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Nearshore Fishing Charters

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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters

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Fishing in Galveston

Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Jetties & Jaws: Reel In The Fun

100% (31)
21 ft 1 - 4 People $
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Fishing in Clearwater

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
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Fishing in Orange Beach

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Orange Beach

Orange Beach Inshore Bliss

95% (20)
24 ft 1 - 6 People $
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Half Day Trip - 44' Custom

100% (17)
44 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
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Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Destin

Offshore Blitz: Half-Day Dash

100% (3)
27 ft 1 - 6 People $$
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Fishing in Galveston

Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Epic Jetty Trip - 21' Mako

100% (8)
21 ft 1 - 4 People $

Most Popular Types of Nearshore 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 Nearshore Fishing Charters

Fishing in Port Aransas
Fishing in Port Aransas
Fishing in Port Aransas
trip description for Coastal Bend Inshore Slam in Port Aransas

Let Captain Alex be your guide to some of the top fishing locations on Texas' long, beautiful Gulf coast. Captain Alex is based out of Port Aransas, but he fishes all the water in the Coastal Bend, from Aransas Pass down to Corpus Chisti Bay. He specializes in rod-and-reel techniques for catching Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Drum, and Flounder, and will provide all the equipment and bait you'll need for the ideal inshore fishing adventure. All you need is your Fishing License, proper clothing, some sunscreen, and a cooler for your cold drinks. You'll be fishing aboard his 23' Majek center console, a fast boat powered by a 200-HP Evinrude engine. Captain Alex knows this water well, and he'll put you on top of some terrific fishing spots. Depending on the area and the species, you'll use a combination of live bait and lures on light tackle to bring in the fish. Alex is extremely knowledgeable and can certainly help you practice your cast or tell you about fish behavior and ecology. Captain Alex's chartered fishing trips provide a great way to get out on the water and relax on the Bay with your family, friends or co-workers on that special outing! So head out with Captain Alex to make some memories worth making! Read More

Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas

Coastal Bend Inshore Slam

100% (8)
23 ft 1 - 4 People $$
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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 Lauderdale
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
trip description for Unforgettable Day Offshore in Fort Lauderdale

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

92% (12)
45 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
Fishing in Gulf Shores
trip description for Gulf Coast Bites by the Shore in Gulf Shores

Enjoy a morning or afternoon on the water with Captain Jamie and spend several hours targeting Trout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Whiting, Spanish Mackerel and plenty of other nearshore species that call Gulf Shores home. You'll be fishing aboard a 24' Bull's Bay bay boat with a capacity for 4 people. She'll have no problem getting you to where the fish are biting comfortably, quickly, and without the diesel fumes to boot! This sleek vessel comes with GPS, Fishfinder, a Live Bait Well, and an Ice Box to store your keepers. Captain Jamie will provide all rods, reels, tackle, live bait and fishing licenses. All you need to bring is sunglasses, sunscreen, and any snacks or drinks you might need. Captain Jamie will do the rest! Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Gulf Shores

Gulf Coast Bites By The Shore

100% (8)
24 ft 1 - 4 People $
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 Bon Secour
Fishing in Bon Secour
Fishing in Bon Secour
trip description for Gulf Shores Inshore Slammin' in Bon Secour

If you're looking for a fantastic way to enjoy the summer down in Gulf Shores, AL, then you're in the right place! Captain Shawn is a real pro, and has fished professionally all over the world, including a legendary run on the Kona Cowboy out of Kona, Hawaii! The shallow inshore water here in Gulf Shores provides perfect habitat for several popular sportfish species, especially the "Big Three" of Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. There are also plenty of chances to hook Sheepshead, which share the same habitat. Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, hooking big time Redfish and Trout off the flats is absolutely thrilling, and Captain Shawn has plenty of tips and tricks to improve your fishing and put you in a position for success. You'll be fishing aboard his 25' Shearwater center console. She's perfect for this kind of trip, and she's powered by a powerful Mercury 300-HP outboard, so you can spend less time cruising and more time fishing. The boat is equipped with a GPS, fishfinder, live bait well, and an icebox for your keepers. When you come aboard with Captain Shawn, you'll be provided all the tackle and bait that you need. All you need to bring is food, drinks (no glass please), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cooler for your catch. Fish cleaning is also available, so you can take home a delicious dinner! 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, Inshore, Nearshore, River Fishing Charter in Bon Secour

