Damn Good Red Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Red 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
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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
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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

Offshore Fishing Frenzy

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
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
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 Red Grouper Trips in Clearwater

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Target Species in Clearwater

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  • 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 Red Grouper Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

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, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater 2 Hr Family Fishing Trip

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

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Red Snapper Fishing

100% (18)
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Inshore/Nearshore Max-Out - 48’

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,100
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Clearwater

8hr Trip 30-40 Miles Offshore

100% (2)
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter near Clearwater

St. Pete Seasonal Snapper Run

NEW
30 ft 1 - 5 People From $2,200
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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater red grouper fishing charter

What are the best red grouper fishing charters in Clearwater?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 51 red grouper trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushing Clearwater Offshore guided by Steve, Clearwater Beach Family Fishing guided by Michael, and Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach guided by Michael.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.92 out of 5 based on 3795 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 red grouper guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly red grouper guides in Clearwater.

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

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for red 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 cut bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Clearwater red grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for red grouper in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $700 to $5,998, but the average price for a half day trip for red grouper in Clearwater is $2,237. The average price for a full day trip for red grouper in Clearwater is $3,978.

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 red grouper fishing in Clearwater?

The most popular season for red grouper fishing in Clearwater is summer, and most anglers book their trips 6 days in advance.

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

In the waters off Clearwater, Florida, red grouper reign supreme as one of the most sought-after species among anglers. Renowned for their delicious flavor and strong fighting ability, red grouper provide an exciting challenge for both novice and experienced fishermen alike. Clearwater's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico ensures ample opportunities for anglers to target these prized fish, whether venturing offshore or fishing inshore near reefs and ledges.

During the cooler months, typically from late fall through early spring, red grouper can be found in shallower waters closer to shore, making them accessible to anglers fishing from private boats or charters. As the water temperature drops, red grouper become more active and move into shallower depths, providing excellent opportunities for anglers to hook into these tasty fish. Anglers often employ a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, jigging, or trolling near structure, to entice red grouper to bite.

As the weather warms up and water temperatures rise, red grouper tend to migrate to deeper waters offshore, where they can be found congregating around ledges, rock piles, and artificial reefs. Anglers targeting red grouper in Clearwater during the warmer months may need to venture farther offshore, but the rewards can be well worth the effort. With their striking coloration and formidable size, red grouper provide a thrilling angling experience that keeps fishermen coming back to Clearwater's bountiful waters year after year.

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

In Clearwater, Florida, the red grouper seasons ebb and flow with the changing temperatures and migration patterns of these prized fish. Typically, the prime season for targeting red grouper in Clearwater begins in late spring and extends through the summer months. During this time, as waters warm up, red grouper migrate to shallower depths near reefs, ledges, and artificial structures, offering ample opportunities for anglers to hook into these delicious and hard-fighting fish.

As summer transitions into fall, the red grouper fishing season in Clearwater remains robust, albeit with some shifts in behavior and habitat preferences. With the onset of cooler temperatures, red grouper tend to move into deeper waters offshore, where they can be found congregating around deeper reefs and rock piles. Despite the shift in habitat, anglers can still enjoy productive red grouper fishing by targeting these deeper offshore structures using bottom fishing techniques with live or cut bait.

During the winter months in Clearwater, the red grouper fishing season may slow down as these fish retreat to even deeper waters offshore to seek warmer temperatures. However, experienced anglers who are willing to venture farther offshore and adapt their tactics to target deeper habitats can still find success in landing red grouper. Whether fishing nearshore in the warmer months or venturing offshore in search of deeper reefs, the red grouper seasons in Clearwater offer exciting opportunities for anglers to experience the thrill of hooking into these prized gamefish throughout the year.

What techniques are popular for catching red grouper in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, Florida, mastering the right fishing techniques is key to hooking into the prized red grouper that inhabit the waters off its coast. One effective technique commonly used by anglers is bottom fishing near reefs, ledges, and other underwater structures where red grouper like to congregate. Using heavy tackle and sturdy rigs, anglers drop baited hooks or jigs to the ocean floor and wait for the telltale tug of a red grouper taking the bait. Patience is often rewarded with a thrilling battle as these strong and cunning fish put up a spirited fight.

Another successful technique for red grouper fishing in Clearwater is trolling along known hotspots such as underwater ridges and drop-offs. Anglers deploy trolling rigs equipped with diving plugs or weighted lures designed to mimic the movement of baitfish, enticing hungry red grouper to strike. This method allows anglers to cover a larger area of water and locate active fish, increasing their chances of landing a trophy-sized red grouper.

During periods of strong current or when targeting red grouper in deeper waters offshore, vertical jigging can be a highly effective technique. Anglers drop heavy jigs to the bottom and then jig them up and down in a rhythmic motion to mimic the movements of injured prey. Red grouper are often attracted to the erratic action of the jig, making this technique a favorite among anglers seeking to entice these powerful fish. Whether bottom fishing, trolling, or jigging, mastering these techniques is essential for anglers looking to experience the thrill of red grouper fishing in Clearwater.

What other species are popular in Clearwater?

While red grouper are undoubtedly a prized catch in Clearwater, Florida, anglers have a diverse array of other species to target in these productive waters. One notable species is the gag grouper, often found alongside red grouper in similar habitats such as reefs, ledges, and offshore structures. Gag grouper are known for their robust size and delicious flavor, making them a highly sought-after target for anglers looking to reel in a trophy fish. With similar fishing techniques to those used for red grouper, anglers can often target both species in the same areas, adding to the excitement of a day out on the water.

Another popular species to catch in Clearwater is the snapper family, including mangrove snapper and yellowtail snapper. These tasty fish can be found inhabiting a variety of habitats, from nearshore reefs and wrecks to deeper offshore waters. Anglers often use light tackle and live bait such as shrimp or pilchards to target snapper, presenting a challenge in enticing these sometimes finicky feeders. Nevertheless, the reward of landing a prized snapper adds an extra dimension to the fishing experience in Clearwater.

For anglers seeking fast-paced action, Clearwater offers opportunities to target pelagic species such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and mahi-mahi. These fish are often 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 high-speed predators. Whether targeting grouper, snapper, or pelagic species, Clearwater provides a rich and diverse fishery that caters to anglers of all skill levels and preferences.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    Gene S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family 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

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half day out on the water with Hank. Very friendly and done a good job of keeping us on the fish.

    Brian W. | April 22, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Perfect weather, great fishing. Friendly Capt. Carlos and mate Jeromy. Absolutely the best. We will be back for more fishing with Capt. Carlos

    Daniel G. | February 11, 2024

    Trip: 6hr Coral Bottom Trip

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