Florida Fishing Charters

Easily find a Florida fishing guide that fits your needs. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Florida

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

Offshore Big Game Trip

100% (15)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $117 / person

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $158 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Offshore Thrills

100% (12)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 / person
Damn Good

Duck, Goose, Inshore, Invasive Species, Lake, River Fishing, Hunting Charter in Plantation

Iguana Hunt/Peacock Bass Combo With Retriever Dog

100% (9)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $189 / person

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Trip - 44' Custom

100% (17)
44 ft 1 - 6 People From $225 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Ocean Thrills With Captain Don

100% (12)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $175 / person

Most Popular Types of Trips in Florida

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

Fishing Charters In Florida

Are you looking for an amazing fishing experience in Destin Florida? Join Captain Jake on an outrageous offshore slam! Get casting off on his 27' Sea Hunt center console equipped with twin 400HP Yamaha engines that launch the boat at up to 45 knots. Although this boat is great for families, all passengers must be above five years old. All anglers will have the opportunity to hook into lunker Redfish, Kingfish, Snapper, and Grouper. Captain Jake can host up to 6 fishermen at a time aboard his vessel. If weather conditions are right he can take you a little further out to fight monster Amberjack and Cobia. Whatever you catch, be prepared to take home and cook! Captain Jake will clean and fillet your fish free of charge. To bring home a delicious dinner, you will be using live bait to bottom fish the depths of the Gulf. The live bait well stores a variety of different baitfish, so you can experiment with trying several techniques. You will also be trolling using the wireless trolling motor, so just sit back, enjoy the sunshine, and wait for the scream of the reels. Captain Jake will provide all rods, bait, and gear necessary for an amazing day on the water. Just bring food, drinks, or even snorkeling equipment for underwater sightseeing. Don't worry - there is a bathroom on board so the half day journey is as comfortable as possible. No matter your fishing level or knowledge, this trip will be a truly unforgettable experience. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Offshore Blitz: Half-Day Dash

100% (3)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $174 / person

Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Join Captain Tim aboard his luxurious 45' Hatteras sportfisher and set out on the crystal-clear waters of Fort Lauderdale, FL in search of trophy Sailfish, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Bonita, Shark, Marlin, Barracuda, Snapper, Grouper, Cobia, and Kingfish. These species are a blast to catch and offer something for every angler. As you cruise out to the best fishing spots, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the coast and a chance to spot dolphins and other marine life. Once you've arrived at your destination, it's time to troll some lines and let the fun begin! With Captain Tim's expert guidance, you'll be reeling in these sought-after species in no time. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, you'll have an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Tim. You'll employ a few different techniques to land the fish, including trolling, bottomfishing, and even kite fishing! Whatever you want to catch, Captain Tim will do his utmost to get you on 'em! Captain Tim's 45' Hatteras sportfisher is a top-of-the-line fishing vessel, equipped with tons of gear and outfitted with amenities to improve your experience. She's powered by twin Detroit 8v-71 engines with a total of 700 horsepower, and features a cabin and flybridge, plus bait wells, ice boxes and more! Get out there and see what luxury fishing in Fort Lauderdale is all about! Fishing License, Ice Box, Water, Rods, Reels, Tackle & Fighting Chair included. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

Unforgettable Day Offshore

89% (9)
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $142 / person
Damn Good

Head out for a half, 3/4 or full day Epic Fishing trip in the beautiful Florida Keys fishing for Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Permit, Mangrove Snapper, Shark, Goliath Grouper, Spanish Mackerel, and much more! Captain Ron is an Islamorada Veteran with over 42 years of Experience chartering fishing trips in the Keys. Per his expert opinion, he recommends half-day 4-hour trips for novice anglers and families with kids. The 6-hour trip is more involved and gives you and your group more time to try different spots, and catch a variety of fish species that the Keys has to offer. And for those fishermen looking to catch everything, that one big fish, or try for the Backcountry slam, Captain Ron recommends the 8-hour full-day trip! No matter which trip you choose, Captain Ron will supply the fishing gear, and you should bring snack, drinks, a cap, sunblock, sunglasses and a camera. Come along and Enjoy!! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Epic Islamorada Inshore

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $175 / person

Climb aboard with Captain Mike for an epic half, 3/4, or full-day experience off the coast of the beautiful Florida Keys! Whether you want to spend a half day near-shore, spend some extra time to go off-shore, or even do a little of both, this luxurious 63' custom built sportfisher will meet all your needs. Trolling the open waters can produce hard fighting species like Amberjacks, Sailfish and Mahi. Trolling trips are great because the boat and the knowledge of your captain take care of half the work for you. You get to sit back, relax, enjoy the sweet sea breeze, and rest your arms while you wait for the reel to start screaming and your work to begin! Bottom fishing changes the target species to an entirely different set of fish. You can expect delicious and hard-fighting reef species like Snapper, Grouper and Amberjacks! Captain Mike will provide all the fishing gear you need to catch some picture-worthy fish. All that’s left to do is bring some food, drinks and sunscreen, and cast off with Captain Mike! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Stock Island

Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip

100% (1)
63 ft 1 - 12 People From $167 / person

Are you ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime? Come join Captain Steve or Captain Tucker on board their beautiful 34' Crusader sportfishing vessel, and get out there on a thrilling charter fishing trip in the beautiful waters of Clearwater, FL! On this offshore trip, you'll be targeting a range of species across the whole water column. Up towards the surface, you'll troll and cast for Barracuda, Kingfish, Bonito,and Spanish Mackerel, while down on the bottom you'll drop lines for Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just looking to try your hand at fishing, our experienced captains and crew have got you covered. The 34' Crusader is a purpose-built fishing vessel equipped with top-of-the-line fishing gear, comfortable seating, restrooms, and all the amenities you need for a successful day on the water. Licensed to carry up to 6 passengers, this safe, clean, comfortable vessel carries state-of-the-art Furuno GPS bottom-sounder and radar and is equipped with Coast Guard approved safety equipment, EPIRB radio beacon, life preservers, flares, and throwable life ring. There is a bathroom, tuna tower, outriggers for offshore trolling, fish-fighting chairs, and plenty of seating on board. 4 hour, 5 hour, and 6 hour charters are offered in the morning and afternoon and are generally bottom fishing in winter and trolling in spring, summer, and fall. 8 hour, 10 hour, and 12 hour charters require a morning departure (7am at the latest) and are the perfect length for bottom fishing, trolling, and live baiting. Red snapper season begins June 1st through July and requires a 10 or 12 hour trip! Captain Steve and Captain Tucker have over 35 years of fishing experience out of Clearwater combined, so you'll be in great hands when you set out to bag some fish! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (4)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $147 / person
Damn Good

Get out there and enjoy a fun, laid-back light tackle sportfishing trip on beautiful Tampa Bay. On this trip with Captain Wade, you'll be going after classic species including snook, redfish, seatrout, and more! There are multiple options for your adventure, so you can find what's best for you. On the three-hour charter, you'll get a great introduction to Tampa Bay and have time to catch multiple species of fish. This is ideal for visitors, first-timers, couples, seniors, or parents with children of all ages. Of course, you'll be treated to professional, family-friendly service and courteous expert instruction. Four hours provides a greater opportunity to cover a larger area of Tampa Bay and catch more fish. Many people find this amount of time ideal for entertaining friends, clientele or hosting bachelor parties. Have a blast, while competing to see who catches the biggest fish or most fish. Six hours is highly recommended to maximize your fishing adventure on Tampa Bay. This charter is ideal for avid anglers, and enthusiasts looking to hone their inshore angling skills. Experience fishing numerous grass flats, mangrove shorelines, oyster beds, creeks and back-bays. No matter the adventure you select, you'll have a great time fishing with Captain Wade! He provides premium spin, fly or plug fishing tackle such as G-Loomis, Penn, Sage and Tibor. Live-bait, flies, artificial lures, ice, bottled drinking water and sunscreen lotion is also provided. He will also fillet, bag, and ice your catch, should you decide to keep some fish for lunch or dinner! His 24' Sheaffer is an ideal boat for fishing this inshore environment and was refurbished in 2022 with brand-new electronics and motor. Get out there and enjoy all that Tampa Bay has to offer! Afishionado, "Always an Adventure." Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Tampa

Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $100 / person

Capt. Scott is a USCG licensed 100 Ton Master Captain and has been fishing and diving the waters out of Ponce Inlet for over 25 years. Capt. Scott has competed in numerous offshore fishing tournaments, winning the Inaugural Fish Stock tournament in 2003 (formally the Striker). My father and grandfather first took me fishing when I was 5 years old. Over the years I have developed a passion and appreciation for the ocean and all the wonders it has to offer. I have caught monster fish, swam with wild dolphins, turtles, sharks and majestic Manta Rays, but most importantly I have experiences and memories that will never be forgotten. Allow me to share my passion with you, your family and friends and help you create the memories that will last a life time. ​ Captain Scott is the owner and operator. Captain Scott is a tournament-winning fisherman, who has been fishing these waters since 1989, and has his 100-ton USCG Captain’s License. Capt. Scott spends several days each week spear fishing, he can see firsthand where the fish are and what various bottom structures actually look like. He also maintains good relationships with other commercial fishermen and captains which provides an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and notes on recent fishing patterns. If you are serious about fishing or would like to introduce your family to a new experience, please give us a call. We look forward to helping you make the memories of a life time. I started fishing when I was 5 years old. In 1989 I moved to Central Florida to attend Stetson University, became a certified scuba diver, and have been diving and fishing out of Ponce Inlet ever since. Although I have landed plenty of monsters, I now find more enjoyment helping others experience the thrill of landing the fish of a lifetime. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Daytona Beach

