Full Day Inshore Clearwater Guided Charter

Full Day Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter

Picture this: you're standing on the bow of Captain Mikey's boat, watching the sun creep over Clearwater's pristine waters as you gear up for eight solid hours of some of Florida's best inshore fishing. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper full-day adventure that gives you time to really dial in on the fish. Whether you're chasing trophy gag grouper around the nearshore structure or working the flats for redfish, this private charter puts you right in the heart of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds. With everything included from top-shelf tackle to your Florida fishing license, all you need to bring is your appetite for catching fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Mikey knows these Clearwater waters like the back of his hand, and that eight-hour window gives him the flexibility to really show you what this fishery has to offer. You'll start the day hitting some of his favorite nearshore reefs where the gag grouper like to set up shop, then work your way across the diverse flats system that makes this area so special. The beauty of a full-day trip is that you're not watching the clock – if the bite is hot in one spot, you can stay put and make the most of it. If things slow down, there's plenty of time to move and find the action. This is strictly a two-angler maximum charter, so you're getting that personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Captain Mikey provides all the professional-grade equipment you'll need, from the rods and reels down to the fresh bait, so even if you're traveling light, you're fishing heavy.

Techniques and Terrain

The waters around Clearwater offer some of the most diverse inshore fishing in Florida, and Captain Mikey tailors his approach based on what's biting and where. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats to deeper nearshore structure, using techniques that range from live bait fishing to sight casting depending on the conditions. The nearshore reefs are where you'll typically find those keeper gag grouper, using heavier tackle and bottom rigs to get down to where these fish like to hang out. When you're working the flats for redfish and snook, it's a completely different game – lighter tackle, more finesse, and often sight fishing to individual fish. Captain Mikey's boat is rigged specifically for this type of fishing, with a shallow draft that lets you get into those skinny water spots where the big reds like to cruise. The tackle selection is dialed in for each technique, from circle hooks for the grouper fishing to the lighter spinning gear that makes fighting a tarpon on the flats such a rush. Fresh bait is key in these waters, and Captain Mikey makes sure you're fishing with the good stuff – live shrimp, pinfish, and whatever else the fish are keyed in on that day.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Gag grouper are the bread and butter of Clearwater's nearshore scene, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 20-plus pounds and they know how to use every piece of structure on the bottom to their advantage. They're most active during the cooler months, roughly October through April, when they move into shallower water to feed and eventually spawn. What makes them so exciting to catch is that initial run when you hook one – they'll head straight for the rocks, and it becomes a test of your drag system and your technique. The fight is all about keeping them off the bottom, and when you finally get one boatside, that wide mouth and chunky build tells you exactly why they're such a prized catch around here.

Grey snapper, or mangrove snapper as most folks call them, are scattered throughout these waters and they're one of the most consistent biters you'll encounter. They're not huge fish – most run between 12 to 16 inches – but they make up for size with attitude and numbers. These fish are structure-oriented, so you'll find them around the same spots as the grouper, but they're more willing to come up in the water column to feed. They're excellent table fare, which makes them a favorite for folks looking to take home a quality fish dinner. The key with mangrove snapper is keeping your bait presentation natural – they can be finicky, but once you figure out what they want, you can usually count on steady action.

Tarpon are the wild card in these waters, and when you hook into one, everything else stops mattering. Clearwater's tarpon fishing peaks during the late spring and early summer months when the big migratory fish move through the area. These aren't the giant 150-pounders you might find in other parts of Florida, but the 40 to 80-pound fish that frequent these waters still provide world-class fights. What makes tarpon so special is their aerial display – when one of these silver kings comes out of the water, thrashing and gill-rattling, it's a sight you'll never forget. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight and the photo opportunity make them one of the most sought-after species in the area.

King mackerel show up when conditions are right, typically during the warmer months when baitfish are thick in the nearshore waters. These fish are built for speed, and when you hook one, you'll know it immediately from that screaming initial run. Kings around Clearwater typically run between 15 to 30 pounds, with the occasional larger fish mixed in. They're excellent eating when handled properly, and they provide some of the most exciting action you'll find in these waters. The key to consistent king mackerel fishing is staying mobile and following the bait schools, which is where Captain Mikey's local knowledge really pays off.

Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida's inshore fishing, and the Clearwater flats system holds some real quality fish. These copper-colored fighters are most active during the fall months,