Charter Operator
Captain Randy Knowles

Member since November 2014 Apollo Beach, United States
Background
I specialize in catching BIG fish, Goliath Grouper in particular. I’ve been a USCG licensed captain since 2001, and fished Florida waters since I could walk. My best memories are of wade fishing the East coast, Indian River with my dad. He’s waist deep and I’m up to my neck dodging Sea Cows (aka Manatee) and catching Trout. I fished as a full time guide from 2001 to 2005, perfecting the art of catching Goliath Grouper. Had an opportunity to buy a small business in my home town of Winter Haven, so I stopped full time fishing to work a business, but I was still fishing when not working. In 2013, I retired from the business world and moved to Apollo Beach, Fl. Now the boat is on a lift in the backyard, and I can fish “full time”.  Light Tackle for Reds, Trout, and Snook.
Techniques
Goliath Grouper, inshore. Nothing like pulling a fish bigger then you are from 20 ft of water. Light Tackle fishing for Reds, Snook and trout, nothing like a Redfish busting a top water plug at Daylight against the mangrove tree line.

Hey, we're Captain Randy Knowles

Apollo Beach, United States
Background
I specialize in catching BIG fish, Goliath Grouper in particular. I’ve been a USCG licensed captain since 2001, and fished Florida waters since I could walk. My best memories are of wade fishing the East coast, Indian River with my dad. He’s waist deep and I’m up to my neck dodging Sea Cows (aka Manatee) and catching Trout. I fished as a full time guide from 2001 to 2005, perfecting the art of catching Goliath Grouper. Had an opportunity to buy a small business in my home town of Winter Haven, so I stopped full time fishing to work a business, but I was still fishing when not working. In 2013, I retired from the business world and moved to Apollo Beach, Fl. Now the boat is on a lift in the backyard, and I can fish “full time”.  Light Tackle for Reds, Trout, and Snook.
Techniques
Goliath Grouper, inshore. Nothing like pulling a fish bigger then you are from 20 ft of water. Light Tackle fishing for Reds, Snook and trout, nothing like a Redfish busting a top water plug at Daylight against the mangrove tree line.
7
Reviews
10
Reports
Verified

My Charter Listing

Captain Randy Knowles - Tampa Bay

Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent 7 reviews
Apollo Beach
trips from $550

