florida saltwater fishing trips

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Offshore Fishing Charters

From clearwater beach, tampa bay area, florida.

Florida's #1

Offshore Bottom Fishing Charters & Trolling Trips

Welcome to Salt Cracker Charters ! The best offshore fishing and trolling charter service in Clearwater Beach , Florida. We love fishing and we want to share our passion with you. Whether you’re looking for grouper, snapper, kingfish  or more, we have the expertise and equipment to help you land the big ones in the Gulf of Mexico. And after a great day on the water, you can enjoy your fresh catch cooked at Salt Cracker Fish Camp , our restaurant at the same dock. Don’t wait, book your trip today and join us for some saltwater fun! With each charter, comes an experienced and passionate crew who is ready to help you escape from everyday life and experience the excitement that the Gulf of Mexico has to offer.

TESTIMONIALS

What they say about us

We had great weather , a great Captain and first mate. We caught over 5 species and brought about 25 fish to the dock. We also threw back about 30 Grunts which were great eating. Then, we went to the Salt Cracker restaurant where they prepared our fish for us . We chose blackened and fried along with cole slaw and fries. What a great experience for a Father & Son.

We took an 8 hour trip with Captain Kevin and first mate Peyton this week and it was unbelievable. They were so attentive, friendly and helpful along with constantly having us on fish! We caught well over 120 fish with 3 people. I could not recommend them more. They’re extremely hardworking and all over every request. For an amazing fishing experience, book Kevin & Peyton. You will be thrilled! By the way, have their restaurant Saltcracker Fish Camp cook your catch for dinner. It was great!

Types Of Fishing Trips

Trolling Trips

On our trolling trips, we fish for:

• Spanish Mackerel

Bottom Fishing

On our 4, 5, and 6 hour bottom fishing trips, we fish for*:

• Assorted “Panfish Species” : Hogfish (Seasonally), White Grunts (Gray Snapper), Lane Snapper, Porgies, and Black Seabass.

On our 8, 10, and 12 hour bottom fishing trips, we fish for*:

• Grouper (Red and Gag Seasonally)
• Snapper (American Red Snapper seasonally, Mangrove, Lane, and Vermillion)
• Amberjacks and assorted pelagics (seasonally)

*Target Species May Vary Depending On The Season, Check With Capt Upon Booking.

Meet The Boats

Salt Cracker II

Salt Cracker III

Salt Cracker IV

34’ Crusader sportfisherman powered by a Caterpillar 3208 inboard diesel engine ,  she is equipped with state of the art Furuno electronics to help us find the fish. Her enclosed pilot house provides ample shade and a place to get out of the elements. She is also equipped with a full head onboard.

34' Crusader sportfisherman powered by a  500 horsepower Cummins Marine diesel engine. She is equipped with state of the art Furuno and Garmin electronics to help us find the fish. Her enclosed pilot house provides ample shade and a place to get out of the elements. She is also equipped with a full head onboard.

38' Stapleton sportfisherman powered by twin 450 horsepower Cummins Marine diesel engines. One of the largest boats in the Clearwater Marina fleet, Salt Cracker IV will get you out there in comfort and speed ! She is equipped with state-of-the-art Furuno and Garmin electronics to help us find the fish and her enclosed pilot house and cabin is outfitted with plenty of seating and a dinette to keep you comfortable while you take a break in the shade , protected from the sun. She also is equipped with a full head onboard .

We're ready to show you the Gulf Coast's wonders!

If you love fishing, you’ll love Salt Cracker Charters. We take you to the best spots in the Gulf, where you can hook Red and Gag Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish, Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Amberjack, Tuna and more. Whether you want a half-day family outing or a full-day adventure , we have the right trip for you. And we have the best crew in the business - friendly, professional, and skilled.But that’s not all. When you return to the dock, we clean and fillet your catch for you . And if you want to taste your fish right away, we can cook it for you at our own restaurant , Salt Cracker Fish Camp. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the ultimate fishing thrill. Book your trip today and join us for some saltwater fun!

Options & Rates

3 hour private charter, 4 hour private charter, 5 hour private charter.

Most Popular!

6 Hour Private Charter

8 hour private charter.

Included in all options above: 

• Fishing Gear
• Cooler With Plenty of Ice
• Maximum 6 Guests/Boat

Not included: 

• Food & Snacks

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go fishing in Florida?

