Damn Good Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Fishing

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (9)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Clearwater

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Offshore

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40’ Yacht Sport Fish Inshore

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40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,499
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Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Clearwater

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Snapper / Grouper

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,599
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Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

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

Top Types of Goliath Grouper Trips in Clearwater

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Target Species in Clearwater

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More Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
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Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

TARPON TRIPS

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Middle Grounds - 48’ Yacht Sport Fish

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $3,999
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Grouper/Snapper Run- 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,900
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6h Monster

100% (9)
127 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,300
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Overnight Adventure - 28'

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,250
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Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater goliath grouper fishing charter

What are the best goliath grouper fishing charters in Clearwater?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 33 goliath grouper trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Clearwater offshore fishing guided by Brad, Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, and 40’ Yacht Sport Fish Offshore guided by Ron.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.97 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 goliath grouper guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly goliath grouper guides in Clearwater.

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

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

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

How much do Clearwater goliath grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for goliath grouper in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $980 to $6,500, but the average price for a half day trip for goliath grouper in Clearwater is $2,283. The average price for a full day trip for goliath grouper in Clearwater is $3,913.

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 goliath grouper fishing in Clearwater?

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

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

Goliath grouper, known for their immense size and powerful presence, are a coveted catch for anglers visiting Clearwater, Florida. These massive fish can reach weights exceeding 500 pounds and are renowned for their strength, making them a formidable opponent once hooked. Clearwater, with its abundant offshore waters and numerous wrecks and artificial reefs, provides an ideal habitat for goliath grouper. Anglers often target these giants using heavy tackle and sturdy equipment to handle their immense power.

One of the most effective methods for catching goliath grouper in Clearwater is bottom fishing near wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures. Anglers typically use large live baits such as mullet, pinfish, or stingrays rigged on heavy-duty tackle to entice strikes from goliath grouper. The key is to present the bait near the structure where the grouper are known to reside, allowing them to ambush prey and providing anglers with the opportunity for a thrilling battle.

Goliath grouper fishing in Clearwater is regulated by strict catch-and-release guidelines due to their protected status, which adds to the excitement and conservation efforts surrounding these magnificent fish. Anglers are encouraged to handle goliath grouper with care and release them promptly after capture to ensure their survival and continued population growth. Despite the challenges associated with catching and releasing goliath grouper, the opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in the waters of Clearwater remains a highlight for many anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing experience.

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

In Clearwater, Florida, goliath grouper fishing is not governed by traditional seasonal patterns like many other species. Instead, the presence and activity of goliath grouper in Clearwater's waters are influenced more by water temperature, bait availability, and spawning behavior. Generally, goliath grouper can be found year-round in the offshore waters of Clearwater, particularly around wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures where they prefer to inhabit. However, certain times of the year may see increased concentrations of goliath grouper due to factors such as spawning migrations or changes in baitfish abundance.

Spring and summer months tend to be popular times for targeting goliath grouper in Clearwater, as warmer water temperatures increase the activity levels of these large fish. During this time, goliath grouper may be more actively feeding and congregating around offshore structures, providing anglers with prime opportunities for encounters. Additionally, spring and summer are typically when goliath grouper are more likely to be found in shallower waters, making them more accessible to anglers fishing from smaller vessels or nearshore locations.

While goliath grouper can be found in Clearwater's waters year-round, fall and winter months may see some changes in their behavior. Cooler water temperatures may cause goliath grouper to move to deeper waters or seek out warmer areas, making them less predictable in their movements. However, experienced anglers in Clearwater are still able to target goliath grouper successfully during these seasons by focusing on areas with known concentrations of fish and adjusting their tactics accordingly. Overall, with its abundant offshore habitats and diverse marine ecosystem, Clearwater offers anglers ample opportunities to pursue goliath grouper throughout the year.

What techniques are popular for catching goliath grouper in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, Florida, anglers employ various effective techniques when targeting goliath grouper, renowned for their immense size and power. One primary method for catching goliath grouper in Clearwater is bottom fishing near wrecks, reefs, and other underwater structures where these behemoths are known to congregate. Anglers typically use heavy-duty tackle and sturdy equipment to handle the massive strength of goliath grouper. Large live baits such as mullet, pinfish, or stingrays rigged on stout tackle are commonly used to entice strikes from these formidable fish.

Another popular technique for goliath grouper fishing in Clearwater is using vertical jigging techniques. Anglers deploy heavy metal jigs or large soft plastics to the bottom near known grouper habitats, allowing the lures to flutter enticingly in the water column. Goliath grouper are opportunistic predators and may strike at vertical jigs as they imitate wounded baitfish or other prey. Vertical jigging allows anglers to cover a wide area efficiently and can be particularly effective when targeting goliath grouper around wrecks or underwater structures.

