There’s probably no question more loaded than “where is the best deep sea fishing in the world?” The answer is entirely subjective and really depends on what you’re fishing for, what kind of experience you want, how much pain you’re willing to endure, and how much money you’re willing to spend. I’ve heard the Southern Ocean has great fishing (just ask the Japanese), but there’s not too many people who are willing to endure the Antarctic temperatures, not to mention those pesky icebergs (did someone say Titanic).

So let’s do this, I’m going to give you my opinion on the top five reasonably priced, reasonable temperate destinations that to my knowledge have know icebergs.

Number 5: South Florida

Cheap and accessible with something for everyone, South Florida is a perfect fishing destination. The waters off the coast are rich with fish thanks to the warm waters brought year round by the Gulf Stream current. The fishing charter market here is highly competitive, which keeps prices low and there are plenty of awesome seafood restaurants that will cook up anything you catch for a small fee.

Number 4: Bimini, Bahamas

There’s nothing really to speak of in Bimini besides the water. This small group of islands in the Bahamas is located just 50 miles from Florida, but has about the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Bimini has a long history of fishing and was a frequent stomping ground for Ernest Hemingway whose books were inspired by many of his Bimini-area fishing adventures. It’s a half hour flight from Fort Lauderdale, and about a three hour boat ride.

Number 3: Outer Banks, NC

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, or OBX as locals call them, provide epic fishing grounds. They have a nasty reputation for unpredictable weather, but that doesn't really affect short fishing charters. The banks benefit from fish large and small brought by the Gulf Stream from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Southern Florida. They are relatively easily accessible and the natural beauty of the entire area is pristine.

Number 2: Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are surely among the best fishing destinations in the world. For starters, you’ll feel like you’re fishing even before you head out on the water. Everything in the keys is about fishing. The billboards, the restaurants, the gift shops. Fish are everywhere. Oh yea, and they’re home to one of the largest barrier reef systems in the world, plus they are situated literally in the Gulf Stream current.

Number 1: Costa Rica

It seems like no one had even heard of Costa Rica until like 20 years ago. Since then, the small country as reinvented itself as the Eco Tourism capital of the world. Fish the rich waters off the pacific coast for giant marlin, sailfish, sharks and more. Costa Rica has some of the world’s best high end fishing lodges so you can head down and fish in style. It’s less than a 3 hour flight from most of the southern United States. And when you’re not fishing, you could be ziplining through the jungle, traveling down a river on a crocodile safari, or surfing some of the best breaks in North America.

If you're looking for the best deep sea fishing Miami has to offer you can get caught up searching for the closest boats to your hotel on Google and  trying to sort through the (mostly phoney) reviews. Or, you can try our fishing concierge service out. We know all the best boats and can match you with a boat that is the best fit for you. Looking for a great day on the water with kids - we've got a perfect boat and captain for that. Looking to impress clients - we've got one there too.

You will pay no fees for our Miami fishing charter concierge service and better yet, you will book at local, boat direct prices. In fact, we guarantee that you will always get the best price on any boat in our Miami fishing boat fleet when you book through us.

One thing to keep in mind when you are looking for Miami deep sea fishing is that even if you find a boat close to your hotel, that boat may not be conveniently located to Haulover Inlet or Government Cut, the two ocean inlets in the Miami area. That means that even if you save a little time getting to the boat, it's going to take quite a bit longer to get out to sea. Especially on our half day charters that extra half hour in and out, could easily add up to 25% or more of your time. Since even fast boats go slower than cars, we highly recommend you plan your Miami fishing trip with a boat located near the inlet. Needless to say, all the boats in our fleet are located very close to the inlets. In fact, our primary Miami fishing is located directly at the inlet. Can't get much better than that!

Beyond location, you should consider the type of experience you want. Some people are looking for a no frills hardcore fishing experience, others would like something comfortable but economical, and especially in Miami, some people just want a luxury fishing charter on a top of the line fishing yacht. It can be hard to discern which is which on a website, which is why whether your Miami fishing charter through us, or with someone else, it's always a good idea to explain exactly what you're looking for so you're not disappointed.

