Captain
Craig Clopper

Member since February 2020 Cudjoe Key, United States
Background
Captain Craig Clopper has been fishing his entire life and has a passion for the outdoors. He always dreamed of fishing the Florida Keys and sharing his passion with others. Now he lives in The Keys and shares the dream with clients from around the globe. If you don’t find him on the flats you may find him in Alaska guiding the rivers of Alaska. Come join him!

Hey, I'm Captain Craig Clopper

Cudjoe Key, Estados Unidos
Background
Captain Craig Clopper has been fishing his entire life and has a passion for the outdoors. He always dreamed of fishing the Florida Keys and sharing his passion with others. Now he lives in The Keys and shares the dream with clients from around the globe. If you don’t find him on the flats you may find him in Alaska guiding the rivers of Alaska. Come join him!

My Charter Listing

Excellent
4.8 / 5
(59 reviews)
Cudjoe Key
 2 reservas la semana pasada.
 Confirmación Instantánea
viajes desde US $50

Fishing Reports

April fishing report
April fishing report
Abr 2, 2024 Cudjoe Key
Inshore Fishing: Tarpon: The silver kings are in town, with the tarpon Gulf migration in full force. These magnificent fish are the largest and heaviest of the year, offering anglers thrilling battles and unforgettable catches. Consider booking a charter starting 5 AM or 6pm for 3 hours or so, when they are actually biting. Permit: You can still find them on the flats, but throughout the month of April, it will be easier to find them on the wrecks and reef. Snook: The backcountry is alive with snook action. Great success with these smart fighters, especially tight around the mangroves. Tons of fun with the paddleboard at low tide. Give me a call about this. It’s tons of fun! Redfish: Schools of redfish are providing consistent action, with many anglers enjoying the light-tackle challenge they offer. It’s good, but honestly not nearly as good as it was last year. Bonefish: Honestly, I’m not your guide for bonefish. They’re small, hard to see, and they bore me. Hire another guide if bonefish gives you a rise in your Levi’s. I’ll do it, but not happily… Sharks: They are killing my tarpon... Let's get them! try to book a sunset charter! Offshore Fishing: Sailfish: The sailfish bite is strong, with many reports of successful catches. These acrobatic beauties are a favorite for sportfishers seeking high-speed thrills. I like using lighter line than most captains. You’re going to get way more bites, and it’s better for the fish, so what if we don't always get a grip-n-grin. Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi): The Gulf Stream is bringing in schools of bait, and with them, hungry dolphin fish. April is the month to catch your biggest dolphin! Tuna: Holy crap, March was an awesome month for tuna. I had some of my best tuna experiences this year. I hope it continues! Snapper and Grouper: Bottom fishing is yielding good numbers of snapper and grouper, with some impressive sizes being hauled up from the depths. We’re even catching some monster red snapper! I caught one yesterday above 16 pounds and 33 inches! Why Book with Goliath Charters? Expertise: Captain Craig’s knowledge of both inshore and offshore waters means you’re always in the prime spot for action. Choice of Vessels: Whether it’s shallow water adventures on the Maverick poling skiff or deep-sea quests on the offshore Seavee, we have the perfect boat for your fishing needs. Memorable Experiences: Our charters are about more than just fishing; they’re about creating stories and memories that last a lifetime.
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Forget the poor weather, the bite is sti
Forget the poor weather, the bite is sti
Dic 7, 2023 Cudjoe Key
? Fishing Report: Goliath Charters Key West ? Calling all anglers! Goliath Charters Key West invites you to an extraordinary fishing experience. Our nearshore wreaks are buzzing with action, targeting the impressive King Mackerel and formidable Cobia. Key West's waters have become a haven for angling enthusiasts. The abundance of King Mackerel provides an exhilarating challenge, showcasing their speed and power. Prepare for heart-racing battles as you hook these remarkable fighters. But that's not all—Cobia have also emerged as a sought-after prize. Their strength and endurance make for an unforgettable angling adventure. Engage in an epic struggle as you reel in these majestic predators, leaving you with cherished memories. Our experienced captains and crew at Goliath Charters Key West are dedicated to providing an exceptional fishing charter. With state-of-the-art equipment and extensive knowledge, we'll guide you to the prime spots where King Mackerel and Cobia thrive. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a curious novice, we'll ensure an unforgettable fishing experience tailored to your needs. Seize this opportunity and book your charter with Goliath Charters Key West today. Embark on a thrilling nearshore fishing expedition, battling King Mackerel and Cobia against the backdrop of Key West's stunning marine scenery. Contact us now to secure your spot and create lasting memories on the water.
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November is the finest month to fish the
November is the finest month to fish the
Nov 8, 2023 Cudjoe Key
November fishing in Key West is off the charts! I would say it’s quite possibly my favorite month overall! I have given up Whitetail hunting to do this for the rest of my life, and that’s saying a lot! The flats are teeming with delicious pilchards, and my trusty cast net will scoop them up by the hundreds - the ultimate bait for attracting big game like snook, tarpon, redfish, and goliath grouper. But the action doesn't stop inshore. In the offshore waters, these baitfish drive fish absolutely batshit crazy! The magnificent backcountry, a paradise teeming with a diverse array of fish such as redfish, snook, tarpon, goliath grouper, and sharks. Its intricate network of channels, mangrove-lined shores, and tidal creeks serve as a natural nursery for young marine life and a prime feeding ground for the older ones. If you're up for the ultimate fishing challenge and want to reel in some impressive catches, the backcountry is the perfect destination for you. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as I silently navigate you through the crystal clear waters in my 17-foot Maverick poling skiff, specially designed for shallow water fishing. Another great option is my 14 foot Live Paddleboard to venture deep back in the mangrove channels for some fish that are always willing to bite. Now, I know that finding big tarpon may be a bit trickier during this season, they are still around just not nearly the same numbers as the spring migration. Don't worry because there are still some impressive catches waiting for you. Those little guys, the juvenile tarpon, are hiding out in almost every mangrove and they're not picky - they'll chow down on any fly or lure that comes their way. Enjoy their nonstop acrobatic show that the big girls don’t hold a candle to! If you're feeling up for a challenge, take a shot at the elusive bonefish and permit on the flats. It takes patience and precision, but if you're up for it, you just might hook into one of those lightning-fast creatures. Step aboard our brand new Seavee and join us on an unforgettable November voyage to the reef and wrecks. I guarantee you won't want to miss out on the exciting blackfin tuna sunset bite. And here's the secret to our success: the pilchards, known as fish crack. These shimmering little creatures are the key to stirring up those tuna and getting them ready for a fierce battle. Our chumming and live bait skills are next level, so prepare yourself for an adrenaline-pumping experience as we take on these feisty and agile fish like never before. Our reef trips also offer an up-close and personal experience with the majestic sailfish. Watch in awe as they strike with lightning speed and perform breathtaking acrobatics as they feed and slash through schools of ballyhoo. For the thrill-seekers, we also target wahoo, king, and cero mackerel. These toothy predators with their sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes will put your skills and tackle to the test. And for a more laid-back yet equally rewarding adventure, we have yellowtail snapper fishing. Using our expert chum slick technique, we entice these delicious reef dwellers to the surface for an exciting catch. You never know, we might even snag a smorgasbord of other tasty reef fish along the way. Plus, I'll recommend a few restaurants to cook up these tasty morsels for dinner! November in the Florida Keys is a quiet, serene paradise for those lucky enough to charter a boat. And the best part? You won't have to deal with the usual hoards of tourists that flood the area in the following months. This means more room to fish and less competition for those prized catches. Plus, hotel prices are wallet-friendly during this time - a real bonus for any angler looking to save some cash. So why wait? Book your charter in November and experience the true beauty of the Keys without the crowds and stress.
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What an awesome first month of the year!
What an awesome first month of the year!
Ene 26, 2023 Cudjoe Key
This January has offered some awesome fishing in the back country. With mild weather and sunny days The water temperature was often reading above 80°. Weather like this has the potential for producing a grand slam kind of day. Today, we are getting over a bit of a cold snap chilling the keys to the 60s. Due to that cooler weather I recommend my customers to book a trip in the evening. Sunset fishing has been best, it seems a full Day of sunshine brings our water temperatures up 3° or 4° higher than it was in the morning and that can really make a difference for fish biting. When things slow down due to cooler temperatures I often use smaller Baits in slightly deeper water. As the temperature begins to rise I start looking for dark muddy bottom or turtle grass on the south facing sides of mangroves that get the most sunlight. The night fishing has been phenomenal, as always. I’ve been successful with fishing resort dock lights and bridges as the current flowing rather fast, best at the top of falling tide. On night trips, with decent weather and tide conditions it’s almost guaranteed that everyone catches a tarpon. Fly fisherman are also able to spank a few with a black tarpon toad! Don’t let these windy days get you down. I find that we catch the biggest and most fish in dirty water when the wind is cranking beyond 15 mph. The dirty water allows me to use heavier tackle without spooking the fish. When that wind isn’t blowing so hard I like to hit our patch reefs and nearshore wreaks catching mutton snapper, yellow jacks, cero and king Mackerel. It’s a great way to catch dinner What Great news it is to see that our Snook population here in the Florida Keys is skyrocketing! It’s great to see our efforts in conservation are being rewarded with big, often Beyond 30” Snook… Everywhere!
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Pilchards are the secret sauce!
Pilchards are the secret sauce!
Nov 16, 2022 Cudjoe Key
At Goliath Charters Key West, we hold the key to a magnificent secret that unlocks the power of pilchards, setting ablaze a frenzy of feeding that captivates both the fish and our clients. These plentiful little baitfish grace the shallows during the fall, winter, and early spring, their presence a gift from the sea. When fortune favors us with an abundance of pilchards, we seize the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Our tried and tested technique involves utilizing these enchanting baitfish as live chum. Anchored or drifting over our chosen fishing grounds, we skillfully gather a handful of pilchards and release them with a graceful arc behind our vessel. This elegant display creates a symphony of scent and commotion, beckoning fish from far and wide. Witness the spectacle! As the pilchards dance upon the surface, a tempest of activity ensues, as if the very soul of the ocean awakens with fervor. This is the moment, the perfect juncture, to present your baited hook or artful fly to the frenzy. The fish, enraptured by the spectacle, strike with abandon, their focus unwavering amidst the chaos. Such circumstances bestow upon our clients a greater chance of reeling in a triumphant catch. The power of pilchards extends far beyond mere attraction; it creates an ambiance of exhilaration and dynamism, transforming the act of fishing into an extraordinary experience. To witness the feeding frenzy firsthand is to glimpse into the heart of nature's marvels, where excitement and thrill intertwine seamlessly. It is no surprise that pilchards reign supreme as our bait of choice, for they orchestrate a tumultuous symphony of feeding frenzies around the Goliath Charters Key West vessel. So, if you yearn for an adventure steeped in action, join us at Goliath Charters Key West. Embrace the power of pilchards as we weave their magic into a feeding frenzy that promises an indelible day upon the water. May your lines remain taut, and your spirits soar, Capt. Craig Clopper
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Opiniones de los clientes

