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Damn Good Live Bait Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability on live bait fishing fishing trips. Online booking | 4.89 / 5 stars | Guides from $500

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Recently Booked Live Bait Fishing Charters

Fishing in Rowlett

Lake Fishing Trip in Rowlett

Lake Ray Hubbard White Bass+

NEW
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $411
Fishing in Key West

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Backcountry Classic - 28’ Blue Wave

100% (5)
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Pompano Beach

Deep Sea, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Pompano Beach

#1 Offshore Charter

100% (3)
28 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Corpus Christi

Flats, Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Corpus Christi

Morning Fishing Trip - 5 Hour

100% (6)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $575
Fishing in Galveston

Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Galveston

Bay/Jetty Fun! - 33'

100% (4)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $550
Fishing in Panama City

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Panama City

Adrenaline-Pumping PCB Trip

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $600

Top Cities for Live Bait Fishing

Top Species for Live Bait Fishing

“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 Live Bait Fishing Charters

Bucket List
Captain Experiences staff chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Gustavia
Fishing in Gustavia
Fishing in Gustavia
trip description for "Old Man and the Sea" Handlining in Gustavia

Head out with Captain Patrick for the authentic St. Barthélemy fishing experience out of Gran Cul De Sac! Captain Patrick is one of the few charter captains on the island and has been honing his craft as a professional fisherman for the past 25 years. Unlike all the other charters on the island though, Captain Patrick offers something special aboard his vessel: His preferred technique for catching fish doesn't involve a rod or reel, just your hands, some gloves, and the fishing line! Now you might think, ok so we'll only be catching smaller fish then... Nope, Captain Patrick and his clients battle Bull Mahi Mahi, Speedy Wahoo, 160lb Yellow Fin Tuna, and even the occasional Blue Marlin... Without a Rod! Now Captain Patrick keeps a heavyweight rod on board as a backup, but 95% of his clients leave the boat preferring handlining to conventional rod and reel! While this may seem like a foreign concept to most, he has noticed that handlining gives you a more direct connection to the fish. With the line in your hand you can feel every move the fish makes, a much more intimate experience. All the fish caught are claimed by the Captain, but he is more than happy to share the bounty and will often send you home with enough tasty fillets for dinner. All trips are very dependent on weather, it is highly recommended that you have some buffer days around the target day of your trip in order to ensure you have the best chance of getting out on the water. Captain Patrick will pick you up right on the beach at Grand Cul De Sac. Read More

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gustavia

"Old Man And The Sea" Handlining

100% (1)
29 ft 1 - 4 People From $845
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
Fishing in Key West
trip description for Edge of the Map Trip in Key West

Whether you're looking to hit the backcountry of the Gulf of Mexico, chase fish in Key West Harbor, or rip it out to the reef on the Atlantic side, a half day trip with Captain Spencer offers seemingly endless opportunities. And Captain Spencer is just the man to customize the perfect trip for you! There are tons of different species to target on these half day trips all depending on how you'd like to spend the day. Some of them are; cobia, permit, bonefish, mutton snapper, mangrove snapper, red grouper, black grouper, gag grouper, sharks, barracudas, and jacks but there are many more as well. Captain Spencer is all about customizing your experience, so if there is something specific you'd like to target, just let him know in the days leading up to the trip and he can make it happen! Captain Spencers 25' Pathfinder is extremely versatile in this regard shallow enough to maneuver the backcountry and local grass flats, and sturdy enough to handle the light chop of the open ocean. The vessel also has a full tower which optimizes your fishing opportunities by sighting fish and bait easier. She can accommodate 6 guests, however, Captain Spencer prefers to fish with 4 or less. Captain Spencer can also make accommodations to pick you up from many places around Key West. If you are staying somewhere with water access let us know and Captain Spencer will try to accommodate picking you up from your location. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Key West

Edge Of The Map Trip

100% (6)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Port St. Joe
Fishing in Port St. Joe
Fishing in Port St. Joe
trip description for Inshore Redfish Whacker in Port St. Joe

