Target Gag Grouper in Clearwater's Prime Structure Zones
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour nearshore charter targeting grouper, snapper, and kingfishAccommodates four passengers with all gear and licenses includedExtended trips reach productive fishing spots further offshore
This six-hour nearshore fishing trip is perfect for anglers who want to spend serious time chasing quality fish in Clearwater's productive waters. We're talking about getting out to those sweet spots where the gag grouper hang around structure and the mangrove snapper are thick. Captain runs two trips daily - early birds launch at 7:30 AM while the afternoon crew heads out at 2:30 PM. Either way, you're getting a full day on the water aboard our 2020 Yellowfin, and trust me, this boat was built for these kinds of trips. We keep groups small at four anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from the crew.
Your day starts at the marina where we'll get you set up with high-end rods and tackle - no need to bring your own gear unless you want to. We stock live bait fresh that morning because that's what gets these fish fired up. The first hour is usually spent running to our spots, and this is where the six-hour format really pays off. We can hit areas that the shorter trips just can't reach, those productive zones 15-20 miles offshore where the bottom structure holds serious fish. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they're constantly watching the electronics to put you on the bite. Expect to work hard - this isn't a leisurely trip, but that's exactly why the fish you'll catch are worth bragging about.
We're primarily bottom fishing on this charter, dropping baits down to where the grouper and snapper live. The technique is straightforward but requires some finesse - you'll be fishing with circle hooks and live bait, letting the fish hook themselves while you focus on feeling the bite. The crew will teach you how to read your rod tip and when to start reeling. For kingfish, we'll pull some baits behind the boat while moving between spots, giving you a shot at these speedsters. The 2020 Yellowfin handles these techniques perfectly with plenty of deck space to work and fish finders that show exactly what's below. Live wells keep our bait frisky all day, and the crew constantly refreshes your baits to keep them looking natural down there.
Red snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when they're in season, these fish put up one hell of a fight. They typically run 15-25 pounds in our area, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 30-plus. Best time to target them is during their peak season from June through July, though regulations can change yearly. What makes red snapper so special is their combination of fight and flavor - they'll test your drag on the way up, then provide some of the finest eating you'll find in the Gulf.
Gag grouper are year-round residents around Clearwater's nearshore structure, and these fish are absolute bulldogs. They'll run 20-40 pounds on average, with the occasional monster pushing 50. Peak season runs from October through December when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What anglers love about gags is their attitude - they hit hard, dive straight for the rocks, and make you work for every inch. Plus, they're fantastic on the dinner table with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling.
Red grouper might not fight as hard as their gag cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and consistency. These fish are available year-round and typically run 15-30 pounds. They're actually more curious than gags, often coming up to investigate the boat, which can make for some exciting fishing. Red grouper have a slightly different flavor profile - still excellent eating but with a more delicate texture that's perfect for fish tacos or blackening.
King mackerel bring the speed and aerial acrobatics to this trip. These fish run anywhere from 20-60 pounds in our waters, with peak season from April through October. Kings are absolutely explosive when they hit - they'll scream line off your reel and jump clear out of the water. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh, with a rich, meaty texture that's perfect for smoking or grilling as steaks.
Cobia are the wild cards on these trips - you never know when one might show up, but when they do, get ready for a battle. These fish can reach 40-60 pounds and are incredibly strong fighters that will test every knot in your tackle. Peak season runs from March through May when they're migrating through our area. Cobia are curious fish that will often swim right up to the boat, giving you a shot at sight fishing these bruisers. They're also considered some of the finest eating fish in the Gulf.
At $795 for up to four anglers, this six-hour nearshore trip delivers serious value for groups wanting to target quality fish in productive waters. Everything's included except your lunch - we provide the license, premium tackle, live bait, ice, water, and we'll clean your catch at the dock. The 2020 Yellowfin gives you the platform to reach those better fishing spots, and our crew's local knowledge puts you on the fish. Whether you choose the early morning departure or afternoon trip, you're getting a full day of fishing that the shorter charters just can't match. These spots fill up quick during peak season, so don't wait around - book your date and get ready to experience why Clearwater's nearshore fishing keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Our 2020 Yellowfin 24 CE bay boat cuts through Clearwater waters with serious fishing power. The 300hp Mercury Verado gets you to those productive grouper and snapper spots quickly, while the custom sight-fishing tower gives you the high vantage point needed to spot schools and structure. Built for serious anglers, this rig features Garmin electronics including GPS and fish finder to locate your targets, plus a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish are spooky. The spacious casting decks give all four anglers room to work, and the large livewell keeps your bait frisky. An icebox handles your catch and cold drinks, while the flybridge offers another fishing platform. Whether you're working the nearshore reefs for gag grouper or chasing kingfish, this boat delivers the performance and features that make the difference between a good day and a great haul.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the unicorns of nearshore fishing - dark brown, shark-like fish that most anglers mistake at first glance. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can easily hit 50+ pounds and stretch 4-5 feet long. They're loners that cruise shallow structure, buoys, and wrecks in 20-80 feet during spring and summer months. What gets people hooked on cobia is the sight-fishing aspect and their bulldogging fight. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf - firm, white meat that's restaurant-quality. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat or check out your bait. Here's my secret: when you spot one, cast a bucktail jig or live crab well ahead of them and work it slow. Don't cast directly at them or they'll spook. Patience pays off with these fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the bread and butter of our nearshore trips. Most run 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, but big males can hit 30+ pounds and really test your gear. They love hanging around hard bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs in 40-120 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What guests love about gags is the solid fight - they'll try to dive straight back to their rocky hideouts the second they feel the hook. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Here's my go-to tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them an inch once hooked. Use heavy tackle with live pinfish or large shrimp, and be ready for that initial bulldogging run to the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings" as we call them, are pure speed demons that'll test your drag system. These silver bullets typically run 10-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders aren't uncommon during peak season. They cruise open water and structure edges in 40-150 feet, often following baitfish schools. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when the water hits 70+ degrees. What makes them special is that blistering initial run - kings can strip 200 yards of line in seconds. They're also excellent table fare when bled properly, though watch the mercury content. My best tip for landing them: use a wire leader and rig live bait with a stinger hook near the tail. Kings often hit the back half of the bait first. When you get bit, don't horse them - let them make that first screaming run, then work them steady.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are fantastic targets that most people overlook. These rust-colored fish average 5-15 pounds but can get hefty - I've seen them push 25+ pounds out here. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms in 20-100 feet, often mixed in with structure like ledges and small wrecks. Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and summer are peak times. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters and tough fighters, plus the meat is some of the best you'll taste - firm and sweet with a slight shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They're not as line-shy as other grouper, so they're great for newer anglers. My local tip: fish with fresh cut crab or live shrimp on a knocker rig. They'll usually inhale the bait, so give them a second before setting the hook.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of the most prized catches in the Gulf. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we occasionally see monsters pushing 20+ pounds. They hang around structure in 30-200 feet - wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges are your best bets. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps hit that sweet spot. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste amazing with that sweet, flaky white meat, and they're just plain gorgeous fish. The key trick I always share: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to their hole. They'll try to wrap you around structure, so be ready to muscle them up quick. Use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut squid on the bottom.
Clearwater, FL