Damn Good Tarpon Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Tarpon Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

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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, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Reel Salty Sportfishing

100% (10)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Tarpon Fishing Baby!

100% (18)
22 ft 1 - 2 People From $800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Shallow Water Sightfishing

100% (7)
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Fisherman's Choice Trip

NEW
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Flats Fishing

100% (7)
25 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
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 Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Tampa Bay Fishing - 22’ Aguasport

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $600

Top Types of Tarpon 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.
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More Tarpon Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Flats Fishing

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $560
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Inshore Special

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $505
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Inshore Fishing

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Nearshore - 22’ Dusky

100% (18)
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Tarpon Fishing

NEW
23 ft 1 - 3 People From $1,200
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, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Fly Fishing / Artificial

100% (2)
17 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
See All Tarpon Trips in Clearwater

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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater tarpon fishing charter

What are the best tarpon fishing charters in Clearwater?

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 49 tarpon trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Reel Salty Sportfishing guided by Nick, Coastal Clearwater Charter guided by Cameron, and Clearwater Flats fishing guided by Tyson.

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 tarpon guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly tarpon guides in Clearwater.

What types of tarpon fishing charters are common in Clearwater?

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

The most common fishing techniques in Clearwater are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and artificial lure fishing but sight casting and heavy tackle fishing are popular as well.

How much do Clearwater tarpon fishing charters cost?

Prices for tarpon in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $450 to $2,160, but the average price for a half day trip for tarpon in Clearwater is $764. The average price for a full day trip for tarpon in Clearwater is $1,373.

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 tarpon fishing in Clearwater?

The most popular season for tarpon fishing in Clearwater is spring, and most anglers book their trips 10 days in advance.

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

Tarpon fishing in Clearwater, Florida, is an exhilarating pursuit that draws anglers from around the world to experience the thrill of battling these majestic "silver kings." Clearwater's coastal waters provide prime habitat for tarpon, especially during their annual migration along the Gulf Coast. From spring through fall, tarpon can be found cruising the shallow flats, channels, and passes, offering anglers ample opportunities to target these powerful game fish.

Known for their acrobatic leaps and drag-screaming runs, tarpon provide anglers with an unforgettable fishing experience. Anglers targeting tarpon in Clearwater often use live bait such as mullet, crabs, or threadfin herring, presenting them in areas where tarpon are known to congregate, such as bridges, channels, and passes. Alternatively, anglers can cast lures such as swimbaits or spoons, mimicking the tarpon's natural prey and enticing strikes from these voracious predators.

Clearwater's tarpon season peaks during the summer months when these migratory fish are most abundant along the Gulf Coast. Anglers can often find schools of tarpon actively feeding near the surface, making for exciting sight-fishing opportunities. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, anglers can experience the adrenaline rush of hooking into a tarpon and the challenge of landing these powerful fish amidst the stunning natural beauty of Clearwater's coastal landscapes.

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

In Clearwater, Florida, tarpon fishing seasons bring excitement and anticipation to anglers seeking the ultimate challenge. Tarpon, known as the "silver kings," migrate along the Gulf Coast, passing through Clearwater's coastal waters during their annual journey. The tarpon season in Clearwater typically peaks from spring through fall, coinciding with warmer water temperatures and optimal feeding conditions. During this time, anglers can target tarpon as they cruise the shallow flats, channels, and passes, offering thrilling opportunities for sight-fishing and casting.

Spring marks the beginning of the tarpon season in Clearwater, as these magnificent fish start to arrive in increasing numbers along the Gulf Coast. As water temperatures rise and baitfish become more abundant, tarpon become more active and eager to feed, presenting anglers with prime opportunities to hook into these powerful game fish. The excitement continues through the summer months, with tarpon reaching their peak abundance along the coast. Anglers can often find schools of tarpon congregating in certain areas, making for exhilarating sight-fishing encounters and heart-pounding battles.

As fall approaches, tarpon begin their migration southward, providing anglers with one last chance to target these elusive fish before they head to warmer waters for the winter. Fall tarpon fishing in Clearwater can be equally rewarding, as tarpon continue to feed voraciously in preparation for their journey south. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, anglers can experience the thrill of hooking into a tarpon and the adrenaline rush of battling these majestic creatures amidst the stunning backdrop of Clearwater's coastal landscapes.

What techniques are popular for catching tarpon in Clearwater?

Tarpon fishing in Clearwater, Florida, requires anglers to employ a variety of effective techniques to entice these powerful and elusive game fish. One popular method is live bait fishing, where anglers use large live baits such as mullet, crabs, or threadfin herring to tempt tarpon into striking. Anglers typically present the live bait either suspended under a float or free-lined in areas where tarpon are known to congregate, such as bridges, channels, or passes. This technique allows anglers to target tarpon at various depths and can be particularly effective during times of heavy feeding activity.

Another successful technique for tarpon fishing in Clearwater is to use artificial lures such as swimbaits, plugs, or spoons. Anglers can cast these lures around structure, along shorelines, or into channels and passes, mimicking the movement and appearance of the tarpon's natural prey. Retrieving the lure with a steady and enticing motion can provoke aggressive strikes from tarpon, especially when they are actively feeding. Anglers often experiment with different lure colors, sizes, and retrieval speeds to determine what triggers the most strikes from tarpon in Clearwater's coastal waters.