Hop on board with Captain Wilkin and prepare for an action-packed day fishing St. Josephs bay or further out on the Gulf Coasts near shore waters. On this 4, 6 and 8 hour fishing excursions, Captain Wilken will cruise you out into the St. Josephs Bay where you'll be targeting picturesque Redfish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. All you'll need to get one of these fish on your line is some light tackle and artificial lures or live bait. Whichever fish you want to catch, Captain Wilkin will make sure you get the best setup, take you to his best spots, and give you some helpful pointers! Whether permitting, Captain Wilkin is also willing to push it a little further offshore to chase Tripletail. These trips are especially productive in the Summer months. If conditions are right, Captain Wilkin will recommend these kinds of trips when you meet up with him at the dock! On this trip you'll be aboard a 24’ Shallow Sport bay boat with a capacity for 6 people. A 225 HP Yamaha engine will get you exactly where the fish are biting in the bay! This do-it-all vessel is complete with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, a Wireless Trolling Motor, and an Ice Box to store your catches. Captain Wilkin will happily clean any keepers for no extra charge! Captain Wilkin will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. All you need to bring is any food and drinks you might want out on the water. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port St. Joe

Inshore Redfish Whacker

NEW
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
Fishing in Port St. Joe
Fishing in Port St. Joe
Fishing in Port St. Joe
trip description for Port St. Joe Inshore Red-Bender in Port St. Joe

Captain Carl runs a charter that offers anglers of all skill levels a professional guide and charter fishing experience. He runs most of his charters out of Indian Pass Marine which is basically in Port St. Joe, but a quick drive from Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Apalachicola, and East Bay along the Florida Panhandle. Here you can fish for Speckled Sea Trout, Red Fish, Spanish Mackerel, Flounder, Pompano, Triple Tail, and many more species. To maximize your enjoyment of our charter fishing trip, you should pack drinks, lunch, polarized sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and your camera. In addition to knowing where the fish are biting, Captain Carl provides the boat, rods, reels, tackle, ice, cooler, and licensing. He will also clean your catch for you at the end of the day. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Port St. Joe

Port St. Joe Inshore Red-Bender

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Fort Myers
Fishing in Fort Myers
Fishing in Fort Myers
trip description for Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip in Fort Myers

These trips are nearshore/inshore with a maximum distance offshore of 9 miles. Most fishing will be with live bait for snook, sea trout, redfish, tarpon, jack crevalle, snapper, grouper, and permit. Fishing licenses are included with trip as well as all tackle necessary. Water and ice will also be included, as well as the fileting of fish. Read More

Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Fort Myers

Fort Myers/Sanibel Fishing Trip

100% (15)
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $475
Fishing in Key Largo
Fishing in Key Largo
Fishing in Key Largo
trip description for Key Largo Adventure in Key Largo

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% (24)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
See All Live Bait Fishing Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a live bait fishing charter

What are the best live bait fishing charters?

Why should I book a live bait fishing charter with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1718 live bait fishing trips, and the most popular trips are Lake Ray Hubbard White Bass+ guided by Brandon, Backcountry Classic - 28’ Blue Wave guided by Alex, and #1 Offshore Charter guided by Brad.

Our guides are rated a 4.89 out of 5 based on 3281 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 live bait fishing guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly live bait fishing guides.

What types of live bait fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for live bait fishing as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species for live bait fishing are: 1. redfish, 2. speckled trout, 3. kingfish, 4. mahi mahi, and 5. flounder.

How much do live bait fishing charters cost?

Prices live bait fishing can range anywhere from about $500 to $3,095, but the average price for a half day trip live bait fishing is $804. The average price for a full day trip live bait fishing is $1,947.

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 going on a live bait fishing charter?

The most popular season to go on a live bait fishing charter is summer, and most anglers book their trips 26 days in advance.

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

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

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Marty was a fantastic guide! Knew exactly where the fish were. Great time will definitely use again! Thanks for a great trip!

