Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters Near Clearwater, Fl

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (6)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $158 / person
Damn Good

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Fishing

100% (6)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $125 / person
Damn Good

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

100% (1)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $233 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $333 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Middle Grounds - 35’ Contender

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $583 / person

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Overnight Adventure - 35’ Contender

NEW
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $625 / person

Most Popular Types of Goliath Grouper Trips in Clearwater

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Choose your trip by skill level

More Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters Near Clearwater, Fl

Get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in Bradenton, FL on this trip with Captain Austin! You'll be on board his 26' Stapleton center console, hunting down pelagics and offshore sportfish such as Amberjack, Goliath Grouper, Kingfish, and more! Captain Austin is a local expert with years of experience fishing waters of Bradenton, FL. He knows the best spots to catch a variety of fish and with his expert guidance, you'll have the opportunity to reel in some truly impressive catches. As soon as you step aboard his 26' boat, you'll be greeted by top-of-the-line gear and electronics, giving you the best possible opportunity to stack fish or find your new personal best! Whether you want to chase lightning-fast King Mackerel or tangle with massive Groupers, he can put you on 'em. But it's not just about the fishing; Captain Austin will share his knowledge of the local waters and wildlife, pointing out different marine species such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles that may be swimming around. He'll also take you to the most scenic spots where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Don't miss out on the fishing trip of a lifetime with Captain Austin! Get out there for an action-packed day of offshore fishing, fun, and adventure in Bradenton, FL. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Offshore Sportfishing

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26 ft 1 - 6 People From $150 / person

Captain Chris offer fishing charters for Tampa Bay and The Gulf of Mexico. They know the inlets, islands, and estuaries of the waters around Tampa. When you want to catch kingfish, gag grouper, mangrove snapper, black sea bass, sheepshead, tarpon, Goliath grouper, red grouper, shark and more, they’ll show you where, when and how. They’ll take you to the best spots and guide you around the area. His 22’ Cape Horn comes loaded with all the gear you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water including all the rods, reels, tackle, bait and fishing licenses. So all you have to do is bring your favorite snack and drinks, your sun protection, and your camera and Captain Chris will take care of the rest! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Florida Sportfish On Light Tackle

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22 ft 1 - 4 People From $163 / person

An ideal night trip adventure. Traveling offshore, fishing for species such as Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Tuna, and more. This is the ultimate Florida Gulf fishing during an overnight experience! Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE - 48' Sportfish Yacht

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48 ft 1 - 6 People From $625 / person

The 48 Silverton Convertible’s sleek 51-foot, 6-inch hull has a 16-foot, 3-inch beam, providing abundant space for three staterooms, two heads, a spacious saloon with a galley on the same level, a large fishing-ready cockpit and arguably the largest flybridge in its class. The 48 Convertible combines the best of cruising and fishing in one great package. Read More

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Tierra Verde

Nearshore - 28’ Center Console

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28 ft 1 - 6 People From $625 / person

Hop on board with Captain Tenni and prepare for an action-packed day of offshore fishing in the Florida Gulf! The nearshore waters off Indian Rocks Beach are perfect for catching some of the elusive fish Florida is known for without going too far from the dock! On this trip, Captain Tenni will take you a bit off the coast of Indian Rocks Beach where you'll be fishing for Amberjack, Barracuda, Blacktip Shark, Cobia, Gag Grouper, Goliath Grouper, and Tarpon. Depending on the fish you can choose between light tackle, heavy tackle and bottom fishing. Let Captain Tenni know what you want to fish and she'll get you set with the location and technique! On this trip you'll be fishing aboard a 32’ Sabalo sportfisher with a capacity for 6 people. It comes with all the standard navigation equipment and even has a bathroom. Captain Tenni and her husband Tom have been fishing Indian Rocks Beach for years, so expect to get some bites! Captain Tenni will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring are any food and drinks you might want. These exciting trips can host up to 6 people, so make sure you bring some good company and a camera! Read More

Nearshore Fishing Charter in Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Fishing Adventure

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32 ft 1 - 6 People From $137 / person

