Florida Flats Fishing Charters

Florida Flats Fishing Charters

Top Florida Flats Fishing Destinations

Best Flats Fishing Charters in Florida

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 28,559 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Flats Fishing in Florida

Talk to your captain and tell them what you would like to catch and donโ€™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!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Talk to your captain and tell them what you would like to catch and donโ€™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!
Floridaze Fishing Charters- Captiva
Floridaze Fishing Charters- Captiva
Book a longer trip to catch multiple species, or offshore species, or a shorter trip if youโ€™re looking for a specific close to shore fish and are tighter on time.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a longer trip to catch multiple species, or offshore species, or a shorter trip if youโ€™re looking for a specific close to shore fish and are tighter on time.
Big One Charters, LLC
Big One Charters, LLC
Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.
Bluewater-Charter & Boat Excursions
Bluewater-Charter & Boat Excursions
We have used 5 different charters in Destin. Captain Si was by far the best. Use Nelson Charters. I wonโ€™t use anyone else from now on.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We have used 5 different charters in Destin. Captain Si was by far the best. Use Nelson Charters. I wonโ€™t use anyone else from now on.
Nelson Guide Company
Nelson Guide Company
Don't necessarily expect to catch your target fish, but enjoy the variety of fish that you do catch.
Excellent
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
Native Guided Fishing Tampa, Florida
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 ?.
Excellent
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
Native Fishing Charters
Jason is a great Captain for an outing with inexperienced fishermen. He is helpful, patient, and very knowledgeable.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Jason is a great Captain for an outing with inexperienced fishermen. He is helpful, patient, and very knowledgeable.
4thStoryCharters
4thStoryCharters
Water is fairly shallow so it does not get rough. Few weeds and obstructions. Easy fishing.
Excellent
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
Fish With a Pro - Lake Okeechobee
Die beste Saison soll scheinbar im circa Dezember/Januar oder im Juli/August sein. April ist trotzdem eine gute Zeit, fรผr Anfรคnger sogar ideal. Es muss ja nicht gleich ein Hai oder Tuna sein ?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Die beste Saison soll scheinbar im circa Dezember/Januar oder im Juli/August sein. April ist trotzdem eine gute Zeit, fรผr Anfรคnger sogar ideal. Es muss ja nicht gleich ein Hai oder Tuna sein ?
Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
Chef Charles The Fishing Chef
Charming little town where the small-scale fishing industry is on full-display
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Charming little town where the small-scale fishing industry is on full-display
Tides Turn Fishing Charters
Tides Turn Fishing Charters
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. โ˜น๏ธ But we had a great dinner of of a large snook. ?
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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. โ˜น๏ธ But we had a great dinner of of a large snook. ?
Dragonfly Charters
Dragonfly Charters
Book with Cora Beth!! They are an easy going, fun and helpful crew that will ensure you have a blast (and catch fish!)!!
Excellent
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
Cora Beth Fishing
Not a lot in season but if you donโ€™t care about keeping your fish then itโ€™s loads of fun
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not a lot in season but if you donโ€™t care about keeping your fish then itโ€™s loads of fun
Too Hot 2 Handle Charters
Too Hot 2 Handle Charters
Would highly recommend Glenn . He was very knowledgeable and amazing with the kids !!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Would highly recommend Glenn . He was very knowledgeable and amazing with the kids !!
Inshore Odyssey Inshore Fishing
Inshore Odyssey Inshore Fishing
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.
Excellent
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
Drop Off Sportfishing
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!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
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!
Singing Reel Charters
Singing Reel Charters
Take the full day of fishing. It is tiring, but gives you a much better chance of catching some nice fish.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Take the full day of fishing. It is tiring, but gives you a much better chance of catching some nice fish.
YB Normal
YB Normal
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.
Excellent
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
Native Fishing Charters
Captain Ed, personable, service minded, found the fish, provided a great experience, great fun. I'd recommend Fishstick
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Captain Ed, personable, service minded, found the fish, provided a great experience, great fun. I'd recommend Fishstick
Fishstick Fishing Charters
Fishstick Fishing Charters
Waters can be a bit choppy in April. For an amazing experience, if there is a slight possibility you may get sea sick, be sure to take something ahead of time.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Waters can be a bit choppy in April. For an amazing experience, if there is a slight possibility you may get sea sick, be sure to take something ahead of time.
Mahi Mania Fishing Charters
Mahi Mania Fishing Charters Tampa, Florida

Top Targeted Flats Fishing Species in Florida