Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter 

4.9
(188 reviews)
 
Federally permitted
 3900 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770, United States

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter 

Belleair Bluffs, FL, United States
30 ft
6
4.9
(188 reviews)

We are federally permitted, meaning we go to where the big fish are beyond the 9-mile state waters. State licensed means you fish inside 9 miles usually in less than 60' of water. There is a big difference!

Want to catch big fish on a fast boat? Then hop aboard Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter! You’ll set off into offshore waters and bottom fish for a ton of tasty critters with Captain Gary Huggins. He’s a second-generation Florida fisherman whose number 1 priority is making sure you have a great fishing experience.

Jump aboard his 29’ Everglades center console powered by twin Suzuki engines that get you to those productive offshore grounds fast! Extras including the latest in navigational and fishfinder technology, as well as a high-end stereo system make your trip even better.

Capt. Gary is USCG-licensed and has the permits to get you fishing beyond the 9-mile state water limit. Bottom fishing is the name of the game here and you’ll head up to 60 miles out in search of several varieties of Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Seabass, and Amberjack. You can also do some trolling for other fish that calls these waters home, including Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and King Mackerel! Book a Shark trip and battle the big ones.

Gary also provides all licenses, equipment, and plenty of ice for your catch. Capt. Gary will prepare dead bait before the trip, but if you want to use live bait you and the captain can catch it together.

There’s no minimum age for kids and life jackets in all sizes are provided. Catch cleaning and filleting is included in the price, if the total number of fish cleaned is under 50. Your deckhand and capt work for tips. If you’re happy with the service, a 15-20% tip is customary.

We are federally permitted, meaning we go to where the big fish are beyond the 9-mile state waters. State licensed means you fish inside 9 miles usually in less than 60' of water. There is a big difference!

Want to catch big fish on a fast boat? Then hop aboard Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter! You’ll set off into offshore waters and bottom fish for a ton of tasty critters with Captain Gary Huggins. He’s a second-generation Florida fisherman whose number 1 priority is making sure you have a great fishing experience.

Jump aboard his 29’ Everglades center console powered by twin Suzuki engines that get you to those productive offshore grounds fast! Extras including the latest in navigational and fishfinder technology, as well as a high-end stereo system make your trip even better.

Capt. Gary is USCG-licensed and has the permits to get you fishing beyond the 9-mile state water limit. Bottom fishing is the name of the game here and you’ll head up to 60 miles out in search of several varieties of Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Seabass, and Amberjack. You can also do some trolling for other fish that calls these waters home, including Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna, and King Mackerel! Book a Shark trip and battle the big ones.

Gary also provides all licenses, equipment, and plenty of ice for your catch. Capt. Gary will prepare dead bait before the trip, but if you want to use live bait you and the captain can catch it together.

There’s no minimum age for kids and life jackets in all sizes are provided. Catch cleaning and filleting is included in the price, if the total number of fish cleaned is under 50. Your deckhand and capt work for tips. If you’re happy with the service, a 15-20% tip is customary.

Gary Huggins
Captain
Gary Huggins
25 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
Kids Trip – 2 Hour Inshore
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
2 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Seasonal trip
(Tue)
Grunt
US $375
Entire boat: up to 6 people
4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHORE
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Gag)
+6
US $800
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Shark Fishing Adventure (AM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
US $850
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Shark Fishing Adventure (PM)
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 12:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Jan 1 - Jan 2
US $885
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hr- Hogfish
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Jan 1 - Mar 30
Cobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)
+6
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
The BIG Boy- Goliath Grouper
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Grouper (Goliath)
US $900
Entire boat: up to 4 people
4 hr - KingFish/Spanish Trolling
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Mar 1 - Jul 1
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Spanish Mackerel
+1
US $925
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE!
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+8
US $1,000
Entire boat: up to 4 people
5 hr GAG GROUPER NEARSHORE
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Sep 1 - Sep 30
Amberjack
Cobia
Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)
+2
US $1,050
Entire boat: up to 4 people
3/4 Day Trip - BIG FISH!
In high demand Last booked: 2 days ago
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Amberjack
Cobia
Snapper (Red)
Grouper (Gag)
+6
US $1,125
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour Trip - BIGGER FISH!
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
US $1,325
Entire boat: up to 4 people
8 Hour – Snapper Special
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 26
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Red)
+3
US $1,500
Entire boat: up to 4 people
Tuna and Mahi trolling trip
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Sep 1
Amberjack
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Grouper (Gag)
+4
US $1,600
Entire boat: up to 4 people
9 Hour – Red Snapper/Grouper
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
9 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 26
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Red)
+3
US $1,650
Entire boat: up to 4 people
10 Hour – Red Snapper/Grouper
FREE Cancellation 3 days notice
10 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 26
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Snapper (Red)
Snapper (Mangrove)
Grouper (Red)
+3
US $1,850
Entire boat: up to 4 people
There are 4 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
188 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (539)

