Florida Head/Party Boats (South Florida or Tampa)

[Benny]

I will be in Florida for a week in mid-April. I want to take my kids fishing, although I have no idea what is in season. I’m looking for recommendations for head/party boats anywhere between West Palm and Fort Lauderdale or around Tampa. Thank you.


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[rgramjet]

"Happy Day Today" out of Lauderdale Marina. Its been a long time but I hear they are still fishing.

 

[Stevie Boy]

Fishing in Florida pretty much any time of year can be great. What kind of fishing do you have in mind? Saltwater (inshore/offshore) or fresh? How many kids? Age range? I'm on the west coast but familiar with some freshwater options out that way. Pretty sure saltwater is similar either coast. Should be no problem renting a boat as most of the snowbirds will have left by then. If freshwater, and largemouth bass in particular, you're not far from Lake Okeechobee or the Everglades. Probably best to hire a guide for Lake O if choosing that route (they supply everything). Runs about $400 or so. The everglades are a good DIY option for bass. There's a couple of places that rent jon boats near I-75 and Rt 27. If going the saltwater/inshore route, the boat rental marinas always give you a map and generally are quite helpful showing you spots to fish. Let us know some more deets and I'll weigh in again.

 

[davsco]

good luck! not helping you, but years ago i went out of key west on an overnite multi day trip on a party boat to the dry tortugas. while everyone was bottom fishing i spooled out a live fish on top and within 5 minutes my reel was screaming!! nice big king mack. if i had participated in the biggest fish pool i woulda won it but catching that was reward enough.

also years back i fished on some of the piers around ft laud. they catch some big stuff off those piers!

 

[Benny]

Fishing in Florida pretty much any time of year can be great. What kind of fishing do you have in mind? Saltwater (inshore/offshore) or fresh? How many kids? Age range? I'm on the west coast but familiar with some freshwater options out that way. Pretty sure saltwater is similar either coast. Should be no problem renting a boat as most of the snowbirds will have left by then. If freshwater, and largemouth bass in particular, you're not far from Lake Okeechobee or the Everglades. Probably best to hire a guide for Lake O if choosing that route (they supply everything). Runs about $400 or so. The everglades are a good DIY option for bass. There's a couple of places that rent jon boats near I-75 and Rt 27. If going the saltwater/inshore route, the boat rental marinas always give you a map and generally are quite helpful showing you spots to fish. Let us know some more deets and I'll weigh in again.

Hi,

I’m thinking saltwater. Either inshore or offshore and the trip should be between 4 and 8 hours. My two daughters are 11 and possibly my wife and 14 year-old nephew will come as well. I took my daughters flounder fishing last summer up in Massachusetts and they enjoyed it, so I’m looking for a similar experience, while we are visiting family in Florida. We will be in the West Palm/Fort Lauderdale area for part of the time and probably in Tampa for a few days. The piers are good but I think getting on a boat imakes it more fun for them. Thank you for any tips you may have. Ben


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[CHUNKERMD]

Boyton Beach Inlet in Palm Beach County or
Lighthouse point/Pompano Beach further south above Ft Lauderdale in Broward county.

 

[Stevie Boy]

Hi,

I’m thinking saltwater. Either inshore or offshore and the trip should be between 4 and 8 hours. My two daughters are 11 and possibly my wife and 14 year-old nephew will come as well. I took my daughters flounder fishing last summer up in Massachusetts and they enjoyed it, so I’m looking for a similar experience, while we are visiting family in Florida. We will be in the West Palm/Fort Lauderdale area for part of the time and probably in Tampa for a few days. The piers are good but I think getting on a boat imakes it more fun for them. Thank you for any tips you may have. Ben


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I do mostly inshore which to my way of thinking would be a better choice for you and the family if captaining your own rental. I'm not familiar with that area for saltwater so can't offer any specific locations. If looking to do a charter, then it's probably pretty wide open. Others have suggested specific marinas, give 'em a call and see what's available. Also, we've had some luck finding charters on tripadvisor for target areas.

 

[Biggfoot44]

I thought the OP was looking for a Head Boat , not doing his own rental for DIY ?

 

[Benny]

I thought the OP was looking for a Head Boat , not doing his own rental for DIY ?

That’s right- a head boat. Something simple that is easy with kids.


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[davsco]

i'd just hit a marina near where you're staying in the afternoon when the boats come in and see who is getting all the action and sign up for them.

 

[Jim12]

My trusted local contact in Jupiter FL suggests you call Black Dog at 561.744.5700. "I would recommend Black Dog. That's perfect for that age group. They're right out of square grouper. They always catch fish and it's always a good time."