Damn Good Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg

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Recently Booked Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

St. Pete Offshore Experience

100% (7)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $700
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Grouper/Snapper Run- 35’ Contender

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,900
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Florida Sportfish On Light Tackle

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $650
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Seasonal Species - 48’

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,200
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Fed Permitted American Red Snapper

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,400

Top Types of Goliath Grouper Trips in St. Petersburg

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Target Species in St. Petersburg

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
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More Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters In St. Petersburg, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species

100% (2)
35 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Federal American Red Snapper - 28’

100% (2)
28 ft 1 - 12 People From $2,250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in St. Petersburg

Fed Permitted American Red Snapper

100% (2)
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near St. Petersburg

TARPON TRIPS

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24 ft 1 - 12 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near St. Petersburg

Tampa Half Day Trip

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter near St. Petersburg

40’ Yacht Sport Fish Inshore

100% (2)
40 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,499
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Everything to Know About Booking a St. Petersburg goliath grouper fishing charter

What are the best goliath grouper fishing charters in St. Petersburg?

Why should I book a goliath grouper fishing charter in St. Petersburg with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 36 goliath grouper trips in St. Petersburg, and the most popular trips in the area are St. Pete Offshore Experience guided by Greg, Offshore Seasonal Species - 48’ guided by Ron, and Offshore Max-Out Seasonal Species guided by Ron.

Our guides in St. Petersburg are rated a 4.9 out of 5 based on 3806 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 St. Petersburg? Check out our beginner and family friendly goliath grouper guides in St. Petersburg.

What types of goliath grouper fishing charters are common in St. Petersburg?

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

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

How much do St. Petersburg goliath grouper fishing charters cost?

Prices for goliath grouper in St. Petersburg can range anywhere from about $850 to $6,500, but the average price for a half day trip for goliath grouper in St. Petersburg is $1,846. The average price for a full day trip for goliath grouper in St. Petersburg is $3,697.

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 St. Petersburg?

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

Do I need a St. Petersburg fishing license for goliath grouper and what are the bag limits for goliath grouper in St. Petersburg?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in St. Petersburg, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in St. Petersburg. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in St. Petersburg.

What is goliath grouper fishing in St. Petersburg all about?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, encountering the formidable goliath grouper is an unforgettable experience for anglers seeking thrilling battles and impressive catches. Known for their massive size, powerful strength, and distinctive appearance, goliath grouper are a prized target among anglers exploring the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These massive fish can reach lengths of up to 8 feet and weigh several hundred pounds, making them one of the largest species of grouper found in Florida's coastal waters.

Goliath grouper fishing in St. Petersburg typically involves targeting these behemoths around underwater structures such as reefs, wrecks, and shipwrecks, where they seek refuge and ambush passing prey. Anglers often employ heavy tackle and stout rods equipped with strong braided line to handle the immense power of these fish. Live bait such as mullet, pinfish, or large grunts, as well as large artificial lures, are commonly used to entice goliath grouper into striking, with the fish's voracious appetite making them susceptible to a well-presented offering.

While goliath grouper were once heavily targeted by anglers for their size and abundance, strict regulations now protect these iconic fish to ensure their conservation and sustainability. In St. Petersburg, catch-and-release fishing is the primary approach for encountering goliath grouper, allowing anglers to enjoy the thrill of hooking into these colossal creatures while minimizing harm to the fish population. This conservation-focused approach not only preserves the goliath grouper population for future generations but also allows anglers to continue experiencing the excitement of encountering these majestic giants in the waters of St. Petersburg.

What are the most popular months to fish for goliath grouper in St. Petersburg?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, the goliath grouper season is an intriguing topic due to the unique regulations surrounding these iconic fish. Unlike many other species commonly targeted by anglers, there isn't a traditional "season" for catching goliath grouper in St. Petersburg. Instead, strict regulations dictate when and how these massive fish can be targeted. Currently, goliath grouper are protected from harvest throughout Florida waters, including those off the coast of St. Petersburg, to support their conservation and population recovery efforts.

The protection of goliath grouper in St. Petersburg is crucial due to their slow growth rates and vulnerability to overfishing. Historically, these colossal fish faced significant declines in population due to intense commercial and recreational fishing pressure. However, strict regulations implemented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have helped stabilize goliath grouper populations, allowing these magnificent creatures to thrive once again in St. Petersburg's coastal waters.

