Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter

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 2021, 300 HP 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, 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 works for tips. If you’re happy with the service, a 15-20% tip is customary.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    Kids Trip – 2 Hour Inshore
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    Seasonal trip (Tue)
    US $375
    This is a quick inshore trip combining light fishing, dolphin watching, and sightseeing. Your catch will vary with what is in season at the time. The boat usually goes just outside the Clearwater Pass with a short tour of the bay. Good trip for young kids and guests who have never been on a boat. Departure times can vary on this trip. Please contact Captain for availability.
  • Private trip
    4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHOR (copy)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $800
    The 4-hour offshore trip will take you up to 15 miles offshore. You can expect to stay busy with smaller grouper, Lane Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Key West grunt, Porgy, Sea Bass, and great Kingfish/Spanish bite in the spring and fall months! This trip is a favorite with smaller kids and their first offshore trip.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Hogfish
    Hogfish
  • Private trip
    4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHORE
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $800
    The 4-hour offshore trip will take you up to 15 miles offshore. You can expect to stay busy with smaller grouper, Lane Snapper, Mutton Snapper, Key West grunt, Porgy, Sea Bass, and great Kingfish/Spanish bite in the spring and fall months! This trip is a favorite with smaller kids and their first offshore trip.
    Types of fishing
    Nearshore Fishing
    Offshore Fishing
    Reef Fishing
    Wreck Fishing
    Fishing techniques
    Deep Sea Fishing
    Bottom Fishing
    Light Tackle
    Trolling
    Spinning
    Drift Fishing
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Grouper (Gag)
    Gag Grouper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Spanish Mackerel
    Spanish Mackerel
    Hogfish
    Hogfish
  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE!
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $900
    Head up to 30 miles into the Gulf for some of the most productive reefs and live bottoms around! Cast your line for the likes of Snapper, Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Hogfish, and Amberjack. It’s a great way for anglers of all skill levels to stock the cooler or land that trophy catch. Bring along any drinks and snacks you’d like to enjoy in a small cooler.. Gear and bait are already on board.
  • Private trip
    Shark Fishing Adventure (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $900
    We will be hunting down some of the Gulf's fiercest predators on this 4 hour trip targeting the biggest sharks to be caught. Captain Gary will get you on the action quick! You will be fishing with Penn Internationals and everything is included. Bring your camera, drinks and snacks and get ready for an epic adventure! All sharks will be safely released to battle again!
  • Private trip
    Shark Fishing Adventure (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    US $900
    We will be hunting down some of the Gulf's fiercest predators on this 4 hour trip targeting the biggest sharks to be caught. Captain Gary will get you on the action quick! You will be fishing with Penn Internationals and everything is included. Bring your camera, drinks and snacks and get ready for an epic adventure! All sharks will be safely released to battle again!
  • Private trip
    3/4 Day Trip - BIG FISH!
    In demand! Last booked: 5 days ago
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,100
    Explore the vibrant reefs and live bottoms up to 40 miles out on this 6-hour bottom fishing adventure! Hook the likes of monster Red Grouper, Gag Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, and Amberjack. If you want to go after a wider range of fish once offshore you can also target Mahi Mahi, Mackerel, and Tuna! Gear and bait are taken care of just bring drinks and snacks and head out!
  • Private trip
    8 Hour Trip - BIGGER FISH!
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    US $1,300
    Head up to 50 miles offshore on this 8-hour fishing adventure! You’ll bottom fish in the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of Snapper including Yellow Tail and Grouper, Triggerfish, Black Seabass, and Amberjack. You also have the option to troll for the likes of Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and Mackerel. All of your gear and bait are provided. Just bring drinks and snacks to keep you going and set off!
  • Private trip
    8 Hour – Red Snapper Run (MAX 4)
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Aug 19
    US $1,500
    We still have a few days left in our Red Snapper season. The crew has been limiting out on ARS and seeing a few Blackfin. The trip will run 8 hours and you will typically fish in 140'+ water. Prices are subject to change as fuel prices continue to increase. This trip is limited to 4 guests.
    Targeted fish
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Snapper (Red)
    Red Snapper
    Grouper (Red)
    Red Grouper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
    Snapper (Vermilion)
    Vermilion Snapper
There are 14 people looking at this charter.

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 $75 per person after 4 guests - 4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHOR (copy) (4 hours)
  • US $800 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 4 hr Trip -OFFSHORE/NEARSHORE (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE! (5 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Shark Fishing Adventure (AM) (4 hours)
  • US $900 per group, additional US $50 per person after 4 guests - Shark Fishing Adventure (PM) (4 hours)
  • US $1,100 per group, additional US $75 per person after 4 guests - 3/4 Day Trip - BIG FISH! (6 hours)
  • US $1,300 per group, additional US $75 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 – Red Snapper Run (MAX 4) (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well when available
  • Outriggers
  • Radar

Trips booked with Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Penn)
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting (Free for the first 50 fish)
  • First Mate (15-20% tip customary)
  • Fishing License

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter offers the following types of fishing:
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing

Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Drift Fishing
  • 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)
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snapper (Vermilion)
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Tuna (Blackfin)

Meet the Captain

Gary Huggins
Belleair Bluffs, Florida, United States
37 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
92 Customer reviews
Response time 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!

About this listing

Targeted species

Amberjack Amberjack
Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Gag) Gag Grouper

Boat specs

Everglades (Center console) originally built in 2009, and restored in 2021. Powered by 2 300HP Suzuki engines, with a maximum cruising speed of 55 knots.

Length
30 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Nearshore Fishing
Offshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Drift Fishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
when available
Outriggers
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Penn
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Free for the first 50 fish
First Mate
15-20% tip customary
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 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.

Listing policies

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
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

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

Belleair Bluffs Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 92 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (252)
Awesome trip, great Captain
Awesome trip, great Captain
Awesome trip, great Captain
+249
Angler rating
84
5
2
0
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
93%
Friendly captain
99%
Recommend this charter
98%
Appropriate for children
91%
Satisfied with the boat
96%
Caught fish
92%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 92 reviews
Chaz R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

What A Perfect Trip! Gary Huggins Is A Great Guide.

VERIFIED   Shark Fishing Adventure (AM) on October 23, 2023
We booked a shark fishing charter in October while on vacation in the area. I can see why Gary has such positive reviews. He...
Chaz R. recommends Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
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  Gary Huggins Captain replied

Jim H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Look no further

VERIFIED   Shark Fishing Adventure (PM) on November 20, 2023
There are people that do this for money, and there are people like captain Gary who do it because they love it. If you’re...
Jim H. recommends Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
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You found this review helpful
  Gary Huggins Captain replied

Emily S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Trip

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE! on March 13, 2024
We had a wonderful time with Captain Gary and Phil! I have never been on an offshore trip and they were so helpful. I was...
Emily S. recommends Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Gary Huggins Captain replied

Matthew L.
Seminole, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Off shore fishing

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE! on April 27, 2023
As a local I’ve been on many fishing charters but Captain Gary is the best.  This was our first time out with Captain Gary. ...
Matthew L. recommends Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
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You found this review helpful
  Gary Huggins Captain replied

Brandon B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome trip, great Captain

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip - QUICK TRIP OFFSHORE! on March 16, 2024
We booked an offshore trip for 5 guests with Captain Gary. He put us on fish immediately, was a great Captain, super nice boat...
Brandon B. recommends Clearwater Beach Fishing Charter
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You found this review helpful
  Gary Huggins Captain replied