Florida Fishing Charters

1,878 captains in 179 Florida towns, saltwater and fresh. Pick a town, then call the captain directly.

Towns with the most listings

Florida saltwater towns

Towns whose boats fish the coast. Towns with 3 or more listings have their own page.

Florida towns with both

Towns whose captains run saltwater charters and freshwater guide trips.

Florida freshwater towns

Towns on lakes, rivers and chains, where the boats are guides.

Questions about fishing in Florida

Do I need a fishing licence on a Florida charter?

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.

How many people can come on a Florida charter?

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 429 Florida captains who state a number, the commonest are 6, 4 and 2. Larger groups usually mean a second boat or a head boat.

What should I bring on a Florida fishing trip?

Drinks, food, sunscreen, snacks and cooler come up most often across the 444 Florida captains who publish a list. Most boats supply rod, reel, tackle and bait; food and drink are usually yours to bring.

What happens if the weather cancels my Florida trip?

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. 339 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.

Will my catch be cleaned for me?

Usually, and often at no extra charge — 287 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.

What is the difference between a Florida charter and a guide?

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 128 Florida towns listed here, 122 are saltwater, 4 are freshwater and 2 have captains running both. We use whichever word the town's own boats earn, judged by the fish they name on their websites.

Smaller towns in Florida

Towns with fewer than 3 listed captains.

70 captains