Fishing Reports

Looking forward to a better 2021
Looking forward to a better 2021
Feb 1, 2021 Apollo Beach
Looking forward to a better 2021 I know everybody feels the same, “good riddance to 2020”. Hoping this will be a better and healthier year. The summer started off slow in March, only managed 4 fish to the boat on 3 trips. Then, “COVID”, almost everybody canceled and I did not do another Goliath trip until June 15th. June was great as usual, did four trips averaged 3 fish per trip. The rest of summer I managed 2 fish to the boat per trip. Last summer we managed 94 fish, this year 16, quite a difference. One thing good for this year, we didn’t bother the fish much so they ought to be ready to eat when we start dropping those BIG baits in front of them. Other fishing. With the restrictions on snook, reds, and trout, there is lots of them out there. When you can get out and the wind isn’t doing 20 mph you can have a blast catching fish. A Good friend of mine, Capt. Mike Murphey took us out for a Sheepshead trip last week, had a blast and brought about 15 home for some good eats. Planning to do some more of that, they should be getting bigger and more plentiful as the month goes on. Bucket list? Wanta’ catch a BIG fish? Check your calendar and give me a call. I’m hoping May and June will fill up early.
Looking forward to our 2020 Goliath seas
Looking forward to our 2020 Goliath seas
Nov 30, 2019 Apollo Beach
Goliath, Looking forward to our 2020 Goliath season. Last year at this time I was writing about “The First Goliath of 2019”. My grandson wanted to take a couple of his football buddies out to catch a big fish. I had always believed that the goliath went out deeper where the water was warmer and more stable. Divers had been telling me they are still here just very lethargic. So, I rigged up an underwater camera and, sure enough, they are here. Had a warm few days, the water got up close to 70 deg., took the boys out on January 2nd and got 2 Goliath to the boat. 1st time ever, I still can’t get over that day. This winter I have not been out for Goliath, too many fronts with too much wind. But I am looking forward to our 2020 season. 34 Goliath trips in 2019 and we managed to get 94 fish to the boat, that’s an average of 2.7 per trip. May and June were best with 55 fish to boat. Being honest, we did have 2 days last year with no fish to the boat. Always bites and a few hook-ups, but some days you just can’t get’em to the boat. It’s fishing. Bucket List? Wanta’ check off that BIG fish? Check your calendar and give me a call. May and June will fill up quickly.
6 Goliath to the boat in 2 days!
6 Goliath to the boat in 2 days!
May 17, 2019 Apollo Beach
12 Goliath to the boat in 2 days! Making memories. Eric and crew of 6 on a Bachelor party getaway from Atlanta. 3 guys on Friday, 6 fish to the boat, 3 new guys on Saturday, 6 fish to the boat. Memories made. We had some slow time, but overall, a GREAT couple days
Goliath Grouper in January, WOW!
Goliath Grouper in January, WOW!
Jan 2, 2019 Apollo Beach
The First Goliath of 2019, In January, WOW! A first for me, catching a goliath in January. I’ve always believed they went out to deeper water with a more stable temperature. I’ve met a few divers that tell me they are still in their normal haunts, just lethargic and don’t eat much. Well, I rigged up a camera last fall and have been able to catch a few on camera in December. My grandson wanted to take a couple of his football teammates out to try and catch a Big Fish. I figured it would take live bait and a warm day. The water had been in the 60’s for a couple weeks and I knew it would be almost impossible to get one to eat in the cold water. Well, a few days before our trip on January 2, we had a warm spell and the water warmed up to the low 70’s. We managed to catch some large lady fish and put them in the live well. We went out to where I had seen a couple of fish, and WOW! The first drop a bite and hooked fish. Only managed 2 fish, one around 150 and one at least 300 pounds. They guys were happy. A pretty good start to the year, 2 bites and 2 fish. So, if you’re thinking about catching the fish of a lifetime give me a call. Depending on water temperature, fishing starts the first of March. April May and June are the best months of the year, and we catch them thru November. June is almost full, plan that trip early. Other inshore fishing, I haven’t done much myself, I do not like the cold and wind. Every 3 or 4 days a new front brings in the wind and cold, too much for me. Can’t wait for Spring. Been out a few times when the weather is decent, plenty of trout, lots of small reds and snook. The sheepshead are starting to get ‘happy’ around the bridges, rock piles, and around the docks in the canals and rivers. You should be able to get plenty for supper. Been hearing stories of Cobia, lots of’em and some real big ones. Seems the trouble is finding the right bait to get them to bite.
The first Goliath of 2018, 6+ footer.
The first Goliath of 2018, 6+ footer.
Mar 18, 2018 Apollo Beach
The first Goliath of 2018, 6+ footer. Took Tom out yesterday to catch a Goliath. First bite, a big fish, we all got a little excited, but wasn’t on long, pulled lots of drag and broke us off. Second bite, got him away from the structure and the battle was on, after a tug of war, Tom won the battle and we had a 6+ foot fish beside the boat. A few pictures and released. February was such a warm month I was counting on Goliath early in March, but, March turned cold again and the water went from 78 at the end of February to 67 yesterday. With 67 degree water I wasn’t expecting much, the first 2 stops, no bites. We made the 30 minute ride to a reliable spot and got the first bite within a couple minutes. Got broke off, first bite of 2017 “a break off”, not a good start. Next bite, a missed fish but the third one paid off with a BIG fish to the boat. Only fished a couple hours but a decent start to the season. The weather is supposed to be back in the 80’s in four or five days and hopefully it will stay there. April 1 is Easter and my dad always said not to expect summer until after Easter, always works out that way. The fish are there and with warming weather I expect some great fishing days. Snook fishing is on fire, if you can fill the live well with white bait, it’s not too hard to find a bunch of snook willing to eat. Finding the ones in the slot is a little harder and requires big bait and a lot of patience. Trout are biting pretty well on the flats and near the mouths of the rivers. Personally I haven’t had much luck with the redfish so far, but I hear they are out there if you can find them.
Tampa Bay water and fishing is warming u
Tampa Bay water and fishing is warming u
Feb 16, 2018 Apollo Beach
Yesterday the water in Tampa Bay was 72 degrees, last week, 65. If this warm sunshine keeps up as expected the Goliath may be coming in early this year. Next week, I'll be getting on the water and checking all the spots to see if any are back for spring. Watch for updates. The past 3 years in Tampa bay, March 8th has been the earliest I have hooked one, and on March 20th of last year we were able to put 8 to the boat, just got better from there. April, May and June were the best with a total of 12 to the boat one day in June. Don’t miss your chance for the spring action, if you want to catch a BIG fish, book early. Since the weather has been warming up I’ve been getting out catching bait for the season and while out there, doing some fishing. Didn’t get out much during the winter, I do not like the cold. There has been plenty of trout and of course plenty of ladyfish action. The snook are starting to come out of their winter time hiding places and even picked up a few reds. I’ve seen a lot of small baits showing up on the flats and heard of some larger bait in places. The good baits should be showing up any time. It’s time to be “Fishing” Book it