Ledges And Reef Run

100% (6)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $117 / person

Get ready to explore the stunning inshore waters of Fort Lauderdale, Florida with Captain Brian on board his 22' Pathfinder center console! With some of the best inshore fishing grounds in the region, you'll have the chance to reel in a variety of game fish, including Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and even Tarpon. Captain Brian has years of experience fishing these waters and knows just where to take you for the best chance of landing a trophy catch. His 22' Pathfinder center console is fully equipped with all the latest fishing gear and technology, so you can focus on hooking your dream fish! As you navigate through the intricate waterways, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and other marine wildlife. The inshore waters of Fort Lauderdale are teeming with life, and you never know what you might spot on your journey. Once you reach your fishing destination, get ready for the action to heat up. Jack Crevalle, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Tarpon are all known for their acrobatic leaps and fierce fighting, making for an exhilarating fishing experience. But don't worry—Captain Brian has the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the entire process, from hooking the fish to bringing it aboard. With stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the chance to catch some of the most sought-after game fish in the area, this is a fishing trip you won't want to miss. Book your inshore fishing charter with Captain Brian today and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Fort Lauderdale

"Locked In" Inshore Fishing

100% (4)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $113 / person

Have you ever wanted to catch that once-in-a-lifetime fish, capture that awe-inspiring sunset, or enjoy an unforgettable day with your family on the water? With Captain John, you can do just that. Spend your half, 3/4, full or extended day trip exploring the beautiful flats around Key West as you chase down tarpon, permit, barracuda, sharks, snappers and more. This back country/flats charter is a popular choice for both longtime anglers and families because of its wide range of fishing opportunities. Hop on the 24' Yellowtail and the highly-rated Captain John will take you where you need to be. Your adventure will begin at the dock as Captain John explains what you can expect on your trip. No detail will be left out or question unanswered in order to make your trip exciting, educational, and memorable. Be sure to bring any beverages or snacks you might need, and Captain John will provide everything else. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West "Flex" Sportfishing

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $163 / person

Get out on the waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay and shoot some fish on this trip with Captain Joey! This nighttime bowfishing trip is typically action-packed, and it's a perfect opportunity to go after fish in a way that most fishermen have never tried. On this trip, you'll be bowfishing the Choctawhatchee Bay and the inshore water surrounding Destin, FL. It's a perfect area for shooting Spadefish, Shark, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Mullet, and Rays! These fish are active and unafraid at night, making them perfect targets for a little bit of bowfishing. Captain Joey's 20' Carolina Skiff is an ideal boat for this water and this type of fishing. She had a full renovation in 2017, and now features a raised platform for spotting fish, plus a new Suzuki 115 HP 4-stroke engine to put you on the fish fast. She also has a powerful electronic trolling motor for quiet, efficient movement in shallow water. Plus, she has six 200-Watt LED lights to totally illuminate the underwater environment. Captain Joey will provide everything you need for your trip, including all the bowfishing gear. Just remember proper clothing, sun protection, a pair of polarized sunglasses to spot fish, and a cooler for your catch. Bring your A-game and get ready to whack some fish! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Fort Walton Beach

Nighttime Bowfishing Adventure

100% (3)
20 ft 1 - 6 People From $104 / person
Damn Good

Captain Mark will guide you on a thrilling adventure through the waters of Key West, Florida! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Mark’s 36-foot sportfisher, which is equipped with two 750 HP engines that will get you out to your destination quickly and seamlessly. She can accommodate up to 6 adventurous anglers and has a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and ice box. On this 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12-hour trip, you’ll be targeting a wide variety of species, including Billfish, like White Marlin and Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Mutton Snapper, and Amberjack. You might also catch a few sharks. Prepare yourself to feel the intense power of this apex predator as you reel it in. The longer you go, the farther out you can travel, and the farther out you travel, the bigger the fish get! Don’t forget to bring a cooler to take home your day’s catch, food and drinks for the day (no glass), sunscreen, and a hat. Captain Mark will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and fishing licenses. Let go of your daily responsibilities and have some fun fishing with Captain Mark! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Fishing Slam

NEW
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 / person

Looking a fun and enjoyable charter out of Clearwater, FL? This trip with Captain Brad is a Clearwater fishing charter at it’s finest! On this trip, you can enjoy some of the world's best bottom fishing, hooking up Groupers, Snappers, Hogfish, and many other species on light to heavy tackle. If you're looking for some thrilling fishing, you can also go after iconic Florida species such as Tarpon and Sharks, both of which are a blast to catch for any angler. You'll be out there on board Captain Brad's 33' Dusky center console. She's a super versatile vessel that's ideal for mixing it up and fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore. Plus, with tons of amenities and a twin 300-HP Suzuki engines, she'll get you out there quickly and comfortably. Captain Brad will supply everything you need for an awesome day on the water, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Book a trip with him and see what Clearwater has to offer! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Fishing

100% (6)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $125 / person

Climb aboard with Captain Srbo for an inshore adventure! You will be Push poled around the mangrove banks where the fish are plentiful and the waters calm. You will be casting light tackle in the hopes of getting a bite from one of the many inshore species such as, Flounder, Mangrove Snapper, Redfish, Tarpon, Snook, and Speckled Trout. Up to 3 guests can fit on the 18’ Sterling TR7 flats boat, plus the captain. The vessel is powered by a 60hp Mercury engine. Captain Srbo will bring all the equipment you need for an amazing trip, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. When you get back to the dock he will clean and package your catch so you can take home a delicious dinner. He will bring snacks and water and arizona ice tea for the trip but feel free to bring along anything extra you may like. You should bring sun protection and sunglasses! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach Inshore Fishing

