As an avid fisherman, I have spent much of my life pursuing different fishing adventures around the world. After taking over 50 charters ranging from deep dropping for Queen Snapper in the Exumas to Fly fishing for Salmon in Montana, I’ve realized that the cost of charter fishing is all over the board. Still, one thing’s for sure; it is always worth it.
How Much Does A Fishing Charter Cost?
The average cost for a fishing charter is $527 for a full day and $415 for a half-day. Fishing charters vary in price dramatically depending on the type of fishing, city of the charter, fuel requirements, and the number of people you bring on the boat. Bass fishing charters can be as low as $243 for a full day on the water, where a full day of deep-sea fishing can be upwards of $3,599.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the different types of fishing charters, how much charters cost, and a few tips to get the most out of your next fishing trip.
Here is a list of common fishing charters and the average pricing for each.
| Charter Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Inshore fishing | $657 |
| Flats Fishing | $417 |
| Shark Fishing | $507 |
| Offshore Fishing (Trolling) | $998 |
| Offshore Fishing (Deep Dropping) | $2,294 |
| Party/Head Boat Fishing | $110 |
| Multi-Day Party/Head Boat Fishing | $399 |
| Nearshore Bottom Fishing | $997 |
| Bass Fishing | $357 |
| River & Stream Fishing | $377 |
| Striper Fishing | $532 |
Top Saltwater Fishing Charters With Pricing
Inshore Fishing Charter
Average Pricing: $657
The average cost for Inshore fishing charters is $657 but can vary from as low as $350 for a half-day and upwards to $800 for a full day on the water. Inshore charters are a great charter option for beginner and avid anglers alike. Inshore fishing typically involves fishing in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters in depths not exceeding 25 feet. Tarpon, redfish, and trout are frequently targeted on inshore charter trips. Fishing tackle will be provided unless stated otherwise.
Flats Fishing Charter
Average Price: $417
The average cost for a flats fishing charter is $417 but varies from as low as $375 to $600. Flat fishing is similar to inshore fishing, but flats fishing emphasizes working extremely shallow waters. Flats fishermen are often targeting certain game fish including, bonefish, redfish, tarpon & flounder. One of the most popular fishing techniques used when working the flats is sight fishing. Sight fishing is a fishing technique that involves a prolonged focus on finding the fish and taking opportunities when they present themselves. This form of fishing typically involves one angler and the captain fishing out of a small flats boat.
Shark Fishing Charter (Night)
Average price: $507
The Average cost for a shark fishing charter is $507. For a 4-6 hour charter, pricing varies from about $395 to $600. Shark fishing is a high-energy fishing adventure often described as haunting, thrilling, and completely unique, making it a great option for fishing lovers and even the typical uninterested angler. The average shark charter yields 3 to 4 sharks unless you hook up to a “jaws” sized beast, in which case you will probably be fighting him for the rest of the night. Though shark fishing charters book both day trips and night trips, the night trips tend to be the most popular and successful. Shark fishing charter boats typically include space for 2-4 anglers being highly dependent on the size of the boat booked. Fishing tackle will be provided unless stated otherwise.
Offshore Fishing Charter (Trolling)
Average Price: $998
The average cost for an offshore fishing charter is $998 but varies from $950 to $1,200 for 8 to 10 hours on the water. The species you will be targeting will be highly dependent on where you are booking your trip out of and the time of year of the charter. If you are booking an offshore charter in the Florida Keys, you would most likely be targeting Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Bonito, Wahoo, Kingfish, Sailfish, and Marlin. One fishing technique that is often employed during offshore fishing charters is Kite Fishing. Kite Fishing involves using a kite to suspend the baits you are trolling perfectly on the surface of the water. This bait presentation is the most productive method used for landing, Marlins, and Sailfish. Most offshore fishing charters include 4 to 6 heads on the boat. Almost all offshore fishing charters include a first mate on the boat to assist with operation out on the water. Offshore trolling is an exhilarating form of sports fishing that keeps you on your toes all day as you wonder what predator will slam your baits next. Fishing tackle will be provided unless stated otherwise.
Offshore Fishing Charter (Deep Dropping)
Average Price: $2,294
The average cost for offshore deep-dropping charters is $2,294 but varies from $990 to $3,599. Deep dropping has an extreme variation in pricing because fishing grounds could be as little as 5 miles offshore to upwards of 100 miles. The Deep dropping trips typically include 4 to 6 heads on the boat, where you will typically be targeting silkies, queen snapper, tilefish, and yellow eyes. Deep drooping generally is performed in waters over 800’ of depth, requiring the use of electrical reels. Fishing tackle will be provided unless stated otherwise.
Party Boat (Head Boat) Charters
Average Price: $110/per person
The average cost for a party boat (head boat) fishing charter is $110 per person but varies from $80 to $135 per person. Head boats are the only type of charter that is not limited to a private party. The attraction for many anglers chartering a party/head boat is fish harvesting and the excitement of bottom fishing. Fishing tackle is seldom provided, and if it is provided, it is often inadequate for optimal fishing. Most party boats can fit 60 to 150 people per trip. Bait is usually provided, but I would recommend you bring your own to bait to ensure not running out.
