Florida Fishing Charters

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

4.94/5 Average Rating

Featured Fishing Charters In Florida

Top Types of Fishing in Florida

Top Targeted Species in Florida

Half Day and Full Day Fishing 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 1026 trips in Florida, and the most popular trips in the area are Open Ocean Big Game - 42' Sea Ray guided by Bryan, Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, and Half Day Trip - 44' Custom guided by Harold.

Our guides in Florida are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 7327 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.

What types of fishing charters are common in Florida?

Inshore fishing is the most popular in Florida as well as nearshore fishing, deep sea fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Florida are: 1. redfish, 2. kingfish, 3. gag grouper, and 4. speckled trout.

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

How much do Florida fishing charters cost?

in Florida prices can range anywhere from $100 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip in Florida is $774. The average price for a full day trip in Florida is $1,673.

What month is best for fishing in Florida?

The most popular season for fishing in Florida is spring, and most anglers book their trips 21 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 Bryan was absolutely amazing! He was great company and really really knows his stuff! I would 100% recommend this dude for anybody that either lives in Florida or who is just coming down to Miami to visit! Chill and very great personality, 10 outta 10!!!

    Matthew D. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time with Greg, he was so patient and great with the kids. No only did the boys get to fish they seen dolphins and at the end they even fed the pelican. Definitely a 5 ⭐️ experience!

    Stacey E. with Greg G. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Although the captain did a decent job trolling over hundreds of tarpon, we failed to hook up one tarpon. Not sure if it was the bait, surf or what?? The captain didn’t have an explanation either.

    Rod T. with Christopher T. of Placida, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We all had a great time during the fishing trip. We caught quite a few fish that we got to keep. The deck hand was on top of his game and took good care of us as we were catching fish. The Captain had a cooler of water, a bathroom on board and cleaned all of our fish for us. My daughter and I got a little sea sick but we all had a great time regardless.

    Patti K. with Greg M. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Bill's boat was immaculate. He accommodated my special request on short notice and made my trip outstanding. Very experienced captain, he knew the waterways like the back of his hand, and was passionate about fishing.

    Christopher M. with Bill R. of Pompano Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip. Captain hunter was great. Did several types of fishing, caught a couple keepers and were constantly bending rods. Captain experiences was great with helping us get our trip booked on short notice.

    Andrew T. with Hunter L. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Jake was great. He put us on fish the whole time. No dull moment and no sitting in one spot hoping for the best. Even recommended a place to take our fish to be cooked for us.

    greg M. with Jake D. of Pensacola, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Incredible experience, captain Bryan knows how to catch fish and knows where the local giants are hiding. We cought a massive 300lb sand shark and several other species, captain was generious in sharing his knowlegde and experience with us and his loyal co-captain Tilly (chihuahua) made us feel welcome and made sure we had fun. I'd reccomend cap Bryan to anyone loking to CATCH fish in Miami waters!

    Bosko S. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Don is a great captain! Very knowledgeable and friendly. We left with plenty of fish when it seemed like the rest of the marina had little luck. Would definitely book with captain don again

    Alyssa L. with Don R. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Jason was such a pleasure to be around and very knowledgeable about the fish we were looking for. He made sure we had the best experience possible!

    HEATHER G. with Jason Y. of Shalimar, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Scott was great. He was very patient and encouraging with our kids as they learned the details of near shore fishing. Very hard worker. We ended up catching 50 fish!! Everyone had a great time.

    John J. with Scott F. of Holmes Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with captain Bryan! Highly recommend booking with him!

    Shawn B. with Bryan M. of Miami, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Very knowledgable about the area, great guy and lots of fun on water. You can’t go wrong with Captain Nick. Thank you again.

    Wyatt P. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip!

    Jordan M. with Matthew C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Don was great! Family had a wonderful time! Highly recommend.

    Mark S. with Don R. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The fishing & Experience was great!!!

    Bob D. with Zachary W. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Neal was an awesome fishing guide and was very knowledgeable of the local area.

    Tim O. with Richard T. of Fort Myers Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    EXEPTIONAL... HARD WORKING TALENTED CAPTAIN. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND.. OH BTW... WE CAUGHT SOME BIGGGG FISH!

    Jeff A. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Kyle and Danny were a great team! We caught great fish and had a great time!

    Eddie L. with Kyle L. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Carol, Doug, and I enjoyed our near-shore 6-hour fishing trip with Captain Joel and Ana Banana charters in Marathon. We went out past Sombrero Reef and fished for yellow tailed snapper and caught many. We targeted grouper on the bottom as well. Next we fished near the seven mile bridge for permit and yellow jacks. Last we fished a sunken ship for snappers and groupers. Captain Joel knows his business and we caught many fish including yellow tailed snapper, mangrove snapper, and schoolmaster snapper. With Captain Joel, your pole will constantly bend with great eating fish.

    Thomas T. with Joel B. of Marathon, Florida

More Fishing Charters In Florida

Date
See all trips in Florida


Top Fishing Charter Locations in Florida

The Best Places to Fish in Florida

Top Targeted Species in Florida

Top Fishing Techniques in Florida

Top Types of Fishing in Florida

Other Featured Cities

How are fishing conditions in Florida?

View Florida Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

See all trips in Florida
Call us at 18332278246
See All Trips