The waters of the Gulf of Mexico surrounding Clearwater, Florida offer excellent fishing year round but we target some fish during certain seasons. For example, Spring and fall are the best time to troll for kingfish and spanish mackerel while summertime is excellent fishing for red grouper and red snapper. You can check our website for the latest fishing updates and tips.

What kind of gear do you provide?

We provide everything you need for a successful day of fishing, like our custom rods, reels, bait, tackle, ice, and licenses. We have different kinds of tackle for different fishing methods and techniques.

Do you have any deals or specials?

We do not currently offer any deals or specials

Should I bring my own snacks and drinks?

You should bring your own snacks and drinks. While we have you covered with everything you need for a successful day of fishing, the only thing we do not provide is whatever you want to eat and drink while you are out there. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated along with anything you want to eat and we will ice it down for you in our cooler onboard! 

How do I book with you?

You can book online on our website or give us a call. 

How many people can fit on the boat?

Each boat is US Coast Guard certified to carry up to 6 passengers and can accomodate up to six anglers comfortably. If you have a bigger group, we can arrange multiple boats for you.

What should I wear and bring for the trip?

You should wear something comfortable that can get wet and dirty. You should also bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, and any medications you may need. You may also want to bring a jacket or rain gear in case of weather changes.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel my trip?

The captain will decide if the weather is safe enough to go out. If the trip is canceled due to weather or mechanical issues, you can reschedule or get a full refund of your deposit. If you need to cancel your trip for any other reason, you must do so at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure time to get a refund of your deposit.

How long are the trips and where do you go?

The trips range from 4 hours to 12 hours depending on your preference and availability. We go anywhere from 5 miles to around 75 miles offshore depending on the type of fishing you want to do. We have access to some of the best fishing spots in the Gulf of Mexico.

What kind of fish can I expect to catch?

You can expect to catch a variety of fish depending on the season and the location. Some of the common fish you can catch are grouper, snapper, hogfish, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, amberjack, shark, and more.

How do you handle the fish I catch?

We’ll help you land, measure, and photograph your fish. We’ll also clean and fillet your fish for you at the dock. You can take your fish home with you or ask us to cook them at Salt Cracker Fish Camp.

What is Salt Cracker Fish Camp?

Salt Cracker Fish Camp is a restaurant located in the marina where we operate directly behind our boats!. They specialize in serving fresh seafood dishes made with local ingredients. You can have your catch cooked there for a small fee or enjoy their other menu items.

Do you offer any other services or activities besides fishing?

We can accommodate private groups for sunset cruises or dolphin watching cruises. Contact the booking office for more details on these services 727-442-3005

Are you insured and licensed?

Yes, we are. We are fully insured and licensed by the US Coast Guard, NOAA, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We follow all the safety regulations and fishing laws.

How can I contact you if I have any questions or concerns?

You can contact us by phone.

Where are you located and how do I get there?

We are located at 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL, 33767, United States . Slip numbers: 35, 36, and 38

Getting in touch

Do you have any other questions? Then give us a call or fill out the form in the contact page.

Understanding Gulf of Mexico Fishing Seasons and Species

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Your guide to saltwater fishing in florida, love saltwater fishing whether you prefer to fish from a boat or a pier, for gamefish or dinner, florida saltwater fishing has what you're looking for.  .

When it comes to designing the ultimate saltwater fishing destination, Florida serves as the ultimate blueprint. Why so? Because its geography offers access to the Gulf Stream, reefs, wrecks, estuaries, bays, inlets and rivers. Added together they afford the chance to fish for everything from bonefish to billfish - all in the same day if desired.

Here's a rundown of these popular angling haunts for Florida saltwater fishing and successful techniques for what you might encounter.

Gulf Stream

It's deep, it's blue, and it's full of large game fish that can turn the shape of a rod into a pretzel. Here lurk awesome battlers such as blue marlin, wahoo, sailfish, dolphin, kingfish, swordfish, yellowfin and blackfin tuna, and sharks longer than the width of some boats. Trolling lures and baits is the best bet, although offshore fly fishing has increased in popularity.

It's amazing how a fat snook or redfish can traverse shallow waters about the length of your hand, but best results occur in water two feet or less in depth, particularly with sea grasses and bottom contours and sediments conducive to homesteading by crabs, shrimps and other fish munchies. Wading is popular (taking care to slide your feet to ward off stingrays), as is casting from shorelines. The ultimate challenge is sight-fishing from a boat being silently poled by a guide. Unsurpassed flats fishing is the hallmark of the  Florida Keys .

