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Bluefish Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Bluefish Fishing Charters

Fishing in Gulf Shores

Inshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Epic Inshore Adventure

100% (5)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Key Largo

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Key Largo

Key Largo Adventure

100% (12)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Tampa

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Tampa

Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

100% (10)
21 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Fishing Charter Special - 26’ C-Hawk

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Orange Beach

Inshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Half-Day Hookup

100% (4)
21 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Freeport

Inshore Fishing Charter in Freeport

Freeport Inshore Trip

50% (2)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$

Most Popular Types of Bluefish Trips

“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

More Bluefish Fishing Charters

Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
Fishing in Fort Walton Beach
trip description for Destin Bay Fishing in Fort Walton Beach

If you're looking to enjoy the best inshore fishing that Destin, FL has to offer, then this trip is your ticket! Get out there with Captain Joey and spend the day going after a wide range of popular species, including Black Drum, Jacks, Mackerel, Sheepshead, Flounder, Snappers, and more. These classic Florida gamefish offer a little bit of everything—hard fighting, delicious eating, and amazing pictures! Captain Joey has a ton of experience catching prizewinners, and he will do everything he can to put you on the fish and give you the best possible chance to catch a champion. You'll be spending the day aboard his beautiful 24' Skeeter center console, powered by a 300-HP Yamaha outboard. This fast and versatile boat is perfect for fishing the different conditions you'll see in these waters, and can easily handle waters out to 10 miles. Captain Joey will provide everything you need for a perfect day on the water, including rods, reels, bait, and tackle. His goal is for everyone to have a blast and to catch a bunch of fish! Remember to bring proper clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Fort Walton Beach

Destin Bay Fishing

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Fishing in Dauphin Island
Fishing in Dauphin Island
Fishing in Dauphin Island
trip description for Deep Sea Fishing 6-People in Dauphin Island

There’s nothing like spending quality time on the water with a rod in your hands, and there's no better place for it than beautiful Dauphin Island, AL! On this trip, you'll head out with Captain Mike for a wonderful day on the water, hooking up anything that'll bite including Barracuda, Jack Crevalle, Cobia, Grouper, and more! You'll fish the entire water column, from topwater species all way the down to the reefs and rocks, giving you tons of opportunities to fight big fish. Whether you’re fishing with family, friends, or coworkers, Captain Mike is adept at handling all skill levels and is able to customize your trip to your preferences. You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Mike's 26' ProKat catamaran. This puppy is built for speed and stability and is equipped with twin 300-HP Suzuki outboards, giving you a super fast ride. She's also loaded up with other gear and amenities to keep you comfortable, including a restroom! Captain Mike will provide you with all the equipment, tackle, and bait you need, plus ice for your food, drinks & fish. He'll also clean and bag your fish for you at the end of the day! All you need to bring is your sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, any food & drinks you'd like to enjoy onboard. Beer is welcome, but please—no hard liquor or wine, and no glass containers. Get out there and enjoy a world-class charter fishing experience! You can catch the Dauphin Island-Fort Morgan ferry every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Please visit https://mobilebayferry.com/schedule/ for the daily schedule and pricing. Read More

Deep Sea, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Dauphin Island

Deep Sea Fishing 6-People

100% (2)
26 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Englewood
Fishing in Englewood
Fishing in Englewood
trip description for Inshore Trip - 23 parker custom in Englewood

Fishing in the inshore waters around Englewood with Captain Tim means you'll be exploring the inlets, back bays, and beach front surf around Manasota Key, Don Pedro Key, all the way down to Caya Costa occasionally as well. These productive waters are home to big Snook, Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead and all kinds of Snapper. Tarpon also inhabit these waters during the late spring and summer months. And when they're in town we highly recommend giving Tarpon fishing a shot! There is nothing quite as fun as stalking fish along mangrove islands, stalking across shallow water bays, pitching live-baits into structure, or drifting baits through passes. Captain Tim mostly uses live bait and spinning reels. With proven success, he finds this is the most effective way to put fish into the boat! Since everything is provided aboard Captain Tim's Charters from Rods and Reels to Ice and Water, all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and drinks, your sunglasses, and your camera and you'll be all set! I licensed for 6 passengers but only 4 lines at a time. So price is for 4 angler additional $20 per head on passenger five and six. thank you Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Englewood

