Saltwater fishing charters in Florida
Inshore, offshore, flats and deep sea fishing with local captains, with live dates and prices online.
Florida is surrounded by saltwater: bays, lagoons, flats, reefs and the Gulf Stream. Pick the kind of trip that fits your group, then book a local captain online.
Fish you can catch saltwater fishing
The most popular saltwater fish in Florida, inshore and offshore:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
What is saltwater fishing?
Saltwater fishing means fishing the ocean and its bays, lagoons and tidal rivers for marine fish. In Florida it comes in three main styles: inshore saltwater fishing in calm, shallow water for redfish, snook and seatrout; nearshore fishing on reefs and wrecks for snapper, grouper and cobia; and offshore deep sea fishing for mahi-mahi, kingfish, sailfish and tuna. On an iOutdoors charter the license, tackle and bait are included.
Inshore vs offshore vs flats fishing
Three ways to fish saltwater in Florida, side by side:
| Inshore | Offshore / deep sea | Flats & backcountry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Bays, lagoons, mangroves, inlets | Reefs, wrecks, Gulf Stream | Shallow flats, Everglades, Keys backcountry |
| Water | Calm, 2–10 ft | Open ocean, 60–1,000+ ft | Very shallow, 1–4 ft |
| Main fish | Redfish, snook, seatrout, tarpon | Mahi-mahi, sailfish, grouper, snapper, kingfish | Bonefish, permit, tarpon, redfish |
| Trip length | 4–6 hours | 4–12 hours | 4–8 hours |
| Good for | Families, beginners, light tackle | Groups, big fish, eating fish | Sight fishing, fly anglers |
| From | $450 | $700 (drift boats ~$70 pp) | $575 |
Pick a saltwater trip
Every trip type has local captains, live calendars and the license included:
Saltwater fishing: what you need to know
The short version of how a saltwater charter works, from booking to the dock:
Inshore fishing
Inshore trips run in the protected water of bays and lagoons, like Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River Lagoon. You sight fish for redfish, snook and seatrout from a flats or bay boat. It is the best choice for kids and first-timers.
Offshore and sport fishing
Offshore trips head to reefs, wrecks and blue water. From Port Canaveral to the Keys you can target mahi-mahi, kingfish, cobia, sailfish and even swordfish at night. Read more about sport fishing trips.
Where to go
The Atlantic coast, the Florida Keys, the Gulf Coast and the Panhandle all have great saltwater fishing. Stuart is famous for snook, and Florida itself is called the fishing capital of the world. Read our guide to saltwater fishing in Florida.
What to bring
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, light layers, snacks and drinks. Tackle, bait and the license are provided. Prone to seasickness? Read our sea sickness tips before an offshore trip.
Pricing and booking
Each trip shows its price per boat and live open dates. Book online, or call or text (407) 392-4593. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your trip, and a full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather.
Beyond Florida
We also run trips in other states, including Pennsylvania on Lake Erie and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Where to go saltwater fishing in Florida
Pick a town (lowest trip price on its page, if bookable online):
Atlantic coast
Northeast Florida
South Florida & the Keys
Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast
Broward & Miami
Florida Keys
Everglades
Gulf Coast
Saltwater fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Sailfish (Atlantic)
- Sheepshead inshore
- Kingfish
Spring Mar–May
- Tarpon arrive
- Cobia run
- Mahi-mahi start
Summer Jun–Aug
- Snapper and grouper seasons
- Mahi-mahi
- Tarpon
Fall Sep–Nov
- Redfish run
- Snook
- Kingfish return
What guests say about our saltwater trips
5.04 reviews
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
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
Book a saltwater fishing charter
Pick a trip type and a date, or let us match you with a captain.
Not sure which trip fits? Call or text and we’ll help.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. 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.
Saltwater fishing FAQ
What is saltwater fishing?
Saltwater fishing is fishing in the ocean, bays, lagoons and tidal rivers for marine species like redfish, snook, tarpon, grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi and sailfish. It splits into inshore fishing (shallow bays and flats), nearshore fishing (reefs and wrecks a few miles out) and offshore or deep sea fishing in deep blue water.
What is the difference between inshore and offshore fishing?
Inshore fishing happens in calm, shallow water inside bays, lagoons and mangroves, usually on 4–6 hour trips for redfish, snook and seatrout. Offshore fishing runs miles out to reefs, wrecks and the Gulf Stream for grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, kingfish and sailfish, on bigger boats and longer trips.
Do I need a fishing license for saltwater fishing in Florida?
Yes, unless you fish on a licensed charter. Every saltwater trip booked with iOutdoors includes the captain’s license for everyone on board, so you don’t need your own.
What is the best saltwater fishing in Florida?
It depends on what you want. The Florida Keys and South Florida are best for sailfish, mahi-mahi and flats species, the Gulf Coast for grouper and snapper, the Space Coast and Mosquito Lagoon for redfish and seatrout, and Stuart for snook.
How much does a saltwater fishing charter cost?
On iOutdoors, inshore trips start from $450 and deep sea trips from $700 per boat. Drift fishing party boats start around $70 per person. Prices depend on the town, the boat and trip length; every trip shows its price and live dates online.
What is the best time of year for saltwater fishing in Florida?
Florida has year-round saltwater fishing. Spring is great for tarpon, cobia and mahi-mahi, summer for snapper and grouper seasons, fall for the redfish run and snook, and winter for sailfish on the Atlantic side and sheepshead inshore.
What should I bring on a saltwater fishing trip?
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, light layers, snacks and drinks, and a cooler for your catch. Tackle, bait and the license are provided. If you are prone to seasickness, read our sea sickness tips before an offshore trip.