Calificación general
Excellent
4.8 / 5
de 5 estrellas de 59 reseñas
Barco
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Tripulación
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experiencia
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Fotos de clientes (45)
Great fishing trip!
Great fishing trip!
Feeling great about the fishing last night!
+42
Calificación del pescador
53
1
0
3
0
Opinión de los pescadores
Buena experiencia
95%
Capitán amigable
100%
Recomienda este charter
92%
Apto para niños
88%
Satisfecho con el barco
100%
Atrapé lo que quería
89%
Ordenar por:
Destacados  
Mostrando:
5 de 59 reseñas
Steven P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experiencia:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Barco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tripulación
Excellent
5.0 / 5
En general

Fishing with Craig

VERIFICADO   Short sunset Trip – Evening Tarpon on Mayo 4, 2023
Steven P. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
Marcar como útil
2 personas encuentran este reseña útil
Tu y 2 personas encontraron esto útil
Steven P. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
Marcar como útil
2 personas encuentran este reseña útil
Tu y 2 personas encontraron esto útil

Carl A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experiencia:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Barco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tripulación
Excellent
5.0 / 5
En general

Fishing with Craig

VERIFICADO   Sunset Shark on Abril 26, 2023
Carl A. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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Carl A. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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Kim V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experiencia:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Barco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tripulación
Excellent
5.0 / 5
En general

Great fishing trip!

VERIFICADO   Wham bam, thank you, Captain Craig on Febrero 27, 2024
Beautiful sunset fishing trip caught some nice fish and captain was really cool and accommodating. Would definitely recommend.
Kim V. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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  Craig Clopper El capitán respondió

Kevin S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experiencia:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Barco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tripulación
Excellent
5.0 / 5
En general

March fishing trip

VERIFICADO   late riser morning trip on Marzo 13, 2024
Kevin S. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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Kevin S. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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Michael H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experiencia:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Barco
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Tripulación
Excellent
5.0 / 5
En general

Fishing with Craig

VERIFICADO   Reef/Wreak morning half day on Diciembre 31, 2023
Michael H. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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Michael H. recomienda Goliath Charters Summerland
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