    Brandon W. with Marty C. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    The trip with Captain Izzy on 7/20 was outstanding. I could have not picked a better guide for my experience. Captain Izzy was a pleasure to fish with, very knowledgeable and will without a doubt book a trip with him again the next time I’m in the Galveston area. Captain Izzy is very professional, the boat was immaculate, the gear provided was top notch. I only have exceptionally good words to say about my trip with him. I look forward to fishing with him again. Thank you Captain Izzy for an outstanding morning.

    Steven W. with Isidro M. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    It was great job both guys on the crew! We were impressed how hard and how fast was accomplished the fish mission. Great attitude and explanation of each step how, where, why, when 🤗🫶🏻 We will be definitely back! Thanks Chris and Jack!

    Victoria with Christopher A. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    It was great job both guys on the crew! We were impressed how hard and how fast was accomplished the fish mission. Great attitude and explanation of each step how, where, why, when 🤗🫶🏻 We will be definitely back! Thanks Chris and Jack!

    Victoria with Christopher A. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    The fish hawk was an outstanding charter and Captain Brian and mate were very professional and worked hard to fill the fish box. As soon as the bite slowed on a spot, we packed up and headed to another spot. We caught fish all day long. We had 6 people fishing on the boat and I know that takes a lot of effort from the crew and they both helped all day long baiting hooks, taking fish off, and tying lines,,,,I highly recommend them and wil no doubt book again with these guys

    Tim H. with Ron F. of St. Petersburg, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great fishing all day great guy won’t be going to anyone elts when I’m in Florida for fishing go to Doug!!!

    Joshua W. with Doug H. of Delray Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip this morning. Captain is friendly and knowledgeable. Thanks for the fishing

    Robert E. with David S. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Mike knew the bay very well and did his best to put us on fish. I only had two issues with the trip. It might just be his personality, but I found him to be condescending when I asked questions. I also think he fishes too much. It was like we paid to take him fishing.

    Rick M. with Mike K. of South Padre Island, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Guys were awesome !! They were all ready to go when I got to the boat Tony and Tony Sr absolute gentlemen and worked very hard and got me mahi, tuna, and barracudas definitely go out with again

    Paul M. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Josh! Josh was very knowledgeable about the waters that made for a successful fishing trip! Thanks for everything!!

    Jacque D. with Josh C. of Marathon, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome guide!! Very knowledgeable and friendly... it was a great experience for all who went!!!

    Debbie N. with Jason G. of Elberta, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    James did an excellent job. The fishing was very slow during the day but he kept us moving in an effort to find them which we eventually did. Both of us ended the day with our limits. Easy to talk too. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend him to anyone and I’m planing to go with him again next time.

    Jason H. with James W. of Rockport, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip alot of fun The guide was great will do again

    Dianna C. with Jeff N. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Slow day but good trip. We caught a Bonita and a big sailfish. Captain was great super cool.

    Aaryan S. with Tyler B. of Pompano Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Tommy was great, his mate was very patient with some first time fisherman. Great day on the water. Highly recommend.

    Jason M. with Tommy C. of Destin, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    These guys are top notch! We will book them again. They are professionals and communicate every move. Trey the first mate took care of our every need and worked well with Capt Addison. My wife and son enjoyed the trip too.

    Chris H. with Addison S. of Port Aransas, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great time with a great guide enjoyed the trip, the music and the captain very much. Fishing was a little slow but that’s because it’s fishing.

    Gary S. with Max W. of Panama City Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Alex, was great! Very personable and friendly. Fishing was tough, but it can be when it’s hot. He got us on some fish and got my wife a shark! That was all she asked for on her birthday! Thanks Alex!

    Matthew S. with Alex H. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip, captain was very accommodating for me and my friends. He made the day fun even though the fishing wasn’t great. Kept trying to get us on the fish even though the bite was tough.

    Trent H. with Nathan S. of Panama City Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Jake was an awesome guide. He knew his shit about the area and got us on fish on a fun bay trip to take our son out and see how’d he do with bigger water fishing. We will for sure be back to go out deep sea fishing with him next time.

    Jordan K. with Jake D. of Pensacola, Florida

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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:

See All Live Bait Fishing Trips