The Florida city of Pensacola is a hugely popular fishing destination, with the shallow waters in its bays and beach fronts positively teeming with exotic fish species.
(Photo: Alpha Fishing Charters / Courtesy Fishingbooker)
Ranging from its inshore bays and offshore reefs to its marshlands and flowing rivers, Pensacola offers some of the best family fishing in Florida. Embarking on a fishing charter with a seasoned guide and quality gear is a great way to experience fishing in and around Pensacola. You can either charter a small, private vessel or board a large “party boat” with other anglers. Here are 5 of the best Pensacola fishing charter companies around.
4-Hour Offshore Run Trip
Aboard a restored 25’ SeaCraft center console boat featuring a wireless trolling motor and a cooler to store any beverages and snacks you may want to bring, this half-day offshore trip will see you traverse the deep waters off the coast of Pensacola. During the charter, you’ll hunt for such species as Red Snapper, Gag Grouper, Amberjack, Bonito, Triggerfish, and King Mackerel, using bottom fishing, trolling, spinning, and jigging to attract them, all using light and heavy tackle. You can keep your catch as well as bring kids aboard. From $641 per group (max 4 people; $71 for each additional person)
5-Hour Nearshore Trip
(Photo: Legal Limits Outdoors / Courtesy Fishingbooker)
Staying a little closer to the coastline, this 5-hour nearshore charter invites you to target reef fish when in season, such as Snapper, Grouper, Triggerfish, and Amberjack, and explore local reefs and wrecks along the way. on a 24’ Blazer Bay boat that accommodates up to 4 guests. The trip takes place on a center console boat that can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots. Besides navigational electronics, you’ll also find a cooler and a live bait tank on board. All fishing equipment is covered by the crew, so all you need to do is pack your food and drinks. From $651 per group (max 4 people)
Full-Day Trip
On this 10-hour trip, you’ll target huge Red Snapper, King Mackerel, Grouper, Shark, Trigger Fish and many more, as you navigate the ocean waters aboard a spacious 28’ Dusky boat featuring plenty of seating, a T-top for shade, and a restroom. Depending on where you go, you’ll try a variety of techniques, such as trolling, spinning, jigging, and popping, all designed to enable you to catch as many fish as possible. All rods and reels, as well as live bait, lures and your fishing license for the day, are included in the tour price. From $1,144 per group (max 4 people; or $96 for each additional person)
14-Hour Tuna and/or Swordfish Trip
(Photo: No Limit Charter And Guide / Courtesy Fishingbooker)
Mostly for hardcore anglers, this extended 14-hour trip will see you go offshore to the oil rigs, reefs and wrecks to target tuna or swordfish, or a mix of both. Taking place aboard a 24-foot center console boat with a maximum cruising speed of 48 knots, the vessel’s crew will provide you with all necessary fishing equipment, drinks, and snacks, and after the trip, they’ll clean and fillet your catch to take home with you. There’s also an anchoring system so that the boat will stay where you want it to while you search out your prey. From $2,017 per group (max 6 people)
3-Day Trip
If you have the time and budget for several days out at sea, this trip includes a total of 72 hours of offshore fishing and trolling. Over three days, you’ll fish oil rigs offshore, deep dropping, and trolling aboard a mighty 51’ Young And Grey convertible Booty Hunter vessel rigged with top-of-the-line equipment and navigation technology. There’s also wide-ranging fishing gear including outriggers, downriggers, tuna tubes, a fighting chair, and a livewell. Meanwhile guests can make use of a flybridge, kitchen, toilet, shower, and bed, plus air-conditioning, a TV, multimedia system, refrigerator, and an ice-box. On top of it all, a first mate will be on hand to give you any help you need. From $17,102 per group (max 6 people)