Average Cost of Pensacola, FL Fishing Charters (Full Guide)
Pensacola is hugely popular for fishing as it provides anglers with easy access to all major fishing spots in the region. Analyze fishing charter costs before going fishing in Pensacola.
The average cost of Pensacola fishing charter trips that last 4 hours is $600, 6 hours is $898, 8 hours is $1245, 10 hours is $1980 and 12 hours is $2450.
Anglers can experience both inshore and offshore fishing in the region. It’s possible to fish in bays, grass flats, near reefs, on beaches, and in deep waters. This guide will provide anglers with information on charter costs to help them plan their Pensacola fishing adventures.
Pensacola Fishing Charter Trip Length (Costs)
4-hour trips
A 4-hour trip allows anglers to fish in inshore waters only. Based on 21 charters surveyed, the average cost of a 4-hour trip in Pensacola is $600, the highest cost was $900 and the lowest cost was $450.
With such a trip, anglers will be able to fish near shore or in bays. However, longer trips are worth considering if you want to experience offshore fishing.
A 4-hour trip is a good option for those anglers, who are interested in relaxing fishing and family fishing trips. With a 4-hour trip, anglers spend about 30 minutes – 1-hour traveling and about 3 – 3.5 hours on fishing.
Such a trip allows anglers to fish either in the morning, afternoon, or evening. So, you’ll have an opportunity to select the best time of a day to go fishing in Pensacola.
6-hour trips
A 6-hour trip is longer and gives anglers more fishing time. As a result, fishermen can go further and target more species during their trips. Based on 13 charters surveyed, the average cost of a 6-hour trip in Pensacola is $898, the highest cost was $2640 and the lowest cost was $600.
A 6-hour trip is a good choice for anglers who are interested in fishing adventures that last more than 4 hours but still don’t want to spend a whole day on the water. It takes anglers 1 – 2 hours to get to fishing spots. Therefore, about 4 – 5 hours are spent on the water. With a 6-hour trip, anglers can fish close to shore or go fishing in offshore waters.
Oftentimes, fishermen book a 6 hour trip during the summer months. A 6-hour trip allows anglers to spend more time on the water, explore more spots and catch more fish. However, it would be better to consider shorter trips if you want to fish with a family.
8-hour trips
Based on 15 charters surveyed, the average cost of an 8-hour trip in Pensacola is $1245, the highest cost was $1900 and the lowest cost was $850.
Such trips are a good option for anglers, who are interested in the so-called full-day fishing trips. Fishing trips that last 8 hours offer more opportunities. Anglers can fish both in inshore and offshore waters. Full-day trips give anglers enough time to get to the necessary spots and enjoy fishing.
It takes anglers 1 – 2 hours to get to the fishing spots. So, anglers will have about 6 – 7 hours to dedicate to fishing in the area. It’s also important to note that 8-hour trips increase anglers’ chance to land a trophy-sized fish. Full-day trips are longer than half-day ones. Therefore, anglers have to prepare more meals and water for an 8-hour fishing trip.
10-hour trips
Based on 19 charters surveyed, the average cost of a 10-hour trip in Pensacola is $1980, the highest cost was $2200 and the lowest cost was $1600.
Some avid anglers need more than a full-day fishing trip. So, they prefer to book the so-called extended day fishing trips. With 10-hour trips, anglers can fish in nearshore waters and go further to experience offshore fishing in deep waters. With a 10-hour trip, anglers spend 2 hours traveling and 8 hours on fishing. Fishing trips that last 10 hours allow anglers to explore more fishing spots in Pensacola and spend a lot of time fishing in the region.
However, fishing can be challenging due to bad weather. Fishing trips that last 10 hours are long. Weather can change during such fishing trips. So, it can be difficult to predict weather for 10-hour trips. However, powerful storms can pose risks both to boats and anglers. That’s the reason why captains often decide to cancel 10-hour trips if they see the signs of bad weather. In a situation like this, anglers either get a refund or a fishing trip is rescheduled.
12-hour trips
It’s the longest fishing trip that anglers can book in Pensacola. Based on 9 charters surveyed, the average cost of a 12-hour trip in Pensacola is $2450, the highest cost was $3200 and the lowest cost was $1900.
Professional anglers, who want to spend more time fishing, can also book a 12-hour trip to Pensacola. With a 12-hour trip, 2 hours are spent on traveling and 10 hours are spent on fishing. When planning such a long trip, anglers need to make sure that they have enough food and water.
Anglers choose to book a 12-hour trip to fish in offshore waters. It’s important to know that such long trips are canceled more frequently than others. If the weather is bad or there are signs of bad weather, a fishing trip will be canceled due to safety reasons.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Pensacola
These Pensacola-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Fish Frenzy Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| Emerald “C” Fishing Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| Six Shooter Fishing Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| All Caught Up Fishing Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| Paradise Fishing Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| Southbound Offshore Charters | Gulf Breeze, FL |
| Twistedpalms Salty Adventures | Pensacola, FL |
| Reel Irie Fishing Charters | Gulf Breeze, FL |
| Keepin It Wet Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| No Limit Charter & Guide | Pensacola, FL |
| Reel Way Fishing Charters | Pensacola, FL |
| Great Southern Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
| Jus Cuz Fishing Charters | Orange Beach, AL |
Seasonal Trip Cost Breakdowns (Private Trips)
Spring
Spring is a great time to experience fishing in Pensacola. Weather conditions are comfortable in spring. It’s not too cold and it’s not too hot in the region during a spring break. That’s why anglers should consider booking long fishing trips during the spring months.
