Clearwater Full Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday 12hour private charter targets Gulf species offshoreCaptain Mike provides all gear, bait, and fishing licenses included30foot Island Hopper accommodates up to 6 guests comfortably
Captain Mike's full-day charter is exactly what serious anglers are looking for when they want to get away from the crowds and hit the deep water where the big fish live. This 12-hour private trip takes you and up to five buddies way offshore into the Gulf's prime fishing zones, where grouper, snapper, and amberjack patrol the ledges and structures that make Clearwater one of Florida's top fishing destinations. You're not sharing the boat with strangers or rushing back to the dock after a few hours – this is your water, your time, and your chance to fill the cooler with quality fish that'll make great table fare and even better fishing stories.
The 30-foot Island Hopper is built for comfort during those long days when the fish are biting and nobody wants to head home. With a private head onboard and plenty of deck space to spread out, your group can fish comfortably without feeling cramped or rushed. Captain Mike handles all the details – gear, bait, licenses, and navigation – so you can focus on what matters: getting your line wet and landing fish. The extended trip time means you'll hit multiple spots throughout the day, adjusting the game plan based on what's biting and where the action is hottest. Some days that means working the nearshore reefs in the morning and pushing out to deeper structure later, while other trips might have you camping on a productive ledge where the grouper are stacked up thick.
Offshore fishing in the Gulf requires the right approach, and Captain Mike's got the setup dialed in perfectly. You'll be dropping heavy jigs and live bait down to depths where the bigger fish cruise, often in 80 to 150 feet of water over rocky bottom and artificial reefs. The boat's equipped with quality conventional reels spooled with heavy braid – the kind of tackle that can handle a big gag grouper trying to get back to its hole or a king mackerel making a blistering run. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you might be bottom fishing with cut bait for snapper, slow-trolling live pilchards for kings, or working vertical jigs around structure for amberjack. The captain reads the water, watches the electronics, and puts you on fish using techniques that have been proven in these waters for decades.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and Clearwater's offshore waters hold some beauties. These crimson fighters typically run 3 to 8 pounds in these waters, though doubles and even bigger fish show up regularly around the deeper structures. They're most active during summer months when federal seasons allow targeting, and they'll absolutely hammer fresh cut bait dropped right to the bottom. What makes red snapper so special isn't just their fight – though they'll give you a good battle coming up from depth – it's the fact that they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Gag Grouper are the heavyweights you're hoping to tangle with on these deep water trips. These bruisers can push 20 pounds or more, and they've got the attitude to match their size. Gags are ambush predators that hang around structure waiting to inhale anything that looks like an easy meal, which makes them perfect targets for live bait fishing. The tricky part is getting them away from the rocks before they cut you off – it's a tug-of-war that'll test your drag system and your arms. Fall and winter are prime time for gags, when they move into shallower water and feed aggressively.
Red Grouper might not get as big as their gag cousins, but they make up for it in numbers and consistency. These fish are year-round residents on the offshore reefs, and they're usually willing to bite when other species are being finicky. Reds typically run 5 to 15 pounds and have a slightly different flavor profile than gags – a little milder and sweeter. They're also more likely to come up to investigate a commotion, so when you hook one, keep working the area because there are probably more down there.
White Grunt might seem like small potatoes compared to the grouper and snapper, but don't underestimate these scrappy little fighters. They school up in huge numbers around structure, and when you find them, you can catch them as fast as you can drop a line. Grunts are fantastic eating – sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a fish fry. They're also great bait for bigger predators, so Captain Mike often uses them as live bait for grouper and other species later in the day.
Greater Amberjack are the speed demons of the deep, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. These fish can exceed 50 pounds in the Gulf, and they fight like fish twice their size. AJs are built for speed and power, with broad shoulders and a never-give-up attitude that'll have your arms burning before you get them to the boat. They're most active during the warmer months and love to hang around wrecks and tall structures where they can ambush baitfish. The meat is excellent when properly handled – firm and meaty, perfect for grilling or blackening.
