Florida Panhandle Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Florida Panhandle fishing trip is US $763, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $1,642 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Florida Panhandle are good for families?

Fishing charters in Florida Panhandle that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Florida Panhandle?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Florida Panhandle are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Florida Panhandle?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Florida Panhandle are:

What are the top types of fishing in Florida Panhandle?

The top 3 types of fishing in Florida Panhandle are:

Do Florida Panhandle fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Florida Panhandle provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Florida Panhandle?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Florida Panhandle are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Florida Panhandle?

Who are the top awarded captains in Florida Panhandle?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Florida Panhandle?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Florida Panhandle are:

2-hour fishing trips – US $378
3-hour fishing trips – US $535
4-hour fishing trips – US $719
5-hour fishing trips – US $839
6-hour fishing trips – US $1,039
8-hour fishing trips – US $1,393
10-hour fishing trips – US $1,858
12-hour fishing trips – US $2,160

Fishing in Florida Panhandle

You’ve probably already heard about the excellent angling action the “Sunshine State” has to offer. But did you know that one of the best ways to experience it is through a Florida Panhandle fishing adventure? From shallow flats to deep offshore waters, this northwestern region has something to whet the appetite of any visitor.

Hit the Apalachee Bay’s flats, the Apalachicola Bay’s oyster beds, or the Choctawhatchee Bay’s brackish waters and there’s no end to what you can catch. Go after Bull Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, and delicious Mackerel, Snappers, Flounder, and Sheephead, along with tough-fighting beasts such as Tarpon, when the season hits. With trips lasting anywhere from two to ten hours, there’s something for everybody.

But no Florida Panhandle fishing trip would be complete without a visit to the Gulf. All along the coast, charters are waiting to take you to the reefs and deep waters beyond to get your hands on some true trophies. Groupers, Cobia, Amberjack, Red Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Sailfish – you name it, these waters have it. Make the most of these incredible fishing grounds and spend up to a few days on the water.

Nicknamed the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World,” Destin is your go-to stop for an offshore voyage. Meanwhile, you can head on an inshore trip from anywhere along the coast. If you’re looking to hit the reefs, then Panama City and Port St. Joe are your best bets but, wherever you are, you can’t go wrong!

Rules & Regulations

Fishing with a Florida Panhandle fishing charter means that your license is covered, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Going out with a professional guide will also make sure you’re fishing within the law, such as practicing catch and release on Tarpon, or only targeting Red Snapper during its short season.

Florida Panhandle

4.8 / 5

Based on 28561 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Florida Panhandle Fishing Seasons

January

Start your year off in the right way by experiencing some Panhandle angling action! Explore the reefs for Snapper and Grouper, or hook Redfish and Trout in one of the many bays.

February

This is the perfect time to target Bull Redfish and have some of the Gulf’s most productive inshore waters all to yourself! If you prefer bottom fishing, the reefs are swarming with Snapper.

March

It’s still too cold for pelagic fishing, but if you’re looking to test your stamina, you can target the first Cobia around the Gulf’s reefs. Inshore, you can hook Redfish and Trout in the bays.

April

If you’re targeting Speckled Trout and Redfish, April sees even more of these species flocking to the Panhandle’s bays and shallow coastal waters. Cobia appear by the reefs in full force, too.

May

Pelagic species start arriving offshore, and huge Groupers can be hooked around the reefs. Inshore fishing for Bull Redfish and Trout remains as strong as ever, and Cobia are still putting up a fight.

June

Tarpon season is well and truly here! Come bow to the “Silver King” along the Gulf’s shallow coastal waters. Big game fishing more your thing? Troll offshore for hard-fighting Mahi Mahi.

July

If you’ve got your sights set on inshore fishing, head to one of the Panhandle’s numerous bays, which are still full of fish. Offshore enthusiasts can chase Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Tuna, and more in the deep.

August

Red Snapper can be found around the Panhandle’s reefs, if the season still allows, while huge Redfish and Flounder are in the bays’ deeper waters. Offshore, troll for Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Sharks, and more.

September

The weather is still warm and the Panhandle’s fishing is red hot. Hook Redfish and Trout in the bays, fish the reefs for Grouper and Snapper, or target big game species offshore. You’re spoiled for choice!

October

October means one thing when it comes to inshore fishing – huge Bull Reds! Hit the bays to get your fill, or you can head to the reefs to find some Grouper Snapper species. It's all about filling the freezer!

November

Flats fishing in the bays and along the Gulf’s coast takes center stage in November, with this being the time to hook tasty Flounder. Bring along a cooler, as the chances are that you’ll fill it to the brim.

December

Why not round off the year with some exciting fishing? Although the temperature is cooler, Speckled Trout and Redfish fishing inshore is still hot, while you can also sink your hok into the last of the Flounders.

Florida Panhandle Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Florida Panhandle

Call Capt. Brent from Fishing Made Easy. He will put you on fish even on a slow day.

5.0 / 5

Call Capt. Brent from Fishing Made Easy. He will put you on fish even on a slow day.

Fishing Made Ezy

Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.

