Goliath Charters Summerland

Welcome to Goliath Charters, your gateway to the fishing paradise of the Florida Keys. Led by Captain Craig Clopper, an experienced US Navy Veteran and certified captain, our 25ft Seavee boat is equipped to handle nearly any sea conditions.

With a reliable 300 hp 2023 Yamaha engine, our boat is designed to cater to various fishing styles. Captain Craig is skilled in offshore, reef, wreck, and flats fishing, ensuring a diverse range of angling experiences in the abundant waters of the Florida Keys.

From redfish, snook, tarpon, bonefish, and permit in the backcountry to cobia, sailfish, tuna, and various snapper and grouper species on the reef Goliath Charters offers a thrilling fishing experience. And if you seek the mighty goliath grouper, Captain Craig has them named and trained to eat on command! With top-of-the-line Shimano gear, you’ll feel the excitement of reeling in your catch.

Forget the hassle of fishing licenses – Captain Craig covers all necessary permits. And after a successful day on the water, he’ll clean your catch, leaving you with a delicious bounty to savor.

Captain Craig’s lifelong passion for fishing and the outdoors, combined with his expertise and experience, make him the perfect guide for your Lower Keys fishing adventure. Whether exploring the flats, backcountry, reef, or offshore waters of Cudjoe Key, he is dedicated to sharing his backyard with anglers from around the world.

