best Tilapia Fishing Charters in Florida
Best Tilapia Fishing Charters in Florida
Tilapia Fishing in Florida
Tilapia Fishing in Florida
- Size 1โ5 lbs (0.5โ2.5 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
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
4.6
/
5
Based on 28,582 reviews by FishingBooker anglers
What anglers said about Tilapia Fishing in Florida
What anglers said about Tilapia Fishing in Florida
Let the captain be your guide. They probably know better than you whatโs going to work the best.
5.0
/
5
Let the captain be your guide. They probably know better than you whatโs going to work the best.
All Caught Up Fishing Charters
April is windy so be ready for some lumpy days and even weather cancellations
5.0
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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
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.
Off The Hook โ Islamorada
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 โ Cowgirl II
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
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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
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
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
Yes great back bay fishing captain new way around the bay and where the fish were we used all the bait
5.0
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5
Yes great back bay fishing captain new way around the bay and where the fish were we used all the bait
Florida Excursions
Your trip is only as good as your captain! Captain Mike Sharpe, Is Knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend his charters!
5.0
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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
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
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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 โCโ Fishing Charters
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
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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
Find a captain that cares. Be careful of booking thru resorts. Weโve had bad experiences.
5.0
/
5
Find a captain that cares. Be careful of booking thru resorts. Weโve had bad experiences.
Two Trolls Sport Fishing
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 heโs 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
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 heโs 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.
Reel Pressure Inshore Fishing
If you want to catch fish the size of humans, just book it! You wonโt regret the decision!
5.0
/
5
If you want to catch fish the size of humans, just book it! You wonโt regret the decision!
Flat Bottom Fishing Charters
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
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
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
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5
Yes, pick the right captain and your will catch fish as well as see plenty of cool stuff.
Lock It Up Charters
Talk to your captain and tell them what you would like to catch and donโt 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
Talk to your captain and tell them what you would like to catch and donโt 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!
Floridaze Fishing Charters- Captiva
First time trip was great! Captain answered a million questions from us and hooked us up throughout the day!
5.0
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5
First time trip was great! Captain answered a million questions from us and hooked us up throughout the day!
Cross Em' Off Charters