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Premium Inshore Fishing Charters in Clearwater
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Florida
- $300 - $900 price range
Summary
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Reels and Reveals
Red drum; Inshore fishing in St. Petersburg.
Florida fishing charters: Red fish time.
Red fish; Memorable catch on Clearwater charters.
Grouperl; St. Petersburg FL fishing charters fun.
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Florida fishing: Unforgettable charter experience.
Clearwater fishing charters: Jack Crevalle thrill.
Red drum; Inshore fishing in St. Petersburg.
Florida fishing charters: Red fish time.
Red fish; Memorable catch on Clearwater charters.
Grouperl; St. Petersburg FL fishing charters fun.
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Florida fishing: Unforgettable charter experience.
Clearwater fishing charters: Jack Crevalle thrill.
Red drum; Inshore fishing in St. Petersburg.
Florida fishing charters: Red fish time.
Red fish; Memorable catch on Clearwater charters.
Grouperl; St. Petersburg FL fishing charters fun.
Reel in the Action: Clearwater Inshore Fishing
Hey there, angler! Ready to wet a line in some of Florida's most productive inshore waters? Capt. Mikey here, and I'm stoked to take you out for a day of rod-bending action in beautiful Clearwater. Whether you're chasing redfish in the flats or battling grouper near the shore, we've got the know-how and the hot spots to make your fishing dreams a reality. Grab your hat and sunscreen, because we're about to dive into an inshore adventure you won't forget!
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're cruising through Clearwater's crystal-clear shallows, the sun's warming your face, and your line's about to go tight with a monster redfish. That's what we're talking about! On this 4-8 hour private charter, we'll hit up the best inshore and nearshore honey holes. I'll show you the ropes if you're new to this, or if you're a seasoned pro, we'll swap fish tales and chase down your target species. With room for two, it's perfect for a fishing buddy trip or some quality one-on-one time with your favorite angler.
Fishing the Flats and Beyond
We're not just casting blindly here, folks. We'll be using tried-and-true techniques to put you on the fish. In the skinny water, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds or working topwater lures for explosive strikes. As we move nearshore, we'll switch it up with some bottom fishing for grouper or trolling for king mackerel. I'll bring all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, and tackle. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky fishing hat!
Raves from Happy Anglers
"Our family had the best time! Captain Mike was so friendly and really knew what he was doing. He requested to switch our day because of weather to insure we caught some fish and we definitely did! I really appreciated that. Every time we lost a bait he was there to put a new one on. He was so patient with my youngest as well. We had a blast and I would definitely fish again with him!" - Emily
"Captain Mikey was so great and made the trip a memorable one! My husband caught a few sharks and other species of fish to really make it worth it. Captain Mikey was so friendly and easy going! Highly recommend his charter!" - Jennifer
Fish on the Menu
Gag Grouper: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of our nearshore waters. They love to hang around structure and put up a mean fight. Gags can grow over 50 pounds, and they're most active in cooler months. When you hook one, get ready for some serious pull – it's like trying to winch up a Volkswagen!
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you; these crafty fish are a blast to catch. Also known as mangrove snapper, they're quick strikers and love to hang around docks and bridges. They're year-round residents, but summer is prime time. Their flaky white meat makes for some top-notch fish tacos!
Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric beasts can top 200 pounds and put on an acrobatic show when hooked. Spring and early summer is tarpon season here, and watching one of these giants launch itself out of the water is a sight you'll never forget.
King Mackerel: Speed demons of the nearshore, kings will make your reel scream. We typically target these in the warmer months, trolling with live bait or spoons. They're known for blistering runs and can top 50 pounds. Smoked king mackerel dip is a local delicacy you've got to try!
Redfish: The poster child of inshore fishing, reds are a year-round target here in Clearwater. We'll stalk them in the flats, looking for their signature tail waving above the water as they root for crabs. Fall is spectacular for bull reds, but any time of year can produce that copper-colored dream fish.
Let's Get You Hooked Up!