100% (11)
18 ft 1 - 3 People From $116 / person

Captain Rich runs affordable back bay, inshore, and nearshore private fishing charter and guide services located on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. His operation is family-owned and operated by the native Irishman, himself, Capt Rich! His passion for fishing grew stronger than ever when he moved to Florida and began fishing the Gulf of Mexico. With over 20 years of knowledge and experience on Fort Myers Beach, Capt Rich set out to pursue his dream in sharing a love of fishing with others. Captain Rich prides himself on running fun charters for all ages as he offers a variety of fishing trips for four, six, and eight hour trips targeting Redfish, Snapper, Snook, Trout, Grouper, Shark and more! On this Fort Myers Beach Back Bay Fishing Charters, Captain Rich will show you how to hook into Redfish, Sheepshead, Snapper, Snook, Trout, Shark, and more! Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you also come across dolphins, manatees, manta rays, turtles, native waterbirds, and other exotic wildlife as you fish the mangroves of Southwest Florida. All charters are tailored for private parties so let Captain Rich know what species your looking to chase, and he will work to make your dreams a reality! ​ Captain Rich will provide all the poles, bait, and fun! All he asks is that you bring along whatever food and beverages you wish, as well as coolers and ice if you need them. In Fort Myers, FL, it is very important to protect your skin. We encourage all passengers to pack hats, sunglasses, and sun screen (SPF 50+). Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Myers Beach

Back Bay Trip – 27’ Carolina

100% (7)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $133 / person
Damn Good

Hop on board with Captain Andrew for an exciting day of fishing the flats! Key Largo is a fantastic spot to catch some of the sought-after inshore fish that Florida is known for in, a remarkably beautiful setting. On this trip, Captain Andrew will take you through the Everglades mangroves or along the coast, where you can expect to target a selection of fish including Barracuda, Bluefish, Bonefish, Jack Crevalle, Mangrove Snapper, Permit, Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Tarpon, and Tripletail. You'll be drift fishing with light tackle and choosing from a selection of live bait or artificial lures. Depending on what you want to catch, Captain Andrew will get your rod set up with what the fish are biting and give you some of his certified "Damn Good Guide" tips! You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Andrew’s 24’ Pathfinder bay boat with a capacity for 6 people. Powered by a 300 HP Yamaha engine, she'll get you to where the fish are biting, even in hard-to-reach waters. This vessel comes equipped with GPS, a Flybridge, Snorkeling Equipment, a Live Bait Well, a Wireless Trolling Motor, and Spearfishing Equipment. Captain Andrew will provide all rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, water, and fishing licenses. He will even clean any keepers you catch. All you need to bring is any snacks or drinks you might need, weather appropriate gear, sun protection (no spray sunscreen please!), a camera, and a cooler to take home your catches. Come aboard with Captain Andrew and catch some fish! Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Adventure

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $133 / person

Come and explore a range of exciting fishing with Captain Brad. Based out of Marathon, FL you’ll have access to several kinds of fishing. Flats, reefs, and wrecks in the close offshore waters are just on your doorstep. The fishing is hot year-round, and Captain Brad carried with him a lifetime’s experience on the waters. On these shorter trips will see you head to the nearshore reefs and wrecks to reel yellowtail, mangrove, and mutton snapper, along with grouper, mackerel, and barracuda. With its beautiful coral reefs, Marathon is directly in the middle of 170 mile long natural reef. You can also motor a little further offshore to troll for some delicious species like Spanish and King Mackerel and maybe even a Blackfin Tuna! Note: for these shorter trips it's usually either-or. Whatever you choose, head out to sea aboard a 40’ D&A Custom sportisher. A versatile vessel, she’s suited to all kinds of fishing. While 4 people can fish at once, there’s plenty of space for 2 more to relax and enjoy the tropical scenery. Bring your own drinks and snacks to put in the captain’s cooler – just also bring an ice box for your catch. Powered by twin 480 HP Cummins engines, and with the onboard fishfinder and GPS, you’ll hit the sweet spots right away. The Florida Keys are a beautiful location to catch some of the finest fish in the world, so get out there with Captain Brad for the trip of a lifetime! Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Marathon Premier Fishing

100% (8)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $158 / person

Hop on board with Captain Jake for an awesome day of bay fishing! The Pensacola inshores are a fantastic spot to chase after some of the prized fish that Florida is known for without heading too far form the dock. Captain Jake's inshore adventures will explore the inland waterways of scenic Pensacola Bay. Depending on the season, some of the species you might encounter are redfish, speckled trout, mangrove snapper, sheepshead, flounder, and others! You are welcome to get as involved as you would like with your adventure as well, whether you'd rather lounge until the reel starts screaming or if you want your hand on the rod the whole time, Captain Jake can make it happen! Beyond superior service and luxurious amenities, Captain Jake also provides the best rods, reels, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water. Thus, all you need to bring are your favorite lunch, snack, and drink, your sun protection, maybe a towel, and your camera! Otherwise, Captain Jake will take care of the rest to make the most of your Pensacola saltwater adventure! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Pensacola