Gulf Shores Inshore Slammin'

89% (9)
25 ft 1 - 4 People $$
Fishing in Grand Isle
Fishing in Grand Isle
Fishing in Grand Isle
trip description for Shrimp Trawling Adventure in Grand Isle

Hop on board with Captain Daryl for an exciting day of traditional shrimp trawlin' in the heart of Cajun country! The Louisiana coast is full-up with shrimp, and Grand Isle is right in the middle of all the inshore marshes, swamps and bays you need to catch some tasty keepers. On this 3-hour trip, you’ll participate in a quickly eroding practice of small boat shrimping the way that thousands of folks have provided food for their tables in past generations. This is a “hands on” experience trip where one should plan on getting a little wet and sometimes a lot dirty. You’ll participate in pulling a bottom trawl then exploring it’s catch as you pick out the shrimp that you want to keep. Captain Daryl will provide all the necessary trawling equipment. All you need to bring is any food or drinks you might want out on the water. We recommend a hat, sunscreen and polarized sunglasses, clothes that can get dirty, and remember to pack a cooler in your car so you can take your hard-trawled catch home with you! Note: Shrimp are highly regulated by the State. Shrimp seasons are often opened and closed with a 72 hour notice. In the event that a regulatory closure you will not be charged any fees by RSGS for any trip(s) that the closure would affect. Read More

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Grand Isle

Shrimp Trawling Adventure

100% (1)
1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Stock Island
Fishing in Stock Island
Fishing in Stock Island
trip description for Key West Nearshore/Offshore Trip in Stock Island

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% (3)
63 ft 1 - 12 People $$$
See All Nearshore Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a nearshore fishing charter

What are the best nearshore fishing charters?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1068 nearshore trips, and the most popular trips are Jetties & Jaws: Reel in the Fun guided by Meghan, Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, and Orange Beach Inshore Bliss guided by Rob.

Our guides are rated a 4.87 out of 5 based on 2545 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 nearshore guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides.

What types of nearshore fishing charters are common?

The most commonly sought after species for nearshore Fishing are: 1. kingfish, 2. redfish, 3. spanish mackerel, and 4. cobia.

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

How much do nearshore fishing charters cost?

nearshore fishing prices can range anywhere from about $575 to $3,100, but the average price for a half day trip nearshore fishing is $1,024. The average price for a full day trip nearshore fishing is $2,038.

What month is best for nearshore fishing?

The most popular season for nearshore fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 11 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

  • ★★★★★
    He gave me the best possible chances to catch fish the whole trip. Some days they just don’t bite. Will most definitely book with him again next year!

    Cody R. with Antonio E. of Key West, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time with Ron and the crew! Would highly recommend this experience to anyone!

    Josh G. with Ron C. of Pompano Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. James’ excellent customer care and service was only exceeded by his fishing and boating knowledge. We felt safe and well cared for on a two day trip where both days exceeded our expectations! We experienced great numbers of fish caught, which was exactly what we asked him to provide us! Kudos to a genuinely nice young man who damn sure knows how to help you catch fish and have fun! Good boat and equipment as well. 5 stars easy!

    Patrick M. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Fishing with Captain Greg was great fun. Who knew redfish got that big! Thanks for the memories!

    Kay T. with Greg G. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Marty was awesome. Extremely knowledgeable. We were all novices, but he took his time. Explained what he was doing, where we were, had some awesome stories to tell. Our guide also cancelled on us, and Marty was assigned to us by the site. I called to cancel because he was over an hour drive away, but he came to pick us up for a little gas money. What an experience. Great price. Don’t hesitate!

    Joshua J. with Marty C. of Gulf Shores, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Mike and Marcus. They were very friendly and worked hard to make sure we had a great time! Highly recommend.

