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How it works
A fishing charter is a trip on a boat you hire with a licensed captain, who takes you to where the fish are and usually supplies the rods, bait and tackle. You can book the whole boat for your group (a private charter) or buy a spot on a boat with other anglers (a shared or "split" charter). Most run half a day (about four hours) or a full day.
How much does a fishing charter cost?
It depends heavily on the place, the boat and how far offshore you go. As a rough guide from Florida listings:
- Shared half-day: about $55–150 per person.
- Private half-day: about $550–1,500 for the boat.
- Private full day: about $800–3,000. A full day usually costs 1.5–2x a half day, not double.
Deep-sea and offshore trips cost more than inshore or bay trips. Always confirm the current price with the captain.
Private vs. shared charter
- Shared is cheaper for one or two people, and you fish alongside strangers, which is a good way to meet other anglers.
- Private gets cheaper per person as your group grows. With four to six people, it often costs about the same per head as shared, and the captain plans the day around your group.
What's included (and what isn't)
- Usually included: the captain and crew, rods and reels, bait and tackle, and often ice.
- Often extra: fish cleaning, parking, food and drinks, and the tip.
- Fishing license: rules vary by state. Ask whether the boat's license covers its passengers or whether you need your own.
How much do you tip a fishing charter?
15–20% of the trip price is the standard tip, given in cash at the end and split between the captain and mate. On a $750 half-day, that's about $112–150. Tip on the effort, not the catch. A slow day is the fish's fault, not the crew's.
Fishing charter vs. fishing guide
"Charter" usually means a boat on salt water or a big lake. On rivers and trout streams the same idea is called a fishing guide: a local expert who takes you out wading or on a drift boat. In East Tennessee, guided fly fishing on the South Holston and Watauga tailwaters is the local version.
How to book a fishing charter
- Pick inshore or offshore. Inshore is calmer and better for beginners and kids. Offshore goes after bigger fish but brings bigger seas.
- Read recent reviews, and look for a licensed captain (in the U.S., a Coast Guard captain's license).
- Ask: what's included, the cancellation and weather policy, the group size limit, and what to bring.
- Book early for weekends and peak season. Good captains fill up.
- Bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, layers, snacks, seasickness medicine if you need it, and cash for the tip.
Split the boat with your crew
The easiest way to make a private charter affordable is to fill it. Four to six friends sharing a boat often pay about what a shared seat costs, and the day is all yours. Hosting a fishing trip? Catch of a Lifetime lets you post it, cap the group size and approve who joins. Pro guides can list the price.
Common questions
What is a fishing charter?
A fishing trip on a hired boat with a licensed captain who takes you to the fish and usually provides rods, bait and tackle. You can book the whole boat (private) or a spot on a shared boat.
How much does a fishing charter cost?
It varies by location and trip. In Florida, shared half-days run about $55–150 per person and private half-days about $550–1,500 for the boat. Full days usually cost 1.5–2 times a half day.
How much should you tip on a fishing charter?
15–20% of the trip price is standard, in cash at the end, split between the captain and mate.
Do I need a fishing license on a charter?
It depends on the state. Ask the captain whether the boat's license covers passengers or whether you need your own.
What is the difference between a fishing charter and a fishing guide?
A charter usually means a boat trip on salt water or a big lake. A fishing guide typically takes you out wading or on a drift boat on rivers and streams.