It’s worth noting that many anglers choose to fish Pensacola in spring. The early spring is the beginning of a peak fishing season in the region. So, the demand for fishing increases, and anglers must be prepared to pay higher charter costs.
It’s getting warmer in Pensacola in spring. So, many fish species get active and fishing is more productive. Among fish species that anglers can catch in spring are black drum, cobia, grouper, pompano, sheepshead, snapper, Spanish mackerel, redfish, spotted seatrout, and triggerfish.
Summer
Summer is a very busy fishing season in the region. That means that charters can be unavailable. So, it would be better to book a Pensacola fishing trip in advance during the summer months. The demand is high and fishing is expensive in summer.
The weather is getting hotter in Pensacola in summer. That’s the reason why many anglers prefer to book shorter fishing trips during summertime. Shorter fishing trips are more comfortable and allow anglers to avoid the summer heat. With short trips, anglers can fish either during the morning or evening hours.
More species are active and that’s why fishing is more productive in Pensacola during the summer months. It’s possible to catch many fish species in summer. These include barracuda, black drum, bluefish, bonito, cobia, mahi-mahi, jack crevalle, king mackerel, redfish, sailfish, sheepshead, snapper, spotted seatrout, blackfin tuna as well as wahoo.
Fall
Those anglers, who want to avoid crowds, should visit Pensacola in the fall. A peak fishing season in Pensacola comes to an end in the early fall. That’s why charter costs are lower in the region during the fall months.
Nevertheless, fall fishing is very good in the region. Many fish species are active during the fall months. Anglers can catch such species as amberjack, bluefish, flounder, grouper, redfish, sheepshead, snapper as well as spotted seatrout.
Winter
Many fish species are inactive in Pensacola during the winter months due to cold weather. A lot of charters are available in winter and the competition is lower. So, booking a charter in the region is easy. The prices of fishing in the region are cheap.
Fishing is slow. However, it’s possible to experience fishing and get bites. During winter fishing trips in Pensacola, anglers can target many different species. Anglers can catch flounder, grouper, snapper as well as spotted seatrout in winter.
Better Value Fishing with a Group
It’s a good idea to fish with a group. Group fishing allows anglers to save some money. If a solo or duo fishing trip is too expensive, then it makes sense to consider booking a group fishing trip in Pensacola.
In this case, you’ll have to pay the cost per person but not the cost per boat. The total amount is split among several anglers. So, the more anglers in a group – the less you have to pay for fishing.
It’s also important to note that fishing with a group is always fun. Anglers have an opportunity to exchange experiences with each other during a group fishing trip. Group fishing will create memories that last forever.
Fishing with a group is more productive. Together, anglers can catch more fish during a group fishing trip. Generally speaking, group fishing is a better option for those anglers who are interested in relaxing trips and prefer to fish for leisure. On the other hand, you shouldn’t book a group trip if you are a professional angler who is interested in landing a trophy fish.
Pensacola Fishing: Factors that Impact Charter Costs
Charter costs are impacted by a variety of factors. The costs depend a lot on the demand for fishing. Fishing is the most productive between May and August. The demand for fishing increases and that’s why prices on charters go up in the region during these months.
Gas prices also have an impact on charter costs. A big fishing boat can burn a lot of gas during a fishing trip. If gas becomes more expensive, then the prices on fishing charters go up as well.
It’s also important to note that each species of fish has its peak high season. Charter costs are higher when anglers book species-specific fishing trips. For example, fishing for pompano in Pensacola is best in the late spring and in the early fall. It would be better to visit the region between June and July if you are interested in catching red snapper. Such species as redfish and sheepshead are active in Pensacola between March and April.
If you would like to save on fishing in Pensacola, book a charter on weekdays. Traditionally, fewer anglers fish in the region during weekdays and that’s why charter costs are lower. On the other hand, charter costs are higher on weekends.
Cost of Shared Fishing Charter
Shared fishing charters are available in Pensacola. In this case, anglers pay a flat rate for a charter. A flat rate can be split with a certain number of anglers. As a result, fishing becomes cheaper. If a group consists of more anglers, it’s required to pay the cost per additional angler. Shared fishing is more affordable compared to Pensacola fishing trips for 1 – 2 anglers.
Additional Costs with Charter Fishing
The vast majority of charters in Pensacola provide anglers with everything that’s required for a fishing trip. Nevertheless, anglers may also need to prepare food, water, baits, sunscreen, and other things for a charter. There are additional costs associated with charter fishing.
When fishing in Pensacola, anglers have to respect the local laws. The fishing rules in Pensacola require anglers to purchase a fishing license. If a fishing charter doesn’t provide you with a license, you have to purchase one.
Some charters provide anglers with baits. If baits are not provided, anglers can purchase them from a local store.
Some charters offer a fish cleaning service to anglers. So, anglers are required to pay the additional cost to have their fish cleaned. After that, you may either freeze your fish to bring it home or ask the charter’s cooks to prepare it for you during a trip.
When planning a budget for a fishing trip in Pensacola, anglers have to take into account charter costs as well as the additional costs. Increase your budget by 15 – 25% to cover the additional costs.
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