Fishing Charters Near You

Local Fishing Reviews

JamieAugust, 2022

Fishing Charter in Pasadena, Maryland

Captain Dave is outstanding and he is absolute 💯 🔥 on the water. Thank you for hospitality and providing my son the experience of a lifetime. You didn't have to be this awesome, but my son, will never forget! Salute

MattJuly, 2022

Fishing Charter on 38' Dawson Sportfish Yacht in Norfolk, Virginia

Damani was excellent and the boat was tidy, well kept, and perfect for our needs. We were even able to see the boat a day early to ensure all of our personal items would fit inside the cabin, which they easily did. I would absolutely recommend Damani and Salty Girl charters to anyone.

LyndonJune, 2021

Fishing Charter in Pasadena, Maryland

Amazing Experience! Captain David was excellent, very accommodating and knowledgeable. He took us out and we caught fish. We had a great time and got back safe. Cant ask for a better experience. I will definitely repeat and recommend his service. Thank you again Captain David!

NinetteJuly, 2021

Great Center Console for rent in Ocean City

Friendly operators, knowledgeable and shared tidbits about the area - clean and nice boat - answered all my questions (and there were many!) - Book w Tabitha you won't regret it!! Flexible with pickup location I could go on! I'm seriously looking forward to booking more adventures with Tabitha!!!

DaraJune, 2021

Great Center Console for rent in Ocean City

Absolutely recommend. Booked the boat to spend a morning with a group of 6 total boating around and a bit of floating/swimming. Boat is spacious and in great shape. Plenty of space for 6 adults to sit and hang out + our cooler. Mason was our Captain and he was professional, educated and nice to hang out with. He taught us all about the area and knew the great spots to hang out and float/swim. Great experience.

CatinaJune, 2021

Great Center Console for rent in Ocean City

I absolutely recommend booking with Tabitha cause from the beginning of my booking to the end of our boat ride everything was professional , our captain was very knowledgeable about the history of ocean city on down to the best places to eat and enjoy. Also was very patient with helping my elderly mother on and off the boat.

The Ultimate Fishing Rental Guide for 2022

First Published Sep 22, 2022

In This Guide

Fishing is a sport as old as time, and popular for good reason: it’s easy for any age, it’s relaxing, and it provides an excellent opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy nature in a new way. And while fishing from a riverbank or off a dock is all well and good, a boat day is even better.

Whether you want to nab the perfect fish for dinner or just enjoy a day of catch-and-release, a fishing charter will enable you to make your angling dreams come true.

GetMyBoat Fishing Charter Statistics

Fishing boat listings globally on GetMyBoat: 14,500+
Percentage of fishing charters in our marketplace of boats: 10%
Average fishing charter duration: 6 hrs
Most popular month for fishing charters: July

Types of Fishing Charters & Fishing Boat Rentals

From renting a boat on your own and bringing your own gear to booking a luxury fishing charter with a professional captain and crew, you can find all these types of experiences on GetMyBoat.

Deep Sea Fishing Charter
Deep sea fishing charters typically last a full day, since you need ample time to get at least 20-30 miles offshore to find the best fishing spots. Prepare to commit to a full day on a deep sea fishing charter — bring plenty of drinks and sunscreen.
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing is fishing by boat close to the shoreline, in 30 feet of water or less. It can be on a reef, close to a jetty, pier, or near a beach or flat. You’re not as likely to catch the kinds of giant, picture-worthy trophy fish as you might find in deep waters, but inshore fishing can provide great variety and ease of access.
River Fishing
River fishing offers unique challenges and rewards. You’ll want to seek out spots where fish will be hiding from strong currents and predators, while also taking care to navigate safely on the river system.
Flats Fishing
Flats fishing is fishing in water that has a shallow, flat bottom. It’s usually in picturesque, tropical locations with sparkling blue waters and white sandy bottoms. Fish in flats areas are much more skittish and harder to catch, making it a unique challenge for angling enthusiasts.
Reef Fishing
Reef fishing provides you the unique opportunity to potentially catch a wide variety of fish in one location. With many species inhabiting one area, there’s a high chance you’ll make a catch. Go with a local guide to make sure you don’t damage the reef with your boat or gear while reef fishing.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing is a relaxing activity you can enjoy on your own or with a guide. You’ll independently paddle your own kayak on a river, lake, or calm areas of an ocean to cast a line and make a catch. Kayak fishing is an affordable activity and presents unique challenges like finding stability while you enjoy the sport.

Occasions to Get out on the Water

Not that you need an excuse for a fun day of fishing — any day is a good day to get out on the water — but here are some of the occasions for which we often see people renting fishing charters. Whether you already have a special occasion lined up, or you’re looking for an excuse to start planning a new trip, we recommend booking a captained charter with a professional who knows the waters, the wildlife, and can ensure your group is staying safe and having fun.