Inshore Trip - 23 Parker Custom

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 6 People $$
Damn Good
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Fishing in Port Orange
Fishing in Port Orange
Fishing in Port Orange
trip description for 3 hours Beginners and Kids Trip in Port Orange

Embark on a delightful 3-hour beginners and kids fishing adventure guided by the experienced Captain Billy in Port Orange, Florida. This trip is tailor-made for novices and young anglers, offering an accessible introduction to the joys of fishing. Targeting a range of species including Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper, Captain Billy ensures a memorable experience for all. Nestled in the picturesque Port Orange, this fishing excursion presents a perfect blend of learning and excitement. Captain Billy's adept guidance, honed through years of experience, guarantees that beginners and kids receive patient instruction and hands-on guidance to make their first fishing trip a success. As you cast your line into the waters of Port Orange, under Captain Billy's expert tutelage, the opportunity to catch Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Redfish, and Mangrove Snapper becomes a reality. The charming environment and diverse species create an engaging and enriching experience for young anglers and beginners alike. Dive into an adventure marked by professionalism, teaching expertise, and a deep respect for the marine ecosystem. Captain Billy's commitment to ensuring a positive and educational fishing trip guarantees an experience that sparks a lifelong love for fishing. Explore the world of fishing in Port Orange, Florida, as you and your young anglers embark on an unforgettable journey under the guidance of Captain Billy, creating cherished memories amidst the scenic beauty of Port Orange's waters. Please let the capt know how much the kids weigh to assure proper safety equipment. Read More

Flats, Inshore, River Fishing Charter in Port Orange

3 Hours Beginners And Kids Trip

100% (3)
21 ft 1 - 4 People $
Fishing in Panama City Beach
Fishing in Panama City Beach
Fishing in Panama City Beach
trip description for Half Day PCB Trip - 24' SeaPro in Panama City Beach

When you step on board with Captain Terry, you're in for the fishing adventure of a lifetime! Whether you're an old hand or a total greenhorn, he'll make sure to get you on the fish and give you the opportunity to hook a lunker! On this trip, you'll focus on the nearshore waters around Panama City Beach, FL. This rich fishery is home to a huge variety of sportfish, including Blacktip Sharks, Bluefish, King Mackerel, Bonito (super fun on light tackle!), Mahi Mahi, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and more. To get bites, you'll run trolling gear in combination with drift fishing on light tackle—both really fun ways to get fish hooked! Once a fish is on, hang on for the fight of your life, especially if you hook a shark. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Terry's 24' SeaPro center console, which is equipped with a 250-HP Yamaha outboard to give you a smooth, fast ride. She's also fully kitted out with a GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor, Ice Box, and Life Jackets for all passengers. Captain Terry will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and lures. Don’t forget to bring food and drinks for the day, sunscreen, a hat, and a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch. Come on down to Panama City Beach and make some lifelong memories! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City Beach

Half Day PCB Trip - 24' SeaPro

NEW
24 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
Fishing in Wrightsville Beach
trip description for Nearshore Sportfish Roundup in Wrightsville Beach

Looking for an awesome fishing adventure out of Wrightsville Beach, NC? Book a charter trip with Captain Chuck and get ready to experience some of the best sportfishing that the Carolinas have to offer! On this nearshore charter with Captain Chuck, you'll get 10-15 miles offshore, where you can catch a huge variety of nearshore sportfish! This trip is perfect if you want to hook some great fighters and also take home some delicious table fare. On this trip, you'll target Black Seabass and Gag Grouper near rocks and structure, plus Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, and Bluefish towards the top of the water column. With this many different targets, this trip has something for everyone, regardless of your experience level! Captain Chuck operates a 26' Maycraft center console, which is a very versatile vessel made to handle anything from inshore to offshore. She's powered by a 300-HP Yamaha outboard, so you'll have no trouble getting out to the best fishing grounds. She also features a ton of additional gear and amenities to enhance your trip, including trolling gear, live well for your bait, GPS and depth-finders, plus and an icebox to keep your drinks and food cool throughout the day. Captain Chuck will supply everything you need for a top-tier day, including all the rods, reels, and tackle. Bring some sunscreen and a pair of polarized sunglasses, and ready for a fishing adventure like none other! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Wrightsville Beach

Nearshore Sportfish Roundup

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 4 People $
See All Bluefish Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a bluefish fishing charter

What are the best bluefish fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 109 bluefish trips, and the most popular trips are Epic Inshore Adventure guided by Patrick, Key Largo Adventure guided by Andrew, and Tampa Bay Fishing Classic guided by Christopher.

