from Capt. Phil
I have been a full time guide for over 6 years running over 2000 trips. Not once have we been skunked. There are always fish to catch no matter what time of year. As a young boy, all I ever wanted to do is fish. It didn’t matter if it was freshwater, saltwater, bass or mackerel, the tug was my drug. I would always have a rod with me ready to fish any water I could find. Choosing to do this as a full time guide has proven to be the most rewarding choices I have ever made. Giving the experience of fishing to enthusiasts, amateurs and families alike is my driving factor! I sincerely hope I can share my passion for fishing with you!!
Capt. Phil Operates a 2018 Tidewater 2500 Carolina bay boat. It has a 2025 yamaha f300 motor and every fishing AMENITY available from the latest trolling motor, shallow water anchors, humminbird fishfinder and radar to keep everyone safe. comfortable seating for up to 6 passengers. The boat floats in 16 inches of water and has plenty of comfort in unfavorable conditions. We have a swim laddar for those wanting to take a swim and ample cooler space for your beverages and food! Top of the line St. Croix fishing rods and reels along with the best terminal tackle available. Combine that with capt phils local knowledge and we have the best fishing machine around! So weather you want to target snapper or tarpon capt phil is ready!
What is included in a guided fishing trip from Clearwater Florida? Trips include tackle, rods, fishing licenses, bait, cleaning & bagging of fish and bottled water.
What is your max number of guests on the boat? Due to Coast Guard restrictions a maximum of 4 fishing guests are permitted on board. We are legally allowed to take up to 6 people total and we can rotate rods as necessary. I can also schedule multiple boat trips with another local guide should your group be larger than 6.
What can we bring on the trip? You are more than welcome to bring your own beverages, both alcoholic & non-alcoholic and food; a Yeti 65 onboard will be provided for food and beverages. Please refrain from glass bottles, aluminum and plastic are permitted.
Can we bring our own cooler? Personal coolers are permitted as long as they are soft sided and fit into a compartment aboard the vessel.
What should we bring on the trip? It is highly recommended to wear a hat, sunglasses and long sleeved shirt if possible to prevent sunburn. I highly recommend to bring some form of camera, food, and your fun!
Where is your pick up location? I launch out of Belleair Boat Ramp located at 3900 W. Bay Dr. Belleair Bluffs, FL. which is about 10 minutes from Clearwater Beach. Boca Grande Tarpon trips are pick up at 6am at Placida Park boat ramp
Does the boat have a bathroom? Short answer yes. We have a private area on the boat to use a camping toilet. It is primitive, however rather functional.
Is Smoking Allowed? Smoking is not permitted during trips on the boat.
What time to fishing charters start? Morning Charters start at 8am. I also run afternoon charters at 1:30pm. Tarpon trips start no later than 7am.
What if there is bad weather? In the event of foul weather that would prevent safe operation of the vessel we will attempt to reschedule. Should availability and scheduling be an issue we refund your deposit. Suncoast Expeditions is not responsible for unpredictable weather conditions that may cancel or alter your trip. We do our best to reschedule and come to an amicable agreement.
**KIDS TRIPS** - All Kids Trips have variable start times. Please pick a day that works for your schedule and we will communicate for an appropriate start time. Capt. Phil will text you for exact scheduling, or you may reach out ahead of booking to confirm availability. Catch & Release only
**Scallop Trips** - Scallop trips run July 10th through August 18th for 2025 - We can meet at a number of boat ramps from Belleair all the way up to Anclote River. Scallop trips have variable start times - Capt. Phil will text you for scheduling.
Most Common Caught Fish on our trips include: Speckled Sea Trout, Key West Grunts, Mangrove Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Snook, Red and Gag Groupers, Lane Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Jack Crevalle and misc sharks
Seasonal Migrating Fish: Black Drum, Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel (kingfish), Tarpon, Flounder, Triple Tail, Pompano, Permit, Cobia, and Bonita
Fish That Are Extremely Rare In the Nearshore Gulf (West coast of Florida): Sailfish (we have caught 2 on charters), Mahi (We have caught 6), Swordfish, Marlin, Wahoo, and Tuna Species have never been caught on nearshore charters in the Gulf.
Fish Identifier Page - CLICK HERE -