What It Costs
If this sounds like an appealing way to spend a free day, you may want to explore your options and your costs. Keep in mind that there is some room for variations in the price, which may reflect the size of the boat and amount of fish-finding technology on-board, the cost of the fuel in that section of the country (in some cases a fuel surcharge is added to the cost for excursions over 25 miles from shore), on-board amenities, if the excursion is an extended day (14 hours), and of course, the ever present competition
Cost And Typical Catch
- Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Yellow fin Tuna, Shark, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Giant Blue fin Tuna) - $750 to $1,700
- Hatteras Outer Banks of North Carolina (Tuna, Marlin, Sailfish, Wahog, Dophin, Shark, Grouper) - $1,150 to $1,500
- Miami, Florida (Kingfish, Grouper, Dophin, Sailfish, Tuna, Tarpon, Mackerel,Barracuda, Shark) - $550 to $1,000
- Galveston, Texas, Southwest Florida, Gulf of Mexico (Blue/White Marlin, Yellow fin Tuna, Sailfish, Shark, Mahi Mahi,Amberjack, Snapper) - 900 to $2,000
- San Diego, San Clemente, California (Sea Bass, Mako Shark, Yellow fin and Albacore Tuna, Barracuda, Yellowtail, Striped Marlin) - $800 to $1,650
- Hawaii (Pacific Marlin, Striped Marlin, Mahi Mahi, Yellow fin and Skipjack Tuna, Amberjack) (In Hawaii, Bananas on board is considered bad luck and will be thrown overboard) - $800 to $1,000
While the charter company typically provides the transportation and the basic fishing gear, you’ll likely need to bring the rest of the necessities, such as sun block, a hat, soft sole shoes, a camera; seasickness medication, food and beverage. And don’t forget your sense of adventure!
Well Worth The Expense
For the novice, as well as the experienced angler, the excitement of the fight and the landing of a thrashing 50 to 90 lb. Sailfish or a 100 lb. Tarpon is what sport fishing is all about. Whether it’s in the blue waters of Cape Cod, the outer banks of Hatteras, or over fifty-miles off Catalina Island, an offshore fishing charter is a memorable thrill and a great way to spend the day for any seasoned sports fisherman.