Bay Fishing Bonanza

100% (6)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $163 / person

Climb aboard with Captain John and experience an action-packed day of fishing in Key West, Florida. If you have never been to Key West before, you’re missing out! And if you’re looking for a knowledgeable charter captain to take you out, Captain John is a great choice. As a 5th generation fisherman in Key West, Captain John knows exactly where the fish bite. Test your casting accuracy as you target Amberjack, Cobia, Goliath Grouper, African Pompano, Sailfish, Bull SharkYellowtail Snapper, Swordfish, Blackfin Tuna, and many more species. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain John’s 33-foot center console equipped with two 300 HP engines. She also has a GPS, fishfinder, flybridge, live bait well, outriggers, and tuna tubes. Fish Daily Charters will provide Spearfishing Equipment and Snorkeling equipment free of charge if you’re interested. Captain John welcomes 6 anglers on these 4, 6, and 8-hour adventures. Make sure you bring food and drinks for the day (preferably no glass) as well as a hat and sunscreen. Captain John will provide all licenses, rods, reels, lures, and tackle. They will also prepare live bait before the trip, although you can catch the bait during the trip if you’d like. For the 6-and 8-hour trips, a first mate will be on board to help you at all times. They will help you clean and fillet your fish at the end of the trip. Whatever your skill level, there is a fish out here with your name on it. Come and join Captain John for an exciting day of fishing! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key West

Key West Offshore Action

83% (6)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $150 / person
See All Trips in Florida

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Florida

What are the best fishing charters in Florida?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1349 trips in Florida, and the most popular trips in the area are Offshore Big Game Trip guided by Bryan, Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, and Offshore Thrills guided by Paul.

Our guides in Florida are rated a 4.91 out of 5 based on 2354 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

The most popular cities to book a charter in Florida are Destin, Islamorada and Key West.

Looking for kid friendly charters in Florida? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Florida.

What types of fishing charters are common in Florida?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular in Florida as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Florida are: 1. kingfish, 2. redfish, 3. mangrove snapper, and 4. mahi mahi.

The most common fishing techniques in Florida are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but trolling and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do Florida fishing charters cost?

in Florida prices can range anywhere from an affordable $69 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip in Florida is $1,084. The average price for a full day trip in Florida is $1,994.

What month is best for fishing in Florida?

The most popular season for fishing in Florida is spring, and most anglers book their trips 25 days in advance.

Do I need a Florida fishing license and what are the bag limits in Florida?

If you’re thinking about a saltwater trip, you’re in luck! Our saltwater fishing tours in Florida don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. For freshwater trips, you’ll still need to purchase a license. See here for more information on fishing licenses, bag limits, and fishing season regulations in Florida. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations.

Fishing in the Sunshine State

Florida is known as the “Fishing Capital of the World,” and for good reason: with some of the best sport fishing year round in the Gulf of Mexico, incredible access to the continental shelf along the Atlantic Coast, and over 30,000+ lakes, Florida houses the most diverse set of species and the best fishing in the United States.

We can’t say it enough, Florida fishing is where it’s at all year round. While some migratory species (like billfish) will still have peak and ebb seasons, you will find fun on the water no matter when you visit.

Fishing Florida's Coasts

**Florida Inshore Fishing**

Inshore fishing in Florida includes everything within one nautical mile along either the Gulf or Atlantic coast. This will give you access to estuaries, bays, intercoastal waterways, and saltwater flats all along both coasts. The diversity of bays and flats across Florida make it a world-class inshore fishery. Beginners and experts alike flock here for everything from a family friendly redfish outing in the bay to a chance at a permit on the fly.

**Florida Nearshore Fishing**

Nearshore fishing in Florida will take you out to deeper waters with bigger fish, but remaining within sight of the coast. These warm waters are some of the best Florida has to offer where fish of all sizes can be found among the wrecks and reefs. Staying nearshore will reduce the travel time and increase the time you can spend fishing. Florida’s state waters are a great spot to bottom fish for snapper and grouper, fish the surf for pompano, and even troll for spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia and more.

**Florida Offshore Fishing**

Heading offshore in Florida takes you into the deep blue, federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or the Atlantic Ocean depending on which coast you’re on. If you’re staying in the Keys, you’ll even have access to both, making Florida very unique. Commonly, good fishing begins anywhere from 20 to 30 miles away from the coast. The blue waters of Florida are some of the best places to be able to catch a multitude of trophy fish migrating through such as tuna and sailfish, as well as other seasonal fish like mahi-mahi.

Top Saltwater Catches in Florida

**Inshore Target Species in Florida**

**Snook Fishing in Florida**

The warm coastal waters of Florida provide the perfect fishing for snook as they prefer water above 60 degrees. They can be found cruising the saltwater flats, patrolling rivers, and even right off the beach or under bridges.

**Tarpon Fishing in Florida**

The silver kings of the sea, tarpon, are a prehistoric fish that have been around for 125 million years, and now reside in the warm waters of Florida's shoreline. These beautiful, metallic fish are known for being stubborn, strong, and highly acrobatic, and will test any angler’s skills.

**Bonefish Fishing in Florida**

Bonefish, or gray ghosts, are elusive fish that are highly regarded by anglers in their difficulty to catch. Florida, especially the Keys, are one of the most renowned locations to fish for them, as they cruise the flats at up to 40 mph.

