Damn Good Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Gag Grouper 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 Offshore Fishing

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (9)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Offshore Fishing Frenzy

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
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

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

#1 Fishing Charter On Clearwater Beach

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350

Top Types of Gag Grouper Trips in Clearwater

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Target Species in Clearwater

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More Gag Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

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
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Clearwater

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Offshore

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,599
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

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

100% (4)
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Light Tackle & Big Thrills!

NEW
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Inshore

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,499
See All Gag Grouper Trips in Clearwater

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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater gag grouper fishing charter

What are the best gag grouper fishing charters in Clearwater?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 83 gag grouper trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushing Clearwater Offshore guided by Steve, Clearwater offshore fishing guided by Brad, and Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach guided by Michael.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.95 out of 5 based on 3799 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 gag grouper guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly gag grouper guides in Clearwater.

What types of gag grouper fishing charters are common in Clearwater?

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

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

How much do Clearwater gag grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for gag grouper in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $600 to $5,260, but the average price for a half day trip for gag grouper in Clearwater is $1,313. The average price for a full day trip for gag grouper in Clearwater is $2,978.

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 gag grouper fishing in Clearwater?

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

Do I need a Clearwater fishing license for gag grouper and what are the bag limits for gag grouper 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 gag grouper in Clearwater all about?

Clearwater, Florida, offers anglers the opportunity to target the prized gag grouper, a popular species known for its delicious taste and strong fighting ability. Gag grouper can be found inhabiting the offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges scattered throughout Clearwater's coastal waters. These formidable predators often lurk in deeper waters, making them a rewarding challenge for anglers seeking a memorable fishing experience.

Fishing for gag grouper in Clearwater requires specialized techniques tailored to their preferred habitat and behavior. Bottom fishing with live bait such as pinfish, mullet, or squid is a common method used by anglers to entice gag grouper into striking. Anglers often deploy heavy tackle and sturdy rigs to handle the powerful runs and head-shaking fights characteristic of these fish. Additionally, jigging with heavy metal jigs or bucktail jigs near underwater structures can also be effective in targeting gag grouper, particularly when they are holding tight to the bottom.

Clearwater's gag grouper season typically peaks during the warmer months of spring and summer when these fish are most active and abundant in the area. Anglers can also find success targeting gag grouper during the fall months as these fish move closer to shore in preparation for spawning. However, it's essential to stay informed about seasonal regulations and closures to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Overall, targeting gag grouper in Clearwater promises anglers thrilling battles and the opportunity to reel in a delectable catch to savor after a rewarding day on the water.

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

Understanding the seasonal patterns of gag grouper can greatly enhance the fishing experience for anglers in Clearwater, Florida. Gag grouper, prized for their delicious taste and challenging fights, exhibit varying levels of activity throughout the year. Typically, the prime seasons for targeting gag grouper in Clearwater fall during the warmer months of spring and summer. During this time, these voracious predators are more active and abundant, often congregating around offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges.

As temperatures cool in the fall, gag grouper may migrate closer to shore in preparation for spawning, presenting anglers with additional opportunities to target them in shallower waters. However, it's important for anglers to stay informed about seasonal regulations and closures, as gag grouper fishing seasons are subject to change based on conservation efforts and population management. By adhering to these regulations and understanding the seasonal movements of gag grouper, anglers can maximize their chances of encountering these prized gamefish while contributing to sustainable fishing practices in Clearwater's rich marine environment.

While gag grouper can be caught year-round in Clearwater, anglers may find that their abundance and behavior vary depending on factors such as water temperature, currents, and prey availability. By staying attuned to these seasonal patterns and adjusting their fishing strategies accordingly, anglers can enjoy thrilling battles with gag grouper and savor the satisfaction of landing a prized catch in Clearwater's bountiful waters.

What techniques are popular for catching gag grouper in Clearwater?

Fishing for gag grouper in Clearwater, Florida, requires a combination of patience, skill, and strategic approach. These prized gamefish often inhabit offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges, where they can be targeted using a variety of techniques. One effective method for catching gag grouper in Clearwater is bottom fishing. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and sturdy rigs to handle the powerful runs and head-shaking fights characteristic of these fish. Deploying live bait such as pinfish, mullet, or squid to the ocean floor near structure can entice gag grouper into striking, providing anglers with thrilling battles and the opportunity to reel in a prized catch.

Jigging is another productive technique for targeting gag grouper in Clearwater's offshore waters. Anglers use heavy metal jigs or bucktail jigs to mimic the movement of prey fish, dropping them near underwater structures and jigging them up and down to attract the attention of gag grouper. This method is particularly effective when gag grouper are holding tight to the bottom and can result in aggressive strikes from these formidable predators. Anglers often experiment with different jigging motions and colors to determine what triggers the most bites from gag grouper in Clearwater's rich marine environment.