Being relatively shallow and easier on the kidneys than fishing offshore, bay waters teem with a hodgepodge of game fish favorites. Take a variety of rods and reels - light, medium and heavy - to aptly duel with whatever slurps up your bait or make-believe morsel. Some of the fishier hot spots are  Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, Whitewater Bay, Chokoloskee Bay, Ponce de Leon Bay, Charlotte Harbor, Tampa Bay,   Homosassa Bay, Waccasassa Bay, Apalachee Bay, West and East bays (Panama City)  and  Pensacola Bay .

Look for concrete or rocky jetties that line both sides of a choice spot such as Sebastian Inlet. Many inlets are angler-friendly, providing access and facilities. Jockey to find a good casting stage for shots at tarpon, snook, redfish, jacks and mackerel that congregate during tidal changes. Free-line a floating live crab or shrimp with the current or cast a lead-head jig or lure up-current and work it back to you.

Night fishing is best, especially on a full-moon phase. Cast a jig tipped with a shrimp up-current and hop it back to the piling. You'll lose a few rigs in the rocks but you'll also catch more snook and tarpon than anyone else. Many of the Keys bridges are perfect for this, as well as the Sunshine Skyway off Tampa. Some bridges offer catwalks and other facilities. Some bridges do not allow fishing, so follow posted regulations.

No boat? No problem. Just walk to deeper water. Pier anglers regularly catch Spanish mackerel, snook, tarpon, sheepshead, redfish, trout and other stars of the fishing world. Pilings themselves serve as an attractant, and lights shown in the water at night become fish magnets. Excellent  pier fishing  can be found in Broward and Miami-Dade counties as well as in the Panhandle.

Islands, beaches and even rocky coastal areas can be fished with good results. Move along quietly as fish can hear the slightest noises or even see you. Either soak a bait on the bottom or cast parallel to the beach to tempt snook or reds hunting the troughs for chewables.

Mangrove shorelines and overhanging trees provide fish with a respite from direct sunlight. Drift along promising banks and cast the edges of the shoreline and near dead tree limbs, stumps and other obstructions. Anchor at a promising spot and cast up-current to work your offering past target points. Any of these places and techniques for tangling with game fish will produce successful Florida saltwater fishing trips. Be a part of the fun, but remember to keep only the fish you'll eat that night and release the rest. That will help ensure a healthy fishery in the future for both you and your children.

For more information, check out   Fishing in Florida: The Ultimate Guide  from FishingBooker.

Purchase your florida fishing license, places to remember, charlotte harbor, strategic alliance partners.

Airborne Outdoors

Fishing Charters with Captain Chris Fanelli 941-702-9043

Welcome to Airborne Outdoors

Airborne Outdoors Fishing Charters with Captain Chris Fanelli is a Veteran owned and operated saltwater fishing charter & hunting guide service based out of Southwest Florida.  Come enjoy a custom guided trip with family and friends on the waters of Boca Grande and the Charlotte Harbor.  Offering you superlative light tackle, heavy tackle and fly fishing trips inside of these beautiful estuaries.   

Charlotte Harbor is the second-largest estuary in Florida and home to prolific species of game fish.  The grass flats and back country are sought after by all anglers for it's fishing year round.  Tarpon, Snook, Redfish and Sharks are among the most commonly targeted species.  Other species commonly caught include: Trout, Tripletail, Black Drum, Mackerel, Sheepshead and Cobia.  The harbor has at least 279 documented species and it boasts almost 300 square miles of mangrove lined shoreline with hundreds of islands.  It includes almost 300 miles of man made canals, and thousands of acres of shallow grass flats.

The world famous Boca Grande pass is most notable for it's world class Tarpon fishing.  Every spring, thousands of hungry Tarpon embark on their annual migration to make their yearly spawn.  The Charlotte Harbor is fed from the north by two rivers; the Peace River and the Myakka River.  All of this water leads out to the Gulf of Mexico through the Boca Grande Pass.  This geographical anomaly presents a perfect gathering spot for the massive schools of big Tarpon.  Boca Grande is labeled the "Tarpon Capital of the world"   Anglers from around the world come to this area to test their skills and patience against the 'SILVER KING'.  An amazing experience for any angler, beginner or advanced.  Given the challenge at hand, a professional guide is more than recommended for a successful day on these waters.

