Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing 

5.0
(135 reviews)
 
State licensed
 3900 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770, United States–

Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing 

Belleair Bluffs, FL, United States
–
25 ft
6
5.0
(135 reviews)

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Whether you want to fish the flats, hit the reefs and wrecks, or fight the venerable Tarpon, Suncoast Expeditions has you covered. With many areas to fish on Floridas West Coast; from the local bays of Clearwater to Charlotte Harbor, they offer everything you could possibly want in a fishing experience.

Let Captain Phil Rugari show you these productive waters. A Florida native, he grew up fishing both coasts, before spending his whole life honing his fishing skills. A sponsored fishing guide, he promises to take you on a thrilling, safe trip, reeling in plenty of exciting fish.

The fish will be no match for you as you utilize the range of St. Crioix gear on board. Use light tackle to maximize your fishing experience, we specialize in artificial lures and minimal live bait to target some of the best backwater fishing around!

Along the inshore waters, test your skills against Redfish, Snook and Sea Trout. Along with Tarpon during the Tarpon run from Late April through July.

Everything you need is waiting on board. All you need to do is bring plenty of snacks and drinks to fill the captain's Yeti 65 cooler, and settle in for a thrilling day's fishing. Let Capt. Phil show you the best fishing western Florida has to offer.

Whether you want to fish the flats, hit the reefs and wrecks, or fight the venerable Tarpon, Suncoast Expeditions has you covered. With many areas to fish on Floridas West Coast; from the local bays of Clearwater to Charlotte Harbor, they offer everything you could possibly want in a fishing experience.

Let Captain Phil Rugari show you these productive waters. A Florida native, he grew up fishing both coasts, before spending his whole life honing his fishing skills. A sponsored fishing guide, he promises to take you on a thrilling, safe trip, reeling in plenty of exciting fish.

The fish will be no match for you as you utilize the range of St. Crioix gear on board. Use light tackle to maximize your fishing experience, we specialize in artificial lures and minimal live bait to target some of the best backwater fishing around!

Along the inshore waters, test your skills against Redfish, Snook and Sea Trout. Along with Tarpon during the Tarpon run from Late April through July.

Everything you need is waiting on board. All you need to do is bring plenty of snacks and drinks to fill the captain's Yeti 65 cooler, and settle in for a thrilling day's fishing. Let Capt. Phil show you the best fishing western Florida has to offer.

Phil Rugari
Captain
Phil Rugari
8 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
Scalloping Trip 4hrs
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jul 10 - Aug 18
Scallop
US $500
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore
In high demand Last booked: 15 hours ago
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 hour trip multiple starting times (8:00 AM, 1:00 PM)
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snook
Tarpon
+5
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snook
Tarpon
+5
US $800
Entire boat: 2 people
Tarpon Fishing - Clearwater FL -6hr
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 10 - Jul 31
Tarpon
US $850
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Full Day – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snook
Tarpon
+5
US $1,000
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day Trip – Boca Grande Tarpon
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
May 1 - Jul 1
Tarpon
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
135 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (221)

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
99%
Caught fish

All reviews (135)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 135 reviews
Tabitha Lummus
Tabitha Lummus
us
Kansas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Highly recommend!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on October 9, 2026 • 4 adults • 1 child

We thought the weather was going to interfere with our plans but it turned out to be the perfect day. Captain Phil picked us up and dropped us off right on our dock at the Airbnb! We caught flounder, sea trout, catfish and even a stingray. We even saw a manatee! Captain Phil was very helpful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our half day of fishing and conversation. We will definitely book with him again!

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Matt Mikel
Matt Mikel
Repeat angler
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Awesome day!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on January 4, 2026 • 3 adults • 3 children

Captain Phil brought my family and I out which included my 9, 7, and 5 year old boys and man did we have a great time! The bite was constant all morning and we caught atleast 10 different kinds of fish and were able to keep a limit of Mangrove Snapper that Capt. Phil fileted up for us. He was extremely patient and answered all the questions my boys had. I don’t think he had a chance to catch his breath while he was jumping around the boat baiting hooks and taking off fish (and a bird, aka a “demon turkey” according to my boys 😂) for 4 hours straight! When we made it back to the Clearwater area we’ll be booking with Capt. Phil without a doubt!

Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
Angelo Sakelarios
Angelo Sakelarios
Repeat angler
us
Massachusetts, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Day with Captain Phil - Suncoast Expeditions
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on March 5, 2026 • 2 adults

Had an awesome day out with Suncoast Expeditions and Capt. Phil. We hit both the Gulf and the Intracoastal and caught fish at every single stop — Redfish, Sheepshead, Sea Bass, Mangrove Snapper, and Grunts. Capt. Phil was an excellent guide and had everything covered: all the gear, all the bait, taking the fish off the hooks, and keeping all the good eaters for us that met size requirements. Such a fun, easygoing trip. I definitely recommend booking with Capt. Phil and Suncoast Expeditions. Already looking forward to the next one.

Reported catch:
Redfish
Matt Ferguson
Matt Ferguson
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Amazing time with Capt. Phil
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on July 25, 2026 • 2 adults

Our time on the water with Capt. Phil was amazing! Father and son trip with my 13yo for a 4hr morning session. We caught tons of fish of a variety of species and had some great conversation with Capt Phil as well. We came down to FL to catch fish and man did we ever! Would highly recommend, and we will be repeat customers! 🎣

Reported catch:
Redfish
Speckled Trout
Cory Wood
Cory Wood
Repeat angler
us
Tennessee, US
Member since 2020
2 trips
5.0
Verified
New
Great fishing trip!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on October 6, 2026 • 2 adults

Captian Phil was the best! He put us on fish quickly! Was very knowledgeable. Made sure my 13 year old was having a blast. Would highly recommened!

