Fishing in Florida starts with choosing your water

No, not if the boat holds a valid charter licence. FWC lists among those who do not need a licence of their own: “Individuals saltwater fishing from a for-hire vessel (guide, charter, party boat) that has a valid charter license”. Ask the captain whether the boat carries one when you call — it is the boat's licence that covers you, not yours.

Six is the usual limit on a private boat, and it is set by the captain's licence and the boat rather than by how many will fit. Across 683 Florida captains who state a number, the commonest are 6, 4 and 2. Larger groups usually mean a second boat or a head boat.

Drinks, sunscreen, snacks, food and cooler come up most often across the 725 Florida captains who publish a list. Most boats supply rod, reel, tackle and bait; food and drink are usually yours to bring.

It is the captain's call on the morning, and the terms differ boat to boat — some refund a deposit, some reschedule, some hold it. 550 Florida captains publish a policy. Afishionado Guide Services puts it this way: “Cancel up to 7 days in advance for a refund.” Read the policy of the boat you are booking before you pay a deposit.

Usually, and often at no extra charge — 434 Florida captains say they clean and bag what you keep. It is worth asking when you book, because a few charge for it and a few do not offer it at all.

A charter is a boat you book offshore or inshore on the coast; a guide meets you on a lake or river, usually in a bass boat or a skiff. Of 375 Florida towns listed here, 339 are saltwater, 20 are freshwater and 16 have captains running both. We use whichever word the town's own boats earn, judged by the fish they name on their websites.