Multi-Day Party Boat (Head Boat) Charters
Average Price: $399/per person
The average cost for a multi-day head boat charter is $399 per person but varies from $315 to $475 per person. The multi-day charter is frequently chartered by experienced anglers with years of experience on the water. The experience recommended for these charters isn’t so much your skill level fishing but rather your ability to handle yourself in rough seas. Since this is not a private charter, if you or a member of your party gets seasick, there is no turning back until the entire trip is over. Most multi-day charters fit an average of 50 fishermen on board. The total trip length typically ranges from 39 to 48 hours in total. Fishing tackle can be rented from the charter boat itself, but it is highly recommended to bring your own gear. Also, since this is an overnight charter, your packing list should include a sleeping bag, pillow, change of clothes, and of course, food and drinks.
Nearshore Bottom Fishing
Average Price: $997
The average cost for nearshore bottom fishing is $997 but varies from $800 to $1,200. Nearshore bottom fishing typically includes an 8 hour day on the water targeting snapper, grouper, and the occasional amberjack. Most nearshore bottom fishing trips are run out of a center-console type boat accompanying four anglers.
Top Freshwater Fishing Charters With Pricing
Bass Fishing Charter
Average Price: $357
The Average cost for a bass fishing charter is $357 but varies from $243 to $499. Bass fishing is a staple in the fishing industry due to its prevalence in almost every state, making it one of America’s most popular guided fishing trips. Bass fishing has continued to draw popularity over the years with the rise of Bassmaster Tournaments nationwide. Bass fishing is unique from many other forms of fishing in that you are only targeting one species of fish all day.
River & Stream Fishing Charter
Average price: $377
The average cost for river and stream fishing is $377 but varies from $314 to $499. Fly fishing is the method of fishing that is typically used in river and stream environments. Though there are a number of fish that are caught in rivers and streams, trout and salmon are the most commonly targeted species. River and stream charters are typically charged per angler. Pricing often decreases as additional anglers are added to the trip.
Striper Fishing Charter
Average Price: $532
The average cost for striper fishing is $532 but varies from $427 to $655 for an 8-hour charter. Freshwater Striper fishing is often an additional guiding service that bass fishing guides provide. Striper fishing charters are a unique form of freshwater fishing experience that is great for the entire family. Fishing tackle is provided unless stated otherwise.
So now that you have a good understanding of the average cost of booking a fishing charter, below are some additional costs associated with booking a fishing charter.
Additional Costs Associated With Booking A Fishing Charter
Tips: Tips typically range from 10% to 20% of the total cost of the charter.
Food & Drinks: Food and Drinks are rarely included in the cost for the fishing charter, though drinking water may be provided as a courtesy to the customer. Plan on bringing whatever food and drinks are necessary for the allotted time on the boat.
*Always bring 20% more food and drink than you are anticipating consuming. There is something about being on a boat that makes you consume food like a ravenous pig.
Cooler: If you are planning on keeping fish from your charter, it is essential that you bring a cooler to keep the fish fillets cold for your trip back.
Park Pass: If you are fishing in a national park, you will need to purchase a national park pass to enter the park, even if you are fishing with a captain. Park passes can range in price from $20 to $35. We recommend that you get the “America the Beautiful Pass,” a yearly pass that grants access to over 2,000 parks and recreational areas.
Why Is Charting A Fishing Trip So Expensive?
Chartering a fishing trip can be quite expensive for several reasons including, boat insurance, boat maintenance, fishing tackle, docking fees, captain licensing, fishing license, bait, and ice.
What Is The Cheapest Fishing Charter?
On average, the cheapest fishing charter is a flats fishing charter for saltwater and a bass fishing charter for freshwater. The average price for a flats fishing charter comes in at $417 and the average price for a bass fishing charter comes in at $357
Is A Fishing Charter Worth It?
If you are a beginner or avid angler that loves getting on the water to fish, then a fishing charter is always worth it. Fishing charters are a great way to experience a new location when on vacation or just wanting to get out on the water without having all the stress that typically comes with having your own boat and getting it out on the water.
Do Fishing Charters Let You Keep The Fish?
Fishing charters will let you keep the fish you catch if they are within the regulatory size and bag limits. It is typically the decision of the one paying for the charter if you are fishing for sport and exercising “catch and release” or fishing for harvest. My wife likes to call it “fishing for keeps”. Also, certain harvesting limitations may be imposed upon certain fishing areas, so it is important that you educate yourself before booking your charter. Currently, redfish and snook are closed in Southwest Florida to help combat the dieoff of fish caused by the harmful algae blooms.
Should I Price Shop For A Charter?
Price shopping can be a great way to narrow down a couple of charters that you are interested in but should never be the sole factor when selecting a fishing charter. We recommend that you first narrow down the type of fishing charter you are interested in. Next, try to choose 2 to 3 guides that sparked your interest and make a quick phone call to see if you would be a good fit for your fishing needs. Once you have found the perfect charter try to book as early in advance as possible. Quality guides will be booked out months in advance during the peaks of the season.
Will I Get My Money Back If We Don’t Catch Any Fish?
No, you will not get your money back if you don’t catch any fish unless stated otherwise by the captain or outlined on their marketing material. With that said, many captains will go to extreme lengths to have happy customers at the end of the day. Captains frequently offer an additional free day on the water or discount the total trip cost.
Fishing Charter Pricing In Review
As you can see the cost of booking a fishing charter varies dramatically depending on many factors. We hope this article has been helpful to you as you begin your search for the perfect fishing charter. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We would love to assist you in booking your next fishing charter!