Deep sea fishing in South Florida is some of the most accessible offshore fishing anywhere. Along the coast from Miami to Jupiter, the Gulf Stream runs just a few miles offshore, so deep blue water, reefs and wrecks are often only minutes from the inlet. That means even a four-hour trip can put you on sailfish, mahi-mahi, kingfish and snapper. This guide covers the best deep sea fishing boats in South Florida, what trips cost, what you can catch each season and how to choose between a party boat and a private charter.
Why South Florida Is Great for Deep Sea Fishing
- Deep water close to shore: the Gulf Stream sits closer to land here than almost anywhere else in the U.S., so runs are short.
- Year-round fishing: warm water means boats sail every month, weather permitting.
- Huge variety: one trip can produce reef fish on the bottom and pelagic fish like mahi and sailfish up top.
- Lots of choice: dozens of party boats and private charters sail from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach and Jupiter.
South Florida Deep Sea Fishing Boats by Area
Prices below are starting rates from each listing. Party boat prices are per person; private charter prices are for the whole boat. Always confirm current rates before you book.
Pricing note: Prices listed in this article were accurate when it was published in October 2026 and may change at any time. Always confirm current rates by calling the charter or checking its website before you book.
Miami
| Boat | Type | Trips | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reward Fishing Fleet | Party boat | Morning, afternoon and night half-day trips; Saturday full-day trips | $85 |
| Kelley Fishing Fleet | Party boat | Morning and afternoon half-day trips; night, 6-hour and full-day trips on set dates | $75 |
Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Hollywood
| Boat | Type | Trips | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Headquarters | Party boat | Morning, afternoon and night trips; 6-hour Saturday night trip | $70 |
| Starlight Fishing Fleet | Party boat | 4-hour trips at 8:30 am, 1:30 pm and 7 pm | $65 |
| Lady Pamela | Drift boat | Morning and afternoon drift trips; Friday and Saturday night trips | Call |
| Family Tradition Sport Fishing | Private charter | 4, 6, 8 and 10 hours for up to 6 | $999 per boat |
Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach
| Boat | Type | Trips | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living on Island Time | Drift boat | 8 am–noon and 1–5 pm daily; Tuesday 6-hour trip | $65 |
| Sea Mist III | Drift boat | Two 4-hour trips daily | Call |
| Blue Heron (Riviera Beach) | Party boat | Morning and afternoon trips; Friday 6-hour trip | $80 |
| Sea Horse Fishing Adventures | Small-group boat | Two 4-hour trips daily, up to 12 anglers | $120 |
| Bulldog Fishing Charters | Shared and private | Half-day shared trips; private 4, 6 and 8-hour charters | Call |
Jupiter
| Boat | Type | Trips | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Heron (Jupiter) | Party boat | Morning and afternoon trips; Friday 6-hour trip | $80 |
| Country Club Drift Fishing | Drift boat | Morning and afternoon trips daily | Call |
| Mystic Rose | Small-group boat | Morning and afternoon half-day trips | $120 |
| Black Dog Fishing Charters | Small-group boat | Two half-day trips daily | $120 |
What You Can Catch by Season
| Season | Top species |
|---|---|
| Winter (December to March) | Sailfish, kingfish, wahoo and cobia, with snapper and grouper on the reef |
| Spring (April to June) | Mahi-mahi, blackfin tuna, kingfish and mutton snapper |
| Summer (July to September) | Mahi-mahi, yellowtail and mangrove snapper, especially on night trips |
| Fall (October to November) | Kingfish, wahoo and the start of sailfish season |
Reef fish like snapper, grouper, porgies and triggerfish bite year-round, though some have seasonal closures. Check current FWC rules or ask your crew what’s open.
Drift Fishing, Party Boats and Private Charters
- Drift fishing boats shut off the engines and let the current carry the boat over the reef. It’s the classic South Florida style, especially from Boynton Beach to Jupiter, and a great way to catch a mix of reef fish and kingfish.
- Party boats anchor or drift over reefs and wrecks with 30 to 100+ anglers. They’re the cheapest way to go deep sea fishing, usually $65 to $85 for a half day.
- Small-group boats like Sea Horse, Mystic Rose and Black Dog carry 6 to 12 anglers for about $120 per person, so you get more attention from the crew.
- Private charters give your group the whole boat and let you target sailfish, mahi or tuna. Expect to pay from about $1,000 for four hours for up to six people.
How Much Does Deep Sea Fishing in South Florida Cost?
A half-day party or drift boat trip costs $65 to $85 per person, a small-group trip about $120 per person, and a private charter about $1,000 or more for four hours. Party boat tickets usually include rod, reel, bait and your fishing license. Plan on a 15 to 20% tip for the crew and a fee for fish cleaning. For help deciding how long to book, see our guide to half-day vs full-day fishing charters.
Tips for Deep Sea Fishing in South Florida
- Go in the morning for calmer seas, or try a night trip in summer for snapper.
- Watch the wind. A strong east or north wind against the Gulf Stream can make the ocean rough, so check the forecast.
- Take seasickness medicine before you board, not once you feel sick.
- Bring sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, a hat, water, snacks and a cooler with ice for your fillets.
- Ask what’s biting. Crews know which species are running that week and can tell you which trip to book.
Find Your South Florida Fishing Trip
Every boat above has a full listing with schedules, photos and contact details. Browse all Florida party and head boats or every Florida fishing charter in our directory. Heading farther south? Read our guide to Florida Keys party boat fishing.
Deep Sea Fishing South Florida FAQ
How far offshore is deep sea fishing in South Florida?
Not far. Deep water and the Gulf Stream are often just a few miles off the coast, so many trips reach deep sea fishing grounds within 15 to 30 minutes of leaving the inlet.
What is the best month for deep sea fishing in South Florida?
It depends on your target. Winter is best for sailfish, and late spring and early summer are best for mahi-mahi. Reef fishing is good year-round.
How much is a deep sea fishing trip in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
Party boats in our directory start at $65 to $85 per person for a half day. Private charters start at about $1,000 for four hours.
Do I need a fishing license for deep sea fishing in Florida?
Not on most party boats and charters, because the boat’s license covers its passengers. Confirm with the operator when you book.
Is deep sea fishing good for kids?
Yes. A four-hour morning party boat or drift trip is a great first trip for kids, with steady action and calmer seas.
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