Bachelor Parties
Is your best friend getting married this year? Celebrate their send-off with a group of guys on a fishing charter for his bachelor party. It’s a fantastic activity that guarantees a day of fun in the sun where you can bond with your best friends on the water, and catch the dinner you can all grill later for evening celebrations.
Milestone Birthdays
Have an angler friend who is turning 30, 40, 50, or 60 this year? Why not make their birthday extra special with a fishing trip? A deep sea fishing charter or inshore fishing excursion is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday of your favorite fishing enthusiast. They will appreciate the activity — it’s better than stressing about shopping for a gift.
Retirement Parties
For that person in your life who is finally retiring, help them start it off on the right foot — on the water with a fishing pole! A retirement party of close friends, family, and favorite coworkers on the water with a fishing charter is a super fun way to celebrate if you live in an area of great fishing opportunities.
Father’s Day
Whether dad is an experienced angler or a once-in-a-while hobbyist, an afternoon out on the water with a fishing pole in hand is as good a way to celebrate Father’s Day as any. It’s a great excuse to go out fishing as a family, or you can give him the experience as a gift to enjoy with his fishing friends.

Top Locations for Fishing Charters

Florida
Miami
Discover the depths of Miami’s deep sea fishing with a charter that will take you off the Florida coast and out into the Atlantic. And once you’re done for the day, you’ve got Miami’s famous nightlife to explore.
Top Targeted Fish:
- Dolphin fish (Mahi-mahi)
- Swordfish
- Grouper
- Sailfish
- Snapper
Browse 31 listings
Florida
Florida Keys
A legendary destination for sport fishing. From Key Largo to Key West and many more, this series of charming islands off Florida’s southern coast are renowned for their fishing, whether you sail out on a charter or stay closer to land for inshore fishing.
Top Targeted Fish:
- Mangrove snapper
- Yellowtail snapper
- Damselfish
- Parrotfish
- Grouper
Browse 41 listings
California
San Diego
The coast of California makes for a great fishing destination when you consider its pleasant (but not scorching) year-round weather and tremendous amount of fish that are ready and waiting to be caught.
Top Targeted Fish:
- Yellowfin tuna
- Yellowtail amberjack
- California halibut
- Rockfish
- White seabass
Browse 23 listings
Texas
Galveston
This island city off the Gulf coast of Texas is a popular vacation spot for the surrounding area, and its location gives it a great boating culture — especially for bay and offshore fishing.
Top Targeted Fish:
- Redfish
- Speckled trout
- Black drum
- Flounder
- Croaker
Browse 15 listings
West Indies
The Bahamas
A spectacular destination for a vacation of sand, swimming, and leisurely boat rides, The Bahamas is also renowned for its fishing. Particularly for bonefishing — it’s one of the top destinations in the world to angle for them, thanks to the 700 different islands in the archipelago, each with its own shallow shoreline.
Top Targeted Fish:
- Bonefish
- Snapper
- Grouper
- Kingfish
- Dolphin fish (Mahi-mahi)
Browse 64 listings
Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
This resort destination on the Baja California Peninsula is the world’s most prime location for catching striped marlins, and its access to the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific give you plenty of picture-perfect conditions for fishing.
Top Targeted Fish:
- Striped marlin
- Red snapper
- Amberjack
- Cobia
- Yellowfin tuna
Browse 36 listings
Florida
Destin
A cozy panhandle city that makes for a great fishing getaway. Destin and its charming small-town feel have a robust boating culture. And, it’s earned the nickname “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.”
Top Targeted Fish:
- Redfish
- Snook
- Trout
- Tarpon
- Wahoo
Browse 14 listings

Top Targeted Freshwater Fish

Crappie
A prolific, fast-growing lake fish and a favorite of freshwater anglers.
Bluegill
Relatively easy to catch, abundant, and makes for a tasty meal.
Largemouth Bass
Fun to catch, they put up a fight and pose a unique challenge for anglers. Often leap out of the water.
Walleye
A freshwater fish native to Canada and the northern United States. Also known as “yellow pike” or “yellow pickerel.”
Brown Trout
Popular sport fish in the US, they’re considered nocturnal and are a challenge for anglers to catch.
Sunfish
A North American freshwater fish commonly found in ponds and lakes, it has a unique flavor that makes for a delicious meal.
Yellow Perch
Commonly found in creeks, ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers near vegetation. The best time to catch one is the early morning hours, or late evening until sunset.
Northern Pike
Typically found in slow-running streams, shallow lakes, and cold, rocky water.
Rainbow Trout
A member of the salmon family native to the Pacific Ocean in North America and Asia. One of the top sport fish in North America.

Top Targeted Saltwater Fish

Tarpon
Large, strong fish that make for an exhilarating catch. They’re known to leap out of the water.
Amberjack
Found in both the Atlantic and Pacific ocean — usually in areas that consist of warmer water. Their rich, buttery flavor makes for an excellent meal.
Red Snapper
A lean, white fish with several health benefits. Popular in the Florida panhandle and off the coast of Texas.
King Mackerel
Long, slender fish found off the coast of North Carolina all the way to Florida. Can grow up to 50lbs — an exciting catch for anglers.
Mahi-mahi
Mahi-mahi translates to “very strong.” Can be found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, and makes for a tasty meal.
Grouper
Found in warm water, they’re fun to catch due to their size, strikes, and rapid retreats.
Wahoo
Also known as ‘Ono’ meaning “delicious” in Hawaiian. Found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Challenging, yet exciting catch for anglers due to their strength.
Cobia
A large, long fish found along the coast of Virginia south through the Gulf of Mexico.
Halibut
A large, flat fish mainly caught for food, and for fish oil supplements. Their season runs from March to November, mainly in Alaska and Canada.

What to Bring on Your Fishing Charter

Bringing the right stuff can make or break your boat day, so get together a checklist of what you’ll want well ahead of time so that you don’t forget on the day of.

What to bring will depend on your itinerary and weather conditions, but that being said — it’s always a good idea to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towels, a warm extra layer of clothing (in case it gets chilly), as well as boat shoes. Your boat captain or owner that you rent from can give you more ideas on necessary essentials to bring.

And while most boat captains, owners, and boat rental services should include lifejackets and safety gear, if you have a personal lifejacket that you prefer to wear while enjoying watersports or other activities, it’s a good idea to bring it along.

It might feel like overkill for a casual day on the water, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Things to Bring on Your Fishing Trip:

A windbreaker or water-resistant jacket. This can help if you get your start on a cold, early morning or if there is a lot of water spray coming over the side of the boat.
Sun protection. This includes a hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing to keep your skin covered and protected. You can still get burned even on a cloudy day. Polarized sunglasses will help cut through any harsh glare that you encounter on the water — making it much easier to see.
Non-slip rubber soled shoes. Wear your boat shoes — not flip flops — on your fishing charter.
Seasickness medication. If you’re predisposed to feeling ill on the open water.
A cooler full of ice and drinks. Sometimes the charter operator provides an iced cooler — so be sure to ask before you head to the docks.
A waterproof bag. This is good for keeping your fishing license and other important documents or electronics dry.

While most fishing charter companies will provide some form of refreshments, it’s a good idea to bring a big, full water bottle so you can stay hydrated while making your catches. It’s very easy to get dehydrated while on the water, so make sure you remember to keep drinking.

Do I need to bring my own fishing rod, bait, and tackle?

Most fishing charters include all the gear, bait and tackle within the cost of the price, but it can vary by operator. Send a quick message to your captain or the charter company to ask about what fishing gear you’ll need to bring with you.

The Basics

Boat Safety Item Checklist

Safety Items

Boat Day Checklist

Weather Safety

Obviously, you don’t want to get stuck in a storm or plan your boat day during rainy, cold weather. Check your local weather forecast a few days out, and keep tabs on the radar to make sure you’re renting on a day where it’s safe to go out.

But even with that basic preparation, you can still be caught off guard on the water, so it’s good to prepare ahead of time in case conditions change.

What if the weather takes a turn?

One of the first tricks a boater should learn is how to read clouds, since their shape, speed, and position in the sky are all hints as to what the weather will be doing in the near future — and with that knowledge, you can plan and react accordingly. Below are a few basics; for more, check out our full guide on how to predict the weather at sea.

And if there’s a risk you’ll get stuck in bad weather, check out this guide for buying foul-weather gear that will keep you protected.

Cirrus Clouds

These high, wispy clouds are ice clouds positioned high in the atmosphere. If they appear long and wispy, or if you actually see them moving, then a change in weather might be imminent that day.

Distant Storms

You might see the edges of storms and cloud banks while at sea. Don’t panic —they may head toward you, or they may pass harmlessly by. You can try to gauge a storm system’s movement and move accordingly, but remember that storms often change direction, and larger ones tend to travel in a circular pattern. If you happen to have a barometer on board, you can check it for a better reference; a drop in air pressure means that a storm could be imminent in your area.

Winds

A shift in wind direction means a change in weather. Most prevailing winds in the Northern Hemisphere go from west to east, and so a persistent wind blowing due north or south may have a strong system connected to it.

Scent

As humidity increases, so does your sense of smell. A day at sea where everything smells much stronger than usual can mean an impending rain.

Weather Questions and Concerns

What if it rains on my boat rental day?

