Find Fishing Charters & Guided Fishing Trips Near You

GetMyBoat is the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace. We connect more people to boat rental services than any other company. Our mobile app available for iOS and Android makes it possible to find and book boating experiences right on your phone.

You can access thousands of professional boat captains and companies to help plan your perfect day on the water. GetMyBoat’s 24/7 customer service team is always available to help with any step in the booking process. We also enable you to read real user reviews and see photos added from past users, so you can book with confidence that you’re choosing a 5-star boat rental or water experience.

GetMyBoat is committed to taking the lowest booking fees in the industry to save the customer money in pursuit of their perfect day on the water.

A boat charter (vs. a boat rental) includes a professional captain to drive the boat. Frequently, it also includes crew members to provide services to the passengers, like food and beverage, as well as being there to assist the captain. The number of crew members working a boat charter will depend on the size of the vessel and the number of guests onboard.

A boat charter with a licensed, professional captain is the best option for inexperienced boaters or people unfamiliar with the waterways they wish to explore. A captain can provide an amazing experience on a private boat rental and help make the experience safer and more relaxing for boaters.

While half-day and full-day boat rentals are the most commonly booked trip durations on GetMyBoat, some boat owners and operators allow for multi-day or week-long rentals. Some owners and boat rental services offer discounted rates when you book for more than one day. Ask about weekly deals on rentals if you’re hoping to go boating for more than one day.

While it’s common to meet at a marina or public dock, boat captains and owners can often coordinate a drop off at a boat launch or ramp, or another spot if it’s more convenient. Get the exact directions to where you need to meet your boat owner/captain to determine where to pick up the vessel. Send your captain a message to clarify if you’re unsure where to go!

If you need to refuel your boat rental before you return to the dock, ask the boat rental service or owner where they recommend that you refuel. Most waterways will have several fuel stations to choose from, and often the docks that you meet at for your boat rental will also have them. Many captains and owners will take care of this for you, but it’s a good idea to ask what their specific policy is for fueling. Check out local marinas to see if they have a fuel dock.

A fishing charter is an excursion service where a captain and/or crew operate the boat, provide the equipment, selection the location, and help guests catch fish. A charter experience is the best way to make the most of your time on the water, and a stress-free way to enjoy fishing.

GetMyBoat offers the largest selection of fishing charters in more locations around the world than any fishing booking service. You can read real user reviews before you book, compare different offerings, and filter by price to find the perfect fishing charter that will fit your budget. Use GetMyBoat to book a fishing charter right on your phone with the app, and enjoy 24/7 customer service and a seamless booking process.

While it depends on the location and the sea conditions for the day, a fishing charter can be an excellent family activity. While you might not want to bring a baby or a toddler on a fishing boat, children aged 6 and up can have a lot of fun catching fish with their parents. Ask your operator if there are any restrictions on bringing minors/children on your fishing charter.

Not only do fishing license laws vary by state — but they can also vary within a state based on regional regulations and the body of water you’re fishing. Some states and regions have areas where a license is not required, and certain parks include a fishing license within the pass you purchase to access it. Check with the local department of natural resources (DNR) or game and wildlife department to determine if you’ll need a special license for your particular fishing destination or type of fish you’re hoping to catch.

In almost all situations, you can buy a fishing license online, and it’s a great idea to purchase it the day before your charter, so you don’t have to deal with it the same day and risk being late to to the dock. Some states even have low-cost options for discounted fishing licenses.

Fishing regulations change with the seasons and specific location where you’re fishing. Check the local DNR or Fish & Wildlife service for more information on what you can catch and any size restrictions and quantity restrictions on fish that you can keep from your fishing day.

Some captains and crew on a fishing charter will provide a deluxe service of cleaning and preparing your catch for you — so you’ll leave with some perfect filets to cook for dinner. Sometimes this is an extra upcharge and sometimes it is included in the price of the fishing charter.

On many fishing charters, the captain and crew will provide the exceptional service of cleaning and cooking your fish for you. If you’re looking to take the fish home to cook at a different time, they can clean and fllet it for you, so it’s all ready for your freezer to cook up at another date. Before you book a fishing charter, ask if fish cleaning and preparation services are included in the experience.

