Fishing Information

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Trolling, Bottom or Shark Fishing: 1/2, 3/4 & Full Day Fishing Charters.

Our fishing charters depart as early as 7:00 or 8:00 am and the afternoon trips go from 12:00 noon on. The Shark Trips typically depart 3:00 pm. Departure times are flexible. You can bring up to 6 people in your own group or we can arrange a split group.

Updated November 18, 2008

THE KINGS ARE RUNNIN!!

The King Mackerel are running! Also catching Spanish Mackerel, Bonito and occasional Barracudas. 1/2 or 3/4 day recommended.

SHARK FISHIN!

C'mon and hook into a real predator! Typical catches are Black Tips ranging from 3-6 foot, occasional Bull Sharks, Hammer Heads and Nurse Sharks. Reef and Sand Sharks are in the mix as well. Usually 1/2 day in the late day departing around 3:00 pm. Later departures available.

GAG GROUPER BEGINNING TO ARRIVE

The Gag Grouper have slowly begun to show their faces. A 3/4 day or All Day trip is recommended this time of year. Currently you can keep 5 Grouper per person (Gags and Red combined), only 1 can be Red. You can also do a combo trip on the All Day: bottom fishing and trolling.

*Gratuities are appreciated if you feel you've had a good time and been served well.*

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Trolling

Trolling is for the novice and experienced anglers alike. This is the type of trip we recommend if you have kids or if you just want to go out and have a lot of fun and of course catch some great eating fish! Trolling is an absolute blast and typically there is consistent action so you or the kids don't have a chance to get bored! Basically, the boat is constantly on the move circling over the bait piles and bigger fish, trolling the lines in the water and when a fish gets hooked, it's your job to reel it in! You won't be anchored up for this kind of fishing.

Shark Fishing

This trip should definitely go into your "to do list". Imagine being one-on-one with a shark. Now is a great time to go shark fishing. Captain Richard will take you out to the spot, anchor the boat, set out a chum line (puts scent into the water) and drops some big baits down. Then it becomes a waiting game...and then you get a "hook up"! Get ready to play tug of war with a shark! It's an absolute blast! Exhilarating and sometimes exhausting, but the reward is the experience itself, and of course the bragging rights. Typically the best time to fish for shark is in the late day (usually a 3:00 pm departure or later, depending on trips we have scheduled in the day). Usually we catch Black Tip Sharks, but we do get Hammer Heads, Tigers, Bull Sharks, Nurse Sharks and some Reef and Sand Sharks. Finally, we do practice catch and release unless you plan on eating the shark. Therefore, Captain Richard will "steak" or "filet" it for you.

The best time for the trolling is Spring, Summer & Fall. However, typically the Spanish Mackerel and Bonito run all year-round depending on water temperature. For the past several years, we have been catching them year-round.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom Fishing in a Nut Shell: Captain Richard takes you to the fishing spot, anchors the boat, baits your hooks (unless you like to bait your own) you drop your baits down to the bottom, and get ready for the Grouper Bite...sometimes the bite is instant and sometimes they nibble on your bait just to tease you. Your reaction time is imperative to catch these fish. You have to be able to react on that bite in order to get that Grouper up off the bottom or out of its hole! Just remember, Captain Richard is always there to help, teach and show you how it's done! When you lose your bait or "Feed the Grouper", he'll just bait you again! This type of fishing is quite challenging. By the way, Bottom Fishing will at times cause you to blurt out various phrases and choice words you didn't realize you knew or haven't used since High School! Yup...these Grouper sure can get a rise out of just about anyone. Challenging...but rewarding!

The best time to fish for the grouper is in the colder months: Late October through February. Snappers can also be in the mix. Grouper season is closed from February 15th through March 15th.

Amberjack: This is a year-round fish to catch! This trip requires a 10 hour trip and ya' might want to pump some iron before you take on this challenge. Be upper-body prepared!

To reserve your next Clearwater fishing charter or have questions, email us at fishaboveaverage@aol.com or call Helen at 727-365-7931.

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