Damn Good Bonito Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (10)
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

100% (10)
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Private 4 Hour - Sarasota Bay

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

4 Hours Fishing Trip

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Gulfport Combo Classic

100% (4)
31 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Anna Maria Inshore And Nearshore

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 3 People From $600

Top Types of Bonito Trips in Clearwater

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

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Target Species in Clearwater

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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More Bonito Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

NEARSHORE TRIPS

NEW
24 ft 1 - 12 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Clearwater

MIDDLE GROUNDS - 35''

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Middle Grounds - 48’ Yacht Sport Fish

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,999
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Inshore Fishing Slam

97% (39)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

100% (4)
27 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
See All Bonito Trips in Clearwater

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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater bonito fishing charter

What are the best bonito fishing charters in Clearwater?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 10 bonito trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushing Clearwater Offshore guided by Steve and Clearwater Fishing Thriller! guided by Steve.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.86 out of 5 based on 3708 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 bonito guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in Clearwater.

What types of bonito fishing charters are common in Clearwater?

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

The most common fishing techniques in Clearwater are live bait fishing, bottom fishing, and cut bait fishing but artificial lure fishing and trolling are popular as well.

How much do Clearwater bonito fishing charters cost?

Prices for bonito in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $650 to $4,900, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in Clearwater is $1,356. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in Clearwater is $3,289.

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 bonito fishing in Clearwater?

The most popular season for bonito fishing in Clearwater is summer, and most anglers book their trips 33 days in advance.

Do I need a Clearwater fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito 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.

What is bonito in Clearwaterall about?

In Clearwater, Florida, bonito fishing offers anglers an exhilarating and fast-paced angling experience. Bonito, also known as false albacore, are powerful and speedy fish that inhabit the waters off Clearwater throughout the year. These voracious predators are often found feeding aggressively near the surface, making them a thrilling target for anglers looking for an adrenaline-pumping fishing adventure.

One of the most effective techniques for targeting bonito in Clearwater is trolling. Anglers deploy a spread of lures or baits behind the boat while moving at a moderate speed, covering a large area of water to locate schools of feeding bonito. Bonito are known for their high-speed pursuits of baitfish, so trolling at a brisk pace can help mimic the movement of fleeing prey and entice strikes from these energetic fish.

Another popular method for bonito fishing in Clearwater is casting and retrieving lures or flies near areas of surface activity. Bonito often feed voraciously on schools of baitfish near the surface, creating visible disturbances on the water's surface known as "bait boils." Anglers can cast lures or flies into these bait boils and quickly retrieve them, imitating the frantic movements of fleeing baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. Whether trolling offshore or casting nearshore, targeting bonito in Clearwater promises an exciting and memorable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

What are the most popular months to fish for bonito in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, Florida, the bonito fishing season offers anglers thrilling opportunities to hook into these fast and powerful fish throughout the year. While bonito can be found in Clearwater's waters year-round, their presence and activity levels vary depending on the season. Generally, the bonito season in Clearwater is most active during the spring and fall months, when these fish migrate along the coast in search of baitfish and warmer waters.

During the spring season, which typically spans from March to May, bonito become more abundant in the waters off Clearwater as they follow the northward migration of baitfish and warmer currents. Anglers can often find schools of bonito feeding voraciously near the surface, particularly around reefs, wrecks, and other areas of structure. This time of year provides prime opportunities for anglers to target bonito using a variety of techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging.

In the fall, typically from September to November, bonito fishing in Clearwater experiences another surge in activity as these fish begin their southward migration along the coast. Cooler temperatures and changing currents trigger feeding frenzies among bonito, making them highly active and aggressive. Anglers can capitalize on this seasonal abundance by targeting bonito nearshore and offshore using similar techniques employed during the spring season. Whether trolling, casting, or jigging, the bonito season in Clearwater promises exciting angling action and memorable catches for fishermen of all skill levels.

What techniques are popular for catching bonito in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, Florida, mastering the right fishing techniques is essential for anglers looking to hook into the fast and powerful bonito that inhabit the Gulf waters. One effective technique for bonito fishing in Clearwater is trolling. Anglers deploy a spread of lures or baits behind the boat while moving at a moderate speed, covering a large area of water to locate schools of feeding bonito. Trolling allows anglers to mimic the movement of fleeing baitfish, enticing bonito to strike as they pursue their prey.

Another popular method for bonito fishing in Clearwater is casting and retrieving lures or flies near areas of surface activity. Bonito often feed aggressively on schools of baitfish near the surface, creating visible disturbances on the water's surface known as "bait boils." Anglers can cast lures or flies into these bait boils and quickly retrieve them, imitating the frantic movements of fleeing baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes from bonito. This technique requires precision casting and quick reflexes to capitalize on the fast-paced action of bonito feeding frenzies.

Jigging is also a productive technique for targeting bonito in Clearwater, particularly when fishing near underwater structures such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Anglers use heavy jigs designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, dropping them to the bottom and then jigging them up and down in a rhythmic motion. Bonito are attracted to the erratic action of the jig, making this technique effective for enticing strikes from these powerful fish. Whether trolling, casting, or jigging, mastering these bonito fishing techniques in Clearwater increases the likelihood of a successful day on the water and the chance to experience the thrill of battling one of these prized gamefish.

What other species are popular in Clearwater?

While bonito fishing in Clearwater, Florida, offers an adrenaline-fueled experience, anglers have a diverse array of other species to target in these productive Gulf waters. One iconic species that draws anglers to Clearwater is the grouper, with species such as red grouper, gag grouper, and black grouper abundant in the area. These bottom-dwelling predators are known for their powerful strikes and delicious fillets, making them a popular target among anglers. Bottom fishing near reefs, wrecks, and ledges is a common technique for targeting grouper, offering anglers a chance to hook into these prized fish.