No. There is no guarantee that you’ll catch fish, regardless of where you go or the type of charter you’re on. Many captains will be knowledgeable about the best spots to go to so that you’ll have the best chance of a successful fishing trip, but it’s never a guarantee. Many factors will determine if you have a successful fishing trip — but the best way to increase the likelihood that you’ll come home with a lot of fish is with a guided charter, as local captains have the best insights on where to go.

Large vessels used for deep-sea fishing charters come equipped with a bathroom. Smaller boats like kayaks, canoes, skiffs, and jon boats won’t have a bathroom and are suitable for shorter fishing trips that are closer to shore, where you can easily get back on land to access any necessary facilities.

GetMyBoat’s mission is to make boating more accessible and affordable. To do this, we’re constantly growing our team of boat owners, captains, and operators around the world to offer a wider range of boat rentals and services at different price points. We want to provide the joys of boating to everyone - regardless of their budget.

Boat rental costs will vary depending on the size and type of boat you wish to rent. Other factors that impact the price of a boat rental include: trip duration, desired route, and itinerary. A boat rental usually costs between $50 and $150/hour but can range up to over $400/hour. Renting a boat for a few hours is usually less expensive than renting a boat for a whole day, but you can sometimes save money on the hourly rate by renting for longer - some owners and rental services offer discounted rates.

There’s no booking obligation at the inquiry stage with GetMyBoat - so you can send an inquiry message to a captain to get a price quote before you commit.

The cost of a boat rental will depend on the duration of your rental, the size of the boat, and the size of your group. Sometimes, specific itineraries (i.e., traveling far distances to get to a famous swimming spot) can add extra costs if they require additional fuel. Typically, a half-day boat rental is 4-hours, and a full-day is 8 hours. Depending on your specific needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to over $1000 for your boat rental.

When a captain and crew provide excellent service on the water, leaving a gratuity as a show of appreciation is a common custom. In many places, 10-20% of the rental cost is standard, but this can vary depending on where you are using boat rental services. GetMyBoat does not handle tips or gratuity payments, so please bring cash with you to tip, or many boat captains also have the option of CashApp or Venmo for leaving a tip after your boat charter.

Sometimes the boat owner/captain you are renting from will include fuel costs in the total fee charged, while others will charge on a usage basis - so depending on how much you use on your boat day. Inquire with the boat owner/captain about the typical fuel costs for your boat rental duration.

Costs for your boat rental will vary from owner to owner, so be sure to inquire about any extra costs that might not be covered in the listed price - like fuel, captain’s fees, or additional charges for unique itineraries. Your captain will let you know what to expect if there is any deviation from the price on the boat listing.

You must be at least 18 years old to rent with GetMyBoat. To operate a boat without a captain, you will need to ensure you meet the correct boating safety requirements. Boat owners and operators on GetMyBoat sometimes have their own individual age requirements for renting, so inquire with them on their minimum age when you send a booking inquiry.

The boat's capacity will vary depending on the captain’s licensing rules, size of the boat, style of the boat, and the location you’re renting in. Every boat listing on GetMyBoat indicates the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, so you’ll know before inquiring if it will suit your group’s size.

Whether or not you rent a boat with a captain will depend on many factors. If you do not have boating experience - it is recommended that you book a boat rental with a captain service for safety. Some locations require that renters have a licensed captain onboard operating the boat at all times. If you do have boating experience and want to rent a boat without a captain, in most locations you are able to rent it bareboat to go on your own. Ask the boat rental service provider for information on renting a boat without a captain and let them know information about your boating experience.

When you rent a boat, it’s a great idea to do some research on your own or ask the boat owner/company for recommendations if you’re not from the area. With a boat rental, popular places to venture to include sandbars, islands, beaches, coves, and waterfront restaurants. It’s a good idea to inquire with the boat owner for recommendations on what to do and advice on navigating there safely.

You do not need your own insurance to rent a boat.

Many boat safety courses are offered online and you can earn a certificate that will qualify you to rent a boat on your own. You can also often take in-person boating lessons which will teach you the necessary hands-on skills to operate a boat independently. Check out BoatEd for more information on local boating safety requirements and courses. You can also check out our Top Boating Safety Tips resources.

Most boat owners and boat rental services will include all lifejackets and safety equipment within the price of your listing. It’s always a good idea to ask where the equipment is located onboard before you leave the dock. Your captain or the owner should give you a briefing at the beginning of your rental experience, so you’re aware of all safety features and equipment on the boat.