Good luck with your Miami deep sea fishing experience. If you're interested in getting a free quote from us, fill out the form on the right side of this page, or click get a quote at the top of the page. We'll do everything we can to plan your dream fishing trip, exceed your expectations and save you money.

The Fontainbleau Resort located on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach is one of the most popular and nicest hotels in Miami.  Club LIV and Arkadia draw big crowds to the hotel at night along with the numerous bars inside the resort.  At VIP Fishing Charters we get a lot of inquiries from guests staying in the hotel asking where the closest and best fishing charters are located.  

The closest fishing charter Marina is located just 10 minutes north of the Fountainebleau at Haulover Marina.  Take a short cab ride over the the marina and when your done with your fishing charter we'll have a cab waiting for you at the dock.  Our Fontainebleau fishing charters are located right at the inlet so no time is wasted getting out into the Atlantic Ocean.  All of our Miami Beach fishing charters located at this location provide full catering options ranging from deli sadwiches to sushi platters.  We can also arrange a super high-end luxury fishing charter for those looking to impress their family, friends, or business associates.  Our fishing charter boats near the Fountainebleau range in size from 40' up to 70'.  Make your stay the Fontainebleau the best possible vacation by chartering one of our professional, safe, and fun fishing boats.

The housing bust and the subsequent recession took a big toll on many Florida fishing charter operations. A decrease in disposable income led to a decrease in tourism and fishing charters are one of the top tourist attractions Florida has to offer. The decline of the fishing business led some charter operators to offer $99 fishing specials to get customers in the door, but unfortunately, many consumers are misled by this offer.

The $99 fishing offer is confusing because it differs from the typical flat rate structure that private sportfishing boats operate on. With most fishing charters, you pay a flat rate to charter the entire boat, and you can usually have up to 6 people, with no additional per person charge.  In this new structure, the $99 is a per person charge and does not guarantee the boat to yourself. Instead, the charter operators hope to fill the boat to capacity as a shared charter. If things go well, they'll end up making more on 6 individual people paying $99, than on a private charter for the same boat. And typically, if they don't get at least 4 they won't go out at all, which means you'll be stuck on the dock looking for other options.

Call me a traditionalist, but I'm personally not a fan of the $99 thing and I try to talk most of my friends and customers out of it. We as a company have made the decision not to refer business to any of these operators. I will admit I do know a few people who have been happy with their experience and I know a few more that haven't. Our business is based on providing referrals to the best operations, and for us mixed reviews don't cut it. But, as with anything, there are pros and cons of this structure and ulitmately, each angler must decide whether this works for them or not.  Just remember caveat emptor ("buyer beware") and at the end of the day, you get what you pay for.

After a rainout last weekend, Boca Bash has been rescheduled for the following weekend (this weekend - May 6th, 2012). More info can be found at the official boca bash fan page.

Also, check out the new Lake Boca Webcam at BocaBoatCam.com. VIP Fishing Charters is a sponsor!

UPDATE: BOCA BASH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND 5/6

Just when our excitiement for the return of the Lauderale Air Show (formerly the Air & Sea Show) was reaching it's pinnacle, we've found another object of our South Florida Affection: Boca Bash.

Boca Bash is set to take place on April 29, 2012 on Lake Boca ("Boca Lake" to some) in Boca Raton, Florida. This informal gathering of boats has been growing in size every year and it seems each year the party gets a little bit crazier.

Boca Bash is best known for large raft ups - sometimes of dozens of boats, hot bodies, and plenty of libations. It also has somewhat of an infamous reputation for underage drinking and inexperienced, inebriated teenagers attempting to operate Mommy and Daddy's boat.

My advice for Boca Bash is anchor on the north end of Lake Boca in the deeper water. Here, your boat will be safer and the crowds of wandering drunkards will be far enough away in the shallower, knee deep water over the sandbar. Bring a dinghy or swim over to the sandbar to get a closer look at the festivities, all the time knowing that your prized watercraft is safe and sound.

A word about BWI / BUI (Boating While Intoxicated / Boating Under the Influence)...

