When gags are around Clearwater
Gag grouper fishing out of Clearwater means nearshore bottom on the shorter trips, with named reefs and ledges from 5 to 14 mi off Clearwater Pass. Every distance and bearing on this page is measured from the Pass. For ramps, the inlet and port conditions, start with the Clearwater port page. For gag biology and general behavior, see our gag grouper guide. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
Before you cross the Pass, check the numbers. NDBC station CWBF1 at Clearwater Beach (27.978N 82.832W) reports wind, wave height and period. It is also NOAA tide station 8726724, so the same stop gives you the tide. Read both alongside the official marine forecast. This guide helps you decide where to look and makes no promise about fish.
Harvest reopens in September (Double Eagle gives Sept. 1), and the rest of the year is catch and release. Charters report gags biting in May, July and November-December.
Reefs and ledges that hold gags off Clearwater
Eight named grounds run from 20 to 55 ft. Distances and bearings are measured from Clearwater Pass, and the table is sorted by distance. Clearwater Reef’s position comes from ReefsNwrecks.
| Ground | Depth (ft) | Distance from Clearwater Pass (mi) | Bearing (°) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand Key Reef | 20 | 5.0 | 194 |
| Clearwater Reef | 27-32 | 5.0 | 311 |
| Loggerhead Ledge | 40 | 9.4 | – |
| Rube Alan Reef | 50 | 12.0 | 260 |
| Veteran Reef | 45 | 12.8 | 300 |
| Gregs Ledge | 55 | 13.8 | 289 |
| Indian Shores Reef | 42 | 14.3 | 238 |
| Dunedin Reef | 27-33 | – | – |
The shallow reefs sit 5.0 mi out in 20-32 ft, and Gregs Ledge is 55 ft at 13.8 mi. Verify bearings and distances on your plotter and the official chart. You can mark these grounds on Chart Contours in Breakpoint before the run, but chart layers are not for navigation.
For the wider reef fish picture, see our reef fish guides.
Why ledges matter
According to FishEye’s Clearwater grouper report, gags sit over bigger structure such as a rock ledge. Two ledges in the table fit that description: Loggerhead Ledge at 40 ft and Gregs Ledge at 55 ft. Stella reports that a hooked gag tries to dive back into the rocks, which is why drag matters.
How gags are fished locally
Local reports describe two methods: bottom fishing with live bait, which is the working method on the shorter trips, and trolling.
Live bait on the bottom
Drop live bait to the structure and fish it there. The reefs in the table are the targets.
Trolling
Stella’s gag post also mentions trolling, used locally alongside the bottom work.
Heavy drag to turn them off the rocks
A hooked gag dives back into the rock, so local fishing calls for a heavy drag to turn it off. Because most of the year is catch and release, the same pull applies to every gag you hook.
Who fishes for gags out of Clearwater
These local charters list gag grouper:
- Double Eagle Deep Sea Fishing: Double Eagle II and Double Eagle III
- Stella Fishing Co.
- Reel Deal Sportfishing: Reel Deal and Reel Deal II, both 34 ft diesel sportfishers
- FishEye Sportfishing: Capt. Brandon Fraley is named as the author of its fishing reports
FAQ: gag grouper fishing out of Clearwater
When does gag harvest reopen out of Clearwater?
September, according to Double Eagle. The rest of the year is catch and release. Check FWC before you fish.
How far do boats run for gags?
Shorter trips work nearshore bottom. The named grounds run from 5.0 mi (Sand Key Reef and Clearwater Reef) to 14.3 mi (Indian Shores Reef) off the Pass.
What is the closest named ledge?
Loggerhead Ledge, 40 ft, 9.4 mi from Clearwater Pass.
What is the deepest named ground listed?
Gregs Ledge, 55 ft, 13.8 mi at 289 degrees from the Pass.
Do anglers troll for gags here?
Yes. Stella’s gag post mentions trolling, alongside live bait on the bottom.
Where do I check wind and tide before crossing the Pass?
NDBC station CWBF1 at Clearwater Beach (27.978N 82.832W), which is also NOAA tide station 8726724, along with the official forecast.