**And more!**

Florida’s coasts are full of a diverse range of fish, giving you access to permit, pompano, mangrove snapper, and more.

**Nearshore Target Species in Florida**

**Grouper Fishing in Florida**

There are several species of grouper that live in Florida, including the black and gag groupers. They are stocky, stubborn, and often territorial. Florida water’s are a perfect environment for them to hide amongst rocks, reefs, and wrecks waiting for some bait to drop by.

**Snapper Fishing in Florida**

Red snapper, vermillion snapper, lane snapper, yellowtail snapper, if you want snapper, Florida has them. With over 12 species of snapper around the state, there are plenty to choose from. Although they can often be found among the reefs and wrecks in statewater, different species will travel both inshore and offshore, so if there’s a particular species you’re seeking, it’s important to check where they’ll be at that time of year.

**Tripletail Fishing in Florida**

Tripletail can be found in great numbers in the nearshore waters of Florida gathering around free floating masses in the water such as grass mats and even trash. This makes them great for sight casting, and will put up an acrobatic fight full of long runs.

**And more!**

Although these three make up the nearshore grand slam for Florida, there are some other great fish to be found along the reefs and wrecks like Spanish mackerel, kingfish, cobia, and more.

**Offshore Target Species in Florida**

**Mahi Mahi Fishing in Florida**

Mahi mahi literally means “strong strong” and when you get hooked on a line with one, you’ll discover that first hand. In the late spring and summer months, Florida is the place to find these dolphinfish, dophin, dorado, whatever you want to call them, you’ll find them.

**Sailfish Fishing in Florida**

The cheetahs of the ocean, sailfish, are a highly prized target for trophy fishing in Florida. Atlantic sailfish can be found cruising the deep waters as they migrate along the Gulf and Atlantic coast November through February, and sometimes even as late as April.

**Wahoo Fishing in Florida**

Wahoo are fierce predators, favored by anglers for their leap, jumping clear out of the water when on the line. They are even known to make last minute attacks on lures right at the edge of the boat. Wahoo can be found around the coasts of Florida year round, but are best in the summer months. It is rumored that they thrive after a full moon, giving you the chance to say you really caught a monster.

**And more!**

Catching these three big guys will give you the title of the Florida deep water grand slam, but there’s plenty more to catch out there. From amberjack, tuna, and more there’s plenty of water to search and big fish to be found.

**Top Freshwater Catches in Florida**

**Peacock Bass**

The lakes and canal banks of Florida are one of the few places that give you access to some exotic freshwater fish like peacock bass and clown knifefish. These bucket list fish are prime at dusk and dawn, and will give you a chance to see their golden halos shine in the sunshine.

**Hybrid Striped Bass**

Hybrid striped bass, or stripers, are another bucket list fish that have been stocked in freshwater lakes and rivers across Florida. They can be found in deep water of the lakes, and cruising river channels throughout the day, depending on the time of year, and are a finicky fish but well worth the reward.

**Largemouth Bass**

Largemouth bass are an iconic freshwater fish of the United States, and are known to Floridians as the “Florida bass.” They don’t claim these bass as their own for no reason, Florida is home to some excellent largemouth fishing, and tend to be much larger than their northern brothers.

Best Places to Fish Florida’s Saltwater

**The Emerald Coast**

**Destin**

Some of the best fishing to be done in the world is in the Panhandle of Florida, and Destin is the perfect location to seek it. Originally founded by fishermen, Destin is known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” due to having a wide selection of fish variety, access directly to the Gulf of Mexico, and having one of the nation’s largest commercial fishing fleets. The “100-fathom curve” is just 12 miles offshore, which is some of the deepest of the Gulf. With year round fishing for snapper, shark, tarpon and more Destin offers everything from inshore fishing to offshore, as well as plenty of tourism activities to enjoy if you can get yourself off the water long enough.

**Pensacola & Pensacola Beach**

Pensacola and Pensacola Beach (PCB), are known for excellent reef fishing, with both natural and artificial reefs providing the area with plenty of grouper, snapper, triggerfish, sharks, and more. In fact, it was once known as the “Red Snapper Capital of the World,” only now beaten by Orange Beach, AL. With access to the river channel, three bays, and the Gulf of Mexico, there are many different ecosystems to explore inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing.

**The Gulf Coast**

**Tampa**

The Tampa area has hot summers and moderate winters, making for excellent weather with a year-round bite. From half-day Tampa flats fishing, to multi-day deep sea trips, and everything in between there’s plenty of fishing to be done once you escape the crowds of the theme parks.

**St. Petersburg & Clearwater**

St. Petersburg is considered to have a medley of fertile flats, mangrove-lined shores, canals, and barrier islands that provide excellent inshore fishing. Further to Clearwater adds all of these and shallow bayous. When you combine this amazing inshore fishing, to the area’s access to the Gulf and remote reefs, a prime fishing spot is created.

Sarasota

With access to Sarasota Bay, full of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines, as well as Big Sarasota Pass and New Pass that lead to the Gulf of Mexico, there are a variety of fish to be caught in Sarasota. The mix of salt and freshwater creates an estuary that is prime for both bait and gamefish to flourish.