    Sarah S. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Captain, great First Mate, caught a sailfish, multiple mahi mahi, Bonita, kingfish, and a giant Jack Cravel. Couldn’t have been better

    Christopher M. with Mike M. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    I could not have asked for a better outfit to take our family fishing. Captain Keith took us to the best spots and we caught something each time. Pat and Captain Keith were amazing with our diversity of age and skill level. Thank you again.

    Terry H. with Keith N. of Madeira Beach, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent day, excellent fishing and Brandon couldn’t have been a better guide!

    Vic T. with Brandon S. of Ramrod Key, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Experience of a Lifetime! You know when you book an Air&BnB or an excursion and you have a slight apprehension due to the uncertainty of what the host guarantees? I will tell you this upfront, book with confidence. Let me explain… I’m going to do my best, but to capture the essence of what we experienced, in simple written word, is nearly an impossible task. Our guided fishing trip really started out like any other excursion. We met early morning, dockside at the “Bait House”. The host gave very clear and concise directions to our link up, what to expect and recommendations on what to bring along. The day before our trip, the staff reached out directly to ensure everyone was on the same page. We had (6) in our party. (3) adults and (3) kids. We packed our own lunches, drinks, adult beverages and snacks. This kept the guides fully engaged on fishing and not preoccupied preparing some spoiled kids’ lunch on the water. We also packed along warming layers and rain/wind gear. Our cadre of guides consisted of a captain/primary guide (Luke) and deckhand/assistant guide (Ben). Both were very cordial, professional and entertaining with their banter and dialogue. The boat was a 33’, fiberglass, Suzuki twin-engine, center console workhorse that appeared to be specifically designed for guided fishing. The live-well was fully packed with ice to preserve our harvested fish. (3) large bean bags were provided to lounge on while underway. The boat had been fitted with modern electronics for navigation, communication and fishing. Very nice, reliable, comfortable and safe vessel. Upon boarding we got a quick brief and were given ample storage space for all the gear we brought. This was key as everything must be stowed while underway. Our initial boat ride was 24 miles off the shore of Clearwater, FL. The ride was teeming with wildlife. As the sun came up, the city skyline disappeared into the horizon until you couldn’t see anything but ocean in every direction. It was magnificent. From start to finish, our guides were very organized on the boat. Gear, tackle, cabin, live bait, ect. all well organized and serviceable. As situations changed, they communicated clearly what they needed from us. Personnel management to balance the vessel and alleviate excessive listing, along with keeping the deck open to allow freedom of movement was well executed. The equipment provided was better than adequate. All of the gear was well maintained and prepped for use. From rigging and baiting to removing the fish and cleaning/prep, the guides handled every aspect of the equipment very well. My wife wanted to accomplish (2) things. She wanted to harvest fish for our family dinner that night, and catch the biggest fish. Both were achieved. We caught A LOT of fish. We began fishing for large Amber Jack, however the guide identified that the bite was slow so we shifted gears to catch our daily harvest. We slammed a bunch of amazing fish. Porgy, Hogfish, Red Snapper, Grunt and others. We also caught some fun interesting fish like: Lizard fish, Remora (suction cup fish) and blow fish. Some were even reused as bait for the huge Amber Jack we caught later in the day. After catching plenty of fish for dinner, we moved back to our original location for another run at the large Amber Jack (AJ); an artificial reef of an intentionally sunken ship. Fishing in about 80’ of water, we quickly hooked into our first AJ. After locating the targeted species, the guides quickly switched gears in an epic display of professionalism and mastery of their craft in order to draw out the largest AJs. The communication between the guides and their actions was impeccable. One man on the rod, the other in full support. As the guide asked for a certain type/color of bait fish, the other pulled it from the livewell and began to toss the same baitfish overboard. When that particular bait was unsuccessful, they moved onto another type. This was system repeated several times until they found the right bait. It was really cool to see. Very fast, deliberate and accurate fishing. Once we had the right bait, it was like the AJs were “switched on”. Shortly we were pulling monster AJs in the boat. Huge fish the size of both of a grown man’s legs. After an exciting run of pulling in several huge AJs, we were down to our last baitfish. What I’m about to tell you just can’t really capture how awesome this last cast truly was. Now, earlier in the day we had an AJ get bit by a shark. We got it in the boat and it had some teeth marks and a gushing blood. It was crazy cool. However, this last cast set into motion a series of events that we’ll certainly remember for the rest of our lives. The line was cast and immediately hooked up. My wife was fighting this monster AJ (Yes, the biggest fish of the day) for several minutes. As the AJ was retrieved and became closer to the boat (so close we could see it) two HUGE sharks swam right to it taking a gigantic bite out of the AJ. When I say “bite” I mean a literal shark-head-shaped-bite. A cartoonish bite. Like, imagine what you would see on a Saturday morning cartoon. The bite was so clean and the exact round shape of the jaws of a shark. It was remarkable. As it got up to the boat, guide Ben (in an epic display of reluctant courage mind you) reached down and pulled up this AJ. Even the pictures just don’t do this experience justice. My wife, grabbed this fish holding it right in the bitten area like a savage. She was so excited! We were all excited. As we unhooked the AJ, the guides tossed it back out and a full-on shark feeding frenzy erupted. Multiple sharks attacking this AJ in just the most amazingly violent display. This was straight up, no BS, some National Geographic sh!t. When the AJ was pulled in, nothing remained but a huge sardine head. The Gulf gave us a show we’ll never forget and it was all due to the expertise, fast thinking and relentless efforts of our guides. As if our experience wasn’t enough, our ride back was filled with dolphins, sea turtles and a host of other incredible wildlife. The guides cleaned and prepared all of our harvested fish. They even labeled them by name so we knew what types they were. Our family loves the outdoors, and we have a saying when we venture out, “Don’t expect anything”. The fishing trip that day took everyone by surprise as to how incredible it unfolded. If you are looking for an amazing experience on the water, book with confidence because we had the experience of a lifetime.

