Saltwater fishing tours and vacations are a huge industry in Florida and many other coastal states. Florida offers many different kinds of vacations, and with enough searching you will find something to fit everyone's desires. Always check to make certain fishing ventures are legitimate by reviewing the companies online before you go out.
Planning for an on shore fishing vacation takes little more than booking a comfortable hotel near a beach that allows fishing on the docks. Be aware of sportsman shops in the area that will allow you to purchase things like replacement poles, nets and reels if yours happen to break or get lost. Bait shops will likely be on every street corner near a beach that allows fishing. Remember to check signs to be certain fishing is not prohibited in the area. Most Florida beaches have very strict fishing and non-fishing areas to keep swimmers and other beach goers safe from discarded fishing hooks, becoming tangled in fishing lines and other hazards.
The most common way to off shore fish is to go on a chartered fishing tour that usually lasts eight to ten hours. Evening tours may last until morning. These boats usually offer a group rate for four to twenty people to go out on their ship and go fishing for an allotment of time. Check the fliers to be certain they offer rain checks if the weather gets rough since Florida is an area known for spontaneous storms. Some tours may have a limit to how many fish a group may catch or they may require certain baits be used. Very few tours have a guarantee that the party will catch any fish. You may also choose to rent a boat of your own if you have a boating license or go fishing while snorkeling.
For long trips, or trips where you would enjoy an entire package deal with everything provided for you, there are fishing lodges available along both coastlines in Florida. These deals may be cheaper than a day trip on a chartered boat if you have a small group. Most of these lodges also offer chartered trips on excess of what you are paying for with the package deal. If you are unsure of a lodge, ask the owner if you may look around at the accommodations first or if they will send you pictures via the internet. Some lodges may be tourist traps, so ask questions about any fees included on your bill.
