Florida’s Gulf Coast stretches like a fishing playground from the Panhandle down to Naples, packed with some of the country’s most productive waters. The warm Gulf of Mexico holds everything from feisty redfish in the shallows to massive grouper prowling the deep reefs. Whether you’re after that first catch or chasing a personal best, these waters deliver year-round action that keeps anglers coming back.
Here is a list of 15 top-notch fishing charters that will put you on the fish and create memories to last a lifetime.
Destin Inshore Fishing Co.
Destin Inshore Fishing Co. operates from the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast, where emerald waters meet white sand beaches. Captain Christian Duplantis and his crew run multiple boats including the ‘Done Deal’ and ‘Cape Horn 31T’ for different fishing styles. They specialize in both inshore bay fishing and deep-sea adventures up to 30 miles offshore.
The operation provides all gear, licenses, and bait, making it perfect for families or first-time anglers who want to focus on catching fish rather than prep work.
Double Eagle Deep Sea Fishing
Operating since 1967 from Clearwater Beach, Double Eagle represents three generations of the Haggert family’s fishing expertise. Sandy, RoseAnn, and Captain Chad Haggert run this family business with trips ranging from 4 to 30 hours.
Their boats feature the latest technology and target everything from grunts and porgies on shorter trips to red snapper and grouper on extended voyages. The 12-hour overnight trips are particularly popular, departing at 5 AM and returning at 5 PM for serious anglers wanting maximum fishing time.
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Hubbard’s Marina
Hubbard’s Marina has been a Tampa Bay institution since 1928, now in its fourth generation of family ownership. They operate an impressive fleet offering 5, 10, 12, 39, and 44-hour party boat trips alongside private charters for up to 120 guests.
Beyond fishing, they provide dolphin-watching cruises, sunset trips with complimentary beer and wine, and ferry service to Egmont Key. Their nearshore trips target waters up to 100 feet deep, while offshore adventures push past 20 miles for the big game fish.
Florida Fishing Fleet
Based in the historic Cortez fishing village near Anna Maria Island, the Florida Fishing Fleet operates four boats, including the 50-foot ‘Yank’ and 41-foot ‘Morgan’ for offshore work. Captain Lance brings over 18 years of experience and a 100-ton captain’s license to every trip.
Their specialty trips include full moon mangrove snapper fishing and dedicated red grouper excursions. The boats are conveniently docked behind the Swordfish Grill & Tiki Bar, making it easy to grab a meal before or after your fishing adventure.
High Octane Fishing
Crystal River’s High Octane Fishing puts you in the center of Florida’s Nature Coast with Captain Nick Warrington at the helm. Their state-of-the-art 31-foot Cape Horn features twin Yamaha 300 engines and a 273-gallon fuel tank for reaching distant fishing grounds.
The boat’s Simrad electronics and comfortable seating make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. From July through September, they also offer scalloping trips in Crystal River’s crystal-clear waters.
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Bay Reef Fishing Charters
Captain Dmitri operates Bay Reef Fishing Charters from St. Petersburg with over 30 years of Gulf Coast fishing experience. His new 2024 25-foot C-Hawk with Honda 250 HP engine provides a modern platform for exploring Tampa Bay’s 200-plus fish species.
The charter specializes in everything from backcountry flats fishing to nearshore reef trips up to 9 miles offshore. Night fishing trips during spring and summer take advantage of Tampa Bay’s exceptional water clarity and active fish behavior.
Poseidon Fishing Charters
Poseidon Fishing Charters operates in Tampa Bay under Captain Steve’s leadership, focusing on putting clients exactly where they need to be for success. Their operation receives consistently high praise for knowledge and fish-catching ability.
The charter company offers trips to Egmont Key and specializes in helping both experienced anglers and complete beginners have productive days on the water. Their approach emphasizes matching the trip to the client’s skill level and expectations.
Offshore Hustler
Offshore Hustler runs deep-sea fishing from Pass-a-Grill Beach in St. Petersburg with Captain Pete, who brings over 30 years of West Coast Florida experience. They’re so confident in their fish-catching ability that they guarantee you’ll catch fish or they’ll pay for your charter.
The operation specializes in bottom fishing and trolling from Tampa and St. Petersburg up to Tarpon Springs and out to Florida’s Middle Grounds, about 80 miles offshore.
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A&B Charters
A&B Charters operates from Naples with a custom-designed 40-foot Sea Hawk built to Coast Guard standards. The boat features a full-sized cabin, private restroom, bunks, and a 14-foot beam providing ample fishing room.
Captain A&B focuses on deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, taking advantage of Naples’ year-round fishery. The spacious fishing cockpit includes sunshade protection, making it comfortable even during Florida’s hottest months.
Pure Florida
Pure Florida operates throughout Southwest Florida with multiple captains and boats targeting various fishing styles. Their operation includes both inshore and offshore options, with trips ranging from family-friendly bay fishing to serious deep-sea adventures.
They’re known for their professional captains and well-maintained equipment. The company particularly excels at putting clients on grouper and snapper, with many trips resulting in excellent table fare.
Captain Jason Moore
Captain Jason Moore operates Naples & Fort Myers Fishing and Tours from a custom 25-foot LTB boat that floats shallow but handles offshore conditions well. His guiding career began in 2005, and he grew up fishing the Florida Keys and Everglades before discovering the Gulf Coast fishery.
The boat features a tower for spotting tarpon and other species, plus a 150-gallon livewell and top-tier Simrad electronics for finding fish.
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AMI Charters
AMI Charters serves Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach with personalized fishing experiences for all skill levels. They specialize in both novice-friendly trips and expert-level challenges like fly-fishing for tarpon.
Beyond fishing, they offer scenic boat tours and sunset cruises. Captain Will receives particular praise for his welcoming personality and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, regardless of fishing experience.
Captain Mike’s Fishing Charters
With over 40 years of boating experience around Anna Maria Island, Captain Mike Greig operates two boats: ‘The Black Pearl’ for tours and ‘Sally D’ for serious fishing. The 24-foot Robin custom boat accommodates up to four anglers and features a Yamaha 150-hp four-stroke engine known for reliability.
Captain Mike offers year-round fishing from Tampa Bay to Sarasota Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico, targeting everything from inshore game fish to offshore species.
Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters
Anna Maria Island Fishing Charters guarantees catching fish on their private trips for up to six people. Captain Kyle leads most trips and receives outstanding reviews for his knowledge and fish-finding ability. They offer customizable charters suitable for all ages, plus sandbar tours and sunset cruises.
The operation focuses on providing a local experience, showing clients hidden spots accessible only by boat.
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Fin & Fly Fishing Charters
Based in Port Canaveral near Cocoa Beach, Fin & Fly operates five boats for different fishing styles from deep-sea to night shark fishing. Their location provides quick access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon systems.
The operation caters to Orlando visitors wanting a break from theme parks, offering half-day and full-day options. Their experienced captains know exactly where to find kingfish, mahi-mahi, sailfish, and grouper.
Where Waters Meet Memories
The Gulf Coast of Florida offers something special that goes beyond just catching fish. These waters connect generations of anglers, from kids catching their first fish to grandparents sharing decades of stories. The captains featured here understand this connection and work daily to ensure every trip creates lasting memories.
Whether you choose a half-day inshore adventure or a multi-day offshore expedition, you’re stepping into waters that have provided adventure and sustenance for countless anglers before you.
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