25 Best Fishing Tours & Charters in the United States

© Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching

Operating out of Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching has been acquiring a sound following of avid fishermen since the 1940’s. The outfit offers several trips a day and you are just about assured of a good catch. The experienced captains will take you to excellent fishing sites and the deckhands will help you bait up and reel in a big one. Everything you need for a day on the water is available at their office including your California Fishing License, rod hire and bait. Scheduled daily trips depart at 5.30 and 6.30am and you return to base once the daily limit has been reached.

Chris’ Fishing and Whale Watching, 48 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey, CA 93940, Phone: 831-375-5951

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San Diego has a reputation for offering exciting sport fishing and Coletta Sportfishing has the expertise to ensure you enjoy your day out on the water. The outfit is family-friendly and can accommodate up to 6 people on each private fishing charter. Depending on how committed (or successful) you are, charters can take anything from five or six hours to all day if you are after a particular species like the mahi mahi, tuna and halibut which are frequently caught in these waters. If you have inexperienced children with you they will be patiently taught how to hook and reel in their own fish and all tackle and bait is supplied.

Coletta Sportfishing, 2580 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA 92109, Phone: 858-922-4358

© Tenkara Guides

If you are an avid fly fishing enthusiast you owe it to yourself to come and experience the art of Tenkara. Tenkara is an ancient Japanese style of fly fishing which breaks things down to basics by doing away with the need for a reel – it’s just you, your rod, line and hook. Although the technique might be basic, it could take years to master unless you receive some expert tuition. Tenkara Guides operate out of Salt Lake City where they offer courses and arrange fishing trips for anyone wanting to learn this very satisfying fly-fishing technique. Choose from urban outings in the Wasatch Mountains or venture off the beaten track for a wonderful trout fishing experience.

Tenkara Guides, Salt Lake City, Utah, Phone: 801-541-4762

© Davey’s Locker

Offering scheduled group sport fishing trips as well as private charters, Davey’s Locker has built a solid reputation for offering a great sport fishing experience in southern California. A team of experienced captains and deckhands are at your disposal and all the boats are fitted with the latest equipment including fish-finders and modern tackle. Everything else you need can be purchased at their on-site shop including your favorite bait and lures. You can bring along the family for a fun-filled half-day fishing trip or go all-out and book a private overnight charter for yourself and some of your best fishing buddies.

Davey’s Locker, 400 Main St, Newport Beach, CA 92661, Phone: 949-673-1434

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Based in Holly Springs in North Carolina, Joel at Outdoor Expeditions USA is waiting to take you on an exciting fresh-water fishing experience on some of the best lakes in the state. The outfit welcomes anglers of all ages and all levels of expertise and will tailor a trip to suit your requirements. Fishing trips take place on three of North Carolina’s best fishing lakes, namely Falls Lake, Jordan Lake and Shearon Harris Lake, all of which offer exceptional bass fishing. Take your choice from family-friendly half-day or 3-hour guiding fishing excursions or test your skills on a Bass Tournament Experience. Tackle is provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Outdoor Expeditions USA, Holly Springs, NC, Phone: 919-669-2959

© San Francisco Fishing Charters

Sport anglers who are looking for a highly personalized fishing experience in the San Francisco area need look no further than San Francisco Fishing Charters. Over the years this company has built a solid reputation for providing excellent service and personal attention on each and every one of their scheduled fishing charters. Their boat, The Fishin’ Game, is comfortably equipped with all you need for a day on the waters for a maximum of 6 anglers. Winter (January to March) is the best time to fish for striped bass and sturgeon, while the summer months offer a rich harvest of halibut, rock fish, ling cod and king salmon.

San Francisco Fishing Charters, 2951 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, Phone: 510-478-3111

© Fishing Headquarters

Offering regular scheduled drift fishing excursions which are ideal for less experienced anglers and children, Fishing Headquarters is conveniently located in Fort Lauderdale. Drift fishing excursions take place about one mile offshore over a reef which is home to many types of fish. If you are after a more challenging sport fishing experience you can book one of their shared 4 or 8 hour charters, which take a maximum of 6 anglers out on the waters to fish for mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo or amberjacks. If you prefer, you can book a private charter for up to 6 of your friends. Sword fish and tarpon fishing charters are also available.