Another sought-after species in Clearwater is the snapper family, including mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper. These tasty fish can be found near structure such as reefs, bridges, and channel markers, where they congregate in search of prey. Anglers often use light tackle and live bait such as shrimp or pilchards to entice snapper to bite, providing a fun and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

For anglers seeking fast-paced action, Clearwater offers opportunities to target pelagic species such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and mahi-mahi. These high-speed predators can be found patrolling the offshore waters, particularly around bait schools and areas of upwelling. Trolling with artificial lures or live bait, as well as casting or jigging near surface activity, are effective techniques for enticing these pelagic species to strike, providing anglers with an exhilarating angling experience. Whether targeting grouper, snapper, pelagic species, or the prized bonito, Clearwater offers a diverse and exciting fishery that caters to anglers of all interests and preferences.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip with Adam! Highly recommend!!

    Brionne J. | July 26, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Heather sent my wife and I and our two granddaughters out for a 6 hour combination trolling and bottom fishing trip with Captain DJ and Tyler. We can't say enough about how enjoyable it was. Both DJ and Tyler were fantastic guys to be around and put us on plenty of fish, both trolling and bottom fishing. It was very impressive to watch them as a team work to keep our granddaughters busy reeling in fish. They made every aspect of the trip friendly, comfortable and fun. It was all we had hoped to experience. Many thanks to Heather, DJ, Tyler and Captain Experiences.

    Ricky M. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Greatest experience we could ask for. Caught a good amount and captain Adam was very knowledgeable on where to go for best fishing and Is very respectful. Would highly recommend captain Adam to anyone looking for a fun fishing trip.

    Landan L. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Definitely a very fun trip! Will definitely recommend to friends/families. Caught almost 50 fish and was a blast! Two takeaways for myself: Red Snapper fishing can only happen with the 10-12 hour trips, not the 4 hour trips.

    Luis M. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome!!!!!!

    John L. | June 30, 2024

    Trip: 4 hours Fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    I was fishing with Captain Vasiliy on June 4th, he made the experience as enjoyable as possible for me and my daughter, he really understands fishing and knows good fishing spots, we caught a lot of fish with him! Thanks again Captain Vasiliy -Ruslan and Karolina

    Ruslan P. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: 6 Hours Fishing trip

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely amazing fishing experience! From catching a variety of big fish to catching sharks and seeing dolphins, it was the complete package. Highly recommend. The guides answered all our questions and talked to us like we’ve been friends for years. 100% would go on this trip again.

    Karlee G. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip! DJ and Milan did a great job getting us into the fish! Caught a really nice blue fish. Great experience! Thank you!

    Rex G. | April 30, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Chris and Daniel were awesome. Caught a lot of fish and had a lot of fun. Provided rods and a variety of bait. Went on the 6 hour trip and it was plenty. If you want bigger fish then maybe go for the 8 hour

    Alex V. | March 18, 2024

    Trip: Gulfport Combo Classic

  • ★★★★★
    They put us on fish the entire trip. It was a great day on the water. I would definitely book with them again

    Jacob P. | February 27, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    The weather was rough but we really wanted to go. Captain Chris said that if we were willing he'd give it a go. He and first mate Taylor put us on fish and filled the cooler and really made the whole trip a very special day for my family and took great care of us. We would recommend these two anytime.

    Marty C. | December 28, 2023

    Trip: Offshore Drag Ripper

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip the guys where great and the fishing was awesome great day . Thanks Don & Paula

    Paula M. | December 27, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip, kids had a blast caught a number of fish and lost a few after some tough fights. Captain Tucker made sure we had a good time. He made it look easy. Once Jack dropped the first line we had fish on deck in 15 minutes. They recommended a restaurant to fry it up for us, and it was the best fish any of us have had.

    Nicole G. | December 3, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a large group of us that came to FL to go fishing. We needed two boats and want to use the same company for the group. This was a great choice. The captains and first mates on both the boats were great. They got us on the fish right away and they didn't stop working the whole time we were out with them. Would book them again the next time we are in Florida.

    Corey W. | October 4, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    We had a awsom day on the water. We caught fish consistently the whole trip.the captain and mate where very nice and informative. Thank you for the great day . We all enjoyed areself and had a memorable day.

    Edward M. | September 25, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Hi: Just want to say my friends and I had a great time fishing with CPT and "Toco." hardest working crew on the dock...and they know where the fish are. This adventure was secretly planned by my wife and some unknown conspirators (CPT's wife?). It was indeed a surprise and a rewarding day on the water with a couple gentlemen that know exactly what to do and WHERE THE FISH are! Great time, recommend to all! Ken Dye

    Doreen S. | September 24, 2023

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Chris, and Jack were above and beyond professionals! Can’t wait to join them for another adventure.

    Seth R. | June 9, 2023

    Trip: Gulfport Combo Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome day fishing with Adam! He was an awesome guide and we ended the day catching a shark! Adam thanks for the great memories!

    Tom J. | March 10, 2023

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    AMAZING TRIP

    Julian C. | October 29, 2022

    Trip: Gulfport Combo Classic

  • ★★★★★
    We had the most awesome experience offshore fishing with Captain Adam on Playin’ Hooky! He was ready and waiting for us at the boat ramp, before the sun came up. As soon as we met him, we knew we were going to have an awesome time! The boat was brand new, clean, and spacious. We wanted fish to eat and the experience of reeling in some big ones. Captain Adam did not disappoint! He put us right on top of them! He cleaned our fish and we went straight to the restaurant to have them prepared. Thank you, Adam, for the experience of a lifetime!

    Rebecca M. | July 8, 2022

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

What's biting in Clearwater?

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