Customer Reviews

Rating Summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (10)
5.00
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
out of 5 stars from 7 reviews
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Boat
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Crew
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Experience
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Another bucket list item checked off (Goliath Grouper)
Another bucket list item checked off (Goliath Grouper)
Capt. Randy is the Goliath Whisperer! For fish to the boat!
+7
Angler Rating
7
0
0
0
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
100%
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Jared S.
, Delavan, WI
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent  5.00
Experience:
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Boat
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Crew
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Overall

Half day trip with Captain Randy Knowles

VERIFIED   Half Day Trip on May 11, 2019
We had a great time with Captain Randy on a half day trip.  He is very accommodating and is kid friendly.  We caught 4 Goliath...
Jared S. recommends Captain Randy Knowles - Tampa Bay
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Michael S.
Bradenton, FL
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent  5.00
Experience:
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Boat
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Crew
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Overall

6 hour Goliath Grouper trip with Capt. Randy

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on June 17, 2019
My son, friend, and I went on the 6 hour Golith Grouper trip with Capt. Randy and I must say that we had an amazing experience....
Michael S. recommends Captain Randy Knowles - Tampa Bay
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Marcos L.
Sun City Center, FL
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent  5.00
Experience:
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Boat
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Crew
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Overall

Another bucket list item checked off (Goliath Grouper)

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on July 3, 2019
We had an excellent fishing day with Capt. Randy. He was very friendly and worked very hard to find fish. We caught 2 nice...
Marcos L. recommends Captain Randy Knowles - Tampa Bay
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John F.
Chicago, IL
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent  5.00
Experience:
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Boat
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Crew
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Overall

Goliath Grouper with Capt. Randy Knowles

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on May 25, 2019
I had a fantastic trip. The captain is very friendly and helpful. He put me onto the fish right away. I landed six fish up...
John F. recommends Captain Randy Knowles - Tampa Bay
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Jeremiah D.
Joplin, Missouri
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent  5.00
Experience:
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Boat
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Crew
Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent Overall

Capt. Randy is the Goliath Whisperer! For fish to the boat!

VERIFIED   Full Day Trip on June 27, 2019
Great day on the water.  Caught our first fish within minutes of dropping the line. We had a blast and caught four giant fish! ...
Jeremiah D. recommends Captain Randy Knowles - Tampa Bay
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