Clearwater Deep Sea Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter targets Grouper and Snapper offshoreCaptain Mike provides all equipment, bait and fishing licensesStable 30foot vessel accommodates up to six guests comfortably
Captain Mike's deep sea charter out of Clearwater puts you right where the fish are biting. Six hours offshore gives you real time to work the water and fill the cooler with quality Gulf species like Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack. This isn't a rushed trip – you'll have enough time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics when the bite slows down, and really get after the bigger fish that live in deeper water. The 30-foot Island Hopper handles the Gulf swells like a champ, and with a private head onboard, everyone stays comfortable throughout the day. Captain Mike keeps things relaxed but productive, making sure both seasoned anglers and first-timers have a great time on the water.
You're looking at a full six-hour charter that starts early and makes the most of prime fishing time. Captain Mike runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere friendly – he's the kind of captain who genuinely wants to see you catch fish. The boat heads out to productive bottom structure and ledges where Grouper and Snapper hold, but he's not afraid to run and gun if one spot isn't producing. With up to six anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different areas around the boat. The captain provides all your rods, reels, bait, and even handles the fishing licenses, so you just show up ready to fish. The Island Hopper's got a stable platform for fighting fish, and that private restroom means you're not making any uncomfortable compromises during the day. This charter targets serious Gulf species, so expect to work for your fish – but that's what makes landing a big Gag Grouper or slab Red Snapper so rewarding.
Captain Mike mixes bottom fishing and trolling to keep the action going all day. Most of your time will be spent anchored or drifting over productive bottom structure – rocky ledges, artificial reefs, and natural hard bottom where Grouper and Snapper make their living. You'll be dropping heavy sinkers with circle hooks loaded with cut bait or live pinfish down to depths anywhere from 40 to 100 feet, depending on what's biting. The tackle is built for business – these Gulf bottom fish don't mess around, and neither does the gear. Between bottom spots, Captain Mike runs trolling patterns to pick up Amberjack, Kings, or whatever pelagic species are moving through the area. The trolling gives everyone a break from the bottom fishing grind while covering water and looking for birds or bait schools that signal feeding fish. Circle hooks are the standard here, which makes catch and release cleaner when you hook into undersize fish or species that need to go back. The captain reads the water and adjusts tactics based on what's working – some days the fish want live bait, other days they're hitting dead bait hard.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf bottom fishing, and Clearwater's offshore waters hold some beautiful fish. These guys live around structure in 50 to 100 feet of water and fight harder than their size suggests. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait presentation, but when you hook one, that headshaking run toward the bottom gets your attention fast. Red Snapper season runs through the summer months, and a good day can put several keeper-size fish in the box. They're excellent table fare and the fish most anglers are hoping to see at the end of the day.
Gag Grouper are the bulldogs of the reef, and they'll test your drag system and your back. These fish live in caves and ledges, ambushing bait fish and hitting your offering hard before trying to get back to their rocky hideout. A big Gag might go 20 to 30 pounds and will fight you all the way to the boat. They're most active during cooler months, from fall through early spring, when they move into shallower water to feed. The bite can be subtle – sometimes just a steady pull – but once you set the hook, you know you're connected to something serious.
Red Grouper are more common than Gags but just as much fun to catch. They tend to live in slightly deeper water and have a distinctive red coloration that makes them easy to identify. Red Grouper are generally more cooperative than their Gag cousins, often biting well during the day when other species slow down. They're available year-round in Gulf waters, making them a reliable target species when you need some action on the boat.
White Grunt might not be the most glamorous fish in the Gulf, but they're often the most cooperative. These silver-sided bottom dwellers school up around structure and can provide steady action when the bigger fish are being stubborn. They're perfect for keeping kids engaged and putting some bend in your rod when the bite is slow. White Grunt also make excellent cut bait for targeting larger species, so they serve double duty on the boat.
