USA TODAY 10Best
Reel in the big one with the 10 best fishing charters
Best Fishing Charter (2024)
Whether you’re looking to polish your angling skills on calm inshore waters or head offshore in search of your next big catch, booking a fishing charter is a swell idea. And these 10 fishing charters and outfitters — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. and U.S. territories — are sure to increase your chances of success.
- Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing - Stevensville, Maryland
- Cowboy Charters - Freeport, Texas
- Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters - San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Reel Deal Fishing Charters - Truro, Massachusetts
- Lady Luck Adventures - Shalimar, Florida
- Castillo Tours - San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Fishbucket Sportfishing - Boston, Massachusetts
- MobSquad Fishing - Delaware and Maryland
- FishMonster Charters - Key West, Florida
- Hubbard's Marina - Madeira Beach, Florida
Photo courtesy of grandriver / E+ Getty Images
No. 10:
Operating on a seven-day schedule, it's easy to book a charter with Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing along the Chesapeake Bay. Located near Annapolis, D.C., and Baltimore, this company offers trips that include all of your reels, bait, tackle, rods, fishing licenses, and, of course, one of the boats: "Net Profits," "Kathy C," "Vagabond," and "Jessie Girl."
Photo courtesy of grandriver / E+ Getty Images
No. 9:
With its fusion of traditional fishing and Southern hospitality, Cowboy Charters offers an unforgettable angling experience unlike any other in Freeport, Texas. All of their captains are professional fishermen and charters range from five to 12 hours of offshore or deep-sea fishing.
No. 8:
With expert guides and top-notch equipment, experience angling in the serene coastal regions of San Juan with Backwater Tarpon Fishing Charters. No matter if you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, this fishing charter promises to be an exhilarating trip.
Photo courtesy of Captain Elena Rice
No. 7:
Cape Cod serves as one of the hottest summer vacation spots in the Bay State, and for those wishing to spend their day searching for native New England sea life, Reel Deal Fishing Charters is a top choice. Fish like flounder and striped bass can be found in abundance across the area.
Photo courtesy of John Barnes
No. 6:
If you're looking to reel in prized catches like grouper or snapper, Lady Luck Adventures is a great option on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Set out from Destin or Okaloosa Island to spend an exhilarating day on the open sea — no matter your skill level — with experienced captains who provide unforgettable experiences.
Photo courtesy of 5m3photos / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 5:
Anglers in San Juan, Puerto Rico, can book a half-day or full-day deep-sea fishing charter or a half-day light tackle fishing charter with Castillo Tours. Fishing in Blue Marlin Alley on a deep-sea charter, guests will have bait, rods, reels, and fishing licenses included, as well as dry snacks, soda, water, and a six-pack of beer.
Photo courtesy of Mike Delzingo
No. 4:
Set sail from Suffolk County on an excursion with Fishbucket Sportfishing, a Bay State charter that operates on the 32-foot Fishbucket in search of Atlantic wildlife. For novice fishers, a jaunt along Boston Harbor provides ample insight into the sport, while more experienced anglers can go all-in on an offshore trip to search for massive tuna and even sharks.
Photo courtesy of Nick Sampson
No. 3:
For a truly unique experience, MobSquad Fishing allows guests to forgo the traditional rod and reel in favor of a bow and arrow, with hauls ranging from classic saltwater fish to massive rays. In addition to bowfishing, the company also offers offshore fishing and inshore bottom fishing.
Photo courtesy of FishMonster Charters
No. 2:
These premium charters in the Lower Keys and Key West offer guests an array of options. From offshore and wreck to reef, tarpon, and shark sport fishing, enjoy the ultimate angling experience when you set out with FishMonster Charters.
Photo courtesy of Hubbard's Marina
No. 1:
In business since 1928, Hubbard's Marina is one of the top authorities for water-based recreation along Florida's Gulf Coast. Fishing trips range from half-day jaunts to 44-hour marathon excursions under the glow of the full moon. Beyond the realm of the reel, guests can also take part in sunset cruises, dolphin tours, and even camping trips on stunning Shell Key.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Angelica Talan
Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two... Read More
Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two popular Washington, D.C. based blogs, Angelica In The City and Clarendon Moms. She has written articles for Arlington Magazine, DUN magazine and has been featured on several Washington, D.C. based television news channels to share family travel tips. A passionate fly fishing enthusiast, Angelica is one of the current brand ambassadors for TakeMeFishing.org and a brand ambassador for the Trout Routes an app dedicated to making fly fishing more accessible and a brand ambassador for Fishewear, a women’s line of fly fishing clothing and accessories based out of Alaska. Angelica has served over three years as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Liason for United Women On The Fly and is excited to continue to connect with others in the great outdoors and to be a source of positive inspiration for those interested in learning to fly fish. You can connect with her on Instagram, TikTok and X.
Angelica Talan
Angelica Talan is the founder & editor of two popular Washington, D.C. based blogs, Angelica In The City and Clarendon Moms. She has written articles for Arlington Magazine, DUN magazine and has been featured on several Washington, D.C. based television news channels to share family travel tips. A passionate fly fishing enthusiast, Angelica is one of the current brand ambassadors for TakeMeFishing.org and a brand ambassador for the Trout Routes an app dedicated to making fly fishing more accessible and a brand ambassador for Fishewear, a women’s line of fly fishing clothing and accessories based out of Alaska. Angelica has served over three years as the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Liason for United Women On The Fly and is excited to continue to connect with others in the great outdoors and to be a source of positive inspiration for those interested in learning to fly fish. You can connect with her on Instagram, TikTok and X.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor... Read More
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Chez Chesak
‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She... Read More
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at [email protected] and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is an attorney, writer and photographer. She was born with deeply ingrained wanderlust and has visited 45 countries and counting. She often brings her children along for the adventure and is passing her love of travel on to the next generation. Jamie has written for Insider, Fodor's Travel, Yahoo, the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, Viator and Reviewed among many other publications. Jamie is from Philadelphia and now lives in Washington, DC, where she takes advantage of everything the region has to offer. Jamie can be reached at [email protected] and can be found on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