What anglers say

95%
Great experience
91%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
98%
Good boat
98%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

All reviews (188)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 15 of 188 reviews
Anthony Crugnale
Anthony Crugnale
us
Pennsylvania, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Bachelor Trip Success
3/4 Day Trip - BIG FISH! on July 2, 20265 adults

Captain Gary took us out in the morning and even bumped up our start time to beat the heat! His deckhand was extremely helpful as well with help us catch Grouper, a few Bonito and even a shark! This trip was a great experience and would recommend it to any type of fisherman, experienced or not it was a blast. If I find myself down in the area again I'll be sure to book with Captain Gary again, well worth the money! P.S. the grouper that they fileted for us was delicious when we took it home and threw it on the grill! Makes for great dinner plans if you take fish home! Thanks again Captain Gary!

Reported catch:
Red Grouper
Gary Huggins
Response from Captain

What a fun celebration! Thank you for including us!

Richard Shingleton
Richard Shingleton
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
Member since 2020
13 trips
5.0
Verified
9 hr snapper trip
9 Hour – Red Snapper/Grouper on June 10, 20263 adults

Took my wife and son out for his graduation present.When we got to the fishing grounds captain pretty quickly located fish. We were able to catch alot of grouper unfortunately almost all were just about an inch under legal size. Anyone who thinks all they will catch is keepers has never been fishing Still came home with some red snapper 1 grouper a few other mix fish and sore arms from reeling.Deckhand Aiden was friendly professional and johnny on the spot with our lines and our bait keeping our hooks in the water. Would definitely recommend this trip.

Gary Huggins
Response from Captain

Richard thank you for the review. The sharks were definitely out today in the tall water. The big fish never stood a chance as we were “sharked” with almost any big fish. Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your trip and we will always keep a light on for you!

Larry Hammond
Larry Hammond
us
Ohio, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
New
Best trip ever
5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE! on August 16, 20263 adults

Captain Gary is fantastic. bery knowledgeable and knows where the fish are. Our group was pretty new to this type of fishing, and he taught us the ends and outs, and put on nice fish. Highly recommend him, and will definitely be looking to book with him again. Thank you Captain Gary

Reported catch:
Red Grouper
Gary Huggins
Response from Captain

What a fun day we had!!Hope you guys enjoyedt he fresh fish and we see you back real soon!

Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson
us
Minnesota, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Goliath Grouper!
4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHORE on May 24, 20262 adults

Captain Gary and deck hand Aiden were awesome. My wife and I booked them for a 4 hour trip. We caught Amberjacks, Grouper, and a Goliath Grouper which was a highlight. The boat was well kept and the equipment was solid. The crew was quick and efficient at switching out gear and baiting hooks. Just an all around great experience!

Reported catch:
Red Grouper
Gary Huggins
Response from Captain

Mark, thanks so much for the review. Glad you guys had a blasT Hoipe to see you again!

Rob Cheslock
Rob Cheslock
Repeat angler
ca
Ontario, Canada
Member since 2026
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Rough day still but made the best of it.
8 Hour Trip - BIGGER FISH! on May 18, 20264 adults

Unfortunately it was a windy day but Gary still did great to make the best of it. We didn’t get as much offshore fishing in as we would’ve like it Gary found us some other spots to fish. When the wind died down enough he got us back out. We ended the day on a great note catching a Goliath grouper. Gary knows his fishing.

Reported catch:
Red Grouper
Amberjack
Gary Huggins
Response from Captain

Rob thanks for the review! it was a tough day with the winds but you guys hung in there. Hope you rnjoy the rest of your vacation!

FAQs about Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $375 per group - Kids Trip – 2 Hour Inshore (2 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHORE (4 hours)
  • US $850 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Shark Fishing Adventure (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $885 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Shark Fishing Adventure (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hr- Hogfish (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - The BIG Boy- Goliath Grouper (4 hours)
  • US $925 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 4 hr - KingFish/Spanish Trolling (4 hours)
  • US $1,000 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE! (5 hours)
  • US $1,050 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 5 hr GAG GROUPER NEARSHORE (5 hours)
  • US $1,125 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 Day Trip - BIG FISH! (6 hours)
  • US $1,325 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 8 Hour Trip - BIGGER FISH! (8 hours)
  • US $1,500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 8 Hour – Snapper Special (8 hours)
  • US $1,600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Tuna and Mahi trolling trip (8 hours)
  • US $1,650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 9 Hour – Red Snapper/Grouper (9 hours)
  • US $1,850 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 10 Hour – Red Snapper/Grouper (10 hours)
When you book a trip with Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Flybridge
  • Live bait well when available
  • Wireless trolling motor 36 volt Rhodan Spot Lock
  • Outriggers
  • Radar
Trips booked with Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn)
  • Live bait (When available we have onboard before we depart.)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Free for the first 50 fish)
  • First mate (15-20% tip customary)
  • Fishing license (Everybody is covered on boat free.)
Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Offshore fishing (We start at 15 miles and run up to 100 miles out.)
  • Reef fishing (There are numerous reefs on our 5 hour trips.)
  • Wreck fishing (Our 4 and 5 hour fav's.)
Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle (Easier gor our yound anglers to handle.)
  • Heavy tackle (Penn)
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling (We are rigged to chase your favorite pelgaliccs.)
  • Spinning (Penn reels from light to heavy, left or right.)
  • Drift fishing (We use Rhodan spot lock mtr to keep you on fish.)
  • Deep sea fishing
Top targeted fish species with Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter include:
  • Amberjack
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Gag)
  • Grouper (Red)
  • Hogfish
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Blackfin)

