Damn Good Clearwater Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Clearwater fishing trips. Deep Sea, Nearshore, Inshore, Flats, and Jetty trips available.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Inshore Fishing

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Flats Fishing in Clearwater

Shallow Water Sightfishing

100% (8)
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
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Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats in Clearwater

Sportfishing Tarpon Trips

100% (11)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Nearshore Fishing

100% (3)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $800
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Clearwater

Half Day 4 Hrs. Offshore Experience

100% (8)
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats in Clearwater

Clearwater Flats Fishing

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $560

Top Types of Trips in Clearwater

Top Species for Fishing in Clearwater

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Target Species in Clearwater

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Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

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Clearwater Offshore Fishing

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Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

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Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

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Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in Clearwater

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Shark Hunt

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Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Clearwater

What are the best fishing charters in Clearwater?

Why should I book a fishing charters in Clearwater with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 212 trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Clearwater Inshore Fishing guided by Alex, Shallow Water Sightfishing guided by Tyson, and Sportfishing Tarpon Trips guided by Nick.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.96 out of 5 based on 4452 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Clearwater.

What types of fishing charters are common in Clearwater?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Clearwater as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Clearwater are: 1. gag grouper, 2. kingfish, 3. hogfish, 4. redfish, and 5. mangrove snapper.

The most common fishing techniques in Clearwater are light tackle fishing, heavy tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but trolling and live bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Clearwater fishing charters cost?

Prices in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $550 to $5,000, but the average price for a half day trip in Clearwater is $1,330. The average price for a full day trip in Clearwater is $2,833.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Clearwater?

The most popular season for fishing in Clearwater is spring, and most anglers book their trips 22 days in advance.

Do I need a Clearwater fishing license and what are the bag limits in Clearwater?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Clearwater, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Clearwater. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Clearwater.

Clearwater Fishing Charter Overview

Clearwater, Florida is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of fisheries that are both abundant and rich. Inshore waters are home to a variety of popular species, including Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and Spotted Seatrout, while nearshore waters boast excellent Cobia, Mackerel, Black Seabass, Snapper, and Grouper bite. For those seeking offshore superstars, bottom fishing for Grouper, Red Snapper, Hogfish, and Amberjack is available 20-70 miles from land, while trolling for Blackfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Sailfish is also an option. Clearwater offers both shared and private nearshore/offshore trips, as well as half-day inshore excursions for families. Fishing tournaments, such as the semi-annual "King of the Beach" and Loop Billfish Tournament, are also popular in Clearwater. Anglers should be aware of local regulations and licensing requirements when fishing solo.

Inshore Fishing Clearwater

For any angler, just looking at a map of Clearwater will cause excitement. For inshore anglers, however, Clearwater is a very special place. The biodiverse inshore waters are home to many bucket list species. In the spring and summer months Tarpon swing by on their southbound migration. They are accompanied by ambushing Snook and Redfish moving into the warmer bay waters. As the waters cool down, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Grouper species can be expected. Fish the best Clearwater fishing spots like Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island or cruise the bays, backwaters, and bayous for mangrove monsters. Regardless of the time of year, your Clearwater fishing charter will ensure that you stay on the bite!

Nearshore and Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Clearwater's deep sea fishing is not to be overlooked. Much like inshore fishing, seasonality is not an issue: the fish are biting all year, but target species typically change with the season. Depending on which species are in season, various species of Snapper, Grouper, Shark and Tuna can be expected.

When the fall months come around and the water temperature begins cooling, schools of baitfish head south for warmer waters. Trailing behind them are Kingfish, the prize jewel of Clearwater fishing. These streamlined predators are often likened to a torpedo because of their shape and speed. Kingfish can be found in large numbers corralling baitfish in shallow structure, along the shore, or prowling around deep water wrecks for their next meal. Trolling bait fish tends to be the most productive technique for catching these beasts.

View All Clearwater Deep Sea Fishing Charters

Popular Types of Fishing In Clearwater

Clearwater fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Clearwater include inshore, offshore, and deep-sea fishing. Inshore fishing charters are perfect for those who want to catch redfish, snook, and trout in the shallow waters of Clearwater Bay. Offshore fishing charters take you further out to sea, where you can catch grouper, snapper, and kingfish. Deep-sea fishing charters are for the serious anglers who want to catch big game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna.

Some of the most common fish you can catch in Clearwater include redfish, snook, trout, grouper, snapper, kingfish, marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Clearwater fishing charters often visit landmarks like the Clearwater Beach Pier and the Sand Key Bridge, where you can catch a variety of fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Clearwater fishing charter that's perfect for you. So, grab your gear and get ready for an adventure on the water!

The Best Places To Fish In Clearwater

Clearwater, Florida is a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, there are plenty of great spots to cast a line. Here are some of the best places to fish in Clearwater, whether you're looking to go on a fishing charter or just fish from shore:

1. Clearwater Beach Fishing Pier - This iconic pier is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering great views and a chance to catch a variety of fish.

2. Honeymoon Island State Park - This beautiful park boasts miles of pristine beaches and plenty of opportunities for fishing, including a fishing pier and a jetty.

3. Caladesi Island State Park - Another stunning state park, Caladesi Island offers excellent fishing opportunities both from shore and on a fishing charter.

4. Dunedin Causeway - This causeway connects the mainland to Honeymoon Island and is a popular spot for fishing, with plenty of space to cast a line and catch some fish.