In addition to bottom fishing and vertical jigging, chumming is another technique employed by anglers targeting goliath grouper in Clearwater. Anglers may use a variety of chumming methods to attract goliath grouper to their fishing area, such as deploying chunks of baitfish or other scent-producing materials into the water to create a feeding frenzy. Once the grouper are drawn in by the chum, anglers can present baits or lures in the midst of the action, increasing their chances of enticing strikes. With their adaptability and powerful presence, goliath grouper offer anglers in Clearwater a thrilling fishing experience that requires skill, patience, and sturdy equipment.

What other species are popular in Clearwater?

Aside from goliath grouper, Clearwater, Florida offers anglers a diverse range of other species to target in its rich coastal waters. One popular catch among anglers is the snook, a highly prized inshore species known for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. Snook can be found in a variety of habitats, including mangrove shorelines, bridges, and docks, where they prey on small fish and crustaceans. Anglers in Clearwater often target snook using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs. With their challenging fights and elusive nature, snook provide anglers with an exciting fishing experience.

Another sought-after species in Clearwater is the redfish, also known as red drum or channel bass. Redfish can be found in shallow flats, marshes, and estuaries, where they feed on a variety of prey including shrimp, crabs, and baitfish. Anglers targeting redfish in Clearwater often use live or cut bait such as mullet or pinfish, as well as artificial lures like spoons or soft plastics. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite among inshore anglers in Clearwater.

In addition to snook and redfish, anglers in Clearwater can target a variety of other species including spotted sea trout, tarpon, flounder, and mangrove snapper, among others. Whether fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore, anglers have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities that Clearwater's coastal waters have to offer. With its abundance of fish species and accessible fishing grounds, Clearwater remains a premier destination for anglers seeking thrilling adventures on the water.

Recent Reviews

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

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    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 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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic service and best Capt. And first mate. Wel all caught over 20 fish a piece. Will highly recommend your charter in the future.