5.0 / 5

Storm water cleared days before, but a quality trip never the less. Great captain.

Bluewater-Charter & Boat Excursions

We have used 5 different charters in Destin. Captain Si was by far the best. Use Nelson Charters. I won’t use anyone else from now on.

5.0 / 5

We have used 5 different charters in Destin. Captain Si was by far the best. Use Nelson Charters. I won’t use anyone else from now on.

Nelson Guide Company

Not a lot in season but if you don’t care about keeping your fish then it’s loads of fun

5.0 / 5

Not a lot in season but if you don’t care about keeping your fish then it’s loads of fun

Too Hot 2 Handle Charters

It was great. There were storms a few days before and it was a bit windy at the end but our captain was a pro in navigating the chop!

5.0 / 5

It was great. There were storms a few days before and it was a bit windy at the end but our captain was a pro in navigating the chop!

Old Town Charters *Veteran Owned*

You catch something if you have a good angler, guiding you on your excursion, and we did with Jus Cuz . you can tell when a captain really cares about his boat, his passengers and the environment around him.

5.0 / 5

Jus Cuz Fishing Charters

Go out fishing with an open mind. Day to day the fishing changes. Weather is a big/huge factor. Be patient with your Captain. They are doing their best with what the day brings. You might catch fish non stop for your trip, or get only a couple. It's fishing. And be polite. May God bless your fishing adventures.

5.0 / 5

East Pass Inshore Charters

If you go in March-April dress appropriately as it gets chilly with the wind.

5.0 / 5

If you go in March-April dress appropriately as it gets chilly with the wind.

Emerald “C” Fishing Charters

The 6 hour trip was just right for our group of teens- very active and engaging.

5.0 / 5

The 6 hour trip was just right for our group of teens- very active and engaging.

Captain Mike's Charters

Lots of fish to keep but if you’re looking to take fish home, probably not a lot to stock your freezer.

4.7 / 5

Lots of fish to keep but if you’re looking to take fish home, probably not a lot to stock your freezer.

Total Package Charters

Sunscreen, layers incase the breeze moves in, snacks drinks, hat, sunglasses

5.0 / 5

Sunscreen, layers incase the breeze moves in, snacks drinks, hat, sunglasses

Emerald “C” Fishing Charters

Weather was tough most of the week but seas were really much more calm today. Great boat and barely felt the waves!

4.7 / 5

Weather was tough most of the week but seas were really much more calm today. Great boat and barely felt the waves!

Kelley Girl Charters – Lady Kelley

The weather was a little chilly and foggy but it didn’t stop the fun or the fishing! Definitely recommend a jacket for the boat ride if the temp is in the 70s as it was warm on shore but I didn’t think about the wind from the water and the boat ride.

5.0 / 5

Ahoy Boat Tours

Wear light colored clothing, dress in layers, sunscreen, motion sickness meds at least 1 hour before, and some really grippy shoes that are waterproof. Water will get inside the boat. You might want a bottle of water, and storage is limited so think small bag. Otherwise try to focus on the experience. Watch for wildlife it's all around you.

5.0 / 5

Tradition Fishing Charters – 24'

Fishing from the piers provided good spanish mackerel bites as well as sea trout /

4.3 / 5

Fishing from the piers provided good spanish mackerel bites as well as sea trout /

Reel Addiction Fishing Charters II

I'd recommend using King of Kings as he was great with myself and 5 high school seniors (4 of which had never done offshore fishing). They had a blast!

5.0 / 5

I'd recommend using King of Kings as he was great with myself and 5 high school seniors (4 of which had never done offshore fishing). They had a blast!

King of Kings Charters

Go for it, the area offers a lot of great offer of fishing. It won’t disappoint. The only reason I did not write this 5 stars was because I’ve had better days fishing in Clearwater where I larger fish

5.0 / 5

Another Last Cast

We learned the water is just warming up in April, so there is not as many fish to catch.

5.0 / 5

We learned the water is just warming up in April, so there is not as many fish to catch.

Coastal Life Charters & Adventures–Pensacola

If you have a 7 y/o fishing for the first time, do an inshore fishing trip. The water isn’t rough, you’ll catch fish, and you’ll see plenty of wildlife and dolphins.

5.0 / 5

If you have a 7 y/o fishing for the first time, do an inshore fishing trip. The water isn’t rough, you’ll catch fish, and you’ll see plenty of wildlife and dolphins.

Shallowtails Adventures

We had such a great time with Capt Jason. He was a patient and capable teacher to my young son who dominated the catch for the day. An amazing day… don’t miss this trip.

5.0 / 5

We had such a great time with Capt Jason. He was a patient and capable teacher to my young son who dominated the catch for the day. An amazing day… don’t miss this trip.

Chasin' Dreams Charters

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Florida Panhandle?

Life’s 2 Short
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

Captain Alex was fantastic! Will definitely join him again on another trip!

Julie K.

