Deep sea fishing trips & offshore charters
What deep sea fishing is, what it costs, what to wear and the best places in the U.S. to book an offshore charter.
Deep sea fishing takes you offshore into blue water for mahi-mahi, sailfish, kingfish, snapper and grouper. Florida is our top deep sea destination, with private offshore charters on the Atlantic, the Gulf and in the Keys.
Fish you can catch deep sea fishing
Mahi-mahi, sailfish and kingfish near the surface; snapper, grouper and amberjack on the bottom. Swipe to see them.
Mahi-mahi
Dolphinfish, doradoFast, colorful and great to eat. Found along weed lines in blue water.
Sailfish
BillfishFlorida’s famous billfish, best in winter off the Atlantic coast. Catch and release.
Red snapper
Genuine red snapperBottom fish over reefs and wrecks. Seasons are set by FWC and NOAA.
Gag grouper
GrouperStrong bottom fish around ledges and wrecks. Seasons and size limits apply.
Sailfish are catch and release. Seasons, size and bag limits apply to other fish: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations. Your captain can tell you what you can keep.
What is deep sea fishing?
Deep sea fishing, also called offshore fishing, is saltwater fishing in deep ocean water away from the coast, usually 100 feet deep or more. Captains troll for mahi-mahi, sailfish, kingfish and tuna, or drop baits to reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper and amberjack. Trips usually last 4 to 8 hours on a larger boat built for open water. Florida is one of the best deep sea fishing destinations in the U.S.
Deep sea vs inshore fishing
Not sure which trip to book? Here is how deep sea (offshore) and inshore fishing compare on our Florida trips.
| Deep sea (offshore) | Inshore | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Open ocean, reefs, wrecks and the Gulf Stream | Bays, lagoons, flats and inlets close to shore |
| Water | Deep, with more waves and swell | Shallow and sheltered, usually calm |
| Boat | Larger center console or sportfishing boat | Flats boat, bay boat or skiff |
| Fish | Mahi-mahi, sailfish, kingfish, snapper, grouper | Redfish, spotted seatrout, snook, tarpon |
| Group size | Up to 6 guests on most charters | Up to 4 guests on most charters |
| Seasickness | More likely on rough days | Rare |
| Price (Florida, boat) | From $700 for 4 hours | From $450 for 4 hours |
Popular deep sea fishing charters
How much does deep sea fishing cost? Our Florida offshore charters start at $700 for 4 hours out of Fort Pierce; most Atlantic ports run $750 to $1,100 for the shortest trip. One price for the boat, up to 6 guests, with license, rods, tackle and bait included. Book online with live calendars:
Northeast FloridaJacksonville deep seaFrom $750 · see dates →
Northeast FloridaSt. Augustine deep seaFrom $750 · see dates →
Space CoastNew Smyrna Beach deep seaFrom $1,000 · see dates →
Space CoastPort Canaveral deep seaFrom $1,000 · see dates →
Treasure CoastVero Beach deep seaFrom $750 · see dates →
Palm BeachesPalm Beach deep seaFrom $900 · see dates →South FloridaMiami deep seaFrom $1,100 · see dates →How deep sea fishing works
On a deep sea trip, your captain runs offshore to the spots that are producing that day, then the crew sets up the rods and helps you fight and land the fish. Read our guide to Florida deep sea fishing.
How far out you go
Off Florida’s southeast coast, deep water and the Gulf Stream can be only a few miles from shore. Farther north on the Atlantic and in the Gulf of Mexico, boats often run 10 to 30 miles or more to reach deep reefs, ledges and wrecks.
Trolling, bottom fishing and drifting
Trolling pulls baits or lures behind the moving boat for mahi-mahi, sailfish, kingfish, wahoo and tuna. Bottom fishing drops baits to reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper and amberjack. Many trips do both. Even fish known as inshore fish, like barracuda, are caught offshore.
Your captain, crew and boat
Our captains hold Coast Guard licenses and are picked for their fishing success, safety at sea and the condition of their boats and gear. Offshore boats are larger and built for open water. The rods, reels, tackle and bait are on board; if you have a special lure or rod you’d like to use, let us know and we’ll ask the captain.
Trip length
Most of our trips are 4, 6 or 8 hours; some ports run 5, 7 or 9 hours. Longer trips reach deeper water and bigger fish. A 4- or 5-hour trip is a good first ocean trip.
Tipping and your catch
Tips are appreciated and are a real part of the crew’s income; 15% to 20% is typical for excellent service. Seasons, size and bag limits apply, and your captain will tell you which fish you can keep.