So, prepare for world-class fishing under the Florida sun. With Goliath Charters, you’re in the capable hands of Captain Craig – a US Coast Guard certified captain, Padi-trained divemaster, and aquatics first ai
d instructor. Book your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience in the Florida Keys!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Shared trip
    Be the first one on the Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    1 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    US $100
    Let’s get on the water and hook up to 100+ pound tarpon before all the other whistle nuts are out of bed! The thrill of battling with such a powerful fish is unmatched. As the sun rises, we'll be already in the midst of an exhilarating fight. The adrenaline coursing through our veins as we reel in the massive tarpon will make every moment worthwhile. So let's seize the opportunity and make the most of this incredible fishing adventure!
    Targeted fish
    Permit
    Permit
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
  • Shared trip
    Short sunset Trip – Evening Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    1 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 PM
    US $200
    When it comes to great game fishing, Tarpon is up there with the best. They put up a brave fight when you get one on your line, giving you some heart-pumping action as you try to reel it in. Night time is the optimal time to search for these as they love to hunt around dusk. Join Captain Craig for this action-packed evening of fishing where your skills will be put to the test!
    Targeted fish
    Permit
    Permit
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Shark (Hammerhead)
    Hammerhead Shark
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
  • Private trip
    Bastardized Bonefish bonanza!
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 12:00 PM
    US $400
    Utilize the midday sun for sight fishing Bonefish and Permit on the shallow flats. I’ll make it extra easy with some of my secret bonefish chum sauce! With its intense brightness, the midday sun acts as a natural spotlight, making it easier to spot the elusive Bonefish and Permit gliding through the crystal-clear waters. As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, the shallow flats come alive with activity, creating the perfect conditions for sight fishing!
    Targeted fish
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
  • Private trip
    Be the first one on the Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    US $400
    Let’s get on the water and hook up to 100+ pound tarpon before all the other whistle nuts are out of bed! The thrill of battling with such a powerful fish is unmatched. As the sun rises, we'll be already in the midst of an exhilarating fight. The adrenaline coursing through our veins as we reel in the massive tarpon will make every moment worthwhile. So let's seize the opportunity and make the most of this incredible fishing adventure!
    Targeted fish
    Permit
    Permit
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
  • Private trip
    Crack of Dawn Tarpon/Coffee
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $400
    While everyone else is sleeping in, come catch the early morning bite!
  • Private trip
    Sandbar Adventure
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 10:00 AM
    US $400
    Let's hit the beach and also do some fishing!
  • Private trip
    Sunset Shark
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 PM
    Seasonal trip Aug 17 - Jul 4
    US $400
    When the sun starts to sink into the horizon the shark around the Florida Keys rise for their evening feast. Captain Craig will take you out at dusk to see if any of the Bull or Blacktip Sharks that roam the water are willing to chase after his lures. If they do, expect a tremendous and thrilling battle as you try to whisk them out of the water for the ultimate trophy photo!
  • Private trip
    Wham bam, thank you, Captain Craig
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $400
    Let’s go out at first light to find these guys actively feeding. its only 2 hours but thats all I need to get you on the fish of a lifetime! We'll head out to the fishing spot before the sun rises, giving us the advantage of catching the fish when they are most active. With the early morning light, we'll be able to spot their movements and target them more accurately. Let’s get out and catch some fish before all the other whistlenuts are out of bed!
    Targeted fish
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Permit
    Permit
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Shark (Hammerhead)
    Hammerhead Shark
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
  • Private trip
    Get on tailing permit at sunrise
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 6:00 AM
    US $500
    There is nothing better than watching happy, unmolested, tailing permit before the sunrises Get on my 25 foot seavee or my 17 foot maverick polling skiff and beat all the whistlenuts out to The spots where a permit is nearly guaranteed! I love the thrill of being the first one out on the water, with the whole day ahead of me to chase after those elusive permit. It's a true test of skill and patience, but when you finally hook into one, hold on!!!
    Targeted fish
    Bonefish
    Bonefish
    Permit
    Permit
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
  • Private trip
    Sunrise offshore Mahi-Mahi fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    US $500
    Would you like to catch a sailfish? Wanna increase your odds? Forget the cocktails the night before, take some Dramamine if you need it (I’m not a doctor) and let’s head out before sunrise and catch a boatload of tuna before the bite slows down. all kinds of excellent by Catch, including mahi-mahi, sailfish wahoo and many others!
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Jack (African Pompano)
    African Pompano Jack
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
  • Private trip
    Sunrise offshore sailfishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    US $500
    Would you like to catch a sailfish? Wanna increase your odds? Forget the cocktails the night before, take some Dramamine if you need it (I’m not a doctor) and let’s head out before sunrise and catch a boatload of tuna before the bite slows down. all kinds of excellent by Catch, including mahi-mahi, sailfish wahoo and many others!
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Jack (African Pompano)
    African Pompano Jack
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
  • Private trip
    Sunrise offshore tuna fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 5:30 AM
    US $500
    Would you like to catch a tuna? Wanna increase your odds? Forget the cocktails the night before, take some Dramamine if you need it (I’m not a doctor) and let’s head out before sunrise and catch a boatload of tuna before the bite slows down. all kinds of excellent by Catch, including mahi-mahi, sailfish wahoo and many others!
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Wahoo
    Wahoo
    Jack (African Pompano)
    African Pompano Jack
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
  • Private trip
    Be the first one on the Tarpon
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    4 Hour Trip, starts at 5:00 AM
    US $600
    Let’s get on the water and hook up to 100+ pound tarpon before all the other whistle nuts are out of bed! The thrill of battling with such a powerful fish is unmatched. As the sun rises, we'll be already in the midst of an exhilarating fight. The adrenaline coursing through our veins as we reel in the massive tarpon will make every moment worthwhile. So let's seize the opportunity and make the most of this incredible fishing adventure!
    Targeted fish
    Permit
    Permit
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Shark (Tiger)
    Tiger Shark
    Shark (Bull)
    Bull Shark
  • Private trip
    Marquasas wreak fishing
    FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
    8 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $1,200
    Let’s go fishing for permit, cobia, tarpon, jacks, barracuda, and many others where the fish experience less pressure over 20 miles from Key West. The crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys offer abundant opportunities for anglers seeking a thrilling fishing experience. With its diverse array of fish species, this region is truly a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. As we venture further away from Key West, the fishing pressure decreases significantly, allowing for bigger and more catches!
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Permit
    Permit
    Sailfish
    Sailfish
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Shark (Hammerhead)
    Hammerhead Shark
    Jack (African Pompano)
    African Pompano Jack
    Snapper (Mutton)
    Mutton Snapper
    Snapper (Yellowtail)
    Yellowtail Snapper
    Tuna (Blackfin)
    Blackfin Tuna
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FAQs about Goliath Charters Summerland

Goliath Charters Summerland offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $50 per person - Be the first one on the Tarpon (1 hour)
  • US $100 per person - Short sunset Trip – Evening Tarpon (1 hour)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Bastardized Bonefish bonanza! (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Be the first one on the Tarpon (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Crack of Dawn Tarpon/Coffee (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Sandbar Adventure (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Sunset Shark (2 hours)
  • US $400 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Wham bam, thank you, Captain Craig (2 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Get on tailing permit at sunrise (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Sunrise offshore Mahi-Mahi fishing (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Sunrise offshore sailfishing (3 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Sunrise offshore tuna fishing (3 hours)
  • US $600 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Be the first one on the Tarpon (4 hours)
  • US $1,200 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - Marquasas wreak fishing (8 hours)

When you book a trip with Goliath Charters Summerland, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet The boat has a under console toilet for privacy
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling Equipment
  • Live Bait Well
  • Spearfishing Equipment
  • Ice Box

Trips booked with Goliath Charters Summerland include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks
  • Fishing License
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Goliath Charters Summerland offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore Fishing
  • Nearshore Fishing
  • Offshore Fishing
  • Reef Fishing
  • Wreck Fishing
  • Flats Fishing
  • Backcountry Fishing

