15 Private Fishing Charters in the USA Worth Booking

1.Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 367 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $900Our pick

Spend about five hours on a private Ketchikan boat with guides such as Joey or Alex, targeting salmon and halibut in protected waters. Gear, snacks, water, and soda are included. You meet near your cruise ship, but fishing licenses, king stamps, and gratuity cost extra.

“We felt good about our trip because Captain Mike had 5 Stars, but when we got to the dock it wasn’t Captain Mike it was someone else. Our Captain that day was very kind with great manners but he did not know where the fish was located that day. We did try three different places he thought maybe they were located. For the money we paid this wasn’t good. I’m thinking, maybe Captain Mike didn’t care enough about us catching to share this information with the captain who took us out that day. Just not sure to be honest. But for sure, their excuse of TIDE issues just wasn’t the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Private Fishing Charter for Family and Friends in Honolulu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 83 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $265Best value

Set out from Kewalo Basin Harbor with up to six family members or friends for a relaxed two-hour reef fishing trip. Captains such as Sundance, Zach, Rick, and Hannah help beginners, bait lines, identify fish, and keep children involved. Bring your own drinks and snacks, and watch for turtles, dolphins, and whales.

“Was a great experience Captain Sundance, was funny outgoing educational very helpful the only thing I would change is the amount of time that we got out there definitely want more time... Go!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.KeyWest Half-Day Inshore Fishing Private Charter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Start at 7:30 am from Stock Island with Captain Justin or Captain Jagger for four hours in Key West’s shallow channels. Use live crabs, pilchards, and pinfish for tarpon, sharks, snappers, jacks, barracuda, and more. The private boat carries up to four people.

“We had such an amazing time. Captain Jagger was awesome! Went to a few spots and caught a number of fish and two sharks (released). The kids had an awesome time and reeled in a few!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Private Fishing Boat Charters in Naples Bay and the Gulf

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Paul of Mangroveman Charters for a private Naples fishing trip aboard a 22-foot center-console boat. Fish Naples Bay and nearby Gulf waters with gear, bait, licenses, snacks, drinks, and safety equipment included. You can keep legal fish, and the captain cleans and bags your catch before returning to shore.

“Wonderful experience. Very helpful, friendly and professional. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Fishing Charter from Ramrod Key

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Captain Jim takes your private party of up to two into the lower Keys backcountry from Ramrod Key. Fish two to eight feet of clear water for snapper, tarpon, barracuda, shark, and more. Gear, bait, license, ice, and water are included.

“Captain Jim was very personable and knowledgeable. The equipment was great, boat was clean. He worked very hard to make sure we caught fish! Thank you Captain Jim for a great time. We took the fish to Dante’s in Key West. Best fish dinner ever!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Full Day Private Fishing Trip (8 Hour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews

Set out from Hollywood on Lady Pamela II for an eight-hour private fishing charter. Your captain and mate supply bait, tackle, licenses, ice, and coolers, then adjust tactics through the day. Break for lunch in air conditioning while lines stay in the water. Food is not included.

“Our favourite part of the charter was how friendly Captain Mike and First Mate Kyle were. They put us on some big fish and were phenomenal in their communication in regards to what needed to be done and how it was to be performed. We will most definitely be back!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Kona – 5 Hours Private Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Spend five hours trolling Kona’s famous west coast with a private crew from Reel Escapes Hawaii. Captains such as Brent, William, Drew, and Logan provide tackle, cold water, and coaching while you fish for marlin, ono, mahi-mahi, and other pelagic species.

“We had the best time on this trip. My son caught a short nose spear fish in the last hour of our trip. Highly recommend this boat! They are totally there to catch you a fish!”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kona – 6 Hour Private Fishing Charter Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kailua-Kona with a private crew for six hours of trolling, bait fishing, or bottom fishing. Captain Brent’s team, including Dean, Claydo, and Logan, provides tackle and water while you chase marlin, wahoo, spearfish, and winter whales.

“This was fun, but they fish for the “big fish”, and they will try hard to find them. However, like any “fishing”, if they aren’t there or don’t bite, you will not catch them. In 6 hours, we hooked two short billed spearfish (69” long) and had a small female marlin checked out the lure, but she was too unsure and swam away. We saw a pod of pilot whales and a tiger shark named “Lavern”. We kept a small portion of our catch and were able to find a place to cook it for us. THAT was delicious! Bring sunblock and layered clothing, the weather can be unpredictable. If…”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Key West: Private Fishing Charter with Experienced Captain

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews

Set out from The Perry Hotel & Marina with Captain Craig and crew aboard the Double Wrap. Choose a 4, 6, or 8-hour private charter for up to six people, with gear, bait, lures, licenses, and fish cleaning included. Target mahi mahi, snapper, grouper, wahoo, sailfish, and more.

“Had a great day on the water and caught lots of snapper and mahi! Highly recommend going out with Capt. Craig and first mate Brett.”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Private Charter Saltwater Fishing with Ocean Skeet Shooting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews

Spend four hours aboard a private 75-foot Hatteras with a captain and two crew members, fishing with tournament-grade gear and trying ocean skeet shooting. Gabriela is noted for keeping groups involved. Shotguns, safety gear, ammunition, targets, fuel, ice, and water are included.

“The team did an amazing job ensuring our group was well taken care of. 5 stars isn’t enough!”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Private Fishing Charter in Tampa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Joe of Slobby Joe Charters for a private four-hour fishing trip across Tampa Bay’s flats and backwaters. Your group of up to four gets rods, reels, tackle, bait help, and a chance at snook, redfish, snapper, mackerel, trout, tarpon, and more.

“Captin Joe knows where the fish are! We caught all kinds of different fish like Mackerel, Snook, Spotted and Silver Trout, Lady fish and Needle fish. We would definitely book another trip with Joe.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Kona Hawaii Fishing/Snorkel Large Group Private Charter on OE

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kailua-Kona with Bite Me Sportfishing on a private 4 to 8 hour charter for up to 10 people. The crew supplies fishing gear and ice, while you bring food, drinks, sunscreen, and a required fishing license. Recent trips included mahi mahi, reef fish, dolphins, and pilot whales.

“Our crew was very helpful and taught us basic deep sea fishing skills. They were very friendly and entertained us while we waiting for fish to bite. When pilot whales were spotted they took us to the area to watch. Highly recommend this company!”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Kona Hawaii Fishing/Snorkel Large Group Private Charter on OE II

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 4 to 8 hours (approx.)

Set out from Kailua-Kona aboard OE II with a captain and crew who handle the fishing gear and coach you through each hookup. Troll for tuna, marlin, spearfish, and more, then request snorkel equipment in advance if your group wants time in the water. Bring your own food and drinks.

“Highly recommend Bite Me Sportfishing! Captain Brian was excellent as well as his crew Jason and Cory! Brian was super fun and played great music and kept the vibe fun and relaxing while also keeping an eye out for any signs of fish! We got to see pilot whales and a rare but beautiful whale shark! Captain Brian even took the extra time for us to see them up close! Captain Jason was super helpful with giving us instructions and ensuring our safety as well as helping us land a Mahi Mahi and a 84lb Blue Marlin!!! As for Cory, he was so kind and helpful with ensuring we had…”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Kona – 8 Hour Private Fishing Charter in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · 8 hours (approx.)

Join Captain Brent and the Reel Escapes Hawaii crew for an eight-hour private fishing charter from Kailua-Kona. You will troll for big game, handle the tackle as much as you like, and fish the deep blue waters with your own group of up to five.

Check availability →Read our full review

15.4 hours Private Fishing Charters in Key West 40 Ft Irish Cowboy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll fish offshore from Key West aboard the 40-foot Irish Cowboy with a private group of up to six. Captain Bobby and Mate Chase have worked yellowtail and blackfin tuna trips, while tackle, bait, and permits are included.

“We fished with Captain Bobby and Mate Chase on 3/8 and 3/9. Awesome guys to fish with and made sure to put us on fish. Caught well over 100 Yellowtails, 38 keepers on Saturday and went back Sunday and trolled for Tunas. Picked up a couple of nice Blackfins and i managed to loose another. Will definitely be coming back to fish with these guys again.”

Check availability →Read our full review