Damn Good Nearshore Fishing Charters In Straits Of Florida

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Straits of Florida nearshore fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters In Straits Of Florida

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Deep Sea, Wreck And Reef

100% (2)
34 ft 1 - 6 People From $900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Marathon

Looe Key Fishing Adventure

NEW
26 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,350
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Miami

Summer Special Miami Nearshore/Offshore

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Miami

Miami Deep Sea / Nearshore Trip

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $750

Top Species for Nearshore Fishing in Straits of Florida

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

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Other Trips in Straits of Florida

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Reef And Offshore

100% (1)
34 ft 1 - 5 People From $900
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Miami

3/4 Day Mahi Trip

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada

Mahi And Tuna

NEW
36 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,400

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Everything to Know About Booking a Straits of Florida nearshore fishing charter

What are the best nearshore fishing charters in Straits of Florida?

The best nearshore fishing charters in Straits of Florida are:

Why should I book a nearshore fishing charter in Straits of Florida with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 4 nearshore trips in Straits of Florida, and the most popular trips in the area are Deep Sea, Wreck and Reef guided by Dan, Summer Special Miami Nearshore/Offshore guided by Jorge, and Looe Key Fishing Adventure guided by Richard.

Our guides in Straits of Florida are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3682 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are 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.

Looking for kid friendly nearshore guides / fishing lessons in Straits of Florida? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides in Straits of Florida.

What types of nearshore fishing charters are common in Straits of Florida?

The most commonly sought after species for nearshore fishing are: 1. kingfish, 2. blackfin tuna, 3. amberjack, 4. wahoo, and 5. sailfish.

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

How much do Straits of Florida nearshore fishing charters cost?

Prices for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida can range anywhere from about $780 to $2,700, but the average price for a half day trip for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida is $783. The average price for a full day trip for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida is $1,843.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida?

The most popular season for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida is summer, and most anglers book their trips 20 days in advance.

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

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Straits of Florida, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Straits of Florida. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Straits of Florida.

What is nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida all about?

Nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida offers a diverse and dynamic experience for anglers, thanks to the unique blend of warm tropical waters and varied underwater structures. The Straits of Florida, which separate the Florida Keys from the Bahamas, provide a productive fishing ground with opportunities to catch a wide range of species. The area features coral reefs, drop-offs, and sandbars, which create ideal habitats for many popular game fish. Anglers can enjoy targeting species such as grouper, snapper, and permit, all of which thrive in the rich and vibrant ecosystem of the Straits.

One of the highlights of nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida is the opportunity to catch various types of snapper. Species like the yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper are abundant in the area and are often found around coral reefs and rocky structures. Anglers typically use live bait, such as pilchards or sardines, or artificial lures to attract these delicious and hard-fighting fish. The clear waters and accessible fishing grounds make snapper fishing both enjoyable and rewarding for anglers of all skill levels.

In addition to snapper, the Straits of Florida is known for its excellent permit fishing. Permit are highly prized for their challenging fight and are often found near sandy flats and coral reefs. Anglers targeting permit often use live crabs or shrimp as bait, as these mimic the fish's natural prey. The Straits’ varied underwater terrain provides ample opportunities to locate permit, making it a popular destination for those seeking a thrilling and successful nearshore fishing adventure. Overall, the Straits of Florida offers a rich and diverse fishing experience with numerous species and techniques to explore.

What are the most popular months to go nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida?

Nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida is influenced by seasonal changes, each bringing its own set of opportunities and challenges. In the spring, the warming waters signal the beginning of a productive fishing period. This season is particularly favorable for targeting species like grouper and snapper, which become more active as they move into shallower waters. The mild temperatures and stable weather conditions create ideal fishing conditions, allowing anglers to explore the coral reefs and drop-offs that are bustling with fish activity.

Summer in the Straits of Florida brings warmer temperatures and increased humidity, which can affect fishing patterns. During this season, the nearshore waters are rich with baitfish, attracting larger predatory species such as permit and tarpon. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the best times to fish, as fish tend to be more active during these cooler parts of the day. Anglers can expect thrilling battles with tarpon and permit, which migrate into the area and offer a challenging fishing experience. The summer heat can also make it necessary to adjust fishing strategies, such as targeting deeper waters during the peak midday heat.