After an unfortunate near drowning of an underage party goer a few years ago, Boca Raton Police Department and FWC have stepped up patrols and efforts at the event. My experience is that they typically leave people alone, but they will conduct their usual safety inspections (so make sure you have enough life jackets) and if they suspect you have been drinking prepare to be breathalyzed. In Florida, the BAC limit for a boat is .08 - the same as a car. For minors (under 21), the limit is .02 BAC.

The only way to get to Boca Bash is by boat. So make friends with someone who has a boat, or consider one of of our Boca Raton Fishing Charters - our captain will be happy to skip the fishing and anchor out for the party.

Lake Boca is located in Boca Raton, Florida just inside Boca Inlet. It's just north of the Camino Real Bridge and Boca Inlet Bridge and south of the Palmetto Park Road Bridge.

Things to Know about Lake Boca

• Boca Inlet is prone to constant changes in shoaling. With an east wind and outgoing tide, the inlet becomes impassible to small craft. SAFE PASSAGE REQUIRES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.
• Lake Boca is dredge around the outside and is very shallow in the center - less than 2 feet in some areas at high tide. The northern edge of the lake from the shore out approximately 200 feet is deeper 5 - 8 feet and is the only safe place for boats with a deeper draft. Lake Boca is a frequent party spot and unfortunately, beer caps and bottles litter the bottom and at certain times of the year, sea urchins can be found. Foot protection is advised.
• The Camino Real Bridge opens on the hour and every twenty minutes thereafter. The bridge has a very low clearance, around 4-5 feet at high tide.
• The Boca Inlet Bridge opens on demand. The bridge has a relatively high clearance and typically can accomdate a sportfish without a tuna tower and with outriggers lowered.
• The Palmetto Park Road bridge opens on the hour and on the half hour. The bridge has a relatively high clearance and typically can accomdate a sportfish without a tuna tower and with outriggers lowered.
  
  

After an unfortunate hiatus, the Fort Lauderdale Air and Sea Show is back April 28 and April 29, 2012, reimagined as the Lauderdale Air Show. We Floridians look forward to this show all year long, so it's exciting to have it back.

The best place to watch the Lauderdale Air Show is on a boat. There are no words to describe the thrill of having a fighter jet fly at low altitude overhead while you're on a boat on the ocean. At times you can even feel the heat of the afterburners!

The Lauderdale Air Show has a document available on their website with extensive information for boats that will be visiting the show. There are more restrictions being placed on viewing areas on the water this year, but show organizers are requesting boats to anchor in a geographic area made up of the following coordinates:

• Northwest Corner - 26º 8.924'N, -80º 5.217'W
• Northeast Corner - 26º 8.850'W, -80º 5.019'W
• Southwest Corner - 26º 8.197'N, -80º 5.302'W
• Southeast Corner - 26º 8.252'N, -80º 5.091'W

Boat Charters for the Lauderdale Air Show

Our Fort Lauderdale Fishing Charters are operating during the Lauderdale Air Show and our boats can be chartered for the day to watch the show. You'll have the option to fish during the show, or anchor out, watch the show, and maybe even go for a swim.

If you can't make it out on a boat, the show can be viewed anywhere along A1A near Sunrise. Show organizers are also selling a limited amount of premium seating, which might be a good option for viewers looking for a little extra comfort. In my opinion though, it's fun to head down to the beach and hang out with the "common folk" and people watch.

A word about traffic during the Lauderdale Air Show... IT SUCKS! If you want any chance of a short walk, you ought to plan on arriving early and trying to score a parking spot at the Galleria Mall on Sunrise. There will also be plenty of private and public parking lots along Sunrise available for parking. Another option is to figure out public transportation options on Broward Transit but my only advice is good luck figuring out the system.

Bring plenty of sunscreen, plenty of water... dehydration is a major issue when you're out in the sun all day.

Hit the Miami Boat Show yesterday to check out the boats. Boat shows for the last few years have been kind of depressing thanks to the great recession, but yesterday it seemed like there was more energy than last year.