    Yuliya H. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

    Andy G. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a most excellent time. We were scheduled for an offshore trip but wind and waves caused us to cancel this trip. However, we rescheduled for later in the day for a tarpon fishing excursion. This was a blast ! We saw sharks up close and landed several yellow jacks which gave us a good fight before being returned to the water. After trying and trying (never give up) we snagged a good sized tarpon. After a good fight which included multiple boat maneuvers it was brought to the side of the boat before being cut loose to fight another day. We thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with the captain and first mate. Both were very attentive to us, making sure that our hooks were still baited and that we had all the help required for landing and documenting our catches before returning them to the water. A great time was had by all! The boat was immaculate and we had no issues if any sort.

    Lynn E. with Steve S. of Marathon, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Frank maintained contact up to the day of the Charter. Arrived on time and well prepared. He was knowledgeable of the area and was a great experience. We caught tuna, wahoo, barracuda, red hind grouper, yellow jack, and trumpet fish. Definitely recommend Frank.

    Stephen S. with Frank A. of Rincon, Rincón

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience!

    Bryan A. with Tony M. of Biloxi, Mississippi

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great full day trip with Captain Chris. Chris really helped my wife with his patience and encouragement fight big fish in deep water and use lighter tackle at the shallower wreck. She landed nice yellowtail, yellow jack, mackerel and amberjack. Chris worked hard all day keeping us in fish and rigged as the shark tax was high though the morning. At the end of the day we got great local restaurant recommendations and tips on cooking our catch. Loved the boat playlist! Highly recommend and hope to come back to fish with Chris again.

    John K. with Chris P. of Islamorada, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Russel was a great Captain and our whole family had a fantastic time.

    James R. with Russell F. of Panama City, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Blake was great! He knows where the are.

    Patrick U. with Blake S. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Amazing trip, Capt Jonathan made the experience really special for my son and I!

    Greg A. with Meghan B. of Galveston, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    This was an excellent experience even on a choppy day. Captain Tom and our two deck hands did an amazing job helping the family keep their lines tight and baited. Plenty of fish for the day!

    Gregory G. with Tom A. of Orange Beach, Alabama

  • ★★★★★
    James was excellent. Very knowledgeable and personable. Put us on fish all morning. I would highly recommended him.

    Mike S. with James G. of Fort Myers, Florida

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