Join Captain Matt and enjoy a beautiful morning and early afternoon of fishing in Tampa Bay, Florida! No matter your age or skill level, there’s a fish out there with your name on it. Captain Matt knows just where the fish bite, so be sure to listen to his advice. For these 6-hour trips, you’ll be testing your casting accuracy as you target Cobia, Gag Grouper, Goliath Grouper, Redfish, Mangrove Snapper, Tarpon, Tripletail, and many more species of fish. You’ll be fishing aboard Captain Matt’s 23-foot bay boat powered by a 200 HP Yamaha engine. This boat is equipped with a GPS, Fishfinder, Live Bait Well, Wireless Trolling Motor, and Ice Box. It can accommodate 4 anglers. Don’t forget to bring food for the day (Captain Matt will have bottled waters on board) as well as a cooler with ice to take home your day’s catch. Captain Matt will provide all rods, reels, and tackle, but feel free to bring your own. Captain Matt catches live bait before the start of each day, as it’s most effective in these waters, so don’t worry about bait! Captain Matt will also clean and fillet your fish at the end of each trip. Get ready for an eventful day on the water with Captain Matt! Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Riverview

Full Day Tampa Bay Adventure

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23 ft 1 - 4 People From $263 / person
See All Goliath Grouper Trips in Clearwater

Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater goliath grouper fishing charter

What are the best goliath grouper fishing charters in Clearwater?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 25 goliath grouper trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip guided by Gage, Clearwater offshore fishing guided by Brad, and Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks guided by Brad.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2403 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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.

Other popular cities nearby for booking a Goliath Grouper charter include St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde and Riverview.

Looking for kid friendly goliath grouper guides 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 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?

for goliath grouper in Clearwater prices can range anywhere from an affordable $300 to $3,000 and up, but the average price for a half day trip for goliath grouper in Clearwater is $929. The average price for a full day trip for goliath grouper in Clearwater is $1,963.

What month is best for goliath grouper fishing in Clearwater?

The most popular season for goliath grouper fishing in Clearwater is spring, 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?

You’re in luck! Our fishing tours in Clearwater don’t require you to purchase a fishing license – your group is covered by your boat’s captain. See here for more information on bag limits and fishing season 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 of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome experience!! Alex and Tom where great!

    Brandi D. with Alex S. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Thanks, Jonathan! It was a great experience for me (although seasickness played a part in our trip!!) and my grandson. He definitely wants to do it again with you next year and we already booked our condo so we'll see you next year. By the way, we cooked some of the fish and let's just say, DELISH!! Thanks again, Terry & Max

    Terry B. with Alex S. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great trip with captain nick. Despite the tough conditions we were able to find some fish, will book again.

    Max S. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

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

    Dawn G. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had Captain Brett for our day of fishing. What an amazing day we had. We caught multiple fish we could keep and multiple fish we couldn’t keep. We had the experience of seeing multiple species that we didn’t catch. We saw a bull shark, a Goliath Grouper, a loggerhead turtle, and a manatee. We hooked in to a giant. Watching Brett and my brother work together to get this fish in was spectacular. The team work that it took as well as the skill. He was also great for those of us that were less experienced. He was so pleasant and kind while helping me change my techniques so I caught fish verses continuously just feeding the fish. He did great with my teenage son. Brett is a great communicator. We will go with Brett again.

    Shellie K. with Cameron F. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day fishing with Captain Nick Hughs! Trip started on time with nearly perfect weather. Boat was ready to go with all the bait and tackle we needed. Although the fish were hard to find, we did land a nice Snook. Nick worked his fanny off trying to get us on the fish. He’s a great Capt. and great host!

    Jan G. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Cameron was personal and knew what he was doing! We would recommend!

    Justin M. with Cameron F. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick is a pro!!! We had so much fun and he put us on a variety of fish. Can't wait to eat our trout for lunch now.

    Ken P. with Nick H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great time with a great guy. He's very personable and easy to talk which makes the experience even better. Definitely a next year excursion!

    Terry B. with Alex S. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Heather H. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great Fishing Trip. Patience required to catch fush

    Todd G. with Tyson W. of Clearwater, Florida

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

    Paula M. with Heather H. of Clearwater, Florida

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

    Arnold E. with Gage B. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    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. with Heather H. of Clearwater, Florida

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

    Troy S. with Gage B. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Craig was great 👍. He told us about the history of the area and went above and beyond to get us fish and show us a good time. The tide and weather was definitely against us but he made the best of it. We had a great time. I appreciated everything and I recommend him for your inshore fishing trip. Thanks again Craig.

    Levi E. with Craig L. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Outstanding crew and experience. I highly recommend Captains Luke and Brad.

    Michael W. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    Great all around guy. Worked hard to find fish for us. Not many keepers but lots of bites and throw backs. Kids had fun.

    James S. with Cameron F. of Clearwater, Florida

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Thank you both

    Cameron L. with Brad D. of Clearwater, Florida

What's biting in Clearwater?

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