Our guides are rated a 4.71 out of 5 based on 2541 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.

Looking for kid friendly bluefish guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly bluefish guides.

What types of bluefish fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for bluefish as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

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

How much do bluefish fishing charters cost?

for bluefish prices can range anywhere from about $450 to $1,706, but the average price for a half day trip for bluefish is $780. The average price for a full day trip for bluefish is $1,264.

What month is best for bluefish fishing?

The most popular season for bluefish fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 9 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for bluefish and what are the bag limits for bluefish?

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

What is a Bluefish?

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) are fierce killing machines that are often called marine piranhas. These aggressive brutes will swim in large schools attacking almost anything smaller than them in feeding frenzies called the “bluefish blitz.”

As the name suggests, they have a blue-green and grayish coloring that fades to white on their bellies. With a row of knife-like teeth and a broad forked tail, they are dangerous looking creatures that should be treated with caution to avoid injury.

How big do Bluefish get?

Bluefish reach reproductive age in two years, at which point they’ll range from 15 to 20 inches, which is the size that is most often caught. They can grow up to 31 pounds and 39 inches during their 12-year life span. There are rumors of the “Gator Blues” which are supposedly offshore sea monsters, reaching over 50 inches long, and up to 30 pounds.

What's the biggest Bluefish ever caught?

The stories of bluefish over 50 pounds caught on the West Coast of Africa can be found throughout history and even as recent as the 2000s. However, despite the consistent rumors, they never quite made it to the record books. The current world record is held by James M Hussey, who caught a 31 pound, 12 ounce bluefish off the beach at Hatteras, North Carolina on January 30th, 1972.

Where is the best place to catch Bluefish?

Bluefish can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical pelagic waters. They tend to be found in schools above the continental shelf, near surf beaches, or rock headlands in eastern North America, Africa, the Mediterranean and Black Seas, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

When should I catch Bluefish?

They are migratory fish, so the best time to catch them also depends on location. On the East Coast of the United States, bluefish spend their winters in Florida but leave in April. They then head north and can be found near Massachusetts by June and will head south again in October. Similarly, in Europe, they spawn in the Black Sea in the spring and summer, then migrate south towards the Mediterranean coast of Turkey for the fall and winter months.

One of the only places they stay stagnant is the Gulf of Mexico, where they can be found throughout the year but tend to be smaller. In South Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia, bluefish are known to have a much shorter migration making them more accessible almost year round.

How do you catch Bluefish?

Bluefish will take a bite out of just about anything they can fit their teeth around. Natural bait tends to work best in calm waters. Larger pieces of bait, or even a whole small fish like mullet, mackerel, or anchovies will work. For rough seas, lures like spoons, plugs, jigs, poppers, flies, or feathers are a sure bet.

They can be caught by casting from the beach or pier, but if you’re on a boat chumming the water and then trolling or jigging is better. Be sure to use a tough wire leader to prevent them from cutting the line with their sharp teeth, and again, handle with care once landed.

Are Bluefish good to eat? What are the best Bluefish recipes?

Bluefish are good table fare especially the smaller ones or “snapper blues.” This is true only when fresh because they have high fat content that causes them to mush when frozen. The most common preparations are typically poached, baked, or fried.

One of the fan favorite recipes for fried snapper blues is with a beer batter. Once you’ve filleted your bluefish into serving sized pieces, you can cover them in a batter mixture of flour, eggs, beer, baking powder, salt, and lemon powder. After deep frying, leftover batter and oil can be used for oysters to serve with.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Joshua was great! We had several young people fishing, and he was very patient with and attentive to them. We caught redfish, speckled trout, and Spanish mackerel and had a great time. Highly recommend him!

    Thomas R. with Joshua C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Mike and 1st ante Owen were fantastic. We did the close to shire trip and they quickly put us on some large Black Drum and later we found where the Sheepshead were hiding bringing in enough keepers to make anyone proud! Would definitely recommend!

    Frank L. with Michael P. of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

  • ★★★★★
    Billy was a great captain. He was very helpful and attentive. Me and my son had a great time! Definitely an experience to remember!

