Florida Flats Fishing Charters

Florida Flats Fishing Charters

Top Florida Flats Fishing Destinations

Best Flats Fishing Charters in Florida

Florida: 1363 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(117 reviews)
Holmes Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(72 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(121 reviews)
Holmes Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(191 reviews)
Santa Rosa Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $375

Flats Fishing in Florida

Some come to the Sunshine State for a vacation, some to see Harry Potter World, and some to catch their next trophy fish. That’s why, to passionate inshore anglers, Florida flats fishing needs no introduction.
 
With a wide array of sport fish, hundreds of miles of plentiful waters, and stunning scenery, Florida’s flats are the place in the country (and beyond) to land an Inshore Grand Slam.
 

What to Expect

One of the many reasons why flats fishing is so popular is because it’s available all year. Of course, there are peak seasons that vary for different species, but whenever you prowl these shallow waters (the depth varies from 2–7 feet), you’ll find something at the end of your line.
 
The flats are heaven on earth for all levels of anglers. Head out with the kids, spend your day chasing Redfish and Trout, and have a blast with the family. Seasoned fly fishermen come here for the challenge of catching spooky fish in crystal-clear, skinny waters. Want to hook the biggest Tarpon of your life? Yup, you’ve guessed it, they’re on the flats.
 
The Florida Keys are famous for superb flats fishing and they hide some of the most exciting inshore action you can find. Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon (also known as the “King of the flats”) are the most prized catches here, due to their speed, incredible fighting abilities, and the fact they’re anything but easy prey.
 
But this is just the high royalty of the flats. Other superstars include Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and Snook, which are very popular both in South Florida and around the Panhandle. In the north of the state, the abundant saltwater is also the playground of Barracuda, Cobia, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, and more.
 

How to Catch ‘Em

Light tackle is usually the name of the game, both because it’s fun and challenging, and you can use regular spinning gear or fly fishing equipment, depending on what you prefer.
 
During the summer and early fall months, you can go sight fishing for tailing fish. This is the time when the water surface is so calm that you can see the fins of the fish protruding out. Stealth is the key because the fish can easily spot you in the clear water and run away before you even see them.
 
Going after Tarpon on the fly is the ultimate fishing experience on the flats, and it will test your skills, patience, and strength. Just imagine having a 100 lb Tarpon and maneuvering around his aerial displays and headshakes – if that sounds exciting, it’s because it is!
 

What Trip to Choose

One thing is certain in Florida – there’s no lack of fishing charters to choose from. Whatever your fishing appetite, you’ll find a guide that will be able to accommodate you. Many captains specialize in flats fishing, and you can easily find anything from fun, family-oriented trips to fly fishing expeditions reserved for pros.
 
In general, shorter excursions are a great idea if you’re hitting the water with your little ones – 4–6 hours is more than enough time to catch some fish, learn a couple of tricks, and have fun. If there’s a particular species you’d like to target or hone your fishing skills, book a full day trip and fish on.
 

What to Bring

Another perk of flats fishing in Florida is that charters usually include all the gear, bait, and licenses you need. All you have to think about is sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun, as well as a supply of your favorite drinks and snacks. come aboard and your flats fishing adventure can begin!
Florida
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,445 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Florida

Bring sunscreen and beverages. Wear a hat or something to give you some shade. Sunglasses a must.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring sunscreen and beverages. Wear a hat or something to give you some shade. Sunglasses a must.
The Jig is Up Charters
The Jig is Up 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
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
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!
We were in Destin for a week and got one day when the wind was calm enough to go out. Fishing this time of year here is great but hard to plan in light of the variability in the wind.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We were in Destin for a week and got one day when the wind was calm enough to go out. Fishing this time of year here is great but hard to plan in light of the variability in the wind.
Above The Salt Charters
Above The Salt Charters
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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'
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
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)
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
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
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
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

Top Targeted Flats Fishing Species in Florida