Your captain

Gary Huggins
Gary Huggins

Belleair Bluffs, Florida, United States

68 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
188 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since February 2020
Angler's Choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

Captain Gary's father was one of Florida's early Billfishing Captains out of Pensacola Beach and Islamorada. Capt. Gary was out catching Marlins while other kids were skateboarding! After graduating from college, he found himself in Texas and continued to offshore fish on the Texas and Louisiana Coasts. He currently captains the 'Reel Bliss', a 29' Everglades out of Clearwater Beach. Everything necessary for making your offshore fishing trip a success is provided, including a USCG licensed experienced Captain and top-notch gear. Everyone from the novice first-timer to the seasoned pro is welcome aboard!

Gary Huggins
Gary Huggins
Fully verified
Angler's Choice
68
reports
188
reviews
2020
member since
~1h
response
Captain Gary's father was one of Florida's early Billfishing Captains out of Pensacola Beach and Islamorada. Capt. Gary was out catching Marlins while other kids were skateboarding! After graduating from college, he found himself in Texas and continued to offshore fish on the Texas and Louisiana Coasts. He currently captains the 'Reel Bliss', a 29' Everglades out of Clearwater Beach. Everything necessary for making your offshore fishing trip a success is provided, including a USCG licensed experienced Captain and top-notch gear. Everyone from the novice first-timer to the seasoned pro is welcome aboard!

The fish you can target

Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper
Hogfish
Hogfish
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Mutton Snapper
Mutton Snapper
Red Snapper
Red Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Vermilion Snapper
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel
Blackfin Tuna
Blackfin Tuna
Amberjack
Amberjack
Cobia
Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper
Red Grouper
Red Grouper

Real catches by this captain

  • Great Trip!
    Chad C.
    Chad C.
  • Fishing with Gary
    Wes F.
    Wes F.
  • Best trip ever
    Larry H.
    Larry H.
  • fantastic fishing. Captain knows what he's doing for sure!
    Michael W.
    Michael W.
  • August fishing trip
    Mike L.
    Mike L.
  • Great trip for everyone
    Kyle A.
    Kyle A.
  • Bachelor Trip Success
    Anthony C.
    Anthony C.
  • exceptional charter
    Kevin P.
    Kevin P.
  • Fishing with Gary
    Cameron J.
    Cameron J.
  • 9 hr snapper trip
    Richard S.
    Richard S.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
30 ft
Year built
2009
Restored in
2025
Boat manufacturer
Everglades
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
2025 Suzuki
Powered by
2 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
55 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
We start at 15 miles and run up to 100 miles out.
Reef Fishing
There are numerous reefs on our 5 hour trips.
Wreck Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Easier gor our yound anglers to handle.
Heavy Tackle
Penn
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
We are rigged to chase your favorite pelgaliccs.
Spinning
Penn reels from light to heavy, left or right.
Drift Fishing
We use Rhodan spot lock mtr to keep you on fish.
Deep Sea Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Flybridge
Live bait well
when available
Wireless trolling motor
36 volt Rhodan Spot Lock
Outriggers
Radar
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Penn
Live bait
When available we have onboard before we depart.
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Free for the first 50 fish
First mate
15-20% tip customary
Fishing license
Everybody is covered on boat free.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 3 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 3 days 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 not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child friendly
Ages 3 and up, life jackets provided
No smoking
You keep catch
We are happy to clean and bag.
Catch and release allowed

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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

 Bank transfer

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 3% charge will apply.

What’s biting in Belleair Bluffs right now

AmberjackAmberjack
CobiaCobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag)Grouper (Gag)
Grouper (Red)Grouper (Red)
HogfishHogfish
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Snapper (Mutton)Snapper (Mutton)
Snapper (Red)Snapper (Red)
Spanish MackerelSpanish Mackerel
Tuna (Blackfin)Tuna (Blackfin)

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