**Fort Myers**

Way down yonder on the Caloosahatchee, the prime inshore waters of Fort Myers can be found, with just a short boat ride to the Gulf of Mexico. With the Caloosahatchee River, Estero Bay, miles and miles of canals and intertidal creeks, combined with great weather, there are some excellent fisheries to catch tarpon, snook, shark and more.

**Florida Keys**

**Islamorada**

Islamorada is about one third of the way down the Keys, and is considered the “Fishing Capital of Florida.” Being next to Florida Bay, as well as having access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean gives anglers in Islamorada the advantage of being able to fish nearly every species that swims. The Gulf Stream is also only around 10 to 20 miles offshore, bringing sailfish, marlin, tuna and more closer to shore.

**Key West**

The Gulf Stream also travels close to Key West, making deep-sea fishing easily accessible from there as well. However what’s really special about Key West is the gathering of Atlantic tarpon, the silver kings. When waters warm during the late spring, tarpon will make their yearly migratory stop. This is the perfect time to get the Key West grand slam - tarpon, bonefish, and permit.

**Key Largo**

Key Largo is a great place to fish because it is a great place for fish. This is because warm, nutrient-rich water from the Caribbean Basin, mix with water flowing from the Everglades and Florida Bay. Key Largo is also the unofficial entrance to the keys, being only an hour away from Miami, making it an easy fishing destination to go to.

**Marathon**

The ability to go fishing year round in Marathon is just one of the reasons that fishing there is so popular. With beautiful, warm weather year round the fish are always biting. The other big draw is the ease of fishing in so many different environments. From fishing flats for tarpon and bonefish, to heading offshore for everything from mahi-mahi to sailfish, Marathon has it all.

**Gold Coast**

**Miami**

Usually when people first think of Miami they think of the big city with high-rise condos and a booming nightlife, however just a short boat ride away there’s an escape from the busy city into the blue waters of the Atlantic coast fisheries. Between Biscayne Bay and the Bahamas only an hour away, there’s plenty of fishing to be done inshore and among the reefs offshore. Spend the day in the bays and flats for snook and redfish, or head out to catch the current sailfish cruise.

**Fort Lauderdale**

Fort Lauderdale is a special spot for fishing because within a 20 minute drive, you can fish both fresh and saltwater. The Atlantic waters surrounding Fort Lauderdale are teeming with life, and heading right off the beach or Hollywood Boardwalk into the crystal waters to do some inshore fishing snook or tarpon, or offshore for some billfish is the perfect place to start.

**West Palm Beach**

There is great fishing both inshore and offshore in West Palm Beach, however one of the biggest highlights is the direct access to Sailfish Alley. Sailfish Alley is a submerged canyon where billfish cruise right by West Palm Beach and is the best hotspot to hit to target your trophy. Mahi, wahoo, and more can also be found here and in the surrounding waters, making your day sure to be action packed.

**Space Coast**

**Cocoa Beach**

Cocoa Beach has great fishing in the Intercoastal Waterways and deep water for kingfish, marlin, and more, however the real gem is the access to Indian River Lagoon System. This system is made up of the Banana, Indian, and Mosquito Rivers and are prime for targeting many inshore species, but especially redfish. It is also right on the northernmost border of the snook population.

**Riviera Beach**

Whether you’d like to deep drop along the reefs and wrecks, or go kite fishing for trophy billfish, Riviera Beach is the place to go. It is a sport fisherman’s paradise for targeting big fish like tuna, sailfish, and more.

**Melbourne Beach**

Melbourne Beach is one of the world’s premier locations for surf fishing. While relaxing with your toes in the sand, you can wet your line and have direct access to snook, pompano, shark, and more. With over 15 miles of pristine beach, there’s plenty of space to find the perfect spot and catch your next personal best.

**Palm Beach**

Palm Beach has excellent inshore fishing for snook, tarpon, and more, but what makes it special is also its namesake. Palm Beach is named after the Providencia, a ship that wrecked with over 20,000 coconuts that washed ashore and grew into palms. That wreck, along with other sunken boats, reefs, and rocks make it an excellent place to fish for amberjack, barracuda, and more.

Best Places to Fish Florida’s Freshwaters

**Fort Lauderdale**

Although Fort Lauderdale is known for their sailfish fishing, it also provides access to a plethora of lakes and waterways of the Everglades and more full of bass, including the exotics. Whether you’re after a giant Florida largemouth, or the opportunity to make memories, Fort Lauderdale has it all.

**Delray Beach**

Nestled on the Southeast side of Florida between Miami and West Palm Beach, Delray Beach offers saltwater and freshwater fishing. On Lake Ida and the surrounding brackish canals, exotics , largemouth, panfish, and more are just waiting to be caught. All of these combined provide a unique fishing experience only to be found in Delray Beach.

