About Your Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Nick H.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.

Independent Guide 6 years of exp.

Laid-back

Comfortable

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Captain Nick is United States Coast Guard (USCG) Licensed and insured as well as first aid certified for your safety on the water. Nick is a Florida native with years of fishing experience in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.

About Your Guide

Nick H.

Certified Damn Good Guide

Independent Guide 6 years of exp.

Captain Nick is United States Coast Guard (USCG) Licensed and insured as well as first aid certified for your safety on the water. Nick is a Florida native with years of fishing experience in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area.

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Clearwater, Florida

Areas Fished

Tampa Bay

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Reel Salty Sportfishing Tarpon fishing

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Pathfinder
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 26'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Pathfinder
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 26'
Engine Manufacturer: Yamaha
Total Horsepower: 300
Number of Engines: 1

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled for a refund up to 100 days before the trip.

Tackle

You will need your own tackle.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is best for adults.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August	September	October	November	December
Tarpon	Good	Good	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Great	Good

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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).
Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Techniques

Artificial Lure Fishing
Cut Bait Fishing
Heavy Tackle Fishing
Light Tackle Fishing
Live Bait Fishing
Sight Casting

Everything Else to Know

You will be responsible for your own gear. Once you book your trip, we'll connect you directly with Nick to discuss details.

You're all set! You don't need to buy a license for this trip.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 100 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

Reviews

5.0

based on 10 reviews

Todd

Verified Review

June 22

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

Verified Review

June 22

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.

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Joel

Verified Review

March 27

We had a great experience with Captain Nick! He was very accommodating to me and my 8 and 4 year old. He put us on fish right away, and most important of all he was safe! Great experience.

Joel

Verified Review

March 27

We had a great experience with Captain Nick! He was very accommodating to me and my 8 and 4 year old. He put us on fish right away, and most important of all he was safe! Great experience.

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Max

Verified Review

March 19

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

Max

Verified Review

March 19

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

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Jan

Verified Review

March 12

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

Verified Review

March 12

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!

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Michael

Verified Review

August 31

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

Verified Review

August 31

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.

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Jason

Verified Review

August 2

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

Verified Review

August 2

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.

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Thomas

Verified Review

May 29

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

Thomas

Verified Review

May 29

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

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Ken

Verified Review

May 18

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

Verified Review

May 18

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.

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Chris

Verified Review

April 26

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

Chris

Verified Review

April 26

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

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

Andy

Verified Review

April 5

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

Verified Review

April 5

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.

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Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to 1,600+ quality, vetted fishing and hunting guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, bait, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.