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 8 years of exp.

Laid-back

Comfortable

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Talkative

Quality

About Your Guide

Nick Hughes

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 8 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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Recent Reviews of Nick Hughes fishing

5.0

based on 15 reviews

Terrence

Verified Review

Nick was great. Knowledgeable, friendly and easy to talk to. He took care of everything. The gear and live bait etc.. Although the Tarpon weren't hitting all that hard we did manage to land a Red fish and a Spanish mackerel. I would highly recommend Nick.

Terrence

Verified Review

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David

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Nick has a great personality and was great with the kids. Would definitely book again.

David

Verified Review

Nick has a great personality and was great with the kids. Would definitely book again.

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Erica

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

Erica

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

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Tess

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

Tess

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

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Josh

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Chris

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

Chris

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

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Andy

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

Max

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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

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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