As fall approaches, the cooling waters bring a refreshing change to fishing conditions in the Straits of Florida. This season is excellent for targeting species like yellowtail snapper and grouper, as they become more active in response to the cooler temperatures. The reduced humidity and stable weather create comfortable fishing conditions, and fish are often found feeding aggressively as they prepare for the winter months. Fall is a particularly enjoyable time for fishing, as the combination of favorable weather and abundant fish makes for a productive and satisfying fishing experience.

What techniques are popular for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida?

Nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida offers a variety of techniques tailored to the diverse fish species found in the area. One popular method is using live bait, which proves highly effective for targeting species like snapper and grouper. Anglers often deploy live bait such as pilchards or sardines around coral reefs, drop-offs, and rocky structures. This technique mimics the natural prey of these predatory fish and increases the chances of attracting a strong bite. Live bait fishing in the Straits can lead to a productive and exciting day on the water, especially when targeting bottom-dwelling species like grouper.

Another effective technique for nearshore fishing in the Straits is using artificial lures. Soft plastics, such as swimbaits and jerkbaits, are commonly employed to attract species like snapper and jacks. These lures can be worked at various depths and speeds to match the feeding behavior of the fish. Topwater lures are also popular, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when fish are actively feeding on the surface. The versatility of artificial lures allows anglers to experiment with different colors and actions to find what works best on any given day.

Fly fishing is another exciting option for nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida, especially for targeting species like permit and tarpon. Using a fly rod and carefully selected flies, such as clousers or streamers, allows anglers to present a delicate and enticing offering to these challenging game fish. Fly fishing in the Straits requires precise casting and an understanding of fish behavior, making it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy a more refined approach to fishing. The clear waters and diverse fish species in the Straits provide ample opportunities for both novice and experienced fly fishermen.

What species are popular for nearshore fishing in Straits of Florida?

Nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida offers a diverse range of species, making it an appealing destination for anglers. One of the most sought-after species in the area is the grouper. Grouper are often found around coral reefs and rocky structures, where they seek out shelter and food. Species like the red grouper and black grouper are popular targets, known for their strong fighting abilities and delicious taste. Anglers typically use live bait or heavy jigs to attract these bottom-dwelling fish, which can provide a rewarding and challenging fishing experience.

Snapper is another key species that can be targeted in the Straits of Florida. Yellowtail snapper and mangrove snapper are abundant in the nearshore waters, often found around reefs and submerged structures. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and excellent table fare. Anglers commonly use live bait, such as shrimp or small fish, as well as artificial lures to entice snapper. The opportunity to catch a variety of snapper species adds excitement and diversity to the nearshore fishing experience in the Straits.

Permit and tarpon are also notable species that make nearshore fishing in the Straits of Florida particularly exciting. Permit are highly prized for their challenging fight and are often found near sandy flats and coral reefs. Live crabs or shrimp are effective baits for these elusive fish. Tarpon, known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, migrate into the Straits and offer a thrilling challenge for anglers. Targeting these species often requires specialized techniques and gear, adding an extra layer of excitement to the fishing adventure. The diversity of species available in the Straits of Florida ensures that anglers can enjoy a productive and varied fishing experience throughout the year.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Dan and Ryan were fantastic. The ocean was pretty rough that day but they helped us have a great time and pull in quite a few fish. We’ll be back again next year and will definitely look to hire them again!

    Moira V. | November 8, 2024

    Trip: Deep Sea, Wreck and Reef

  • ★★★★★
    Great time with Capt. Daniel . Over 25 years of experience and it shows. Good guy that went the extra mile to make us feel welcomed.

    Brandon &. | September 13, 2024

    Trip: Deep Sea, Wreck and Reef

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time out on the water with capt jorge. The boat was kept nice and clean. Jorge worked his socks off getting the rods baited and out. We caught a few good fish too so all in all it was a good day

    Karen C. | June 17, 2024

    Trip: Miami Deep Sea / Nearshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    I would highly recommend fishing with George. He is super knowledgeable about the area fishing and he kept me busy catching fish. George is also just a cool dude who was fun to be around during and after fishing. His yacht club cooked up our fish after George cleaned them. It was great! We brought 5 fish in and put at least that many back in the water.

    Katie B. | December 15, 2023

    Trip: Miami Deep Sea / Nearshore Trip

Other Types of Fishing in Straits of Florida

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