Above Average Charters
Above Average Charters
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view

About
Welcome to Above Average Charters! We are a private fishing charter located in the Clearwater Municipal Marina just steps away from beautiful Clearwater Beach. Since February 2001, we offer 4 hour to 14 hour offshore fishing trips in the Gulf of Mexico. We are US Coast Guard licensed and insured for up to 6 passengers. Our boats are operated by one of Clearwater’s finests Charter Captains. Our boats are very spacious, clean and safe! Depending on the season you’ll be trolling for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda and Bonito; bottom fishing for Grouper, Snapper and other bottom fish or go Shark fishing for Black Tip, Spinner, Hammerhead or Tiger Sharks! From beginners to seasoned anglers alike, we have a trip for everyone! We have fun on our boats! So give us a call or book online to reserve your private fishing charter! It’ll be the highlight of your Florida Vacation! :)
Above Average Charters
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(7 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
154 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Cheeks100
Argyle, TX115 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Booked the half day shark fishing with Captain Rich. His wife, Helen, is great to work with and very helpful texting back and forth. I had done this trip several years ago with friends and always wanted to go again. It did not disappoint. Rich took us out about an hour out and had the poles set up in no time. We literally had a 5+ ft shark on the line in minutes of getting set up. We had good action until we decided to start playing music. Then the sharks disappeared. After about 20-30 minutes of no hits, I finally asked the Captain and he was like “yea, sometimes it bothers them, sometimes it doesn’t...”. No music = more hits. After 4 sharks, ended up getting a Goliath Grouper. It took 30-45 minutes to pull up and was about 400 lbs!!!! It’s illegal to get them on the boat so pics are limited. Also, I like this outfit because shark fishing is all catch and release.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are so glad you had a wonderful day out on the water! Give us a call when you're back in the area! We would love to tak you all out again!!
Written November 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric
1 contribution
Mar 2021
My son and I did the early morning 4 hour fishing with Captain Rich on 3/31/21. We had such a good time, and caught 16 fish, 15 king mackerel and 1 Spanish mackerel. Can’t Rich is friendly and definitely knew where the fish would be. We literally each caught a fish as soon as the line was in the water. I liked that he checked with us to see how much we might want to keep, that allowed us to keep 4 and do catch/release on the other. When we got back to the harbor we took pics with our catch and Capt Rich filleted those 4 fish in lightening quick fashion. He told us we could take it to the restaurant Crabby’s across the way and they would prepare it for us. We did so and it was delish! Helen was so easy to work with too. I would definitely do another fishing trip with him again but probably longer and go for something bigger. Highly recommend them!
Written April 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brian D
Boerne, TX39 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
We made arrangements to fish on spring break. They were ready for us and on time. Janes was excellent and put us on fish immediately. Went out 13 miles and were killing it. Makrel and amberjack. When the fish stopped jumping in the boat he drove to multiple other spots. Worked his rear end off. While we were thrilled with the outcome long before we arrived on shore, once on shore we were more thrilled. Two boats from the marina caught anything of consequence. Above average 1 and 2. They knew what to throw and where to go.
Written March 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janna W
Traverse City, MI4 contributions
Mar 2021
What a great day we had with Captain James Stewart of Above Average! We had so much fun fishing and caught several fish including a 30# king mackerel.
Captain James knew exactly where the fish were and we caught them! Loved hearing about James' stories from his crab fishing days out of Dutch Harbor. What a great guy and knowledgeable captain.
We took our Mackerel across the street to Crabby's and they cooked it for us. It was amazing!
Thank you so much to Captain James and Helen for a great day!
Captain James knew exactly where the fish were and we caught them! Loved hearing about James' stories from his crab fishing days out of Dutch Harbor. What a great guy and knowledgeable captain.
We took our Mackerel across the street to Crabby's and they cooked it for us. It was amazing!
Thank you so much to Captain James and Helen for a great day!
Written March 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
biodtl916
33 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the second time we have gone on a charter with Above Average Charters. This time we went out with Richard. It was amazing. He makes everyone feel at ease and gives you a great chance to catch something. We will definitely return on every vacation to Clearwater.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matthew B
2 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Above Average is one of the best Charters we have been on!! Captain Rich was outstanding. Made our trip a lot of fun! We caught fish from start to finish. His style is easy going and friendly. Highly recommend this company. Also Helen is super easy to work with and very good with communication! We caught a lot more fish than on the picture- we threw a bunch back.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SG52221
3 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Helen was great with getting us booked and taken care of. If she wasn’t able to answer the phone, she called back in a timely manner. We took a 4 hour trip and caught a few different types of fish, and enough for us to eat several meals. Captain Rich was very helpful and we appreciated that he filleted the fish for us! Would recommend for deep sea fishing!
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LorineMM
New Jersey17 contributions
No active fishing.
We selected this charter after reading the reviews on trip advisor ratings- top in its class.
The four hour fishing charter consisted of trolling two lures and a single bait fish around the Gulf of Mexico. It was a big disappointment, and even more so when the charter next door rolled back in the slip with over 20 fish.
It was an expensive boat ride.
We selected this charter after reading the reviews on trip advisor ratings- top in its class.
The four hour fishing charter consisted of trolling two lures and a single bait fish around the Gulf of Mexico. It was a big disappointment, and even more so when the charter next door rolled back in the slip with over 20 fish.
It was an expensive boat ride.
