Tampa Bay Goliath Grouper Charters
A fish that can outweigh everyone on the boat. Goliath grouper live on Tampa Bay's bridges, wrecks and reefs, and the fight is pure strength: lock the drag, pull hard, and don't let it reach the structure. Captain Phil supplies the heavy tackle, the bait and the coaching.
Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund. First time on big fish? Perfect. Captain Phil coaches every fight.
Pull hard. Don't let it home.
Goliath grouper are the largest grouper in the Atlantic, and Tampa Bay's structure holds plenty of them. Hook one and it heads straight for its hole. The first few seconds decide the fight.
- Massive fish. Goliaths over 100 pounds are common, and the biggest can top 400. Even a "small" one will test you.
- Structure lovers. They live on bridge pilings, wrecks, ledges and artificial reefs in and just outside the bay.
- Protected species. Goliath grouper are catch-and-release. Big fish stay in the water for photos, then swim back down.
Warm water, hungry goliaths.
The largest grouper in the Atlantic.
Structure in and just outside Tampa Bay.
Best when the water's warm
Goliaths feed hardest from June through September, when the water is warm. Spring and fall are still good, and the cold months slow them down.
Drop down. Pull up a giant.
Meet at the dock
540 Bahia Beach Blvd. in Ruskin, or the pickup spot you chose when you booked.
Anchor on the structure
Phil sets up on a bridge, wreck or reef that holds goliaths and sends a big bait to the bottom.
Win the first ten seconds
When it eats, you pull hard to turn the fish from the structure. Then it's a slugfest, a boatside photo and a release.
- Heavy tackle and rigs for big fish
- Bait, plus everything else you need
- Fishing licenses for everyone aboard
- Photos with your fish before the release
- Captain Phil's coaching, start to finish
Built for giants
Knows the structure
With 25+ years on Tampa Bay, Phil knows which pilings, wrecks and reefs hold big goliaths and how to anchor so the bait lands in their living room.
Tackle that won't break
Heavy rods, big reels and stout line rated for fish of several hundred pounds. Nothing light, nothing borrowed.
Respect for the fish
Goliaths are protected. They stay in the water, get their photo taken alongside the boat, and swim off healthy.
Goliath trip questions
Can we keep a goliath grouper?
No. Goliath grouper are a protected species, and we release every one. Big fish stay in the water for photos, then go back down.
How big do they get?
Goliaths over 100 pounds are common, and the biggest can top 400. They're the largest grouper in the Atlantic.
Do I need to be strong?
Strength helps, but technique matters more. Captain Phil shows you how to use your legs and the rod to turn the fish, and he coaches every second of the fight.
When is the best time to go?
June through September, when the water is warm and goliaths are feeding hardest. Spring and fall are good too.
Can kids come along?
Yes. Kids love seeing a goliath come up alongside the boat. Adults usually handle the biggest fish, and Captain Phil keeps everyone safe.
What does it cost?
$700 for 1 or 2 guests, plus $50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6. $150 books your date, and the balance is due at pickup. Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Book a charter
Just $150 books your date. Private charters with Captain Phil Pegley, USCG licensed with 25+ years on the water. We pick you up all around Tampa Bay: Ruskin, Hula Bay, St. Petersburg Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's Restaurant, or almost any dock with a pier.
Shark, goliath grouper and tarpon are specialty charters: from $700 for up to 2 people per four-hour block, plus $50 per additional person. All day is $300 more. Choose it as an option when you book in the calendar. Questions? Call (813) 416-6296.
Pick your date and time in the calendar Out early on calm water for redfish, snook and trout, and back with your catch cleaned by midday. The easiest trip to fit around a vacation. $550for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates Afternoon trip Afternoon Inshore Charter Afternoon departure
Pick your date and time in the calendar A later start for a slow morning. Fish the afternoon tide on Tampa Bay's flats and mangroves, then head to dinner with a fresh catch. $550for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates All-day trip All-Day Inshore Charter Full day on the water
Pick your date and time in the calendar Time to work more spots, follow the tides, and chase bigger fish. The trip for anglers who want the whole day. $750for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6$150 to book · balance on pickup Check dates Seasonal · Tampa Bay Cast & Blast Duck Hunt + Fishing Nov. 21 – Jan. 31
Duck season only (approximate dates) Two bookings, one day: a duck hunt and a fishing charter with the same captain. Hunt in the morning and fish in the afternoon, or the other way around. Save 10%on the total of both bookings Hunt: 1 hunter$3502 hunters$300 each3 hunters$250 each Plus the fishing charter, from $550 See how it works Seasonal · Key West Lobstering Key West Lobstering July 15 – Aug. 31
Florida Keys, not Tampa Bay Snorkel the shallow reefs and ledges for spiny lobster, and fish between dives. All ages welcome. $700for 1 or 2 guests+$50 for each additional guest, up to a max of 6 Check dates
Meeting point. 540 Bahia Beach Blvd., Ruskin, FL 33570, or a pickup at Hula Bay, St. Petersburg Landing, O'Neal's Marina, Hook's Restaurant (611 Destiny Dr., Ruskin) or almost any Tampa Bay dock with a pier. Add it in your booking notes.
Pricing. Morning or afternoon: $550 for 1–2 guests. All day: $750 for 1–2 guests. Key West lobstering: $700 for 1–2 guests. Each additional guest is $50, up to 6. Cast & Blast is two bookings, a duck hunt and a fishing charter, with 10% off the total.
Cancellation. Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund.
Good to know. Kids and first-timers are welcome. There's no bathroom on the boat, but in Tampa Bay we're never more than about 10 minutes from one.
Questions? Call (813) 416-6296 or email Captain Phil.
Hunting something else big?
Ready to pull on a giant?
Pick a date, put down $150, and Captain Phil will handle the tackle, the bait and the spot. You bring the legs.
Reel Escapes Fishing Charters · USCG licensed · Fishing regulations change; current Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rules always apply.