Fishing Headquarters, 301 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33316, Phone: 754-214-7863

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The warm tropical waters surrounding South Padre Island are home to a huge variety of fish which attract hundreds of avid anglers to the area every year. Danny B fishing charters are ideal for the whole family, offering scheduled morning, afternoon and evening trips departing from Louie’s Backyard. If you prefer, you can also arrange a private charter for fishing or even just to watch the Friday night fireworks displays. The Danny B is equipped with everything you need for a fun day on the waters including tackle and bait and there is a fish-cleaning service to prepare your catch when you return to base.

Danny B Fishing Charters, 2305 Laguna Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597, Phone: 956-764-4689

© Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters, New Orleans

Located just twenty miles south of New Orleans, the Barataria Estuary offers excellent fishing as well as great wildlife viewing. The experienced team at Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters knows the estuary like the back of their hands and can offer you a thrilling day on the waters. The outfit offers scheduled morning and evening fishing trips in a variety of boats – private charters are also available. Your fishing package will include rods, tackle, bait and even a fish-cleaning service so all you need to bring is sunscreen and your camera. Some of the wildlife you should see along the estuary includes alligators, bald eagles, herons, pelicans and raccoons.

Jean Lafitte Fishing Charters, 4915 Joan Marie Dr, Barataria, LA 70036, Phone: 504-452-1413

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On The Fly Fishing Carters are your go-to outfitters for fly-fishing expeditions in San Diego. In addition, they also offer private bay and off shore charters using conventional tackle should you prefer. The crew at On The Fly can boast a collective 75 years of experience fishing the waters of San Diego and know where to go to catch a big one. The company ‘s specialty is thrilling year-round mako shark and blue shark fly fishing, which is done on a strict catch and release basis. Other charters include off shore fishing for yellow fin, blue fin and skipjack tuna or inshore fishing for species like halibut, barracuda and yellowtail.

On The Fly Charters, 2580 Ingraham St, San Diego, CA 92108, Phone: 928-380-4504

© Lucky Bear Fishing Charters

For a guided family-friendly trout fishing trip on Big Bear Lake you need look no further than husband and wife team Mike and Trish from Lucky Bear Charters. The couple has been fishing Big Bear Lake for over 25years and knows every nook and cranny that could possibly hide a beautiful rainbow trout. Charters are conducted from their deluxe pontoon and everything you need is provided including all your fishing gear, soft drinks, snacks and water. Both private and open charters are offered two to three times a day and you may catch and release or have your catch cleaned for you to take home.

Lucky Bear Fishing Charters, Fawn Harbor, 93369 N Shore Dr, Fawnskin, CA 92333, Phone: 909-866-7303

© Olin Marler’s Dolphin Cruises and Fishing Charters

Olin Marler’s Fishing Charters is the oldest fishing charter operation in Destin, offering you the benefit of over 50 years of experience. When you join one of their group fishing charters you will set off with 8 to 15 like-minded anglers to enjoy a fun day or half-day on the waters. Their boats are large enough to give you plenty of room to move and expert deck-hands will be available to help you land your catch and instruct less-experienced anglers. You can expect to catch snapper, grouper, triggerfish and more and you will also almost certainly get to see plenty of dolphins.

Olin Marler’s Fishing Charters, 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541, Phone: 850-424-5125

© Flash Sport Fishing Charters

Offering both shark fishing charters and deep-sea fishing trips, Flash Sport Fishing Charters offer exciting days on the water for anglers of all levels of proficiency. With 50 years of experience in the area, Captain Steve Talmadge loves introducing clients to his favorite sport. One of the best things about a charter with Flash Sport Fishing is that fishing groups are restricted to 6 people, which means you get personal attention and space to move. The waters around San Francisco offer excellent sport fishing and you can expect to reel in some rockfish, salmon, striped bass and more. Shark fishing is exceptional here with 11 species of shark to find.

Flash Sport Fishing Charters, 236 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, Phone: 510-851-2500

© Underdog Fishing Charters

The inshore and offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico offer some of the best sport fishing in the world. At Underdog Fishing Charters you can rest assured that your captain knows the area like the back of his hand and will ensure you have a thrilling day on the waters. The company offers two inshore charters to catch redfish and speckled trout, while offshore charters seek cobia, kingfish or red snapper in the warm gulf waters. All you need to bring is sunscreen and your lunch – Underdog Charters provides everything else you need including expert tuition and assistance to land your big one.

Underdog Fishing Charters, 650 Lemoyne Dr, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, Phone: 251-583-4885

© North Bay Charters

North Bay Charters offer personalized fishing charters all along Bodega Bay on the beautiful Marin and Sonoma Coastlines, north of San Francisco. Fishing groups are limited to 6 people so that everyone has enough space and can receive personal attention from your captain and his skilled deck hands. Both deep sea and inshore charters are offered and the main species you can expect to find at the end of your line include salmon, ling cod, tuna, halibut and rockfish. The boats are very well equipped with all the latest electronics, safety features and fishing gear and children are welcome on board.

North Bay Charters, 1410B Eastshore Rd, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, Phone: 707-337-0608

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Operating out of Milwaukee, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Reel Sensation Fishing Charters have been reeling in great catches of salmon and trout for a year-round following of anglers. The outfit uses larger than usual boats to ensure everyone has enough room to move around easily and your charter comes with a no-fish-no-pay guarantee. In the summer months you can expect to catch king salmon (Chinook) as well as a selection of Lake Michigan rainbow trout species. In winter you can go out to hunt the elusive Michigan brown trout. All you need to bring along on your charter is your Milwaukee Fishing License (with a Great Lakes Trout stamp) and your lunch and drinks.

Reel Sensation Fishing Charters, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Phone: 414-384-8096

© Lake Mead Fishing Guides

Not many people know Lake Mead as well as Captain Kevin Durham, who has been fishing these waters since he was a child. Today you can take advantage of his many years of experience and his love of fishing when you choose him to be your personal fishing guide on beautiful Lake Mead. You can choose from 4-hour half-day fishing excursions or make the most of your day and spend 6 hours on the water seeking out various species of bass. The shorter excursions are perfect for families, and children (over the age of 3) can learn how to fish from a true expert. Everything you need is included in the price of your charter.

Lake Mead Fishing Guides, 1395 E. Lake Mead Parkway, Henderson, NV 89015, Phone: 702-499-7942

© Alpine Fishing Adventures

Whether you are a novice, just starting to learn how to cast a line or whether you just need to brush-up your skills, a Green Circle boat trip with Alpine Fishing Adventures is just what you need. Ideal for the whole family, these one-hour sessions will teach you all the basics and let you into the secret lives of trout so that they become easier to catch. More proficient anglers can choose a half-day guided fishing trip on the lake. The outfitters also offer dry land casting lesson, and river-wading fishing excursions where you get to take your catch home for supper. In winter you can join one of their thrilling ice fishing trips – these are tailored to your mobility and fitness levels and are great fun for the whole family. Phone: 303-885-6292

© American Fishing Charters

American Fishing Charters offers highly personalized fishing charters in the waters around Tybee Island, Georgia. At your service are two highly experienced fishing captains who have hundreds of successful fishing charters under their belts and who love nothing more than to assist you to have a great day on the waters. Charters can be tailored to suit your needs and both off shore and in shore charters are available. If you just want a fun day out with the family an inshore trip is suggested while experienced anglers will want to pursue the thrills and challenges of an offshore fishing charter.