    Foster (. | May 2, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Experience of a Lifetime! You know when you book an Air&BnB or an excursion and you have a slight apprehension due to the uncertainty of what the host guarantees? I will tell you this upfront, book with confidence. Let me explain… I’m going to do my best, but to capture the essence of what we experienced, in simple written word, is nearly an impossible task. Our guided fishing trip really started out like any other excursion. We met early morning, dockside at the “Bait House”. The host gave very clear and concise directions to our link up, what to expect and recommendations on what to bring along. The day before our trip, the staff reached out directly to ensure everyone was on the same page. We had (6) in our party. (3) adults and (3) kids. We packed our own lunches, drinks, adult beverages and snacks. This kept the guides fully engaged on fishing and not preoccupied preparing some spoiled kids’ lunch on the water. We also packed along warming layers and rain/wind gear. Our cadre of guides consisted of a captain/primary guide (Luke) and deckhand/assistant guide (Ben). Both were very cordial, professional and entertaining with their banter and dialogue. The boat was a 33’, fiberglass, Suzuki twin-engine, center console workhorse that appeared to be specifically designed for guided fishing. The live-well was fully packed with ice to preserve our harvested fish. (3) large bean bags were provided to lounge on while underway. The boat had been fitted with modern electronics for navigation, communication and fishing. Very nice, reliable, comfortable and safe vessel. Upon boarding we got a quick brief and were given ample storage space for all the gear we brought. This was key as everything must be stowed while underway. Our initial boat ride was 24 miles off the shore of Clearwater, FL. The ride was teeming with wildlife. As the sun came up, the city skyline disappeared into the horizon until you couldn’t see anything but ocean in every direction. It was magnificent. From start to finish, our guides were very organized on the boat. Gear, tackle, cabin, live bait, ect. all well organized and serviceable. As situations changed, they communicated clearly what they needed from us. Personnel management to balance the vessel and alleviate excessive listing, along with keeping the deck open to allow freedom of movement was well executed. The equipment provided was better than adequate. All of the gear was well maintained and prepped for use. From rigging and baiting to removing the fish and cleaning/prep, the guides handled every aspect of the equipment very well. My wife wanted to accomplish (2) things. She wanted to harvest fish for our family dinner that night, and catch the biggest fish. Both were achieved. We caught A LOT of fish. We began fishing for large Amber Jack, however the guide identified that the bite was slow so we shifted gears to catch our daily harvest. We slammed a bunch of amazing fish. Porgy, Hogfish, Red Snapper, Grunt and others. We also caught some fun interesting fish like: Lizard fish, Remora (suction cup fish) and blow fish. Some were even reused as bait for the huge Amber Jack we caught later in the day. After catching plenty of fish for dinner, we moved back to our original location for another run at the large Amber Jack (AJ); an artificial reef of an intentionally sunken ship. Fishing in about 80’ of water, we quickly hooked into our first AJ. After locating the targeted species, the guides quickly switched gears in an epic display of professionalism and mastery of their craft in order to draw out the largest AJs. The communication between the guides and their actions was impeccable. One man on the rod, the other in full support. As the guide asked for a certain type/color of bait fish, the other pulled it from the livewell and began to toss the same baitfish overboard. When that particular bait was unsuccessful, they moved onto another type. This was system repeated several times until they found the right bait. It was really cool to see. Very fast, deliberate and accurate fishing. Once we had the right bait, it was like the AJs were “switched on”. Shortly we were pulling monster AJs in the boat. Huge fish the size of both of a grown man’s legs. After an exciting run of pulling in several huge AJs, we were down to our last baitfish. What I’m about to tell you just can’t really capture how awesome this last cast truly was. Now, earlier in the day we had an AJ get bit by a shark. We got it in the boat and it had some teeth marks and a gushing blood. It was crazy cool. However, this last cast set into motion a series of events that we’ll certainly remember for the rest of our lives. The line was cast and immediately hooked up. My wife was fighting this monster AJ (Yes, the biggest fish of the day) for several minutes. As the AJ was retrieved and became closer to the boat (so close we could see it) two HUGE sharks swam right to it taking a gigantic bite out of the AJ. When I say “bite” I mean a literal shark-head-shaped-bite. A cartoonish bite. Like, imagine what you would see on a Saturday morning cartoon. The bite was so clean and the exact round shape of the jaws of a shark. It was remarkable. As it got up to the boat, guide Ben (in an epic display of reluctant courage mind you) reached down and pulled up this AJ. Even the pictures just don’t do this experience justice. My wife, grabbed this fish holding it right in the bitten area like a savage. She was so excited! We were all excited. As we unhooked the AJ, the guides tossed it back out and a full-on shark feeding frenzy erupted. Multiple sharks attacking this AJ in just the most amazingly violent display. This was straight up, no BS, some National Geographic sh!t. When the AJ was pulled in, nothing remained but a huge sardine head. The Gulf gave us a show we’ll never forget and it was all due to the expertise, fast thinking and relentless efforts of our guides. As if our experience wasn’t enough, our ride back was filled with dolphins, sea turtles and a host of other incredible wildlife. The guides cleaned and prepared all of our harvested fish. They even labeled them by name so we knew what types they were. Our family loves the outdoors, and we have a saying when we venture out, “Don’t expect anything”. The fishing trip that day took everyone by surprise as to how incredible it unfolded. If you are looking for an amazing experience on the water, book with confidence because we had the experience of a lifetime.

    Yuliya H. | April 10, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Luke and Skye did a great job with us. We hope to do it again!! Well worth the money!!

    Dawn G. | March 18, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater offshore fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Cpt Brad and Luke made this trip awesome. We caught everything we said we would catch. Even though the AJs were out of season, I had an incredible fight on a solid 42 inches. Damn good charter. Highly recommend. Salute cap! 🫡

    Austin A. | February 22, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Fantastic experience. Son and I caught 7-8 big Amber jacks!! Then on the way in saw a mako shark!! Caught lots of small fish that tasted awesome blackened in tacos!!!

    Chris H. | February 17, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolutely awesome experience with Captain Greg and Deckhand Ali. We knew ahead of time that the water was going to be a bit choppy and that there would be higher than usual winds, but that didn’t deter the Captain from finding perfect fishing spots for us on our half day charter. Both fellas are super knowledgeable and shared lots of gulf marine life info with us; even stopping to check crab traps and showing us how the eco system is balance. An added bonus is the restaurant located at the marina where the fishing vessel docks; Greg filleted our fish haul from the day and the super friendly staff cooked up our catch and served up tacos for a late lunch. If in the area again, we’d definitely book Captain Greg and his friendly Deckhand Ali for our fishing excursion. They are an awesome team.

    Leah G. | January 7, 2024

    Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Great day, Captain Gage was fantastic, he really knows his craft !!

    Arnold E. | December 9, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip, he put me on fish the whole trip. Caught redfish, snook, Jack crevalle, trout and a 4 ft 60 lb bull shark

    Matt D. | November 26, 2023

    Trip: Tampa Half Day Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Me and my wife had a great time. Gage and his first mate Peyton work very well together. We differently recommend them.

    Troy S. | October 29, 2023

    Trip: Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

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