This world-class fishing charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons when the offshore bite is hot. Captain Mike's reputation for putting clients on fish and providing a top-rated experience means his calendar books solid weeks in advance. The 12-hour format gives you the best shot at a variety of species and the flexibility to adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. Whether you're a group of experienced anglers looking to target trophy fish or a mixed group that wants to experience the best Gulf fishing has to offer, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days get claimed early, and you don't want
The Above Average is your ticket to serious Gulf fishing out of Clearwater. This 30-foot Island Hopper runs on a reliable Caterpillar diesel that'll get you to the productive waters where the big fish live. With a roomy 12-foot beam, there's plenty of space for your crew of up to 6 anglers to work the rails without bumping elbows. The boat's loaded with the electronics you need – GPS to mark those sweet spots, radar for when the weather gets sketchy, and a quality fish finder to locate schools holding in deeper water. The private restroom means no cutting trips short, and the spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish properly. Captain Mike knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand and will put you on grouper, snapper, amberjack, and kings. All your gear, bait, and licenses are covered, so just bring your appetite for some serious offshore action.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the craftiest fish we target out here. Most run 15-25 inches and 5-15 pounds, but the big males can hit 30+ pounds and really test your tackle. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, reefs, and wrecks in 60-300 feet of water. The cooler months from fall through early spring tend to be most productive when they're feeding heavy. What guests love about gags is the challenge - they're smart, structure-oriented fish that'll give you a serious tussle once hooked. The meat is excellent too, firm and mild. These fish actually start life as females and change to males as they mature, which is pretty unique. Here's a tip from years of chasing them: once you hook a gag, keep your rod low and reel locked down tight. They'll immediately try to get back to their hole in the rocks.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldogs of the deep water, and they'll absolutely wear you out if you're not ready for them. These powerful fish average 20-40 pounds but can easily hit 60+ pounds and 4-5 feet long. They patrol wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 100-400 feet of water, often suspended mid-column. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding aggressively. What makes amberjack special is the raw power - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish in the Gulf. They'll make multiple deep runs and test every bit of your tackle. The meat is good eating too, though watch out for larger fish that can carry ciguatera. My advice: bring heavy tackle and be ready for a workout. Live bait like blue runners or big jigs work best, and once you hook up, just hang on and let your drag do the work.
Epinephelus MorioRed groupers are some of the most reliable fish we target on our deep water trips. These rust-colored bottom dwellers typically run 5-10 pounds and 15-20 inches, though we catch plenty in the 20-30 pound range too. They prefer rocky and muddy bottoms anywhere from 30-200 feet deep, often hanging around ledges and structure. Year-round fishing is solid, but they really turn on during the cooler months when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes red grouper special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit just about anything you put in front of them, and they fight surprisingly hard for their size. The meat quality is outstanding, with a sweet, shellfish-like flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: use fresh shrimp or cut crab when you can get it. These fish have a serious thing for crustaceans and it shows in their willingness to bite.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are the crown jewel of our Gulf trips, and for good reason. These bright red beauties typically run 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some real tanks pushing 20+ pounds. They hang out around structure in 30-200 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and ledges are your best bet. Spring through fall gives you the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is absolutely top-notch - mild, flaky, and perfect for the dinner table. My local tip: use fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish, and keep your reel locked tight once you hook up. These fish will head straight for the nearest structure to cut your line, so you've got to muscle them up quick.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite grunt might not be the biggest fish we catch, but they're a blast and perfect for getting everyone on the boat into some action. These silver and bronze striped fish typically run 8-12 inches and make up for size with pure numbers. You'll find them around reefs, docks, and structure in 10-60 feet of water, often schooled up thick. They bite consistently year-round, but spring and summer action can be non-stop. What's fun about grunts is they're aggressive feeders and great for kids or anyone wanting steady action. Plus they make that distinct grunting noise when you bring them up, which always gets a laugh. The meat is actually quite good - white, flaky, and mild. Here's the thing with grunts: they're opportunistic, so small hooks with shrimp, squid, or cut bait work great. When you find one, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Clearwater Beach, FL