Thunder Fishing Co | Hernando Beach Party Boat Fishing
Thunder Fishing Co is a small, close-knit operation and one of the few options for Hernando Beach party boat fishing on Florida’s Nature Coast. Capt. Chaz grew up in Hernando Beach, had his own skiff by age 8, was running the Thunder’s wheelhouse by 18 and bought the boat in 2015, making it one of the few party boats north of Hudson on Florida’s west coast. Trips leave from 4317 Calienta St, next to the bait and tackle shop.
The Boats
The Thunder is a 42-foot, U.S. Coast Guard-inspected party boat built in 1995 for the Gulf’s shallow waters. It draws only 3.5 feet but is stable enough to run 30 to 40 miles offshore, cruises at 16 to 18 mph on twin diesels, has open-air canopy seating and a restroom, and is federally permitted for reef fish. For private groups, Thunder Go Fast is a 42-foot quad-engine Invincible center console for up to six anglers.
Party Boat Trips
- Day Trip (8 hours): $99.99 per person, up to 25 anglers. The whole boat can be chartered for $1,800 on weekdays or $2,000 on weekends.
- Red Snapper Party Trip (12 hours): $250 per person, limited to 16 anglers, running up to 65 miles offshore for red snapper and red grouper during the season. Private: $4,000.
Gear, bait and fishing licenses are included, and the crew cleans and bags your catch at the end of the trip. The run to the first spot takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Reservations are required.
Private Charters
Private trips for up to six run 6 hours (from $1,350), 8 hours (from $1,650), 10 hours (from $2,800) and 12 hours (from $3,300), plus a 12-hour Middle Grounds and Elbow trip (from $3,600) for serious offshore fishing.
What’s Included
- A 4/0 conventional rod and reel rigged with 50-pound mono and a circle hook
- Squid and threadfin herring for bait (live shrimp and pinfish can be bought at the bait shop)
- Your fishing license
- Cleaning and bagging your catch
Before You Go
- Location: 4317 Calienta St, Hernando Beach, FL 34607. Park in the lot next to the bait shop (not in front of it)
- Arrive: by 7:30 AM and sign the manifest, which sets the boarding order; spots are first come, first served
- Bring: your own food and drinks (no hard liquor), plenty of water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, non-skid shoes and a hand rag
- Payment: pay the captain when you board
- Cancellations: free 14+ days out, half price 8 to 14 days out, full price within 7 days
Book Hernando Beach Party Boat Fishing on the Thunder
Book online through the Thunder Fishing Co website or call (352) 597-3900. Looking farther south? See Two Georges and Gulfstar Fishing in Tarpon Springs, or browse all Florida fishing charters.