    Dorothy L. with Billy P. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Justin was great!!! He put us on the fish all day. Wide open fishing, we caught 5 different types of fish. Captain Justin did a great job taking photos, sharing information and showing us some wildlife. There were lots of alligators.

    Steve G. with Justin N. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Five stars warranted. Skilled and personable captain with nice boat and gear, plus the requisite “local knowledge.” Did a half day with trip tailored by the captain to match our specific inshore interests and to maximize fishing time. Had continuous action, and it was fun to see my daughter catch a nice mixed bag of fish species she hadn’t seen. Highly recommend Captain Matt.

    Randy S. with Matt B. of New Smyrna Beach, 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

  • ★★★★★
    Great 1/2 day fish with the kids. Billy was a beauty and knows the area and how to fish !

    John T. with Billy P. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time. Capt. Billy was very knowledgeable of the area. We moved around caught some nice fish. It was a great time for my family and I.

    Matthew R. with Billy P. of Port Orange, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We were set up to go out with Joey, but there was a last minute change to Captain Taylor. He was a very knowledgeable and patient guide and was great with the kids. Weather was cool and cloudy to start, but he eventually put us on some fish and was a great family experience. It was a catch and release trip which was slightly disappointing but hey, still had a blast. Would definitely book again, hope to return for an offshore experience soon!! Thank you Captain Taylor!!!

    Matthew L. with Joey S. of Fort Walton Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    What an awesome fishing guide! Omg. We caught so many fish. Cool boat, excellent ability to find the fish, great tips on local ways to get cooked for our dinner. Just had a ball!

    Renotta H. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We loved our trip with Captain Neal! Him and his family have so much interesting history with the town and river. You can tell he’s a very experienced fisherman through his knowledge of the best fishing spots and the species. He’s friendly and has a great sense of humor. We caught a lot of black drum and red drum along with snook and spotted trout. It was a great time even in the off season. Highly suggest Neal for your quick morning trip!

    Emily W. with Neal G. of Oak Hill, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Tim was spot on gave us a fantastic trip to remember and put is on fish at ever point. Book him and be sure to ask him to bring Lilly along, best First Mate ever. Thanks For a great time Tim VR Mike Foy and Crew

    Foy M. with Tim H. of Englewood, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    With a huge storm the day before and winds still keeping most boats off the water we did very well. 12 fish total with 2 being sharks. One fish we caught was bit in half! Great day on the beach! Learned so many new skills as well and Kathy is too notch at sharing her techniques and working diligently to keep all three of us busey with four rods. You won't find that from a boat. Honestly with four poles soaking, most double rigs totaling 7-8 baits in the water at all times seems much more productive than one rod per angler getting snagged on a reef or baits getting stripped. Being an avid angler myself I'm very impressed with my first time surf fishing under post cold front conditions when many fish get finiky and tuff to commit to feed. Thank you Kathy!!! I'll be back!

    Brian G. with Cathy S. of Flagler Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    It was enjoyable

    Keith M. with Christopher T. of Tampa, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Andrew was fantastic! Knows his stuff for sure! Caught everything from Jack Crevalle to snook to a 5' bull shark! Will definitely be headed out with him again!

    Tamsin H. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome time. Captain Andrew worked to put us on the fish, we limited out. Great experience.

    Craig N. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had an amazing trip with Dustin. He was patient, knew the best spots and had a great sense of humour. Will definitely be booking with you again the next time I'm in the states.

    Paul D. with Dustin S. of North Kingstown, Rhode Island

  • ★★★★★
    A very disappointing experience today. I understand that it is impossible to guarantee fish, but a professional guide should, at the least, have live bait to fish with. He did attempt to catch some beforehand and during our trip with no success. Should have bought some live bait. Fishing with dried squid and trolling for saltwater catfish doesn’t cut it with me. Yes, I did leave him a nice tip. Hal Land

    Hal L. with Sloan S. of Freeport, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing

    Irwin M. with Andrew A. of Key Largo, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Ron, made light of some difficult fishing conditions to ensure that i went home with a huge smile on my face after a really decent haul of a great variety of fish. He was flexible, charming and a delight to spend a day with - a day i shall treasure for some time to come.

    Marcus B. with Ron S. of Jacksonville, Florida

What's biting?

View Bluefish Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

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The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

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