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Goliath Grouper, Tampa Bay

NEW 1 - 3 People 6 Hours From $650

Pricing Matrix

6 Hours
3 People
$650.00
2 People
$650.00
1 Person
$650.00
Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.
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About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

A typical day begins at 8:00 a.m. when we depart from the boat ramp and drop the first bait, which is usually a very large one, within 30 minutes. If the conditions are excellent, you better brace yourself, as the action can be rapid. If not, we spend about 10 to 15 minutes fishing at each spot before moving on to the next one. Fishing from my 19 ft Center Console Scout equipped with a...

About Your Trip

A typical day begins at 8:00 a.m. when we depart from the boat ramp and drop the first bait, which is usually a very large one, within 30 minutes. If the conditions are excellent, you better brace yourself, as the action can be rapid. If not, we spend about 10 to 15 minutes fishing at each spot before moving on to the next one. Fishing from my 19 ft Center Console Scout equipped with a poling platform allows you to handle the enormous fish effectively. I can assure you that when you have a fish weighing over 300 lbs on the line, having some support is essential.

We leave the ramp at 8:00 a.m. and return around 2:00 p.m. This is an experience everyone should have at least once. "The bigger the bait, the bigger the fish."
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 7 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Randy

Captain Randy

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Comfortable
Quality
I have fond memories of wading in the Indian River with my father. He would stand waist-deep in the water while I ventured in up to my neck. We would spend hours together, catching trout and skillfully avoiding encounters with the gentle giants known as Manatees. This was during our time living in Melbourne, where the Indian River was our playground for fishing adventures. However, when I reached the 7th grade, we relocated to Winter...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Randy

Captain Randy

Independent Guide
I have fond memories of wading in the Indian River with my father. He would stand waist-deep in the water while I ventured in up to my neck. We would spend hours together, catching trout and skillfully avoiding encounters with the gentle giants known as Manatees. This was during our time living in Melbourne, where the Indian River was our playground for fishing adventures.

However, when I reached the 7th grade, we relocated to Winter Haven. This change in scenery
led us to explore the fishing opportunities in the Tampa Bay area. Trout and Redfish became our primary targets, and we wasted no time in getting our boat in the water and embarking on fishing expeditions just an hour away from Winter Haven.

While I had a regular job like everyone else, in 2002, I made the bold decision to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a full-time fisherman. I obtained my Captains license and began guiding others in their fishing endeavors. During the summer, I would venture into the saltwater, while in the winter, I would focus on freshwater bass fishing. Initially, I would primarily fish in shallow waters, targeting the usual suspects like trout, reds, and snook.

However, everything changed in 2006 when I was introduced to the magnificent Goliath Grouper, which was known as Jewfish at the time, in Boca Grande. I was instantly captivated by these impressive creatures, and they soon became my specialty. From that point on, my focus shifted, and I dedicated myself to mastering the art of catching Goliath Grouper.

In 2013, I made the decision to retire fully and settled in Apollo Beach. It was here that I discovered the abundance of large fish in Tampa Bay. I have been fortunate enough to catch some impressive Goliath Grouper in the bay, further fueling my passion for this species.

A typical day for me starts at 0800 when we leave the marina. By 0830, we are already out on the water, moving from one fishing spot to another in search of the perfect catch. Armed with big bait and what I consider to be super heavy tackle, we drop our line and wait for the moment when a 300 lb fish takes the bait and dives towards the depths. It is during these intense moments that one must hold on tight and brace themselves for an exhilarating battle with these powerful creatures.
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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Goliath Grouper 7 ft, aprox 500 lbs
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
BBQ Ribs

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
Goliath Grouper 7 ft, aprox 500 lbs
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
BBQ Ribs
What’s your favorite movie?
Independance Day
What’s your favorite sports team?
Bucks
What’s your drink of choice?
Iced Tea
What do you want for Christmas this year?
Fishing stuff
How did you get started guiding?
Fishing all my life. Dad was taking me fishing a soon as I could hold a rod. In 2002, left the Telephone company, got my Captains License and started Guiding.
What makes you different from other guides?
Out there to have fun and catch BIG fish
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Start Location

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.
You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.
1485 Apollo Beach Boulevard, Apollo Beach, FL, USA
Areas Fished
  • Tampa Bay

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Scout
Year Built
2000
Boat Length
19'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Scout
Year Built
2000
Boat Length
19'
Engine Manufacturer
Yamaha
Total Horsepower
150
Number of Engines
1
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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Advanced, Beginner, Intermediate

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to kids.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 7 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Potential Target Species

  • Goliath Grouper

Techniques

  • Bottom Fishing
  • Heavy Tackle Fishing

Everything Else to Know

All Equipment and bait provided. I carry plenty of waters, a few cokes and crackers.
Bring Hats, Sunglasses, sunscreen and any drinks or snacks you like.
You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.
We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).
Cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate you’ll be covered by our 100% weather guarantee and you won’t lose your deposit.

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is the home of over 1500 Damn Good fishing and hunting guides. Our mission is to unlock the outdoors for everyone, and we want to help you get out there through our no-hassle online booking experience and our team of outdoors experts.
We vet our guides to make sure they are the best of the best. We want guides who not only put you on 'em, but show you a great time, keep you safe, and give you a memorable experience with your group.
Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!
In the case of inclement weather, our guides will make the call and we'll work with you to reschedule your trip or issue a credit for the full deposit of the trip to be used on any of our trips across the country. Your safety is our top concern.
Each trip’s price is set by the guide and factors in all of their costs. A big determinant of cost is often the type of boat and associated fuel costs, but other guide costs include leases, marina / slip fees, bait costs, and the cost to provide and maintain all of the gear you’ll need on your trip.
Once you book the trip, we will connect you directly with the guide to go over any additional details. In the meantime, our team is always available to answer your questions via email, text, chat, or call!