Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing 

5.0/5 (119 reviews)
 
State licensed
 3900 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33756, United States

Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing 

 
State licensed
5.0/5 (119 reviews)
map-thumbnail
3900 West Bay Drive
Belleair Bluffs, FL, United States
Booked with us before? You may qualify for a Loyalty Discount. Sign in to check.

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.

Loading...
Loading
Loading
Loading

Rating

5.0
119 reviews
5
108
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (207)

May fishing trip
Angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
working hard putting us in the fish
Young angler proudly holding a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.
A proud angler holding a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a boat, with a young boy in the background, showcasing a fun family fishing trip.
A young angler proudly displaying a Flounder while fishing on a sunny day, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.
+201

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
91%
Recommended
99%
Caught fish

All reviews (119)

Filter
Showing 15 of 119 reviews
Matt Mikel
Matt Mikel
5.0
Verified
Awesome day!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on January 4, 20263 adults3 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!
A group of young anglers proudly displaying a small shark while enjoying a fishing trip on a boat.
Two young anglers admire their catch of multiple Snapper displayed on a cleaning table by the water.
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
0
Angelo Sakelarios
Angelo Sakelarios
5.0
Verified
Great Day with Captain Phil - Suncoast Expeditions
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on March 5, 20262 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
0
Michael Saylor
Michael Saylor
5.0
Verified
Rainy and Fun!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore - 1:00 PM on January 3, 20262 adults
My son and I had a blast and Capt Phil was great! It rained almost the whole time, and the Capt gave us a heads up on the weather before we left the dock and gave us the option to do it some other time, but my son and I were fine with it. A little rain cant get in the way of fishin’. So yeah, We got soaked and caught a bunch of fish too! Truly, it was a great experience. We will def be going out with Capt Phil again in the Spring!
A smiling duo poses for a selfie on a dock, with a bridge and water in the background, suggesting a fishing outing.
A young man smiles while leaning over a railing, surrounded by pelicans in a coastal environment.
A young angler proudly displaying a striped bass while standing on a boat in a calm waterway, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
Angler proudly displaying a caught shark while standing on the boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
View from the helm of a fishing boat navigating under a bridge on a cloudy day.
Angler proudly displaying a Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip, with a scenic waterfront backdrop.
Angler proudly displaying a Yellowtail Snapper while fishing from a boat in a coastal area, despite the rainy weather.
A young angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing from a boat in a coastal waterway.
A young angler relaxing on the boat's seating area, surrounded by fishing gear and a scenic waterfront view.
A young angler proudly displaying a Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip, with a scenic waterfront backdrop.
Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
+1
0
Brad Shearer
Brad Shearer
5.0
Verified
New
working hard putting us in the fish
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on April 24, 20263 adults
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.
Angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
0
Rachel Nielson
Rachel Nielson
5.0
Verified
A great time, Captain, Boat and Equipment!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on February 27, 20265 adults
We found Captain Phil online based on his strong five star reviews. And he did not disappoint. He handled everything and freed us up to have a wonderful time, friends were in town, and we just got to keep reeling in fish in all the right locations. It was a great experience and we will definitely be back. Super nice guys too- he cleaned and prepared all of our fillets and we had some awesome fish tacos. Thanks again!
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
1

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
May 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Scalloping Trip 4hrs
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 1:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jul 10 - Aug 18
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $500
Entire boat: up to 6 people
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore - 1:00 PM
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
4 Hour Trip
starts at 1:00 PM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
3/4 Day – Inshore/Nearshore
FREE Cancellation 1 day notice
6 Hour Trip
starts at 8:00 AM
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
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
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
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
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
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
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
US $1,200
Entire boat: up to 6 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Rating

5.0
119 reviews
5
108
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (207)

May fishing trip
Angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
working hard putting us in the fish
Young angler proudly holding a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a boat in coastal waters.
A proud angler holding a large Speckled Trout while fishing on a boat, with a young boy in the background, showcasing a fun family fishing trip.
A young angler proudly displaying a Flounder while fishing on a sunny day, showcasing the excitement of a successful catch.
+201

What anglers say

100%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
91%
Recommended
99%
Caught fish

All reviews (119)

Filter
Showing 15 of 119 reviews
Matt Mikel
Matt Mikel
5.0
Verified
Awesome day!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on January 4, 20263 adults3 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!
A group of young anglers proudly displaying a small shark while enjoying a fishing trip on a boat.
Two young anglers admire their catch of multiple Snapper displayed on a cleaning table by the water.
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
Speckled Trout
0
Angelo Sakelarios
Angelo Sakelarios
5.0
Verified
Great Day with Captain Phil - Suncoast Expeditions
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on March 5, 20262 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
0
Michael Saylor
Michael Saylor
5.0
Verified
Rainy and Fun!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore - 1:00 PM on January 3, 20262 adults
My son and I had a blast and Capt Phil was great! It rained almost the whole time, and the Capt gave us a heads up on the weather before we left the dock and gave us the option to do it some other time, but my son and I were fine with it. A little rain cant get in the way of fishin’. So yeah, We got soaked and caught a bunch of fish too! Truly, it was a great experience. We will def be going out with Capt Phil again in the Spring!
A smiling duo poses for a selfie on a dock, with a bridge and water in the background, suggesting a fishing outing.
A young man smiles while leaning over a railing, surrounded by pelicans in a coastal environment.
A young angler proudly displaying a striped bass while standing on a boat in a calm waterway, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
Angler proudly displaying a caught shark while standing on the boat, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
View from the helm of a fishing boat navigating under a bridge on a cloudy day.
Angler proudly displaying a Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip, with a scenic waterfront backdrop.
Angler proudly displaying a Yellowtail Snapper while fishing from a boat in a coastal area, despite the rainy weather.
A young angler proudly displaying a Snook caught while fishing from a boat in a coastal waterway.
A young angler relaxing on the boat's seating area, surrounded by fishing gear and a scenic waterfront view.
A young angler proudly displaying a Sheepshead caught during a fishing trip, with a scenic waterfront backdrop.
Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Mangrove Snapper
+1
0
Brad Shearer
Brad Shearer
5.0
Verified
New
working hard putting us in the fish
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on April 24, 20263 adults
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.
Angler proudly displaying a Redfish while fishing in a scenic coastal environment.
Review media 1
Reported catch:
Redfish
Mangrove Snapper
0
Rachel Nielson
Rachel Nielson
5.0
Verified
A great time, Captain, Boat and Equipment!
Half Day – Inshore/Nearshore on February 27, 20265 adults
We found Captain Phil online based on his strong five star reviews. And he did not disappoint. He handled everything and freed us up to have a wonderful time, friends were in town, and we just got to keep reeling in fish in all the right locations. It was a great experience and we will definitely be back. Super nice guys too- he cleaned and prepared all of our fillets and we had some awesome fish tacos. Thanks again!
Reported catch:
Mangrove Snapper
1

FAQs about Suncoast Expeditions – Clearwater Fishing

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

The fish you can target

Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

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
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading

What’s biting in Belleair Bluffs right now

Loading

Compare similar fishing charters

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...