Damn Good Nearshore Fishing Charters In Clearwater Beach

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Clearwater Beach nearshore fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters In Clearwater Beach

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (10) Guided by Steve
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 in Clearwater

Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach

100% (4) Guided by Michael
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Fishing

100% (18) Managed by Brad
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
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 in Clearwater

Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

100% (4) Guided by Michael
23 ft 1 - 5 People From $350
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 in Clearwater

#1 Fishing Charter On Clearwater Beach

100% (4) Guided by Michael
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $350
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Offshore Fishing Frenzy

100% (2) Guided by Jim
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
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Top Types of Nearshore Trips in Clearwater Beach

Top Species for Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater Beach

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Nearshore Fishing Charters In Clearwater Beach

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

100% (10) Guided by Steve
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Mixed Bag Trip

100% (9) Guided by Gage
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Clearwater

Coastal Clearwater Charter

100% (7) Guided by Cameron
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing in Clearwater

Clearwater Nearshore - 22’ Dusky

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

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats in Clearwater

Clearwater Flats Fishing

100% (3) Guided by Craig
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $560
See All Nearshore Trips in Clearwater Beach

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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater Beach nearshore fishing charter

What are the best nearshore fishing charters in Clearwater Beach?

The best nearshore fishing charters in Clearwater Beach are:

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

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 18 nearshore trips in Clearwater Beach, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushing Clearwater Offshore guided by Steve, Clearwater offshore fishing guided by Brad, and Family Flats Fishing Clearwater Beach guided by Michael.

Our guides in Clearwater Beach are rated a 4.98 out of 5 based on 3787 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 nearshore guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater Beach? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides in Clearwater Beach.

What types of nearshore fishing charters are common in Clearwater Beach?

The most commonly sought after species for nearshore fishing are: 1. gag grouper, 2. mangrove snapper, 3. redfish, 4. snook, and 5. hogfish.

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

How much do Clearwater Beach nearshore fishing charters cost?

Prices for nearshore fishing in Clearwater Beach can range anywhere from about $600 to $4,240, but the average price for a half day trip for nearshore fishing in Clearwater Beach is $1,054. The average price for a full day trip for nearshore fishing in Clearwater Beach is $2,216.

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 nearshore fishing in Clearwater Beach?

The most popular season for nearshore fishing in Clearwater Beach is spring, and most anglers book their trips 22 days in advance.

Do I need a Clearwater Beach fishing license and what are the bag limits in Clearwater Beach?

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

What You Need To Know About Nearshore Fishing In Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, Florida, located on the Gulf Coast, is a prime destination for nearshore fishing enthusiasts. Known for its white sandy beaches and clear, turquoise waters, Clearwater Beach offers easy access to the productive waters of the Gulf of Mexico, providing a variety of fishing experiences.

The nearshore waters off Clearwater Beach teem with a range of fish species, making it a popular spot for both recreational and serious anglers. Common targets include Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. These waters are also conducive to catching Cobia and Tarpon, especially during the warmer months.

Clearwater Beach's nearshore fishing benefits from its proximity to various structures like reefs and wrecks, which are habitats for diverse marine life. These areas, easily accessible and close to shore, are excellent for light tackle and fly fishing, offering anglers both challenge and enjoyment.

Local fishing charters and guides in Clearwater Beach are well-equipped to provide anglers with memorable nearshore fishing experiences. These experts know the best local spots and the most effective fishing techniques, catering to all levels of anglers, from those just starting out to experienced fishermen.

Aside from its fishing prospects, Clearwater Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and array of beachfront activities. The area offers a variety of dining, shopping, and recreational options, making it a popular destination for both anglers and vacationers.

Clearwater Beach, with its rich nearshore fishing opportunities and lively beach atmosphere, is an ideal location for anglers looking for a variety of fishing experiences close to shore on the Florida Gulf Coast.

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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    Please send our photos.

    William J. | July 7, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    Gene S. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Beach Family 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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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!

  • ★★★★★
    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

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

    Brandi D. | March 25, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Nearshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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. | March 20, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Nearshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    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

  • ★★★★★
    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. | March 17, 2024

    Trip: Coastal Clearwater Charter

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