Your fishing adventure will always be custom tailored to your fishing needs by the Captain.  Airborne Outdoors can host any number of anglers in your party with the help of other local full time guides in the area.

Contact us today and go chase some amazing game fish in southwest Florida.  We offer inshore, nearshore, offshore and Tarpon fishing charters and cruises.  All ages are welcome aboard for a wonderful day on the water.  In these pristine waters you can expect a large variety of fish.  That's not all, you are likely to come across some dolphins and manatees, so bring a camera!  Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Trout, Sharks, Flounder, Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, and many other species.    Book your next adventure today!  Any excursion will be custom tailored to fit your needs.  

However you want to spend your day on the water, Capt. Chris will have a trip to suit your needs. Choose between fishing, watching dolphins play, taking in a sunset by boat or collecting shells on the local islands.  You can also take a night time tour through the canals looking at the Christmas lights displays during the month of December. All trips are private.  

Pickups are available from several locations.  You have the option to get picked up in Boca Grande, Pine island, Placida or Punta Gorda.  Capt. Chris can accommodate anglers of any skill set and will gladly help make your day memorable.

On the morning of your trip, all required fishing gear will be ready onboard, along with waters and ice. You should bring whatever you would want to eat and drink based on the length of your trip.  Always make sure to bring a camera, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.  There's always a chance of rain out there, so I recommend bringing a jacket.  

airborneoutdoors

(727) 442-1502

Daisy Mae VII is a 30ft Island Hopper, which is well known around the world as one of top notch fishing machine. It has a 12 ft beam in the back to allow room for 6 anglers to enjoy a great day on the water.

When booking a fishing trip with Daisy Mae Fishing Charters in Dunedin, Florida expect to reel a big catch! Check out some photos from recent fishing trips we’ve taken on our fishing charters.

A matching 30ft Island Hopper, which is well known around the world as one of top notch fishing machine. It has a 12 ft beam in the back to allow room for 6 anglers to enjoy a great day on the water.

Welcome to Daisy Mae Fishing Charters!

Serving Dunedin, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, St Petersburg and Orlando.  The Daisy Mae deep sea fishing fleet is conveniently located in west central Florida at The Dunedin Marina minutes away from Clearwater Beach and Honeymoon Island. Our climate is rated one of the best offshore saltwater fishing charter experience in north America.

We have more days of calm seas than just about any location in Florida and the US. Not to mention some of the best sport fishing in the country.

West Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area is the grouper fishing capital of the world and our offshore blue water fishing for marlin, sailfish, Wahoo and big tuna is second to none!

Daisy Mae Fishing Charters LLC offers Florida charter saltwater fishing trips from 4 hours to 12 hours and more to suit even the most extreme angler.

In the Spring, Summer and Fall we catch king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, bonito, tuna, dolphin, Wahoo, sailfish, grouper, snapper and more. In the Winter we catch grouper, snapper, amberjack and many other reef fish.

West Central and Clearwater Beach Florida offers not only great saltwater sport fishing charters but is home to many other interesting and fun activities for you to enjoy in the Tampa Bay area. Whether you like a simple four hour family fishing trip or an exotic offshore extreme sport fishing adventure, the charter fishing boat fleet of Daisy Mae would like to be your host for a great Florida fishing adventure.

So let’s go fishing on one of the charter boats of Daisy Mae Fishing Charters. Out of beautiful Dunedin Marina, Florida! Deep sea saltwater fishing for grouper and snapper charters to sport fishing for kingfish, mackerel, barracuda and more! We are your one stop fishing resource for Florida fishing charters! We have been fishing offshore in Florida’s gulf for over 70 years. Photos of recent catches are on our web site. Sparkling Dunedin and Clearwater Beach Florida is our home, serving Orlando, Tampa and the greater Tampa bay area. Grouper fishing report on the web every Month for your fishing enjoyment. We hope to see you soon!

The Grouper Fishing Capital of the World

Deep sea fishing on the Gulf of Mexico for grouper and snapper is good most any time of the year. Other offshore saltwater fish such as kingfish, cobia, tuna, amberjack, Spanish mackerel, dolphin, shark, barracuda, permit, and mahi are all caught as they seasonally migrate through the deep sea waters of the Gulf of Mexico offshore of Tampa, Florida.

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Daisy Mae Fishing Charters

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