While the options are endless when it comes to fishing charters in Clearwater Beach Florida; there are a few you should look to go with and many that you shouldn’t go with. For starters not every charter offers the same thing, many charters specialize in certain types of fishing. Depending on your group and your goals; you will need to pair your charter with your goals for the day! Here are the 4 types of fishing charters you can find in Clearwater Beach Florida:
Head Boat/ Large Group Fishing - this is the most cost effective option for charter fishing. You will be on a large boat with approximately 40-50 people. While shoulder to shoulder fishing may not suit everyone, almost all private charters cannot accommodate more than 6 people. So if you have a group larger than 6 or you are looking for a budget friendly option, this is the charter for you. Some options are the “Queen Fleet”, “Double Eagle”, or “Hubbards” out of Johns Pass. Just remember your changes of memorable catches are substantially less on these types of charters.
Offshore Charters - Offshore charters are charters who fish in the Gulf of Mexico - if you book a 4hr charter you may fish 10-12 miles offshore in 40-50ft of water. 6hr charters will go up to 20 miles or so in 60-80ft of water, and many offshore charters offer 8hr and 10/12hr trips for American Red Snapper and other larger Grouper species that will run anywhere from 30-60miles offshore and fish in 80-120ft of water. These charters are geared more towards meat trips, catch and kill trips and typically not Sportfishing or catch and release; while all of them will practice it if requested. These charters fish up to 6 people and legally cannot take more than 6 most of the time. Some of the best charters in the area would be “The Bottom Line” or “Fisheye Sportfishing”.
Inshore/Nearshore Charters - In order to be an official “Offshore” charter you have to have a NOAA permit that allows you to take clients past state waters into federal waters. On the Gulf Coast that is the 9 Nautical Mile limit. With these charters they limit out at 6 people per boat and many of them just fish 4 people at a time. Typically 25ft boats or under, most run “bay boats” and cater towards families or similar sized groups. They are typically fishing for species like snook, redfish, and trout. While fishing in the gulf (usually weather dependent) they will fish for mackerel, mangrove snapper and grunts for food fish. Most of these charters will fish in calm water, and not put their clients in situations where they could get sea sick. You can discuss options with your guide to figure out what works best for you and your group. The best charters in this area are “Sliprock Charters” or “Capt. Evan Dennis”
Flats Charters - while not super common here in Clearwater, there are some guides that offer just flats fishing. Some of these charters may actually use Artificial Lures or even Fly Fishing. While using bait definitely gives you more bites and chances at catching good fish, the rewarding aspect of fishing comes in landing a fish on artificial or fly. Some of these guides may offer night trips where dock light fishing is very productive. These charters would specifically target Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Trout. Expectations will be lower on these trips but the reward is great. For these you really want to find the best charter to give yourself a chance at the fish you are after - please contact Capt. Phil at Sliprock Charters for your best chance to be successful here. Sliprock Charters
Overall there are very many options and some not as good as other. After spending years on the water, I can help you find the right charter for your group; should it not be me, I am OK with that. I want to make sure your group has the best chance they can to have a great time and that’s what matters the most! Feel free to email or text me for the best response and I’m MORE than happy to give you advice on what to do!