Recommendations for DIY saltwater fishing trip

[Terrapin]

I’d go a couple hours N of Tampa… Homosassa, Crystal River, Cedar Key. The Nature Coast of Florida is not over developed & there is exceptional fishing. It’s cheap & easy but still has most amenities.

Downside is that it is scary shallow. You’ll want to tread carefully & be prepared to spend a few hours stuck on a sandbar waiting for the tide.

I’d suggest renting a boat for the week & hiring a guide to do a “consult” trip for a day (your boat & gear, his spots).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bachto]

There was a guy in Tulum Mexico on fishing booker that basically he would take you to do whatever you wanted for $750 for the whole day. Snorkeling, fishing, spear fishing. I know thats more expensive but divided by 6 guys, it's not that bad. you could do that for a couple days and then do some DIY walk and wade stuff in the Sian Ka'an or rent kayaks/SUP's. Tons of airbnb options, plus night life stuff and Mayan ruins.

 

[NMNomad]

Destin, Florida would be a good option. Good fishing and you could rent a boat from one of the Marinas.

 

[Rich M]

Costa Rica seems to be the best bang for your buck.

 

[akhunter3]

Are you dead set on that time of year? Basically requires someplace exotic/expensive to get to. Keys would be much better earlier, lobster will also be better earlier. Or you could target 200lb tarpon from the beach during the mullet run on the East coast of FL— that is about the best shore fishing you can do in the US… it is absolutely wild.

that sounds incredible! Are you needing drones or crazy gear to get tackle out far enough?

 

[Sccritterkiller]

I have always wanted to make a run from Key West to the Dry Tortugas NP for couple days of fishing.

 

[Dull_Shooter]

Here is an option. While not exactly a tropical destination I would just book a multi day trip on one of the San Diego sport boats. Late summer or fall. Everything is taken care of. Incredible food on the long range boats. Catch 100+lbs tuna, maybe dorado, yellowtail. Fly home with amazing fillets.

 

[ddd-shooter]

I have always wanted to make a run from Key West to the Dry Tortugas NP for couple days of fishing.

Second this. Boat rental should go up to a bigger size, but camping on tortugas and fishing there and back would be epic.

Also, I’ve always thought about starting in key west and use the Gulf Stream to push you up to Miami.

 

[el_jefe_pescado]

Lots of good insights here, you’re on the right track OP.

More importantly—I am raising my glass to you being able to wrangle six dudes for a week long fishing trip over the holidays…

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DuckDawg22]

Anywhere tropical is going to be expensive until about the middle of January. We planned our honeymoon around the same time and ended up going later than we wanted to because it was A LOT cheaper. If you’re stuck on New Years timing that will be a factor for your group.