Cancellation and rescheduling policies vary from owner to owner. If the weather is bad on your scheduled boat day, contact your owner/operator to ask about rescheduling, or a refund. You can (and should) also ask about specific cancellation policies before you book, and often the owner will put it in the listing description of their boat.

Can I cancel or reschedule my boat rental if there’s bad weather?

This will vary depending on your boat owner or captain, but many are very flexible and will work with you to find an alternative time when the weather is better. Be sure to ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy before you book.

Navigation Safety

Boating at Night

Visibility is reduced at night, so it’s essential to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Chartplotters and marine radars are beneficial tools to use in the dark and help you feel more confident when navigating the waters at night. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise or during times of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze), recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights.

Wake Zones

“Wake” are the waves that form as your watercraft moves through the water. It’s important to be on the lookout for “no-wake zones” — these are areas where a vessel must operate at a slow speed that doesn’t create a wake. You can usually identify a no-wake zone by white and orange floating markers or a row of markers.

Fishing Charter Rental Costs

Fishing charter prices will vary depending on the type of fishing you’ll be enjoying and the location where you’re going to. A half-day fishing charter is about 4-hours in duration, while a full-day is usually 8 hours or longer. On average, these are the costs for the various types of fishing charters:

Deep Sea Fishing Charter
From $100/hour to $1000+/day
Fishing Boat Rental without Captain
From $50/hour to $500+/day
Inshore Fishing Trips
From $75/hour to $600+/day
Kayak Fishing
$50-$100/day

Cost Breakdown

Hourly Rate

This is the base cost per hour for your boat rental before taxes, captain’s fees, or fuel. For every hour of your rental, you’ll pay this price.

Captain’s Fee

This can be listed as a separate charge or included in the hourly rate. Be sure to check the boat listing’s description to see if the captain’s fees are included or a separate charge.

Fuel

Fuel charges are sometimes included but are sometimes separate from the hourly rate price, and will fluctuate based on how far you travel and how much fuel is used during the trip.

Tax

Tax charges for boat rentals vary by region.

Tip

While gratuity is always optional and isn’t part of the GetMyBoat checkout process, tipping is customary in many places. 10-20% of the rental cost is somewhat standard if you have a captain and crew catering to your needs on a charter, but it can vary depending on your region.

= Total Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Boat Rental Basics

What makes GetMyBoat different from other boat rental apps?

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.

What is a boat charter?

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.

Can I rent a boat for a week?

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.

Where do I pick up the boat rental?

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!

Where do I refuel the boat?

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.

Fishing Charter Basics

What is a fishing charter?

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.

Why should I book a fishing charter with GetMyBoat?

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.

Are fishing charters good for families with children?

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.

Do I need a fishing license?

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.

Where can I get a fishing license?

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.

Are there regulations on what fish I can catch on a fishing charter?

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.

Do they clean the fish for you on a fishing charter?

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.

Does the Captain cook the fish for you on a 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.

Are you guaranteed to catch fish on a charter?

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.

Is there a bathroom on the fishing boat?

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.

Services, Costs, & Fees

How much does it cost to rent a boat near me?

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.

How much is a boat rental near me for a day?

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.

How much should I tip the boat captain?

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.

How much does fuel cost for a boat rental?

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.

Are there additional costs for renting a boat near me?

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.

Safety, Laws, and Regulations

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?

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.

How many people can I bring on my boat rental?

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.

Do I have to rent a boat with a captain?

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.

Where should I go with my boat rental?

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.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?

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

Where can I take a boating safety course?

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.

Are lifejackets Included in the price of a boat rental?

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.

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Top Destinations Nearby

Potomac River

United States

Local Fishing Reviews

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MattJuly, 2022

LyndonJune, 2021

NinetteJuly, 2021

DaraJune, 2021

CatinaJune, 2021

The Ultimate Fishing Rental Guide for 2022

GetMyBoat Fishing Charter Statistics

Types of Fishing Charters & Fishing Boat Rentals

Deep Sea Fishing Charter

Inshore Fishing

River Fishing

Flats Fishing

Reef Fishing

Kayak Fishing

Occasions to Get out on the Water

Bachelor Parties

Milestone Birthdays

Retirement Parties

Father’s Day

Top Locations for Fishing Charters

Florida

Top Targeted Fish:

Florida

Top Targeted Fish:

California

Top Targeted Fish:

Texas

Top Targeted Fish:

West Indies

Top Targeted Fish:

Mexico

Top Targeted Fish:

Florida

Top Targeted Fish:

Top Targeted Freshwater Fish

Crappie

Bluegill

Largemouth Bass

Walleye

Brown Trout

Sunfish

Yellow Perch

Northern Pike

Rainbow Trout

Top Targeted Saltwater Fish

Tarpon

Amberjack

Red Snapper

King Mackerel