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!
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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!
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Nearshore/Offshore Clearwater

100% (15) 1 - 6 People 4 - 10 Hours From $900
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.

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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.
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Recent Reviews of Florida Coast Charters

5.0
based on 7 reviews

Barry

Verified Review

We had such a wonderful trip, my two grandsons loved it. They talked all the way home about doing a 10 hr trip next time. We loved the fishing. Capt. Mike guided to the right places to catch fish. His assistant the best, she kept us informed and ready to bring in fish. She was on top of everything. The filleting was perfect, and we enjoyed the lunch right there at the marina with...

Barry

Verified Review

We had such a wonderful trip, my two grandsons loved it. They talked all the way home about doing a 10 hr trip next time. We loved the fishing. Capt. Mike guided to the right places to catch fish. His assistant the best, she kept us informed and ready to bring in fish. She was on top of everything. The filleting was perfect, and we enjoyed the lunch right there at the marina with our fish. Best day ever.
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Jonathan

Verified Review

Mike and Emily gave us a great time out on the water! Most of us already fish on our own, but it was great to not have to worry about equipment/location etc. We're already thinking about doing it again later in the year. I would definitely recommend booking for the longer time options - time flies especially if you're trying multiple different styles of fishing.

Jonathan

Verified Review

Mike and Emily gave us a great time out on the water! Most of us already fish on our own, but it was great to not have to worry about equipment/location etc. We're already thinking about doing it again later in the year. I would definitely recommend booking for the longer time options - time flies especially if you're trying multiple different styles of fishing.
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Rebecca

Verified Review

Capt. Mike and deck hand Emily were great people to be with on our 4hr near/off shore fishing charter!! There were 6 adults on the boat and it offered enough space and comfort. Me and my daughter mostly sat inside the boat because of our known sea sickness and we still ended up having fun and catching fish. 37 total for our group!! Both Mike and Emily were polite, happy and helpful with baiting,catching,...

Rebecca

Verified Review

Capt. Mike and deck hand Emily were great people to be with on our 4hr near/off shore fishing charter!! There were 6 adults on the boat and it offered enough space and comfort. Me and my daughter mostly sat inside the boat because of our known sea sickness and we still ended up having fun and catching fish. 37 total for our group!! Both Mike and Emily were polite, happy and helpful with baiting,catching, and cleaning our fish if we didn't want too. It was a wonderfully, memorable experience to have with my family. Thank you Mike&Emily and Fishing Experiences 😀A+
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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.
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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
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Homer

Verified Review

Good times very awesome

Homer

Verified Review

Good times very awesome
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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!
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • 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)

Recent Fishing Reports

Early July 2026
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Early June 2026
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Late May 2026
Some nice grouper!
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