Fishing charters in Longboat Key, FL

Whether you are planning an inshore fishing trip or a reef fishing, you’ll easily find a fishing charter in Longboat Key.

Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Mangrove Snapper can be your next catch.

Inshore fishing charters in Longboat Key

If you’re wondering where to cast a line near Longboat Key to make the most of the inshore fishing, you’ll find there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. From grassy shallows to numerous bays, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and budgets.

Depending on the season, you can catch Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are good for families with kids, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip is $436 for 2 people. Add $50 for an extra angler. 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 Longboat Key.

You can find more than 41 fishing companies in Longboat Key and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing adventure in Longboat Key.

Best time for inshore fishing

June, July and May are the best months for inshore fishing near Longboat Key.

Popular inshore fish species

• Mangrove Snapper
• Snook
• Redfish
• Tarpon
• Cobia

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Full Boat Charters from $400.00
• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $350.00
• Imperial Sportfishing from $300.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $300.00
• On a Mission Fishing Charters from $500.00

Offshore fishing charters in Longboat Key

If you’re looking for a offshore fishing adventures, you’ll find that there are some excellent fishing opportunities 15-50 miles offshore. Longboat Key offshore fishing charters can take you there for a whole day.

Longboat Key fishing charters target variety of fish including species like Cobia, King Mackerel, Gag Grouper, Jack Crevalle, 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 price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip is $682 for 2 people. An extra angler fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

$350 is the lowest price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip in Longboat Key found on our platform.

In Longboat Key and nearby cities, there are about 29 offshore fishing charters. So you'll have plenty of options to find your next fishing break.

Tip: It’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience. Offshore fishing spots are away from the coast, so you will need some time to get there.

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

Best time for offshore fishing

The best time to go offshore fishing in Longboat Key are considered to be June, July and May.

Popular offshore fish species

• Cobia
• King Mackerel
• Gag Grouper
• Jack Crevalle
• Blacktip Shark

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Barracudaville Charters from $535.00
• Just Kickin Back Charters from $600.00
• Niche Fishing Charters from $650.00
• Seafood Charters from $900.00
• Liquid Lifestyle Fishing Charters from $800.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Longboat Key

Longboat Key family-friendly fishing charters offer a great opportunity to build relationships with the members of your family. Local Captains know a lot about the species of fish you will be targeting. They can answer your questions about fishing and show you various fishing techniques.

If you choose to be away from the rough seas and stay close to the shore, inshore fishing could be your next choice. Inshore waters are ideal for family fishing because of the shallow depths and calm waves.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

Take a quick 4-hour inshore fishing trip if you are traveling with your family. Your family won’t get tired during a short outing.

On average, the price for a 4-hour family-friendly fishing trip is $436 for 2 guests. An extra angler fee is $50. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

• Full Boat Charters from $400.00
• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $395.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $500.00

Shark fishing charters in Longboat Key

A steady flow of warm water makes Longboat Key an attractive destination for shark fishing. Longboat Key shark fishing charters will help you target famous ocean predators of all sizes.

Longboat Key shark fishing charters will put you on Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Nurse Shark, Bull Shark, and many more.

Note: some shark species are considered prohibited in Florida and cannot be kept as a trophy. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Sharks inhabit tropical to subtropical coastal, shelf, and inland waters. Depending on the size, sharks could be found from the shallow grounds to the offshore waters.

Oily and bloody bait is the best bet for appealing to sharks. Preferred live baits for shark fishing could be Blue Runner, Mullet, Bonita, or Ladyfish. Fishing charters prepare the best bait depending on the targeted shark species.

Shark fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour shark fishing charter is $522 for 2 anglers. An extra guest fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

You can find about 13 fishing charters in Longboat Key and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing getaway in Longboat Key.

Best time for shark fishing in Longboat Key

Most of the non-prohibited shark species can be caught any time of the year. The best months for shark fishing in Longboat Key are March through October.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Nurse Shark
• Bull Shark
• Blue Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $465.00
• Imperial Sportfishing from $600.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $500.00

Tarpon fishing charters in Longboat Key

Tarpon is one of the most desired trophy fish in Longboat Key. Local guides specialize in putting anglers on the best Tarpon spots. They will show you how to use the proper fishing method in the right spot and at the right time.

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

Note: The best practice is never to bring your catch in the boat because Tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery. It is illegal to lift Tarpon out of the water if its length is greater than 40 inches. So be very delicate with your trophy, take a few photos, and let it go.

Tarpon fishing rates

$580 is the average price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing trip and 2 guests. Add $50 for each additional guest.

We found 15 fishing companies specialized in Tarpon fishing in Longboat Key and nearby cities.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Longboat Key

Late spring and summer are the best seasons to go after Tarpon in Longboat Key waters. The ideal months are August, July, and June.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $700.00
• Imperial Sportfishing from $800.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $900.00
• On a Mission Fishing Charters from $750.00
• Florida Inshore Adventures from $750.00

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 book a trip with a 10-20% deposit.

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

The deposit could be refunded if you cancel the trip before the cancellation deadline. The cancellation deadline is usually 2-14 days before your trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Longboat Key?

Popular meeting points near Longboat Key are:

• 7th Ave Blvd NW — 28 mins from Longboat Key
• Cockroach Bay Boat Ramp, 5299 Cockroach Bay Rd — 52 mins from Longboat Key
• Demens Landing Boat Ramp, 301 1st Ave SE — 60 mins from Longboat Key