Damn Good Clearwater Fishing Charters

The best fishing charters in Clearwater are:

• Nick Hughes fishing guided by Nick H. with 8 years of experience
• Gods Of Rods Fishing Charters, INC guided by Nick S.
• Flats Monster Inshore Fishing Charters guided by Tyson W. with 21 years of experience
• Masi boys fishing charters guided by Joe M.
• Tide Flies Fishing Charters guided by Nick H. with 10 years of experience

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 77 trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Clearwater Mixed Bag Offshore guided by Gage, Clearwater Classic guided by William, and Tampa Bay Fishing - 22’ Aguasport guided by Nick.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.99 out of 5 based on 7642 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.

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. red snapper, 2. gag grouper, 3. mangrove snapper, 4. kingfish, and 5. hogfish.

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

Prices in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $663 to $3,200, but the average price for a half day trip in Clearwater is $1,166. The average price for a full day trip in Clearwater is $2,094.

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.

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

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 guide will always know all the relevant rules and regulations in Clearwater.

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.

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!

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

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!

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.

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.