About Your Guide

A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Nick Hughes

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 7 years of exp.

Laid-back

Comfortable

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Talkative

Quality

About Your Guide

Nick Hughes

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 7 years of exp.

Get ready to hit the water with Captain Nick, a Florida native and United States Coast Guard (USCG) licensed and insured captain who brings years of hands-on experience fishing the vibrant waters around St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Safety is always top of mind—Captain Nick is also First Aid certified, ensuring your time on the water is both fun and secure.

Captain Nick offers professionally guided Clearwater fishing charters tailored to all levels of anglers, from families looking for a fun day on the water to hardcore fishermen chasing that next trophy catch. Whether you book a half-day or full-day adventure, you'll explore Clearwater’s inshore and nearshore fisheries targeting giants like Redfish, monster Snook, and feisty Speckled Trout. For the ultimate thrill, jump aboard one of his seasonal Tarpon trips—where you'll go head-to-head with the legendary Silver King. These ferocious fighters are known for explosive head shakes, high-flying tail walks, and deep, determined runs. It's one of the most unforgettable fishing experiences on the planet, and spots fill fast during tarpon season—so plan ahead to secure your dates.

What sets Captain Nick apart is his deep knowledge of the local ecosystem and his relentless drive to find the bite. If one spot slows down, he’ll move to the next honey hole to keep the action going. From the moment you step on board, you’ll be immersed in Florida’s coastal beauty, spotting marine life and coastal birds as you cruise between fishing grounds.

Whether you're after a relaxing family outing or a shot at the fish of a lifetime, Captain Nick is dedicated to making your Clearwater fishing charter memorable.

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Crushing Clearwater Sportfishing

100% (34) Indian Shores, FL 1 - 4 People 3 - 8 Hours From $450

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

Nick invites you to check out the local fishery in style.

Come on aboard with Capt. Nick, whose main priority is to get you on some fish. Expect to use light tackle based on the species you're targeting. Speaking of which, you have the option of 4 to 8-hour trips, where you'll be fishing for the likes of Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, and Tripletail, depending on the specific season and the day's weather.

Your adventure begins on board a 26’ Pathfinder hps boat that can fit a maximum of 4 anglers.

The price of your trip includes all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you'll need for a productive day on the water. As for fishing licenses, everything will be taken care of by the captain so you don't have to worry about it. You're welcome to keep all legal species caught during the trip.

Want to bring the rest of the family along for the ride? Kids are welcome aboard, so you're free to make it a family adventure.

Book your trip now and hit the water with Nick.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats

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.

Music

You can play your own bluetooth music.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

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 small children.

Boat Restroom

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

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Flexible Cancelation

The deposit for this trip is non-refundable.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Crushing Clearwater Sportfishing

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Pathfinder
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 26'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Pathfinder
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 26'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 300
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: Livewell, twin power pole, trolling motor, Garmin electronics

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Book Now

Recent Reviews of Nick Hughes fishing

5.0

based on 13 reviews

Erica

Verified Review

Captain Nick did an amazing job and made our first charter fishing experience one to remember! We loved him!!

Erica

Verified Review

Captain Nick did an amazing job and made our first charter fishing experience one to remember! We loved him!!

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Tess

Verified Review

Nick was great. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Relaxed atmosphere and good for all levels. Definitely would recommend!

Tess

Verified Review

Nick was great. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Relaxed atmosphere and good for all levels. Definitely would recommend!

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Josh

Verified Review

Fish didn’t really want to cooperate, but thats fishing. Captain Nick was awesome and did his best. He was super chill and laid back. Lets just say we kept him busy cause our skipping under docks needs some work!

Josh

Verified Review

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Michael

Verified Review

It was a great trip. Three of us fished comfortably for a half day. Mother Nature provided the fish, and Nick provided a great atmosphere. Easy to talk to and gave some good local recommendations, will look to book with Nick again in the future.

Michael

Verified Review

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Jason

Verified Review

Nick was a fantastic a knowledgeable guide. His boat was clean and well kept. We are a party of 4 with a 10 and 13 year old. Nick took us to an area where every cast was a catch. Thanks again.

Jason

Verified Review

Nick was a fantastic a knowledgeable guide. His boat was clean and well kept. We are a party of 4 with a 10 and 13 year old. Nick took us to an area where every cast was a catch. Thanks again.

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Todd

Verified Review

We had an amazing time, didn’t get on the fish like we had hoped but still had a blast. That’s why they call it fishing.

Todd

Verified Review

We had an amazing time, didn’t get on the fish like we had hoped but still had a blast. That’s why they call it fishing.

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Thomas

Verified Review

Great time, great guide. Can’t wait for the next trip.

Thomas

Verified Review

Great time, great guide. Can’t wait for the next trip.

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Ken

Verified Review

The four of us had a great time with Captain Nick. The boat was very clean, comfortable, easy to move around and enjoy the day. We caught real nice fish, Captain was very knowledgeable. I would recommend Captain Nick and would use him again.

Ken

Verified Review

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Chris

Verified Review

Nick was an amazing captain! He got us on some fish right away! We had a great time!

Chris

Verified Review

Nick was an amazing captain! He got us on some fish right away! We had a great time!

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Andy

Verified Review

Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

Andy

Verified Review

Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

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Joel

Verified Review

We had a great experience with Captain Nick! He was very accommodating to me and my 8 and 4 year old. He put us on fish right away, and most important of all he was safe! Great experience.

Joel

Verified Review

We had a great experience with Captain Nick! He was very accommodating to me and my 8 and 4 year old. He put us on fish right away, and most important of all he was safe! Great experience.

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Max

Verified Review

Had a great trip with captain nick. Despite the tough conditions we were able to find some fish, will book again.

Max

Verified Review

Had a great trip with captain nick. Despite the tough conditions we were able to find some fish, will book again.

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Jan

Verified Review

Had a great day fishing with Captain Nick Hughs! Trip started on time with nearly perfect weather. Boat was ready to go with all the bait and tackle we needed. Although the fish were hard to find, we did land a nice Snook. Nick worked his fanny off trying to get us on the fish. He’s a great Capt. and great host!

Jan

Verified Review