Goliath Charters Summerland offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Bowfishing
  • Handline (Handline Giant Goliath Grouper)
  • Spearfishing
  • Deep Sea Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Goliath Charters Summerland include:
  • Cobia
  • Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack (African Pompano)
  • Permit
  • Sailfish
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Snapper (Mutton)
  • Snapper (Yellowtail)
  • Tarpon
  • Tuna (Blackfin)
  • Wahoo

Meet the Captain

Craig Clopper
Cudjoe Key, Florida, United States
6 Fishing Reports
60 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since February 2020
Captain Craig Clopper has been fishing his entire life and has a passion for the outdoors. He always dreamed of fishing the Florida Keys and sharing his passion with others. Now he lives in The Keys and shares the dream with clients from around the globe. If you don’t find him on the flats you may find him in Alaska guiding the rivers of Alaska. Come join him!

About this listing

Targeted species

Cobia Cobia
Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) Dolphin (Mahi Mahi)
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
Jack (African Pompano) African Pompano Jack

Boat specs

Seavee (Center console) originally built in 2023. Powered by a 300HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 47 knots.

Length
25 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Bowfishing
Handline
Handline Giant Goliath Grouper
Spearfishing
Deep Sea Fishing

Amenities

Toilet
The boat has a under console toilet for privacy
GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling Equipment
Live Bait Well
Spearfishing Equipment

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment

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 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
No Alcohol
Too busy catching fish
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed

Payment

Book with 30% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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
PayPal
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 5% charge will apply.

Cudjoe Key Fishing Calendar

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Recent fishing reports

April fishing report
April fishing report
April 2, 2024
Inshore Fishing: Tarpon: The silver kings are in town, with the tarpon Gulf migration in full force. These magnificent fish are the largest and heaviest of the year, offering anglers thrilling battles and unforgettable catches. Consider booking a charter starting 5 AM or 6pm for 3 hours or so, when they are actually biting. Permit: You can still find them on the flats, but throughout the month of April, it will be easier to find them on the wrecks and reef. Snook: The backcountry is alive with snook action. Great success with these smart fighters, especially tight around the mangroves. Tons of fun with the paddleboard at low tide. Give me a call about this. It’s tons of fun! Redfish: Schools of redfish are providing consistent action, with many anglers enjoying the light-tackle challenge they offer. It’s good, but honestly not nearly as good as it was last year. Bonefish: Honestly, I’m not your guide for bonefish. They’re small, hard to see, and they bore me. Hire another guide if bonefish gives you a rise in your Levi’s. I’ll do it, but not happily… Sharks: They are killing my tarpon... Let's get them! try to book a sunset charter! Offshore Fishing: Sailfish: The sailfish bite is strong, with many reports of successful catches. These acrobatic beauties are a favorite for sportfishers seeking high-speed thrills. I like using lighter line than most captains. You’re going to get way more bites, and it’s better for the fish, so what if we don't always get a grip-n-grin. Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi): The Gulf Stream is bringing in schools of bait, and with them, hungry dolphin fish. April is the month to catch your biggest dolphin! Tuna: Holy crap, March was an awesome month for tuna. I had some of my best tuna experiences this year. I hope it continues! Snapper and Grouper: Bottom fishing is yielding good numbers of snapper and grouper, with some impressive sizes being hauled up from the depths. We’re even catching some monster red snapper! I caught one yesterday above 16 pounds and 33 inches! Why Book with Goliath Charters? Expertise: Captain Craig’s knowledge of both inshore and offshore waters means you’re always in the prime spot for action. Choice of Vessels: Whether it’s shallow water adventures on the Maverick poling skiff or deep-sea quests on the offshore Seavee, we have the perfect boat for your fishing needs. Memorable Experiences: Our charters are about more than just fishing; they’re about creating stories and memories that last a lifetime.
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.8 / 5
out of 5 stars from 59 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (45)
Great fishing trip!
Great fishing trip!
Feeling great about the fishing last night!
+42
Angler rating
53
1
0
3
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
92%
Appropriate for children
88%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
89%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 59 reviews
Steven P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Craig

VERIFIED   Short sunset Trip – Evening Tarpon on May 4, 2023
Steven P. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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You and 2 people found this review helpful
Steven P. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful

Carl A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Craig

VERIFIED   Sunset Shark on April 26, 2023
Carl A. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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Carl A. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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Kim V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great fishing trip!

VERIFIED   Wham bam, thank you, Captain Craig on February 27, 2024
Beautiful sunset fishing trip caught some nice fish and captain was really cool and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.
Kim V. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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  Craig Clopper Captain replied

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

March fishing trip

VERIFIED   late riser morning trip on March 13, 2024
Kevin S. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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Kevin S. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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Michael H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Craig

VERIFIED   Reef/Wreak morning half day on December 31, 2023
Michael H. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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Michael H. recommends Goliath Charters Summerland
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