There are some gorgeous fishing boats on display and a close friend of mine is in the market for a new center console. Most people who know me know I am an Intrepid owner and therefore have a bias, but I'll tell you, I saw some great stuff at Everglades, Sea Vee, and Yellowfin as well. Truth is, any of these boats would make a bad a$$ fishing machine and would be great for fishing charters in Miami. I'd love to find some of these high end center consoles available for charter, but there are not a lot of them out there.

The weather yesterday was perfect boat show weather and from the looks of this morning, today might be even nicer. Even if you're not in the market for a boat the Miami Boat Show provides a good time and gives you a chance to get a taste of the toys that most of us can't afford.

If you're looking for a fishing boats in Miami near the Miami boat show, we offer several fantastic options. Follow the link below to request a quote and we'll be in touch with you right away.

Our Deerfield Beach fishing charters are located just south of Hillsboro Blvd on A1A at the inlet.  All of our boats are located in close proximity to all the major hotels in Deerfield Beach.  Our fishing boats in Deerfield range from 32' up to 53' feet giving anglers all different fishing options.  Right now most of our fishing captains are targeting sailfish, tuna, wahoo, kingfish among others.  The bright blue water off of Deerfield Beach is the perfect location to spend a day on one of our top rated boats, with our world class fishing captains.

We get tons of fishing charter requests for bachelor parties in Miami.  Our Miami fishing charter is the perfect day time activity before or after a long night of partying in South Beach.  The saying "The best detox is a retox" has some truth to it.  At VIP Fishing Charters we have boats located near all of the major hotels along Miami Beach, and downtown.  All of our boats are equipped with coolers and refrigeration if you want to bring some drinks and keep the party going.  Florida fishing charters allow up to 6 guests but we would be happy to arrange multiple boats leaving from the same dock.  We can even set up a fishing tournament between boats.  Our fishing bachelor parties are always an amazing time.  Come spend a day on our boats in the beautiful Miami sunshine.  Your new tan might even help you pick up some women in the clubs!

Fishing charters in South Beach is the most exciting activity a tourist can do while on vacation.  South Beach Fishing Charters leave out of Government Cut or Haulover Marina.  We have tons of bachelor parties, corporate groups, and families that head out every morning from South Beach.  The gulf-stream at our doorstep allows our boats to fish for the biggest, coolest and most fun fish the ocean has to offer.  Right now we are crushing the sailfish, tuna, wahoo, kingfish and more....

The majority of our fishing charters start at 8am in the morning or around 12 in the afternoon.  They range from a minimum of 4 hours, which we consider a half day, up to 8 hours which is a full day.  We also do 6 hour fishing trips which are referred to as 3/4 days.  A common question we encounter from our clients is "Is it better to fish in the morning or afternoon?"  We usually recommend the morning fishing charters because we generally notice the fish to be feeding a little more at the earlier time.  Afternoon trips catch plenty of fish as well and often times can exceed the morning bite.  We usually recommend the afternoon trips to our clients that know they will be out partying the night before or for those who have trouble waking up in the morning.  Many of our captains also provide specialized night fishing charters.  For example night time sword fishing trips are popular because our fishing boats have great success in the later hours of the day.  Our customers choose all different length charters.  Some of the key factors one should consider when determining how long to fish for is there budget, ability to handle the seas for long periods of time, and type of fishing.  Four hour trips are successful in South Florida because the majority of our rich fishing grounds are not to far offshore.  In many other states fishing boats have to travel hours to get to the fish.  We often recommend 6 or 8 hour trips because this give the captain more flexibility the ability to adapt the fishing conditions on a particular day.  If one technique is not working he can switch to another.  If a captain knows the fish are biting a little farther north or south he can go to the best spot with plenty of time on a longer fishing trip.  We can often times plan multiple types of fishing on longer days.  No matter what trip length and time you choose we are pretty certain you will have an awesome time no matter what!

I keep my Hydra-Sports center console near Boca Inlet and I get a number of requests for information on the Boca Inlet bridge. So here it is...

The Boca Raton Inlet Bridge connects A1A over Boca Raton inlet. The bridge opens on demand for all vessel traffic that requires an opening. You can reach all Palm Beach County bridges on VHF Channel 09. The bridge is believed to offer 23 ft clearance at low tide, but please confirm clearances on the sign board when approaching.