FAQs about Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing

Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $500 per group - Scalloping Trip 4hrs (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore (4 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore - 1:00 PM (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - 3/4 Day – Inshore/Nearshore (6 hours)
  • US $850 per group - Tarpon Fishing - Clearwater FL -6hr (6 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $50 per person after 2 guests - Full Day – Inshore/Nearshore (8 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group - 3/4 Day Trip – Boca Grande Tarpon (6 hours)
When you book a trip with Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet Primitive but functional
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Seviin Reels, St. Croix Rods)
  • Live bait (Live bait is always on the boat and included with all pricing. )
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (No charge for bagging and filleting fish! We have nice cleaning stations at the boat ramp!)
  • Fishing license (You dont need fishing licenses when you are fishing with me! )
  • Fly fishing equipment (MUST BE REQUESTED AHEAD OF TIME)
Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Fly fishing
Top targeted fish species with Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing include:
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Phil Rugari
Phil Rugari
Belleair Bluffs, Florida, United States
3 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
139 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2019
I grew up in FL fishing both coasts. Lived in many states and have had the opportunity to fish in many great places our country has to offer. Moved back to FL a few years ago and have been fortunate enough to have honed my skills as a salt water angler who is now sponsored by Humminbird and Minn Kota along with many other companies in the industry. Fishing is my #1 passion and I know you will have a great time on my boat. I offer a safe, clean charter and I will put you on FISH!
Phil Rugari
Phil Rugari
Fully verified
3
reports
139
reviews
2019
member since
~1h
response
I grew up in FL fishing both coasts. Lived in many states and have had the opportunity to fish in many great places our country has to offer. Moved back to FL a few years ago and have been fortunate enough to have honed my skills as a salt water angler who is now sponsored by Humminbird and Minn Kota along with many other companies in the industry. Fishing is my #1 passion and I know you will have a great time on my boat. I offer a safe, clean charter and I will put you on FISH!

The fish you can target

Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper

Real catches by this captain

  • Young angler proudly holding a large redfish aboard a fishing boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Cory W.
    Cory W.
    Captian Phil was the best! He put us on fish quickly! Was very knowledgeable. Made sure my 13 year old was having a blast. Would highly recommened!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Grouper caught while fishing on a boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Red Grouper
    Jonny F.
    Jonny F.
    Every spot we stopped caught fish, engaged captain, helpful and overall best charter we have been on. See you again soon Phil!
  • Angler proudly displaying a small shark while fishing on a sunny day in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Blacktip Shark
    Tiffany W.
    Tiffany W.
    Chose Captain Phil based on great reviews and proximity. Knowledgeable and fun spirited with multiple fishing spots made for a great 4 hour adventure. Would definitely book with him again!
  • Angler proudly displaying two large Speckled Trout while standing on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Ben S.
    Ben S.
    Had a great time, some of the f8sh werent cooperateing but we still caught plenty! Trout, a few Redfish some snapper and a flounder
  • A young angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing on a boat in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Matt F.
    Matt F.
    Our time on the water with Capt. Phil was amazing! Father and son trip with my 13yo for a 4hr morning session. We caught tons of fish of a variety of species and had some great conversation with Capt Phil as well. We came down to FL to catch fish and man did we ever! Would highly recommend, and we will be repeat customers! 🎣
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large spotted seatrout aboard a fishing boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Speckled Trout
    Nicholas S.
    Nicholas S.
  • Angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Brad S.
    Brad S.
    Capt Phil was great worked hard to put us on the red fish. drone reconnaissance included. ended with a boat limit of red fish, smiles, and a great time. we enjoyed Phils company who was into what ever was jmportant to us. thanks again for being so hospitable.
  • Young angler proudly holding a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Flounder
    Tara F.
    Tara F.
    Phil was a great guide for our young family and very knowledgeable. We were able to go out to the deeper waters and catch some fish then closer inland and had nice luck. We took some fish with us that Phil prepped and are excited for our fresh fish supper!
  • A young angler proudly holding a large Redfish while fishing on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Patrick M.
    Patrick M.
    Super informative and fun for any level of angler, can't recommend enough!
  • Adult angler holding a large silver king mackerel aboard a boat in open ocean waters.
    Fish 1
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Daniel M.
    Daniel M.
    Our family had a great morning with Phil. He was great with our kids and definitely didn’t let us down. Afterwards he cleaned our fish and we enjoyed a nice dinner.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
25 ft
Year built
2018
Boat manufacturer
Tidewater
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
50 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Fly Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
Primitive but functional
GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Seviin Reels, St. Croix Rods
Live bait
Live bait is always on the boat and included with all pricing.
Catch cleaning & filleting
No charge for bagging and filleting fish! We have nice cleaning stations at the boat ramp!
Fishing license
You dont need fishing licenses when you are fishing with me!
Fly fishing equipment
MUST BE REQUESTED AHEAD OF TIME

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 1 day prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 1 day before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
We always love to have kids on board, all ages are welcome and I even have specialty trips for kids under 12!
No smoking
You keep catch
What is legal and ethical
Catch and release allowed
Catch and release mandatory
All trips except 'Kids Trips' are allowed to keep fish as long as they are legal! Kids trips are catch and release only.

How you can pay

Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 Visa
 Mastercard
 American Express
 PayPal
 Checks
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Belleair Bluffs right now

Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Jack CrevalleJack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing
Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing
State licensed
5.0
(135)
25 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
4 hour trip • 6 persons
US $600