**Lake Okeechobee**

Lake Okeechobee is a world-famous bass fishery covering 448,000 surface acres of water holding some monster largemouth bass. With plenty of vegetation and structure, species like bluegill, catfish, sunfish and more can thrive.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brandon was an awesome fishing guide! We have a 7 & 8 year and they have always wanted to catch a shark when we take fishing excursions. So this time I booked with Captain Brandon just for that reason. We landed some great bull sharks and had a great time. Capt. Brandon was also amazing with our kids. Since there is some waiting involved when fishing for sharks, he made the time enjoyable by being so engaged with our kids which I know they appreciated. I would highly recommend Capt. Brandon as a fishing guide and plan to book with him again.

    Kirk B. with Brandon S. of Naples, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding trip. Tight lines most of the day. Highly recommend.

    Richard S. with Kyle K. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    5 stars for everything! Great Captain and First Mate! Caught a bunch of fish. My 14 year old caught an 8ft sailfish.

    Charles F. with Rudy N. of Riviera Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Bill was a great guy very knowledgeable and a pleasant to be around

    Matthew S. with Bill P. of Jacksonville, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Luke and Skye did a great job with us. We hope to do it again!! Well worth the money!!

    Dawn G. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Chris and Daniel were awesome. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of fun. Provided rods and a variety of bait. Went on the 6 hour trip and it was plenty. If you want bigger fish then maybe go for the 8 hour

    Alex V. with Chris S. of Gulfport, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip!! Srbo was the best ever very fun and beautiful day!! Highly recommend

    Holly K. with Srbo T. of Daytona Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    If I could give six stars I would. I probably couldn’t have asked for a better first time experience saltwater fishing. James is clearly passionate about the waters and his knowledge was shown with every question we had answered. James was beyond patient, professional, and cares about his clients’ time. James knew where the action was and put us on some fish. I had an excellent time catching multiple species. Overall, my buddy and I felt welcomed and enjoyed hanging out with James and his mate Joe. Solid dudes. Would recommend booking and I will book again when I’m back in the area. Future charters have some big shoes to fill!

    Sky I. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had Captain Brett for our day of fishing. What an amazing day we had. We caught multiple fish we could keep and multiple fish we couldn’t keep. We had the experience of seeing multiple species that we didn’t catch. We saw a bull shark, a Goliath Grouper, a loggerhead turtle, and a manatee. We hooked in to a giant. Watching Brett and my brother work together to get this fish in was spectacular. The team work that it took as well as the skill. He was also great for those of us that were less experienced. He was so pleasant and kind while helping me change my techniques so I caught fish verses continuously just feeding the fish. He did great with my teenage son. Brett is a great communicator. We will go with Brett again.

    Shellie K. with Cameron F. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best experience with Andrew. He’s a born and raised in Key Largo local and he put us on a bunch of spots where fish were biting. He was so patient when we got tangled or lost our bait and was just in general super friendly and helpful. You can tell he spends his days on the water because there’s no place he’d rather be. And he also cleaned our fish with an amazing alacrity and gave us excellent recommendations on where we could have it cooked for us by highly acclaimed local chefs. It wasn’t just fishing, Andrew was the whole package.

    Erica B. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Kyle was a fantastic guide for us! One of the best fishing trips I have been on and I have fished on a lot of guided trips. Everything was handled great by Captain Experiences on the booking and communication side and Kyle was top notch on the fishing trip. We will definitely use you all again.

    Will B. with Kyle K. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip with John. Good guys, on fish all day and had a great time. Definitely would book again!

    Kevin V. with John G. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We truly enjoyed our fly fishing trip with Capt GW. His boat was clean and comfortable and Capt GW was very personable and knowledgeable. We had some tougher conditions with wind that allowed him to give me so much needed help and encouragement on techniques to help my skills. But alas, no adrenaline moments of catching backwater fish, just the adrenaline of trying to make the right cast in the right spot. We saw a great deal of sea life as an addition to the friendly camaraderie, and that was a bonus.

    David H. with Gw D. of Tavernier, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Chris was awesome! Put us on the perfect spots and we limited out! His boat was very clean, he shared with our kids some tricks to snatching the fish quickly! Highly recommend!

    Todd H. with Chris E. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Our group of four had a great experience! Justin was knowledgeably, passionate and had lots of patience with us novice fishers.

    Betty J. with Justin R. of Crystal River, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Top notch!! Chris took our family out for an awesome day!! We limited out on mackerel and caught several other species as well!! He is a first rate captain for sure!!

    Todd H. with Chris E. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Went as a family trip of 4 and had an amazing time! Dustin and Mike were very professional and attentive. We had 2 newer fishers on board and they made sure we were comfortable. We caught our limit of fish! We’ve taken multiple charters in the area and this has by far been the best one! Highly recommend and we definitely will be rebooking the next time we visit!

    Nebraska D. with Dustin L. of Sarasota, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My buddy and I had an awesome time! Captain Alex is a super great dude. He put us on some great fish and we limited out. Definitely going to be coming back to him next time we’re in Destin. One of the best charter experiences I’ve had.

    Cole S. with Alex S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    My buddy and I had an awesome time! Captain Alex is a super great dude. He put us on some great fish and we limited out. Definitely going to be coming back to him next time we’re in Destin. One of the best charter experiences I’ve had.

    Cole S. with Alex S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Ron is a true pro and so nice. My family had a great fishing trip. 10 out of 10🙂

    Mark L. with Ron B. of Islamorada, Florida

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