Greater Amberjack are the freight trains of the Gulf, and when you hook one, everybody on the boat knows it. These powerful fish patrol the water column around structure and will absolutely smoke your drag on the initial run. AJs can get huge – 30, 40, even 50 pounds or more – and they don't give up easy. They're most active during warmer months and often hit trolled baits or live bait suspended near the bottom. Fighting a big Amberjack is a workout, but landing one is definitely a highlight of any Gulf fishing trip.
Captain Mike's six-hour deep sea charter gives you the kind of offshore fishing experience that makes the drive to Clearwater worth it. You're getting a full day on productive Gulf waters with a captain who knows where the fish live and how to catch them. The boat's comfortable, the gear is quality, and everything's included in the price. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with
The Above Average lives up to her name as your ticket to serious Gulf fishing action. This 30-foot Island Hopper cuts through Clearwater's waters with confidence, powered by a reliable Caterpillar diesel that'll get you to the fishing grounds and back without breaking a sweat. Her wide 12-foot beam keeps things steady when you're fighting that trophy grouper, while the spacious deck gives your crew of up to 6 anglers plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating productive spots, and GPS navigation means Captain Mike can hit those honey holes with pinpoint accuracy. When nature calls or you need a break from the sun, the clean restroom keeps everyone comfortable during those long offshore sessions. Modern electronics including radar ensure safe passage in any conditions, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are the heavyweights of our reef fishing, typically running 15-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 40+ pounds. These grey, mottled bottom dwellers love hanging around wrecks, rock piles, and ledges in 40-120 feet. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are right. What guests love about gags is the brute force fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their cave. The meat is firm, white, and makes fantastic grouper sandwiches. Live pinfish and large chunks of cut bait work best. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock down that drag and don't let them run. Keep your rod tip low and muscle them up fast, or they'll wrap you around the structure every time.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of offshore fishing, averaging 20-40 pounds with some bruisers over 60 pounds. These bluish-silver speedsters cruise around wrecks, reefs, and structure in 60-200 feet of water. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're feeding heavily. What makes amberjack fishing addictive is the raw power - they'll test your tackle and your arms with long, punishing runs. The meat is firm and excellent when prepared right. Live bait like blue runners or large jigs work best. Key tip: bring heavy tackle and be ready for a workout. When you hook one, pump and wind technique is crucial - these fish will wear you out if you try to just reel them up. Keep steady pressure and expect a 10-minute battle minimum.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are our most consistent bottom fish, usually running 5-15 pounds with their rust-red color and white spots. They prefer muddy and rocky bottoms from 20-150 feet, often mixed in with structure but not as tight to it as other groupers. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and summer are prime time. What makes reds great for families is they're aggressive feeders and not as likely to break you off in the rocks. The meat has a sweet, almost shellfish-like flavor that's hard to beat. Fresh shrimp, cut squid, and small live baits work well. My tip: reds are curious fish, so if you're marking them but not getting bites, try dropping a fresh piece of shrimp right on their nose - they rarely pass it up.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snappers are the prize of Gulf bottom fishing, averaging 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've pulled up some pushing 20+ pounds. They're bright red with that classic snapper profile and live around structure in 30-200 feet of water - think wrecks, ledges, and hard bottom. Best fishing runs May through October when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is the combination of a solid fight and absolutely delicious white, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll hit live pinfish, cut squid, or cigar minnows. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and get them up quick - they love to dive back into structure and cut you off on the rocks.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunts are perfect action fish for when you want steady bites, running 8-12 inches and great for kids learning to fish. These silvery fish with blue stripes hang around reefs, docks, and grass flats in 10-60 feet of water. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What's fun about grunts is they school up heavy and make that grunting sound when you catch them - kids love it. They're also excellent eating with sweet, white meat. Small hooks with cut shrimp, squid strips, or small jigs work perfectly. Best trick is to find the school and stay on them - where you catch one grunt, you'll usually find dozens more. Light tackle makes them way more fun than you'd expect for their size.
Clearwater Beach, FL