Written December 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Momofthree3
1 contribution
Jun 2019 • Family
My family was Verbally abused by Captain Rich during our half day charter. He only took us out near shore, caught very little but NOTHING compares to how rude unprofessional and disrespectful he was to my family. Please choose wisely!
Written June 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cindy C
2 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
I booked this charter based on the great reviews, but was very disappointed. The 45 minute ride out was very choppy, wet and miserable. Captain Rich stopped over a school of mackerel and just circled. There was no discussion of what we were doing - he just cast out the lines and told the children when there was a fish on so they could crank it in. I would have liked for them to at least learned something about the method, the tackle, the fish and how to fish. They cranked and he pulled them off the hook with little comment. This was not much more than picking out a fish at the grocery store. After about 45 minutes of circling in choppy waters and breathing exhaust we were deathly bored and ready to come back in. Not to mention starting to feel sick. I asked "is there something else we could fish for?" and was told nope this is it. Perhaps he was just having a bad day and ready to go on his vacation, but he seemed not to want to be there. I've been on many fishing charters and this was by far the worst.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
margie6a
Tampa, FL
I am looking for a deep sea charter for July 7th or 8th. How many people does your boat hold and cost? Do you have any availability? How do I get in touch with you to discuss?
Thanks.
lindakerns22
3 contributions
Is there a bathroom on the Above Average 2, and any shaded seating? We are thinking about bringing an elderly person.
Above Average Charters
Clearwater, FL
Hello Linda. Both of my boats have a bathroom down in the v-berth (down below) a couple steps down. Both boats are the same make and model however the Above Average 2 is a 2002 and has extra shade that covers most of the back deck. I know you asked 4 months ago however I wasn't getting my notifications so I truly apologize for the late response. Anyway I hope this gives you information you need if you are thinking about chartering us in the future. Thank you, Helen Nicajevsky, Co-Owner and Trip Coordinator
Darren F
saskatoon, Canada11 contributions
Hi, what would you like to know about this attraction? Taking family to Clearwater April 13 - 22 was wanting to take my 11 year old son fishing half day would you have any openings and can I call when down there for openings.
Darren
HelenN28
Clearwater, FL
Hello Darren. I do have several openings right now. I recommend making a reservation prior to you coming down. We are booking for April already so the sooner the better :). Please call my cell when you're ready 727-365-7931. Thank you, Helen
Prices please
HelenN28
Clearwater, FL
4 hour trip $500
6 hour trip $750
8 hour trip $1,000
Thank you,
Helen
How far out to we need to book?
brandontully
Bridgeport, IL20 contributions
Not sure
RKramer
Illinois54 contributions
Dear Helen:
My Husband loves to fish and we will be in Clearwater the first week of April. Do you have a charter that could include him that week and split costs?
Thank you so much,
Rebecca Kramer
HelenN28
Clearwater, FL
Hi Rebecca,
It's possible. We arrange split charters of typically 4 people. So cost would be split equally between group. Please call my cell 727-365-7931 if he'd like to sign up!
Thank you,
Helen
Jennifer B
Mont Vernon, NH13 contributions
Came down to for a spontaneous trip to Clearwater with my two sons and we were just talking about possible activities for tomorrow. My youngest (he's 9 years old) really wants to go fishing tomorrow. Any chance you have a charter booked and have availability for 3 (me and my 9 & 12 year old boys)?? Thought we'd ask... just in case.
HelenN28
Clearwater, FL
Hello Jennifer B this is Helen with Above Average Charters. The sea conditions have been rough since Wednesday and the first good day for sea conditions is honestly Sunday or Monday :). I apologize for not answering you sooner but had trouble logging into Trip Advisor. Thank you and hope you enjoy your stay in Clearwater.
LovemyGolden B
Milwaukee, WI5 contributions
We are visiting Clearwater in August and want to take our 2 boys fishing. We are here for Universal Studios and will fly back home after Clearwater. What do we do with the fish if we caught ones big enough to keep. If large enough, I know we can have it mounted, but if not, can it be cleaned and frozen for us to take home?
Above Average Charters
Clearwater, FL
Hello! Your Captain will filet and clean your fish when you return to the dock, that's included on every charter! Bring a cooler with you and we'll put your bagged filets in your cooler and ice your fish. The marina shop also sells styrofoam coolers if you don't have one. Yes Crabby Bills Restaurant in the marina parking lot will cook your fish for you and they do a great job! If you are flying home and want to take your fish, get a hard cooler, buy dry ice from Publix on the island, and put with fish, check it on the plane. Check with your airline of how much dry ice they allow. If you're driving home, just keep your fish on ice and it will be fine, or if you have a place to freeze it, put it in your cooler for transport. This is what our customers have done. Thanks everyone for your comments! Also...if you're interested in having a fish mounted, just ask your Captain for details and pricing while on your charter. Thank you, Helen, Above Average Charters
Phil F
Totton, UK7 contributions
Hi,
Is shark fishing good in September or would we be better off trying for something else?
Thanks
Phil
Above Average Charters
Clearwater, FL
Hi Phil, shark fishing is good in September as long as the sea conditions are good because you're anchored up. The shark trips are all catch and release. If you're doing a 1/2 day, it's either shark fishing OR trolling for Spanish Mackerel, Barracuda and Bonito. A lot of our customers have done a 3/4 day combo trip with trolling and shark :) you get the eating fish as well as anchor up for the shark! Hope this helped! Thank you, Helen, Above Average Charters