Clearwater Fishing Charters
Clearwater fishing charters give anglers quick access to Gulf wrecks, inshore flats, and nearshore reefs teeming with grouper, snapper, and pelagic species depending on the season.
Top Rated Charters in Clearwater
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Clearwater, FL Fishing Guide
Clearwater offers one of the most versatile charter fishing scenes on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Most local guides run a mix of half-day and full-day trips, with plenty of inshore action inside Clearwater Harbor and along the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as nearshore and offshore runs into the Gulf. For inshore anglers, expect calm conditions, especially in the mornings, and consistent shots at redfish, snook, and speckled trout on the flats and around mangrove points. Deeper docks and bridges hold sheepshead and black drum during the cooler months.
Nearshore fishing is a local staple, with productive reef zones just 2–10 miles out. These spots are ideal for bottom fishing year-round, especially for hogfish, mangrove snapper, and grunts. Spring through fall brings opportunities to run farther offshore (20+ miles) for red grouper, gag grouper, amberjack, and even the occasional tuna or mahi when conditions line up. Most offshore trips leave from Clearwater Municipal Marina or the ramps near Sand Key.
Live bait is common on most Clearwater fishing charters, especially scaled sardines and pinfish, with captains often tossing nets before the trip or stopping at bait barges. Inshore, soft plastics on jigheads, popping cork rigs, and topwaters all see action depending on tide and light. Deeper trips rely on heavy tackle, knocker rigs, vertical jigs, and frozen sardines or squid. Whether you’re sight-casting a sandy pothole or dropping lines on a 60-foot ledge, Clearwater gives you range—and good odds year-round.
Fishing Seasons in Clearwater
Spring
Spring kicks off kingfish season, with schools running the beaches and nearshore reefs. Inshore, snook and redfish fire up as water temps rise, and trout fill the grass flats. Offshore charters target amberjack, mangrove snapper, and early season grouper.
Summer
Summer is prime time for Clearwater deep sea fishing. Gag and red grouper are consistent offshore, especially around ledges and rockpiles 30–50 miles out. Inshore, early mornings bring topwater eats from trout and snook before the heat drives them deeper.
Fall
Fall brings another strong kingfish push close to shore, especially on hard east winds. Offshore, bottom fishing is solid, with snapper and grouper feeding heavily ahead of winter. Inshore, redfish school up in big numbers, and flounder show around sandy dropoffs.
Winter
Cooler months in Clearwater mean sheepshead stacked on structure, trout over deeper grass, and black drum around docks and bridges. Offshore, bottom fishing stays strong with steady action on mangroves, porgies, and red grouper when the Gulf lays down.
Gamefish in Clearwater
- Snook – 20–38" Caught inshore around mangroves, docks, and bridges; live pilchards or shrimp, especially on moving tides.
- Redfish – 18–32" Targeted in potholes and oyster bars; often sight-cast with soft plastics or cut bait.
- Speckled Trout – 14–24" Found over grass flats; caught with popping cork rigs, soft plastics, and live shrimp.
- Sheepshead – 2–6 lbs Winter favorite near pilings, jetties, and reefs; fiddler crabs or shrimp on a small hook.
- Gag Grouper – 10–30 lbs Caught offshore and nearshore reefs; heavy tackle with pinfish or frozen sardines on bottom rigs.
- Red Grouper – 8–25 lbs Found 20+ miles out; targeted with squid or jigs near hard bottom.
- Mangrove Snapper – 1–5 lbs Common inshore and offshore; chummed up and fished with light leaders and small hooks.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 lbs Spring and fall runs; slow-trolled live baits around bait pods and reef edges.
- Hogfish – 2–8 lbs Caught on nearshore hard bottom; shrimp-tipped knocker rigs fished close to the bottom.
Clearwater Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Clearwater?
No, not if you’re fishing on a licensed Clearwater fishing charter. The captain covers that for you.
Where do Clearwater charters usually leave from?
Most trips launch from Clearwater Municipal Marina or nearby public ramps like Sand Key and Seminole Boat Ramp.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Clearwater?
It depends on your target. Spring and fall are prime for kingfish and inshore action, while summer favors grouper offshore. Winter brings steady bottom fishing and inshore sheepshead.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Yes, most Clearwater fishing charters allow you to keep legal fish. Captains usually clean them for you at the dock.
What kind of boats do Clearwater guides use?
You’ll see a mix of center consoles for offshore and bay boats for inshore trips. Some offshore boats are 30+ feet with twin engines.
How far offshore do Clearwater charters go?
Nearshore trips stay within 10 miles, while full-day deep sea trips can run 20–50 miles out depending on the target species.
Are kids allowed on Clearwater fishing charters?
Definitely. Many Clearwater guides are family-friendly and adjust the trip to suit kids and first-time anglers.
What should I bring on my charter?
Bring sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses, snacks, and drinks. Tackle, bait, and gear are usually included.
Do Clearwater charters fish in the rain?
Light rain is usually fine, but trips may be postponed for lightning or rough seas. Your captain will make the call based on safety.
