About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Mike Colby

Mike Colby

Independent Guide
Talkative
Laid-back
Instructional
Beginner Oriented
Adventurous
Quality
Born in San Diego, grew up in Houston. Fished Galveston and Freeport TX into my 20’s. Earned an undergraduate degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Science and a Masters degree in Wildlife Ecology, both at Texas A&M University.

i moved to Florida in 1981, worked as a contractor for Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service. During those years I worked part-time on Headboats in Clearwater, FL. Earned 100 ton license inn1987. In 1995 bought first charter boat and the rest is history!

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Mike Colby

Mike Colby

Independent Guide
Born in San Diego, grew up in Houston. Fished Galveston and Freeport TX into my 20’s. Earned an undergraduate degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Science and a Masters degree in Wildlife Ecology, both at Texas A&M University.

i moved to Florida in 1981, worked as a contractor for Interior, US Fish and Wildlife Service. During those years I worked part-time on Headboats in Clearwater, FL. Earned 100 ton license inn1987. In 1995 bought first charter boat and the rest is history!
Scroll for more

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
89lb Amberjack 39lb Kingfish
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Hot dogs just kidding!

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?
89lb Amberjack 39lb Kingfish
If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?
Hot dogs just kidding!
Scroll for more

Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater

100% (7) 1 - 6 People 4 - 10 Hours From $800
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun
Half day fun

About Your Trip

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

Step aboard with Captain Ray in Clearwater Beach for a personalized Gulf fishing experience backed by over 40 years of on-the-water expertise. Running 4, 6, 8, and 10-hour trips for up to six anglers, Captain Ray tailors each outing to your target species, fishing style, and preferred schedule—he’ll even customize the departure time to suit your group.

The boat is a wide-beamed, Miami-built 37’ Stapleton sportfisher with a massive 140-square-foot cockpit, giving everyone plenty of...

About Your Trip

Step aboard with Captain Ray in Clearwater Beach for a personalized Gulf fishing experience backed by over 40 years of on-the-water expertise. Running 4, 6, 8, and 10-hour trips for up to six anglers, Captain Ray tailors each outing to your target species, fishing style, and preferred schedule—he’ll even customize the departure time to suit your group.

The boat is a wide-beamed, Miami-built 37’ Stapleton sportfisher with a massive 140-square-foot cockpit, giving everyone plenty of
room to move. You’ll enjoy a smooth and stable ride, whether you're trolling with up to 4 lines or bottom fishing offshore. The vessel is fully equipped with top-tier Furuno and Simrad electronics, Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa gear, and tons of cooler space—just bring your food, drinks, and whatever keeps you comfortable. There's also a shaded area with a half Bimini top, a full walk-in bathroom (yes, with real artwork), and a cozy saloon with an “L” shaped sofa to relax between bites.

Captain Ray runs every trip with a professional mate on board who’s ready to guide beginners and assist seasoned anglers alike. You’ll fish the productive waters of the Eastern Gulf for grouper, snapper, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, sharks, and more, depending on season and trip length. The crew is always happy to share tips, talk tactics, and help you land your catch.

The boat is accessible, featuring a mid-transom door for guests with special needs, and parking at Clearwater City Marina is easy and just $1/hour. When the day’s done, you keep your catch—we’ll clean, bag, and ice it for you.

Whether you’re looking for a casual half-day trip or a deepwater adventure, Captain Ray delivers a laid-back, professional, and fully equipped charter that puts the focus where it belongs: on great fishing and even better memories.
Amenities

Water Type

Deep Sea, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Boat Restroom

This boat has a restroom.

Air Conditioning

This boat has air conditioning.

Weather

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

Federal Permit

This boat is federally permitted to go deep offshore.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip can accommodate those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 3 days before the trip.

Physicality

This trip requires an average level of physical activity.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Scroll for more

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
Boat photo for Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
Boat Type
Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer
Stapleton
Boat Length
39'
Boat Restroom
Yes

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer
Stapleton
Boat Length
39'
Boat Restroom
Yes
Engine Manufacturer
Detroit Diesel
Number of Engines
2
Additional Amenities
Our vessel is a 39-foot Stapleton powered by twin Detroit diesel engines. She has a 15-foot beam, giving our customers wide and comfortable fishing space. Fully rigged to for a successful day on the water catching quality fish. When the bite is on, space is limited so don’t wait to get your preferred fishing dates booked aboard the Double Hook
Scroll for more

Recent Reviews of Florida Coast Charters

5.0
based on 4 reviews

Robert

Verified Review

Captain Mike and Emily were terrific. He called us a few days before the trip and asked to postpone due to bad weather. When we went out they put us on the fish. Great time, highly recommend.

Robert

Verified Review

Captain Mike and Emily were terrific. He called us a few days before the trip and asked to postpone due to bad weather. When we went out they put us on the fish. Great time, highly recommend.
Scroll for more

Chris

Verified Review

Great trip and great crew.
Mike put us on the fish and put great effort in ensuring we had a great experience
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Chris

Verified Review

Great trip and great crew.
Mike put us on the fish and put great effort in ensuring we had a great experience
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scroll for more

Homer

Verified Review

Good times very awesome

Homer

Verified Review

Good times very awesome
Scroll for more

Cortney

Verified Review

Mike and Emily were amazing! Highly recommend this adventure to everyone!! 5+ stars!! Caught many fish and they were great to our kiddo as well!

Cortney

Verified Review

Mike and Emily were amazing! Highly recommend this adventure to everyone!! 5+ stars!! Caught many fish and they were great to our kiddo as well!
Scroll for more

Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Types of Fishing

Need a Place to Stay?

Florida Coast Charters Photo Gallery

Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 10th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater
May 13th, 2025
Clearwater, Florida
Book Now