Florida Offshore Fishing Charters

Florida Offshore Fishing Charters

Top Florida Offshore Fishing Destinations

Best Offshore Fishing Charters in Florida

Florida: 1389 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(120 reviews)
Miami Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $850
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(62 reviews)
St. Petersburg
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $599
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(451 reviews)
Panama City Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $600
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(46 reviews)
Miami Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $850

Offshore Fishing in Florida

It’s no wonder why Florida offshore fishing has captivated anglers from far and wide. You’ll find world class sportfishing everywhere you turn, whether it’s the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, or the Straits of Florida.

A collection of wrecks and reefs and the warm underwater current of the Gulf Stream host game fish large and small, from Snapper and Grouper to Marlin. Add to that Florida’s world famous sunshine and you have the recipe for a saltwater fishing paradise.

What to Catch and When

The waters surrounding The Sunshine State will keep you busy year-round. Bottom fish like Snapper and Grouper are always biting, anywhere from the deep sea to the wrecks and reefs just minutes from the dock.

If you’re after a big game trophy, it’s best to head out between spring and fall. These warmer months see large numbers of sport fish like Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Tuna. On the other hand, you’ll find Sailfish and Wahoo off the south coast in winter.

Every part of this state has something special to offer, you just need to be in the right place at the right time. Of course, this is no secret to the avid angler, which is why you’ll find countless Florida offshore fishing charters to help you make the most of it!

Fishing the Gulf

Local fishermen will tell you that Florida’s Gulf coast affords some of the best weather in the state. Panama City, Naples, Tampa, Clearwater, St. Pete Beach, Sarasota, and other destinations on this coast provide the perfect opportunity for some serious sport fishing 20+ miles offshore. Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’ll find excellent bottom fishing within state waters, just nine miles out.

Considered the Grouper capital of the world, there may be no better place for bottom fishing than right here on the west coast of Florida. You can also catch for Hogfish, various kinds of Snapper, and other bottom dwellers throughout much of the year.

Keep in mind that many Grouper species see seasonal closures, as do Red Snapper and Triggerfish. Red Snapper season typically opens for a couple of months in June or July. This is when the season for Gag Grouper also opens, usually for the rest of the year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posts these regulations and more online each year. 

The best time to target pelagic game fish in the Gulf is between March and November, when you can find King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda, Tuna, Sailfish, Bonito, and Sharks ready for the taking. In some months, you may even catch Wahoo and Mahi Mahi on a half day trip.

For a chance to catch the biggest and most prestigious fish in these waters, plan on a trip of eight hours or more. A full day trip will take you 25 miles out and beyond, where you can cast lines for Amberjack, Blackfin Tuna, and possibly Sailfish.

For some of the best deep sea fishing in Florida, charter a trip to the Bluewater 45+ miles offshore (often 10 hours or more). Fishing out here will bring you Wahoo, Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Swordfish. If you head out of Destin, Pensacola, and other destinations along the Panhandle you’ll reach deep water even sooner, meaning you can catch these deep sea pelagics on a shorter trip.

Fishing the Atlantic

While Florida’s west coast is known for unparalleled bottom fishing, the Atlantic side offers quick access to some intense big game fishing. St. Augustine, Daytona Beach, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, Jupiter, Stuart, and Miami are just a few of the hot spots you should add to your list. Fishing from many of these destinations will have you hooking into a pelagic prize within minutes of leaving the dock.

State waters on the Atlantic side of Florida stretch just three miles offshore—and in some cases, you won’t need to travel any farther than that for a chance to bring home bragging rights. Toward the south of Florida, the warm current of the Gulf Stream can come as close as 2-5 miles from shore, carrying large pelagic fish with it. This is why you’ll find anglers from Stuart to Miami fishing for Sailfish just 3 miles from shore in winter months!

A typical half day trip on this side of the state will see you fishing anywhere from half a mile to 20 miles offshore. You can enjoy a steady catch of various Snapper and Grouper throughout the year. In warmer months, these waters host King Mackerel, Cobia, Barracuda, Bonito, Sharks, and the occasional Mahi Mahi. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the odd Sailfish, Tarpon, Wahoo, or Blackfin Tuna this close to shore.

Full day trips take you into deeper water, where you can target Amberjack, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Sailfish along with Snapper and Grouper. Depending on where you fish, you’re likely to see these species peaking in spring and again in fall. The farther south you travel, the more productive the fishing becomes in winter months.

Fishing The Keys

The Keys are home to some of the best fishing in Florida, whether you plan on hitting the reefs or the open water offshore. With the reef line running roughly 4 miles from the coast, you can take advantage of these abundant waters year-round, often within minutes of leaving the dock.

Yellowtail Snapper, Grouper, Pompano, Cobia, Barracuda, Mackerel, and even Sailfish flock to the wrecks and reefs surrounding the Keys. The prime time for this fishery runs from October through April, and you can make the most of it whether you're fishing for a few hours or a full day (of course, local captains recommend a full day trip for a chance to catch more fish).

If your sights are set on the open waters, rest assured this little corner of the sea has something spectacular to offer no matter the season. Fishing between April and September is the perfect chance to land a Mahi Mahi, whereas Sailfish are consistently caught between November and March. In winter months you’ll also have a fair chance at landing Tuna, Wahoo, and much more.

For one of the most sought-after Billfish known to sport fishermen, book yourself a Swordfishing charter. You might catch this prize any time of year, but locals recommend fishing between May and November, when the waters are at their calmest. In the Keys you can target Swordfish just 25-45 miles offshore. Daytime and nighttime specialty charters for this species are both available.

How to Fish

Trolling for Pelagics

When it comes to offshore fishing in Florida, there’s no technique more tried and true than live bait trolling. This method will help you catch a wide variety of species, from Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, and Kingfish to Marlin. Depending on your target fish, Ballyhoo is a common choice of bait in addition to a variety of lures. 

Reef Fishing

Many consider reef fishing to mean bottom fishing, but this tactic involves much more. While fishing in the Keys, where a large variety of bottom fish and pelagic fish gather near the wrecks and reefs, you might find yourself bottom fishing, jigging, trolling, kite fishing, or even sight fishing.

Castling lines near the reefs will bring you Snapper, Grouper, Mackerel, Jacks, Pompano, Barracuda, Sharks, and Cobia. In the Keys, you might even hook into a Wahoo or Sailfish while you’re at it!

Bait for bottom fishing includes Pinfish, Mullet, Sardines, and frozen Squid. It’s common to target Snapper and Grouper with cut bait, though live bait may be more effective if you find yourself casting lines in a heavily fished area. 

Kite Fishing for Sailfish

There are several ways to catch Sailfish, but kite fishing with live bait (Ballyhoo or Mullet) tends to be the method of choice. This technique can even catch multiple fish at once.

You can also sight fish, drift fish, or slow troll for Sailfish. For exceptional Sailfishing, head to Miami, Jupiter, Stuart, or the Keys.

Deep Dropping for Swordfish

While Swordfishing in the Keys, you are likely to cast your line in 1,500-1,800 feet of water. Targeting this trophy involves a hand crank or an electric reel (often both) and you can expect the fight to last anywhere from 15 minutes to an entire day.

In the Gulf, you might target Swordfish 500-1,000 feet below, typically 60+ miles offshore.

Florida
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Offshore 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 Offshore Fishing Species in Florida