5. Tampa Bay - With its diverse ecosystem and abundance of fish, Tampa Bay is a great place to go on a fishing charter and try your luck at catching some big game fish.

6. Gulf of Mexico - Clearwater is located right on the Gulf of Mexico, offering endless opportunities for fishing charters and the chance to catch a variety of fish, including grouper, snapper, and tarpon.

7. Lake Tarpon - This freshwater lake is located just a short drive from Clearwater and is a popular spot for bass fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch some big fish.

Other Things To Do In Clearwater

While Clearwater fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this vibrant Florida city. Take a stroll down the famous Clearwater Beach, known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters. For a more adventurous experience, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale. If you're looking for a thrill, head to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an amusement park with roller coasters and animal exhibits. For a more laid-back experience, visit the historic Capitol Theatre or take a sunset cruise on the Clearwater Harbor. Whatever your interests, Clearwater has something for everyone beyond just fishing charters.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had such an amazing day with Captain Wade! The boys caught a lot of different types of fish and so many that they lost count. It was the perfect ending to our trip! Thank you to Captain Experiences for facilitating the tour ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Deanna N. | May 1, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Great day of fishing. Captain Andrew knows his Florida fishing. We were put on the fish right away. We moved around just to fill our requests of a few different species. At ease personality, great instructions, feedback, upbeat attitude.

    Jeff G. | April 28, 2025

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip AM

  • ★★★★★
    We had a lot of fun

    Evan V. | April 27, 2025

    Trip: 4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Zack and Adam did a great job. They put us on fish quickly and were Johnny on the spot with everything we needed. Would definitely use them again.

    John M. | April 27, 2025

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip start to finish. An excellent day on the water

    James M. | April 23, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with Captain Brad and Skylar yesterday. Caught several grouper and saw a few dolphins as well. The guys were so good with our kids and they moved us frequently to make sure we continued to pull in fish. Would definitely recommend using this company to anyone looking to deep sea fishing in the Clearwater area.

    Jessica R. | April 21, 2025

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    What a fantastic day out on the water!!! My family came in from out of town looking to go on a deeper fishing trip. Greg came highly recommended both by the booking agent as well as previous reviews. Our hopes of having fun and catching some big fish were exceeded both by the amount and size of fish that were caught as well as the variety. Greg really showed his knowledge and experience by his ability to put us “on the fish”! Robbie, the captain’s right hand man, was so awesome as well! He kept all the lines baited and really taught us how to not lose the fish while reeling them in. The entire day was a blast and an unforgettable adventure!!! Thank you again Greg and Robbie from the Shannon Clan!

    Michael S. | April 17, 2025

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Great time

    Tom C. | April 16, 2025

    Trip: Tarpon Springs Gulf Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Joe and John (first mate) did a fantastic job putting us on fish! We brought home a load and had a great time.

    Darryl S. | April 16, 2025

    Trip: Full Day St Pete Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time Captain Tommy was able to put us on some beautiful fish will definitely go with him again!

    Gerardo C. | April 15, 2025

    Trip: 8 hour Offshore Epic Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Fun trip with George. Very professional and helpful.

    James M. | April 14, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Fun

  • ★★★★★
    Chris was amazing, from beginning to end. Very personable, professional and knowledgeable. We hope to use him again very soon!!!

    Scott C. | April 14, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Tommy is fantastic. He treats everyone on his boat like family. Plenty of laughs and fish to go around. His boat is awesome. 42' Invincible. Fast, smooth and dry. Perfection.

    Jason P. | April 8, 2025

    Trip: Half Day 4 hrs. Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Hank hit all the right spots to catch enough tasty sheepshead fish and snapper to make a great fishing day out of a bad weather one. As a fair weather recreational boater and fisherman we were able to avoid the seasickness from the choppy windy conditions and make it worthwhile for the 3 teen boys for 4 hours hooking probably twenty fish with 8 good size keepers filleted by him right on shore.

    James A. | April 5, 2025

    Trip: 4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Went out with Robert for a 4 hour trip targeting speckled trout. He was extremely knowledgeable of the area and knew exactly what to do throughout the whole day to keep us on the fish almost the entire time. Aside from the fishing we also just had a great time in general on the boat through the whole trip. We will be booking again on our future trips to Tarpon for a deep water excursion.

    Patrick B. | March 31, 2025

    Trip: In or Near Shore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Thank you

    Chris R. | March 29, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing - 22’ Aguasport

  • ★★★★★
    Great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and made sure we had a blast. Thank you..

    Darrell F. | March 28, 2025

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Bert Weber I did not have Cameron as my guide due to a scheduling mix-up. I did have Josh as a fill-in and he did a fantastic job finding some nice redfish. Luckily, I had flexibility as far as my time and the afternoon trip worked out well. My original request was for a fly fishing experience...Josh informed that this was not a viable option due to water conditions. All considered...it was a good day of fishing and I would recommend Josh to anyone.

    Bert W. | March 27, 2025

    Trip: Coastal Clearwater Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Chris was welcoming, friendly, and professional. The boat was clean and the gear was ready to go and in great shape. We would definitely fish with him again!

    Joe H. | March 26, 2025

    Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Wade did great! He put us on fish within the first 20 minutes of being on his boat and we were catching fish the entire trip. He did great helping our kids learn how to catch and reel in the fish.

    Jacob F. | March 25, 2025

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Adventures

Top Fishing Techniques in Clearwater

Top Types of Fishing in Clearwater

How are fishing conditions in Clearwater?

View Clearwater Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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