Fishing Made Ezy
Fishing charter in Orange Beach

5.0 / 5

(119 reviews)

It was a great day to be on the water.Fishing was slow and other boats were having no luck ether but Capt. Brent on our second spot put us on fish. We tried 5 spots and 3 of them we caught fish.We ended up on the 4 hour trip catching around 30 fish and took some keepers home.Thanks to Capt. Brent on a slow day of fishing he was able to make the day great.

Ernie C.

Chapmans Charters
Fishing charter in Port St. Joe

5.0 / 5

(21 reviews)

Mike and Carson were amazing, took good care of us throughout the trip. Worked hard all day to keep trying to get us on fish. Very experienced and very easy to get along with. Highly recommend!

Kenny R.

Tail Raiser Charters
Fishing charter in Panama City

5.0 / 5

(267 reviews)

Captain Craig and first mate Brandon were AMAZING!! Look forward to our fall trip with this crew!

Joy R.

Big John of Florida Charter Boat
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(53 reviews)

Captain Chris got us on fish and Denis and Brian educated and were quick to help. Vermillion snapper was the target and we got a lot. Best part was taking the filets over to The edge restaurant next door and they cooked all 10 lbs up for us. Blackened snapper was so good. For those looking for a business event in short time Big John’s made it a breeze to get on fish and have fun.

Garry G.

Emerald “C” Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Pensacola

5.0 / 5

(189 reviews)

We fished the 3rd week in April and several told us fishing is not great this time of year but we were out for the experience & catching fish would be a bonus. Craig put us on fish almost immediately and caught several keepers thru our 4 hour trip. Thanks Craig for your knowledge & experience!

Les D.

850 Charters—Capt. Jared
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(149 reviews)

Somewhat windy but Jared got us to spots early and we caught a little of everything

John H.

On The Bite Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Navarre

5.0 / 5

(7 reviews)

Captain Sean was great, the boat was awesome, and the fishing was action packed. Will definitely book again. Thanks again Sean and hope to see you again next year.

Jeromy L.

Nelson Guide Company
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(124 reviews)

Awesome Captain. Told us stories about the history of the area. Show us details about lots of different fish and how some of them get their names. Very knowledgeable, personable and friendly Captain. Best experience with any of the Destin area charters. We will definitely use Captain Si again. Oh, and we caught lots of different kinds of fish. Great time.

Robert R.

Knot Josh'N Charters
Fishing charter in Panama City Beach

5.0 / 5

(8 reviews)

We had a wonderful time, Capt. Josh knew right where to take us. I highly recommend Knot Josh'N Charter.

Samantha K.

Panhandle Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Fort Walton Beach

5.0 / 5

(72 reviews)

Took my family on a five hour charter, I had previously done the “party boats” can say I will never do that again. This trip was awesome, the captain was very personable and took us to the fish without fail. Everyone was extremely pleased with this trip and we will definitely be back again.

Robert S.

Life’s 2 Short
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(15 reviews)

We had a wonderful time with captain Alex. He went an above and beyond to make a great trip for us. Make sure and book thru him!

Craig H.

Bluewater-Charter & Boat Excursions
Fishing charter in Panama City Beach

5.0 / 5

(17 reviews)

He went through every effort to get fish, and we slayed them. Great family trip, couldn’t recommend him any more if I tried. Highly recommend.

Erik P.

Our Nautical Dream LLC
Fishing charter in Pensacola

5.0 / 5

(1 review)

Tim was outstanding. So focused on everyone having a good time especially kids. Caught some great fish and then he took us to a special spot to watch the Blue Angels practice. 10/10

Mark M.

Wild Red Charters
Fishing charter in Orange Beach

5.0 / 5

(22 reviews)

Captain Josh was great. He knew where to go and we caught a lot of fish. We will definitely be going with him again.

Bradley P.

Tidewater Fishing Service
Fishing charter in Gulf Shores

5.0 / 5

(5 reviews)

Capt Erik made sure we were on the fish. This is a great charter for family and those who aren't familiar with fishing in the local area. We started in the bay and weren't having a lot of f luck. Erik moved us ound until we were catching plenty of keepers. Highly recommend as we had a few first timers who never chartered before and they loved the trip. Thanks Capt Erik for a fun trip.

Stacey R.

Got 2 Go Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Shalimar

5.0 / 5

(95 reviews)

Captain Shaun was very accommodating and even switched the days for us. He and Solomon are a great duo. They were constantly baiting our hooks and helped me get a great cast every time! Would definitely recommend these guys and will be booking another trip with them next time we are down.

Andrea S.

Lonestar Fishing Charters 33’
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(119 reviews)

Caught alot of fish. Brought to local restaurant and cooked it all up. Great dinner.

Meredith F.

Shoal River Outdoors
Fishing charter in Shalimar

5.0 / 5

(41 reviews)

Captain Chris and mate Captain Jason went overboard. The target species were not biting but they went to plan B. The trip was 90 minutes longer than we paid for but they made sure we got the fish, Spanish Mackerel. Many Thanks!

Jim C.

Big John of Florida Charter Boat
Fishing charter in Destin

5.0 / 5

(53 reviews)

Had a great time on a 10 hour trip , 8 of us fished comfortably and had plenty of space . We caught plenty of fish and filled a cooler full to take home .