Captain
Phil Rugari

Member since February 2019 Belleair Bluffs, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Ishore around docks and pilings, nearshore reefs/ bottom fishing and offshore bottom fishing structure. I have many spots that only I know about.

Hey, I'm Captain Phil Rugari

Belleair Bluffs, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Ishore around docks and pilings, nearshore reefs/ bottom fishing and offshore bottom fishing structure. I have many spots that only I know about.

My Charter Listings

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Placida
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $1,200

Fishing Reports

Sharks for everyone!!!
Sharks for everyone!!!
Mar 9, 2020 Belleair Bluffs
Winter fishing in Florida is very hit and miss depending on cold fronts and wind conditions. When you can time the weather correctly you can really get on some nice grouper and the trout bite is FIRE! Larger grouper move in closer to shore in the winter time and many people have luck catching keeper gags either from fishing piers like the skyway or on some of the nearshore ledges and reefs. We have caught gags over 32 inches this past winter with consistency. Inshore fishing is good when the wind dies down, rat reds run around the bays and inland waters and larger trout can be found near grassy flats in 3-4ft of water. As white bait becomes scarce shrimp is always available from the bait shops and will get the nod from every fish that swims. Over the past week we are starting to see a slow down in the wind which is giving us some of our fishing spots back that we cant always fish with 30knot winds. One trip this week we caught 7 bonnethead sharks and twice we were tripled up with them. Rat reds were on the menu and large trout were also biting very good. Sheepshead have been hanging around docks, look for docks with good build up of oysters and barnacles - they will hold fish for sure. Any backwater areas you can find as well that are shallow (less than 2ft) will hold larger reds and big snook. One day we spotted more than 6 snook that were 30+. None took the bait but they were there! Either way tight lines and get out on the water!
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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 85 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (142)
Great trip
Great trip
Wonderful Trip!
+139
Angler rating
75
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
88%
Appropriate for children
96%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
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Showing:
5 of 85 reviews
Clinton D.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   3/4 Day โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore on May 23, 2025
Clinton D. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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Gabriella B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

May fishing trip

VERIFIED   Half Day โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (AM) on May 17, 2025
Gabriella B. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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Gabriella B. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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Sara B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Phil

VERIFIED   Half Day โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (AM) on April 21, 2025
Sara B. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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Brandon M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

The Mercyโ€™s

VERIFIED   3/4 Day โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore on May 25, 2024
My husband and I are new to the area and looking for a great fishing trip and booked with Captain Phil. He kept in touch with...
Brandon M. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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Brandon M. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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Gina P.
Phoenix, AZ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Morning In Shore Trip!

VERIFIED   Half Day โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (AM) on May 16, 2023
We had the absolute best time with Phil! So much so that we booked a second trip with him just days after our first trip! ๐Ÿ˜‚...
Gina P. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Gina P. recommends Suncoast Expeditions โ€“ Clearwater Fishing
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful