Clearwater Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fourhour private offshore fishing charter for six guests maximumCaptain Mike provides all gear, bait, and fishing licenses includedTarget Gulf species including Grouper and Snapper seasonally
Captain Mike's 30-foot Island Hopper is your ticket to some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds just off Clearwater's coast. This isn't your typical crowded party boat – you're getting a private charter for up to 6 people, which means more elbow room at the rail and better chances at landing that trophy fish. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, Mike's got the local knowledge and patience to make sure everyone has a good time. The 4-hour trip gives you plenty of time to work the productive spots without wearing out your welcome with the family back home.
You'll meet Captain Mike at the dock bright and early, where he'll have the Island Hopper fueled up and ready to roll. This 30-footer is set up right for Gulf fishing – she's got the range to get you out to the good stuff and the stability to keep you comfortable once you're there. The private head is a nice touch that you'll appreciate on a 4-hour trip, and Mike's navigation gear means you're always in safe hands. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen and snacks – Mike provides all the rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even handles your fishing licenses. That's a load off your mind and lets you focus on what matters: putting fish in the cooler. The Gulf waters off Clearwater are famous for holding good numbers of bottom fish, and Mike knows exactly where they like to hang out depending on the time of year and conditions.
This is primarily a bottom fishing trip, which means you're dropping baited hooks down to where the snappers and groupers live. Mike rigs up stout tackle that can handle the bigger fish but still gives you a good fight. You'll be using circle hooks with fresh cut bait – usually squid, sardines, or whatever's running good that week. The technique is straightforward: drop your rig to the bottom, reel up a couple cranks, and wait for that telltale thump that means dinner just grabbed your bait. The key is staying tight to structure – these Gulf bottom fish love ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where they can ambush smaller fish. Mike's got the electronics to find the sweet spots and the experience to know when to move if the bite slows down. You'll be fishing in anywhere from 60 to 120 feet of water, depending on what's biting best.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, and when the federal season is open, they're what most folks are hoping to box. These bright red fighters typically run 15-25 pounds in these waters and put up a solid fight on medium-heavy tackle. They're smart fish that can be picky about bait, but when you find a school, the action can be fast and furious. The meat is as good as it gets – firm, white, and perfect for the grill. Gag Grouper are another top target, especially during the cooler months from November through March. These guys can push 30-40 pounds and fight like they're twice that size, using their broad heads and powerful tails to try to get back to their rocky homes. Red Grouper are more cooperative than their gag cousins and bite consistently year-round. They might not fight as hard, but they're excellent table fare and usually found in good numbers. White Grunt might not win any beauty contests, but they're fun to catch and great for kids or first-timers since they bite readily and are found in big schools. Greater Amberjack show up on the deeper ledges and provide the strongest fight of the bunch – these amber-colored speedsters can strip line off your reel in a hurry and test your drag system.
Captain Mike's Clearwater charter delivers exactly what Gulf Coast fishing should be – productive waters, quality equipment, and a captain who knows his stuff. The 4-hour timeframe hits the sweet spot for most groups, giving you enough time to find fish without turning into an endurance contest. The private charter setup means you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with someone else's kids, and Mike's inclusive approach with gear and licenses keeps things simple. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your crew is committed before you book. The Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater is fishing at its finest – clear water, healthy fish populations, and year-round opportunities. Whether you're after bragging rights or just a cooler full of fillets, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to secure your dates, especially during prime season when the red snapper are biting.
The Above Average lives up to her name as your fishing platform in the Gulf waters off Clearwater. This 30-foot Island Hopper runs on a reliable Caterpillar diesel that'll get you to the fishing grounds and back without drama. Her 12-foot beam gives you plenty of elbow room when fighting fish, and the spacious deck means nobody's getting tangled in each other's lines. Captain Mike keeps the electronics updated – GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate the best spots where Grouper and Snapper are biting. The private restroom is a nice touch for longer trips, and with USCG certification for 6 anglers, there's room for your whole crew. Whether you're dropping lines on structure or drifting baits, this boat handles Gulf conditions well and gets you on the fish.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Grouper are solid fighters that hang around offshore structure in 40-120 feet of water. Most run 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, but big females can hit 30+ pounds. They're mottled gray fish that love wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges where they ambush prey. Peak season is spring through fall when water temps are right. What guests love about gags is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll try to drag your bait straight into the rocks. The meat's excellent too, firm white fillets perfect for the dinner table. Here's something interesting: they all start as females and change to males as they mature. Pro tip: soon as you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them slack. They'll dive for the nearest hole if you let them run.
Seriola dumeriliGreater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the Gulf - powerful, aggressive fish that'll test your tackle and your arms. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can exceed 80 pounds and 5 feet long. They patrol wrecks, reefs, and deep structure in 60-200+ feet of water. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're feeding heavily. Amberjack are pure adrenaline - they strike hard, run fast, and fight all the way to the boat with deep, punishing runs. The meat's good eating too, though larger fish can carry ciguatera. What guests love is the raw power these fish bring. My advice: bring heavy tackle and be ready for a workout. Soon as you hook one, pump and wind steadily - don't try to muscle them up fast or they'll break you off on structure.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are probably our most reliable bottom fish - rusty red colored with white spots that make them easy to identify. They typically run 12-20 inches and 3-8 pounds, living on muddy and rocky bottoms in 20-100 feet of water around here. Year-round fishing is good, but they're most active in warmer months. What makes red grouper special is they're aggressive biters and excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat that's got a slightly shellfish flavor from their crab and shrimp diet. They put up a decent scrap too, though not as brutal as their gag cousins. Here's a local trick: use fresh dead shrimp or cut crab on the bottom near any structure. Red grouper can't resist crustaceans, and they'll often hit before the bait even settles.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the prize fish most anglers dream about hooking in the Gulf. These beautiful red fish average 1-2 feet and 5-10 pounds, though we've seen some monsters pushing 20+ pounds. They live around hard bottom structure in 30-200 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and rocky ledges are prime spots. Red snapper season runs June through July, so timing matters. What makes them special? They fight hard, diving straight for cover when hooked, and the meat is simply outstanding - sweet, flaky white fillets that taste amazing grilled or fried. My tip: use circle hooks with live pinfish or cut squid, and the second you feel that bite, lock the reel and horse them up fast. Give them time to run and they'll wrap your line around structure every time.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt might not be the biggest fish we catch, but they're a blast on light tackle and make great table fare. These silvery fish with blue and yellow stripes average 8-12 inches, though some reach 18+ inches. They school up around reefs, docks, and structure in 10-60 feet of water. Best action is typically spring through fall when they're most active. What's fun about grunts is they literally grunt when you pull them up - it's always a hit with kids and first-timers. They bite aggressively on small hooks with shrimp, squid, or cut bait. The meat is white, flaky, and perfect fried up as fish cakes. My tip: when you hook one, keep your bait down there because they school tight. Where there's one grunt, there's usually a dozen more ready to bite.
Clearwater Beach, FL