Florida Deep Sea Fishing

With warm weather and hundreds of miles of coastline, Florida deep sea fishing attracts millions of visitors to the state every year. The state of Florida is located in the southeastern region of United States. The Gulf of Mexico runs along its western coastline and the Atlantic Ocean on the east, making it a large peninsula.

You can find fish in the back-country creeks and along the beaches that can be caught with a lightweight rod and reel. But its the deep sea that offers the real challenge and variety for anglers to catch fish as a sport or otherwise.

If you are considering to go deep sea fishing in Florida, south Florida offers the best place to fish. If you don’t have your own boat, charter boats can be hired for about $400 to $500 to cover half a day of fishing which can carry around six people.

A few tips to keep in mind.

For Florida deep sea fishing you might want to consider carrying sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat. If you are prone to seasickness, do take care and have the necessary medication on board. You can bring along your own food or have it arranged in advance on the boat. Wear soft shoes so that you don’t slip and fall overboard. Tug along a good camera to catch the wildlife at sea.

Why hire a boat for deep sea fishing?

One advantage of hiring a charter boat in addition to expert guidance is that, the handling of bait, tackle and equipment is taken care of, for you. Even fish cleaning is done on your behalf. If its your first time, you can hire or request the first mate on the boat to teach you how to bait and use the tackle. The captain of the hired boat knows where the fish can be found, which makes the trip all the more worthwhile.

What kind of fishes does Florida deep sea fishing offer?

Most of the fishes aren’t endangered. Though Florida has many variety of fish species, the common ones you can find are Sailfish, Cobia, Tuna, Wahoo, Flounder, Pompano, Snook, Tiggerfish, Amberjack, Marlin, Swordfish, Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, among snapper and grouper.

You can keep the fish that you catch for cooking. The ones that can’t be eaten are released after taking a picture of them, if you don’t want to kill it for a trophy or a souvenir.

To go deep sea fishing in Florida, you can hire boats at Boca Raton, Captiva Island, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Marco Island, Miami Beach, Naples, Palm Beach, Panama City Beach, Sarasota, Stuart, Tampa Bay.

Florida deep sea fishing is for everyone to enjoy and get a hang of sport fishing, whether you are a kid or an adult.

Hooked on Deep Sea Fishing in Florida

Visitors often refer to Florida as “the Sunshine State.” Because of its diverse array of options for deep sea fishing, including natural and artificial reefs harboring 55 saltwater species, Florida could also be referred to as “the deep sea fishing” state.

A deep sea fishing enthusiast considering Florida for an excursion will need to attend to several details. These include licensure; choosing a location; choosing the best time of year to ensure a fruitful trip; and equipment.

Purchasing a license to go deep sea fishing in Florida is simple. Licensing is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which provides immediate license privileges, 24 hours a day, at MyFWC.Com/license or by calling toll-free 1-888 FISH FLORIDA (347-4356). Non-resident licenses range from $17 for a three-day license through $47 for a one-year license. Some people, such as children under 16 years of age, are exempt from licensure.

Florida’s 1197 miles of coastline yield plentiful deep sea fishing opportunities. When planning a trip, consider what type of fish most appeals to you. Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, is known for bonefish. For sailfish, plan a trip based in Stuart, due to the reef that is a few miles offshore. Snook are more plentiful across the state in the region from Naples to Cape Sable. Tarpon, which can be as large as 200 pounds, habituate Homosassa, Boca Grande, and St. Petersburg. The shipwrecks and artificial reefs off Miami teem with grouper and snapper. (If you catch a 200 pound goliath grouper, though, you are required to release it.)

If cobia are a favorite of yours, head north to Panama City’s “green reef,” which is the deeper water between the shoreline and flats that forms at high tide. Another North Florida destination for deep sea fishing is Jacksonville, especially popular for kingfish.

You can either determine the time of year for your trip based on the species you are fishing for, or vice versa. For example, cobia will be in Panama City in late February and early March, after which they head south and are more widespread in other gulf coast waters.

If you must come to Florida at a specific time, research the results your fishing expedition is likely to yield. Initiate contact with the local landing from which you plan to fish, and you will usually receive helpful advice.

Do some research in advance to learn the equipment rules for deep sea fishing in Florida, such as the circle hooks required in the Gulf of Mexico. These equipment rules were established to minimize mortality associated with releasing fish.

Whatever you catch, and wherever you catch it, there is always something about deep sea fishing in Florida to get you “hooked.”

Companies Offering Deep Sea Fishing Charters In Florida

When in the market for Florida deep sea fishing charters, you have several options:

1. Fishbox Charters- Fish you can potentially catch on these charters are: Grouper, Amberjack , Shark, Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Cobia, Snapper, and Dolphin. It has all the most up to date equipment, and a staff that is hardworking and dedicated to help you get the fish into the boat. Their passion is fishing, and they don’t rest until you get the fish you want.

2. Sea Spirit Fishing- Has 50 years on experience, and is located in Ponce, Inlet Florida. They have mates on board for you should you have any questions about your fishing experience.

3. Fineline Fishing Charters- The captain and owner of this charter company is a U.S. Coast guard captain. The kind of fish they catch on this charter is Redfish. They also go after Speckled trout, Snook, Tarpan, Flounder, Barracuda, and Bluefish, when they are in season.

4. J.C.’s Indian River Fishing Charters- You can fish on the Indian river in a 22 foot Sea Pro Bay boat. You can fish for Redfish, Sea trout, Snook, and many others. The captain is an expert fisherman so that you are sure to catch the fish you want.

5. Hooker Sport Fishing Charters- The Hooker offers daily trips in Daytona, Fl. They have a 40′ sportfishing boat, that allows you to fish for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Dolphin, Snapper, Grouper, Amberjack and Barracuda.

6. Saltwater Adventures Of South Florida- These Florida deep sea fishing charters are located near Orlando, Fl. the captain is a member of many recreational fishing organizations. He is well known throughout Florida as a deep sea fishing expert. His boat features all of the modern fish catching technology, and many comfort items to make your trip one you will not soon forget.

7. Wild Bill Charters- It is located right next to the Kennedy Space center. The captain is a retired police officer, who promises that your trip will be a special memory to always remember.

8. Arts Adventures- You can fish for Tuna, Dolphin, KingFish, Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. This Florida Deep Sea Fishing Charter is located in Cocoa Beach. The boat that will take you to sea is a 34′ custom sport fishing yacht, with all the modern gadgets, and comfort to spare.

9. Inshore fishing Charters- Located one hour from Orlando, and fish you can catch on this charter are: Tarpon, RedFish, Snook, and Trout.