Trolling can also be a successful technique for targeting gag grouper in Clearwater, especially when covering larger areas of water or exploring new fishing grounds. Anglers troll with diving plugs, weighted spoons, or rigged baits at varying depths to entice gag grouper from their hiding spots around offshore reefs and wrecks. By varying trolling speeds and depths, anglers can increase their chances of encountering gag grouper and enjoy the excitement of a sudden strike while trolling in Clearwater's scenic coastal waters.

What other species are popular in Clearwater?

In addition to targeting gag grouper, anglers in Clearwater, Florida, have a plethora of other exciting species to pursue. One notable catch is the red snapper, prized for its firm flesh and challenging fight. These prized gamefish inhabit the offshore reefs, wrecks, and rocky ledges around Clearwater, often providing anglers with thrilling battles and the opportunity to reel in a delicious catch. Anglers commonly use bottom fishing techniques with live bait such as squid or cut bait to entice red snapper into striking, making for an exhilarating fishing experience.

Another sought-after species in Clearwater is the mighty king mackerel, known for its blistering runs and impressive size. King mackerel are commonly found patrolling the coastal waters, particularly around bait schools, reefs, and offshore structures where they feed on smaller fish. Anglers targeting king mackerel often employ trolling techniques with brightly colored lures or rigged baits to entice these fast-swimming predators into striking. Hooking into a king mackerel promises an adrenaline-pumping battle and the chance to land a trophy-sized fish.

For anglers seeking inshore excitement, Clearwater offers opportunities to target species such as snook, tarpon, and spotted seatrout. These popular gamefish inhabit the region's estuaries, mangrove shorelines, and shallow flats, providing anglers with thrilling opportunities for sight fishing and fly fishing. Whether casting artificial lures or using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, anglers can enjoy the challenge of stalking these elusive species in Clearwater's pristine inshore waters. With such a diverse range of species to target, Clearwater promises unforgettable fishing adventures for anglers of all interests and experience levels.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Was very pleased with the experience. We caught about 40 fish overall and he took us to several spots. Easy to talk with and excellent communication.

    Dave C. | November 26, 2024

    Trip: Dusky Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience, great fishing! Captain Mikey took us right to where the fish were. Started catching fish within a minute of the first bait hitting the water. Steady action for a while, when things slowed Capt. Mikey moved us to a spot where we quickly started catching again. Fished in about four different spots not far from each other, all but the last produced multiple fish. Fun trip!

    Howard D. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water. Chris and Kaden are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

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

    Brionne J. | July 26, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    The fish hawk was an outstanding charter and Captain Brian and mate were very professional and worked hard to fill the fish box. As soon as the bite slowed on a spot, we packed up and headed to another spot. We caught fish all day long. We had 6 people fishing on the boat and I know that takes a lot of effort from the crew and they both helped all day long baiting hooks, taking fish off, and tying lines,,,,I highly recommend them and wil no doubt book again with these guys

    Tim H. | July 22, 2024

    Trip: Federal American Red Snapper - 28’

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Greg put us on the fish all day and we had a great time!

    Adrian W. | July 17, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely will be back. Super day out catching fish. Great crew, great boat. The day went way too fast!

    Brian M. | July 15, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with our guides. They were easy going and very accommodating. We caught a variety of different fish. I would for sure go out with these guys again.

    Tori S. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Please send our photos.

    William J. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    Capt Mikey and Josh were great. Brought us out the fish quickly and were knowledgeable friendly and enthusiastic. Look forward to going out with them again

    Theo M. | July 2, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip. My friend and I took our dad's out for Father's Day and we were able to get into a lot of meat fish, and a shark as well. Awesome trip, I would recommend it to others!

    Ethan S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a fun trip,caught a variety of fish plus a 34” snook.

    Gene S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience! The staff were knowledgeable and they made sure our group had a good time. Would recommend this charter for anyone looking for a good time.

    Nicholas A. | June 18, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    I cannot say enough good things about Brad and his captain Luke and Ben. These gentleman are genuinely the nicest people we have ever met. The trip was absolutely amazing and met more than our expectations. We will be back next year and will only book with them in the future! Thanks for being the highlight of our trip!!! We did take one other trip with someone else and it did not compare at all this experience!!!

    Lisa O. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Smooth trip. Greg and Ollie were great teachers. It was impossible to not catch a fish. They clean your fish for you and the restaurant cooks it. Highly recommend!

    Brandi B. | June 13, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    A friend and I we went out with Cpt. Gage for some afternoon offshore fishing. As soon as my line was in the water I had a bite, then we caught fish after fish! We mush have caught about 50 fish between us. It was a great experience and is highly recommended. I’d never fished before in my life, but after being shown what to do it was easy to pick up.

    John M. | May 10, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag 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

What's biting in Clearwater?

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