While anglers in St. Petersburg cannot harvest goliath grouper, catch-and-release fishing for these giants remains a popular and exciting pursuit. Anglers can still target goliath grouper for catch-and-release fishing experiences, providing thrilling battles and memorable encounters with these massive fish. Whether fishing around submerged structures, wrecks, or artificial reefs, anglers can enjoy the thrill of hooking into a goliath grouper while contributing to their conservation and ensuring their continued presence in the waters of St. Petersburg for generations to come.

What techniques are popular for catching goliath grouper in St. Petersburg?

In Freeport, Florida, targeting goliath grouper requires specialized techniques and equipment due to the sheer size and strength of these formidable fish. Anglers typically target goliath grouper around underwater structures such as wrecks, reefs, and rock ledges where these behemoths seek shelter and ambush prey. One common technique for goliath grouper fishing in Freeport is bottom fishing using heavy tackle and stout rods equipped with strong braided line. Anglers drop large baits such as whole fish, squid, or stingrays to the seafloor, enticing goliath grouper to strike with their voracious appetites.

Another effective technique for goliath grouper fishing in Freeport is vertical jigging. This method involves dropping heavy metal jigs vertically near underwater structures and jigging them up and down to mimic injured prey. Goliath grouper are opportunistic feeders and are often attracted to the commotion caused by the jigging motion, making this technique highly effective in enticing strikes. Anglers must use powerful rods and reels capable of handling the immense strength of goliath grouper, as these fish can quickly turn a leisurely fishing trip into an adrenaline-pumping battle.

When targeting goliath grouper in Freeport, catch-and-release fishing is the standard practice due to regulations protecting these majestic fish. Anglers should be prepared for intense battles as goliath grouper are known for their powerful runs and stubborn resistance. Proper handling techniques, including using circle hooks to minimize injury, ensuring a quick release, and supporting the fish in the water until it revives and swims away, are essential for the well-being of goliath grouper populations. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, anglers in Freeport can enjoy thrilling encounters with these colossal creatures while contributing to their conservation and ensuring their continued presence in the waters of Freeport for generations to come.

What other species are popular in St. Petersburg?

In St. Petersburg, Florida, anglers have a wealth of options beyond targeting goliath grouper, with the area's diverse marine ecosystem offering opportunities to catch a variety of other prized species. One popular target among anglers is the snook, renowned for its aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Found in the mangrove-lined estuaries, flats, and along the beaches of St. Petersburg, snook provide thrilling angling opportunities year-round. Anglers often use live bait such as pilchards, shrimp, or mullet, as well as artificial lures like topwater plugs or soft plastics, to entice these voracious predators.

Another sought-after species in St. Petersburg is the tarpon, known for its acrobatic leaps and drag-screaming runs. Tarpon migrate along the Florida coast, including the waters of St. Petersburg, during the warmer months, offering anglers the chance to target these majestic silver kings. Whether fishing inshore around bridges, passes, and flats, or offshore near wrecks and reefs, anglers use a variety of techniques such as live bait fishing, fly fishing, or trolling to hook into these powerful fish. Tarpon are highly prized among anglers for their size, strength, and challenging fights, making them a thrilling pursuit for those seeking an adrenaline rush on the water.

In addition to snook and tarpon, St. Petersburg offers opportunities to target a variety of other species, including redfish, trout, flounder, and mangrove snapper, among others. Whether fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore, anglers can enjoy a diverse range of angling experiences in St. Petersburg's abundant waters. From casting lures along grass flats and mangrove shorelines to bottom fishing around reefs and wrecks, there's something for every angler to enjoy in St. Petersburg's vibrant fishing scene.

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

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with David. He arrived at the dock on time ready to go. He's got a nice, open, boat with a center console so it was easy to move around. We moved around the inter coastal area between Anna Maria and Long Boat fishing for snook, red fish, and trout. Anytime we weren't getting bites we'd move. David worked very hard to keep all of us in fresh bait, and good locations. He knew a ton about the local fish, currents, depths, and regulations. We also got to see several manatees which was such a lovely bonus! When my son hooked a big red fish David gave him great guidance to help him bring it in. He was easy to talk to and we are already recommending him to our friends. We will definitely book again next time we're in the area.

    Rey S. | June 28, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    great day!!

    Marissa L. | June 16, 2024

    Trip: The Local Trip

  • ★★★★★
    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

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