Alright, folks, there you have it – a slice of Clearwater's inshore fishing paradise. Whether you're after your first redfish or looking to tangle with a tarpon, we've got the fish and the know-how to make it happen. Don't let another season slip by without getting out on these waters. Give me a shout, and let's pencil in your next big catch. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and your spot on the boat is waiting. What do you say we make some fishing memories?
Customer Reviews
Fish Fun with Captain
Emily Zastrow
March 11, 2025
Shark Hunt Success
Captain Mikey was so great and made the trip a memorable one! My husband caught a few sharks and other species of fish to really make it worth it. Captain Mikey was so friendly and easy going! Highly recommend his charter!
Jennifer Milkiewicz
May 17, 2025
Learn more about the species
Gag Grouper
Gag Grouper are hard-fighting fish that love structure. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in 60-250 feet of water. Most run 20-30 pounds, but trophy fish over 50 pounds aren't unheard of. They're ambush predators, so look for them near ledges and holes where they can hide. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the fish move to shallower waters. Gags put up a great battle and taste fantastic, making them popular targets. Live bait like pinfish or squid works well, but you can also catch them on jigs and plugs. Here's a local tip: When you hook one, reel fast and try to pull them away from the structure. If they get back in their hole, you'll likely lose them. Gags have serious power, so be ready for a workout when you hook into a big one.
Grey Snapper
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper, are sneaky fish that hang around structure in inshore waters. You'll find them near mangroves, docks, and reefs in 10-100 feet of water. Most run 1-3 pounds, but bigger ones pushing 10 pounds show up offshore. These fish are wary and have great eyesight, so light tackle and stealthy presentations are key. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially around full moons when they spawn. Grey snapper put up a scrappy fight on light gear and are excellent table fare. Live shrimp or small baitfish are top baits. Here's a local trick: Use a light fluorocarbon leader and let your bait sink naturally. These fish are smart - if they sense something's off, they won't bite. Patience is key when targeting grey snapper, but the reward is worth it.
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or kingfish, are speed demons of the nearshore waters. These sleek predators cruise in schools, hunting baitfish. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water, often around reefs, wrecks, and bait schools. Most run 10-20 pounds, but 40+ pound smokers aren't uncommon. Spring and fall migrations bring kings close to shore, making for exciting fishing. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Kings are also great eating, especially when smoked. Trolling with live bait or spoons is the most popular method. Here's a local tip: Look for diving birds to find the bait schools kings are feeding on. When you find them, it's often fast action. Be ready with wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a flash.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are a favorite inshore species. You'll find them in shallow bays, flats, and creeks, often tailing in water so shallow their backs are exposed. Most run 3-10 pounds, but bull reds over 30 pounds show up in deeper water. These copper-colored bruisers are known for powerful runs and their distinctive tail spot. They're most active in fall and spring, but you can catch them year-round. Reds put up a great fight and are excellent table fare when slot-sized. Live bait like shrimp or mullet works well, but artificial lures are also effective. Here's a local trick: Look for "nervous water" or wakes in shallow areas - that's often redfish feeding. Cast ahead of them and hang on. When a school of reds is feeding, the action can be non-stop.
Tarpon
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing. These prehistoric gamefish can top 200 pounds and put on aerial shows like no other. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and even up rivers. They migrate through our area from late spring through fall. Tarpon fishing is all about the thrill of the chase and the fight. Watching a school of 100+ pound fish rolling on the surface gets your heart racing. When hooked, they'll jump multiple times, shaking their heads to throw the hook. It's a battle of stamina that can last hours. Live bait like mullet or crabs works well, but many anglers prefer the challenge of fly fishing for tarpon. Here's a tip: When a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give them slack. This "bowing to the king" helps keep them hooked. Patience and persistence pay off with these bucket list fish.
About the Dorado (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Our family had the best time! Captain Mike was so friendly and really knew what he was doing. He requested to switch our day because of weather to insure we caught some fish and we definitely did! I really appreciated that. Every time we lost a bait he was there to put a new one on. He was so patient with my youngest as well. We had a blast and I would definitely fish again with him!