Seasickness
Not everyone gets seasick. If you might, take medicine before the boat leaves the dock, because it usually doesn’t help once you feel sick. More tips: how to prevent sea sickness. Trips that end early because of seasickness are not refunded.
More reading
For more deep sea fishing maps and reports, see Fishidy.com.
What to wear and bring deep sea fishing
- Clothes: light-colored layers, ideally a long-sleeved sun shirt, plus a light jacket for cool mornings and a rain jacket.
- Shoes: comfortable closed-toe shoes with non-marking, non-slip soles. Tennis shoes are perfect.
- Sun: sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses.
- Food and drinks: bring your own cooler with water, snacks and lunch.
- Also: seasickness medicine if you need it (take it before you leave the dock) and a camera.
Best deep sea fishing destinations in the U.S.
Florida
Florida has deep water off both coasts and the Florida Keys: the Gulf Stream runs close to the Atlantic coast from Cape Canaveral to Miami, and the Gulf of Mexico has miles of reefs and wrecks. Pick a region and port (shortest-trip price, or Call to book):
Northeast Florida
Treasure Coast & Palm Beaches
Fort Lauderdale & Miami
See all Florida deep sea fishing
Other states
The Gulf of Mexico off Mississippi and Texas also has deep sea fishing for red snapper, amberjack and more. Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we’ll tell you what we can book.
Deep sea fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Sailfish season off the Atlantic coast
- Kingfish and wahoo
Spring Mar–May
- Mahi-mahi move in
- Cobia migrate along the coast
Summer Jun–Aug
- Peak mahi-mahi
- Snapper and grouper on the reefs (seasons apply)
Fall Sep–Nov
- Kingfish run and wahoo
- Grouper and amberjack on the wrecks
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
How to book a deep sea fishing trip
Pick your Florida port to see live dates and book online, or call us and we’ll match you with a captain.
Offshore charters from more than 40 Florida ports
Saltwater license covered by the captain. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Deep sea fishing questions
What is deep sea fishing?
Deep sea fishing, also called offshore fishing, is saltwater fishing in deeper ocean water away from the coast, usually 100 feet deep or more. Boats troll for mahi-mahi, sailfish, kingfish and tuna, or bottom fish over reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper and amberjack.
How far out do you go deep sea fishing?
It depends on the coast. Off Florida’s southeast coast, deep water and the Gulf Stream can be only a few miles out. Farther north on the Atlantic and in the Gulf of Mexico, boats often run 10 to 30 miles or more to reach deep reefs and wrecks. Your captain picks the spots for the day.
How much does deep sea fishing cost?
In Florida, our offshore charters start at $700 for 4 hours out of Fort Pierce, and most Atlantic ports run $750 to $1,100 for the shortest trip. That is one price for the boat, for up to 6 guests, with license, rods, tackle and bait included. Longer trips cost more.
How long is a deep sea fishing trip?
Most of our trips are 4, 6 or 8 hours; some ports run 5, 7 or 9 hours. Longer trips reach deeper water and bigger fish. A 4- or 5-hour trip is a good first ocean trip for families.
What should I wear deep sea fishing?
Light-colored, layered clothing, ideally long sleeves for sun protection, plus a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes with non-marking soles, like tennis shoes. Bring a light jacket for cool mornings and a rain jacket.
What should I bring on a deep sea fishing trip?
Sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, a light jacket and rain jacket, seasickness medicine if you need it, a camera, and your own food and drinks in a cooler. The captain brings the rods, tackle and bait.
Is deep sea fishing dangerous?
It is safe with the right crew. Our captains hold Coast Guard licenses and are chosen for safety and the condition of their boats and gear. Captains watch the weather and will reschedule if it is unsafe, with a full refund or a free new date.
Will I get seasick deep sea fishing?
Not everyone does. If you are prone to it, take seasickness medicine before the boat leaves the dock, because it usually doesn’t help once you feel sick. Eat a light breakfast and stay hydrated. Trips that end early because of seasickness are not refunded.
How many people can go on a deep sea charter?
Most of our private offshore charters take up to 6 guests for one boat price.
Do I need a fishing license?
Not on our Florida charters. The captain’s license covers every guest on the boat.
Should I tip the crew?
Tips are appreciated and are a real part of the crew’s income. 15% to 20% is typical for excellent service.
How do I book a deep sea fishing trip?
Pick your port on our Florida deep sea fishing page to see live dates and book online, or call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we will help you pick a trip.