American Fishing Charters, 3 Old Tybee Rd, Tybee Island, Georgia 31328, Phone: 912-239-7309

© FishEye Sport Fishing Charters

With more than twenty years of experience fishing the waters around Clearwater Beach, FishEye Sport Fishing Charters are an obvious choice for your next exciting fishing charter. Ready to show you the ropes and ensure you have a fun experience is Capt. Brandon Fraley and Capt. Marlin Pereia and there are two boats and several experiences to choose from. Charters are available every day of the year and cater to all levels of expertise. FishEye Charters are really family friendly and even offer a special 3-hour Kid’s Trip for younger anglers and beginners. More experienced anglers have an excellent selection of trips to choose from including a chance to catch and land a massive Goliath grouper (strictly catch and release).

FishEye Sport Fishing Charters, 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, Phone: 727-243-4082

© Tahoe Sport Fishing

Operating out of Ski Run Marina on South Lake Tahoe (California) as well as from Zephyr Cove Marina on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Sport Fishing is your go-to outfitters on Lake Tahoe. Each of the two locations offer two scheduled fishing trips each day, starting off with the 5-hour morning open or private charter. Afternoon charters last for 4 hours and then private groups can book a 4-hour evening charter. The company provides all your rods and tackle and you can buy your fishing license on-site. Lake Tahoe waters offer exceptional trout fishing (3 species) as well as a chance to hook a kokanee salmon.

Tahoe Sport Fishing, 900 Ski Run Blvd #101, S. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, Phone: 530-541-5448

© North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters

If you love fishing but don’t want to risk getting seasick on a deep-sea fishing trip you could opt to spend a wonderful day on the calm waters of the Intercoastal Waterway, estuaries and creeks with North Myrtle Beach Fishing Charters. One of these inshore fishing trips is ideal for families and you can look forward to hooking species like flounder, spotted sea trout and black drum. More adventurous anglers could choose nearshore or offshore charters or go all out and book a deep sea fishing charter to indulge in some great “bottom fishing” for the big fighters like sharks, king mackerel, cobia and more. Phone: 843-907-0064

© Captain David Newlin Fishing Charters

Fishing on the clean and quiet inshore waters of St. Catherine’s and Sapelo Sound off the coast of Georgia, Captain David Newlin offers year-round fishing charters to suit most levels of fishing expertise. Using spinning rods and shrimp or lures, you can look forward to a productive day on the waters, targeting mainly trout and redfish. If you fancy something a little more thrilling and challenging you can join one of the shark fishing trips which take place mainly from April to October. The Captain’s Big Game Trophy Trips to search for monster tarpon usually take place around June to August.

Captain David Newlin Fishing Charters, Fort McAllister Marina, 3203 McAllister Rd, Richmond Hill, GA 31324, Phone: 912-756-4573

© Gallatin River Guides

If you are planning to go fishing on the pristine waters of Montana and Yellowstone Park you are going to need a local guide who knows the lay of the land. Gallatin River Guides have been around since 1984 and know exactly where all the best trout fishing waters are located. The company conducts guided fly fishing trips all year round on some of the best rivers in and around Yellowstone Park and beyond the park borders. If you are new to the sport you can join one of their Fly Fishing Schools where you will learn all about the joys of fly fishing for wild trout in lovely Montana.

Gallatin River Guides, 47430 Gallatin Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, Phone: 406-995-2290

© Silver King Charters

Anglers looking for a personalized trout and salmon fishing expedition in Milwaukee or Racine need look no further than Silver King Charters. The company limits all their fishing charters to a maximum of 5 anglers so that each person gets plenty of assistance and advice. Depending on how enthusiastic you are, you can book a 5 hour or 8 hour charter – everything you need is included in the package price and you will even have your catch cleaned and packaged for you. April is the best month to go for brown trout and these waters are rumored to be home to some of the largest brown trout recorded. You can fish for rainbow trout year round, while lake trout are mainly hooked from June to September.

Silver King Charters, S. 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr, McKinley Marina, Milwaukee, WI 53202, Phone: 414-460-1467