The Goliath Guru is the name that Captain Tim Simos was given after catching hundreds of Goliath Grouper for his clients.  The term Guru means “teacher” and someone “heavy with knowledge” in a specific subject.  Captain Tim prefers to target Goliath because they are the most challenging out of all local species because of where they live and are the most powerful fish around.  If keeping a Goliath interests you, then apply for a permit on FWC website during the first two weeks in October.  If you are selected, schedule a trip from March 1 through May 31.  You are almost guaranteed to get your slot Goliath as Capt. Tim is successful 9 out of 9 attempts at filling Goliath tags with 5 being over 30 inches.  About a third of the tags are brought by clients from the west coast because guides there say the slot sized Goliath is rare.  Fort Pierce is the best for slot Goliath. Goliath Guru Charters focuses primarily on Goliath Grouper.  Whatever fish we are targeting, Capt. Tim is always willing to teach you why we are fishing where we are and explain the techniques we are using.  Fishing is not just about catching; it is also about education and getting the most enjoyment out of your time on the water.
Capt. Tim has been fishing the waters of Fort Pierce and Florida since the early ‘80s and has been chartering for close to 20 years.  His 22 foot Ranger Bay boat is customized for fishing and offers a very dry ride. 
Captain Tim has more than 35 years experience fishing lures and tournaments and knows a lot of tricks to catch even Goliath grouper on lures.  You can catch your Goliath on heavy conventional tackle or what is considered lite spinning gear.  We do not employ a technique called “hand lining” where a heavy rope is used. We always use fish friendly circle hooks with live and dead baits.
He is also involved with the FWC's Goliath DNA sampling program and has submitted over 120 fin clip samples from different Goliath.