For anglers seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, sight-fishing for tarpon is an exhilarating technique to try in Clearwater. During the tarpon season, anglers can often spot tarpon cruising the shallow flats or along the surface in search of prey. Equipped with polarized sunglasses, anglers can scan the water for the distinctive shapes and movements of tarpon, then cast ahead of the fish to intercept them. Sight-fishing requires stealth, precision casting, and quick reflexes, but the reward of hooking into a tarpon while witnessing its acrobatic leaps and powerful runs is an experience that anglers cherish in Clearwater's stunning coastal environments.

What other species are popular in Clearwater?

Clearwater, Florida, offers anglers a diverse array of fishing opportunities beyond targeting tarpon. One popular species to pursue is the redfish, known for its hard-fighting nature and abundance in the coastal waters of Clearwater. These copper-colored fish can be found in a variety of habitats, including shallow flats, mangrove-lined shorelines, and around oyster bars. Anglers often target redfish using live bait such as shrimp or mullet, or by casting lures like soft plastics or spoons. Redfish provide exciting angling experiences year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring in spring and fall.

Another sought-after catch in Clearwater is the snook, a sleek and silver game fish known for its aggressive strikes and powerful runs. Snook inhabit the coastal waters, estuaries, and mangrove-lined shorelines of Clearwater, making them accessible to anglers both from shore and boat. Using live bait such as pilchards or pinfish, or casting lures like jigs or swimbaits, anglers can entice snook to bite year-round, with peak seasons typically occurring in spring and fall.

Clearwater's waters are also home to a variety of other inshore and nearshore species that offer exciting angling opportunities. From speckled trout and flounder to sheepshead and Spanish mackerel, there's no shortage of options for anglers seeking diverse fishing experiences. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, anglers can enjoy the thrill of targeting a wide range of species against the backdrop of Clearwater's scenic coastline and abundant natural beauty.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Chris is an excellent guide (5 stars). He is very personable and we all became fishing buddies quickly. Enjoyed the action with the spotted seatrout on the flats in southern Tampa Bay.

    John C. | November 16, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Bad day for fishing. Captain was great.

    Regina A. | September 21, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    He was great in every way!!! On time, professional and he definitely put me on fish!!! Highly recommended!! Tom Trainer

    Thomas T. | September 7, 2024

    Trip: Shallow Water Sightfishing

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip. Three of us fished comfortably for a half day. Mother Nature provided the fish, and Nick provided a great atmosphere. Easy to talk to and gave some good local recommendations, will look to book with Nick again in the future.

    Michael L. | September 2, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Tyson is a great guide. Has all the local knowledge you expect from a guide. Very friendly and down to earth. He had us on top of tarpon most of the trip! Would go again.

    Cameron P. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Flats fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was a fantastic a knowledgeable guide. His boat was clean and well kept. We are a party of 4 with a 10 and 13 year old. Nick took us to an area where every cast was a catch. Thanks again.

    Jason Q. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

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

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time, didn’t get on the fish like we had hoped but still had a blast. That’s why they call it fishing.

    Todd D. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Christopher provided an exceptional fishing experience! As an army veteran and seasoned fisherman, his expertise was evident from the moment we set sail. My brother-in-law and I enjoyed a fantastic day in the bay near Tampa, reeling in trout under clear skies. Christopher's attention to detail and care extended beyond fishing – he even offered me water when I started feeling dehydrated. We had a blast and highly recommend Christopher for anyone looking.

    Rocky M. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Friendly and informative Captain we had an enjoyable morning on the bay.

    Tim B. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Five stars! Fun trip!

    Ray E. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Alex is an awesome guide! Was on time and super fun to hang out with. But mostly importantly he absolutely put me on the fish! Will 100% book Alex again the next time I’m in Clearwater, and you should too if you want the chance to get hooked up with huge tarpon and monster snook!!! A+

    Derek B. | June 19, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Inshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip ! Knowledgeable Guide and put us on the Tarpon..

    Mike H. | June 16, 2024

    Trip: Tarpon Fishing Baby!

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, great guide. Can’t wait for the next trip.

    Thomas G. | May 28, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Chris was a great host!! Took my father uncle and I out on a great fishing trip. Very respectful, kind, and great sense of humor. I got the biggest catch of the day with 21 inches we will 100 percent be back. Thanks again Chris!!

    Kiani L. | May 26, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome job! We had a great time! Jim and Joe took care of everything. Amazing trip, would definitely go again!

    Kent W. | May 25, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Inshore Special

  • ★★★★★
    The boys and I had a great time. It was the first time they’d ever been out on a charter. Kevin was a great host he put us on the fish cleaned our catch and was just a joy to spend four hours with. We would highly recommend. Where he picks you up they have valet parking and his boat is just a few steps away.

    Cornelius B. | May 23, 2024

    Trip: Non-Stop Inshore Action

  • ★★★★★
    The four of us had a great time with Captain Nick. The boat was very clean, comfortable, easy to move around and enjoy the day. We caught real nice fish, Captain was very knowledgeable. I would recommend Captain Nick and would use him again.

    Ken C. | May 18, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was an amazing captain! He got us on some fish right away! We had a great time!

    Chris S. | April 26, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Nick tried his best but the fish just weren't biting. Nick was very nice and knowledgeable we just wish we caught more fish.

    Andy G. | April 9, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

What's biting in Clearwater?

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