Fishing charters in Hilliard, FL

Hilliard can be considered the fishing capital of Florida as it's home to a variety of exotic fish and a large fishing charter fleet.

Local fishing charters will do whatever it takes to reel in Redfish, Southern Flounder, Cobia, King Mackerel, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in Hilliard

Inshore fishing is one of Hilliard's key attractions. From grassy shallows to numerous bays, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and budgets.

You can land Redfish, Southern Flounder, Cobia, Spotted Seatrout, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

$465 is the average price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip and 2 people. An extra angler fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Hilliard.

There are more than 41 fishing companies in Hilliard and nearby cities. You will have plenty of choices to find your next fishing outing.

Best time for inshore fishing

The best time to go inshore fishing in Hilliard are considered to be June, September and July.

Popular inshore fish species

• Redfish
• Southern Flounder
• Cobia
• Spotted Seatrout
• Black Drum

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Last Call Fishing Charters from $579.00
• Capt Dave's Sport Fishing from $600.00
• Backwater Fishing Adventures from $450.00
• Even Better Fishing Charters from $600.00
• Blue Cyclone Inland Fishing Adventures from $400.00

Offshore fishing charters in Hilliard

If you’re looking for offshore fishing adventures, you’ll find that there are some excellent fishing opportunities miles off the coast. Hilliard offshore fishing charters can take you there for a whole day.

You can land Cobia, King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Amberjack, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour offshore fishing charter is $770 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for an extra angler. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

The most affordable 4-hour offshore fishing trip in Hilliard costs $595 for 2 anglers.

You can find 29 fishing charters in Hilliard and nearby cities. You will have a variety of choices for your next fishing getaway.

Keep in mind that it takes time to get to the best offshore fishing spots. It’s better to take a 6-hour offshore fishing trip if you want more fishing action.

The average tips are 15-20% of the total fishing charter price.

Best time for offshore fishing

June, September and July will be your next best months for offshore fishing in Hilliard.

Popular offshore fish species

• Cobia
• King Mackerel
• Red Snapper
• Amberjack
• Mahi Mahi

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Last Call Fishing Charters from $804.00
• Northeast Florida Fishing Charters from $675.00
• Sweet Lips Fishing Charters from $700.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Hilliard

Hilliard family-friendly fishing charters offer a great opportunity to build relationships with the members of your family. Your Captain will show you how to use the tackle and catch different species of fish.

In-shore fishing refers to inland waters like creeks, flats, and small bays. If an unexpected weather change comes along with inshore fishing, getting to safety is generally minutes away.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Select a 4-hour inshore fishing charter if you are planning a trip to Hilliard. The kids will learn more about fish species and won’t get bored.

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour family-friendly fishing charter is $436 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional guest. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

Shark fishing charters in Hilliard

Sharks are plentiful all year round, from the shallow flats to the offshore waters near Hilliard. Hilliard shark fishing charters are experienced in targeting various species of sharks.

You can have an amazing fishing outing and a chance to catch Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Bull Shark, Nurse Shark, and many more.

Note: not all shark species can be caught or landed in Florida. Some species are considered prohibited. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Good shark fishing is along the coral or the sandy bottoms, river mouths, bays, and offshore waters. Pups and juveniles occur in shallow waters, while larger sharks can be found in offshore waters.

Oily and bloody bait is the best bet for appealing to sharks. Live bait for shark fishing consists of Ladyfish, Mullet, Little Tunny, and Blue Runner. The type of bait depends on the shark species you want to catch.

Shark fishing trip prices

$522 is the average base price for a private 4-hour shark fishing charter and 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

There are about 13 fishing guides in Hilliard and nearby cities. It’s easy to book your next fishing retreat in Hilliard.

Best time for shark fishing in Hilliard

You can target sharks all year round. March-October tends to be the best time to catch sharks in Hilliard.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Bull Shark
• Nurse Shark
• Porbeagle Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

• Even Better Fishing Charters from $600.00

Tarpon fishing charters in Hilliard

Tarpon is one of the most desired trophy fish in Hilliard. Hilliard guides specialize in Tarpon fishing. They will provide you with the best bait and show you all the productive spots.

Tarpon can be found in inshore waters, sallows, and bays. You can catch it on live bait with crabs, pinfish, or mullet.

Note: Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. Tarpon must remain in the water if its length is greater than 40 inches. So be careful with a fish, take a few photos, and release your catch.

Tarpon fishing rates

$580 is the average price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing trip and 2 guests. An extra person fee is $50.

15 fishing companies can help you with Tarpon fishing in Hilliard and nearby cities.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Hilliard

Tarpon fishing season in Hilliard is late spring through summer. The best months to catch Tarpon are September, August, and July.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean the catch with no additional payments.

The trip price includes a saltwater fishing license. This license covers all the people on the vessel.

A Fishing charter has to have a federal permit if you are planning to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can make a reservation with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The majority of the fishing charter deposits are refundable if you can cancel before the cancellation deadline. On average, a free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Hilliard?

Popular meeting points near Hilliard are:

• Mayport Boat Ramp, 4870 Ocean St — 58 mins from Hilliard
• Jim King Boat Ramp, 8203 Heckscher Dr — 48 mins from Hilliard
• 1620 North 14th St — 49 mins from Hilliard