Clearwater Beach Fishing Charters
Clearwater Beach fishing charters run the Gulf’s sandy passes, grass flats, and nearshore reefs for snook, redfish, seatrout, mackerel, and seasonal grouper and snapper.
Top Rated Charters in Clearwater Beach
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Clearwater Beach, FL Fishing Guide
Clearwater Beach sits on a barrier island with the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the open Gulf of Mexico on the other, giving anglers short runs to a wide mix of fishing grounds. Most charters leave from Clearwater Municipal Marina or the nearby Causeway docks, with half-day trips focusing on inshore species along grass flats, docks, and mangrove cuts.
Full-day runs can reach nearshore reefs, ledges, and wrecks where grouper, snapper, kingfish, and amberjack patrol. In the cooler months, sheepshead, pompano, and spotted seatrout feed actively inshore, while offshore waters hold red grouper and hogfish. Summer brings steady snook action around passes and bridges, plus tarpon migrations along the beaches. Techniques range from live bait drift-fishing and freelining scaled sardines, to trolling planers for mackerel or vertical jigging over reefs. Fly anglers work the flats for redfish and trout, especially on calm mornings. The fishing structure here is varied — sandy passes at Clearwater Pass and Dunedin Pass, shallow grass flats to the north, artificial reefs in 30–60 feet of water, and deeper ledges further out.
Run distances vary from just minutes to reach the Intracoastal and passes, to an hour-plus if heading for deeper wrecks. In addition to Clearwater Beach, captains often fish waters near Sand Key, Caladesi Island, and Honeymoon Island for a change of scenery or to adjust for wind and tide. The versatility of the fishery means boats can adapt quickly to weather or bite changes, making it a reliable year-round destination.
Fishing Seasons in Clearwater Beach
Spring (March–May)
Summer is prime snook season in Clearwater Beach, with big fish stacked in the passes and along the beach troughs. Tarpon migration peaks in June and July, drawing anglers to sight-cast live crabs or threadfins to rolling fish in clear Gulf water. Offshore waters hold steady supplies of red grouper, mangrove snapper, and king mackerel. Morning trips are favored to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Inshore, redfish school along mangrove edges and oyster bars, responding well to cut bait or soft plastics. Many charters offer shorter early morning runs for families, plus full-day offshore trips for those chasing grouper and snapper limits.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime snook season in Clearwater Beach, with big fish stacked in the passes and along the beach troughs. Tarpon migration peaks in June and July, drawing anglers to sight-cast live crabs or threadfins to rolling fish in clear Gulf water. Offshore waters hold steady supplies of red grouper, mangrove snapper, and king mackerel. Morning trips are favored to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Inshore, redfish school along mangrove edges and oyster bars, responding well to cut bait or soft plastics. Many charters offer shorter early morning runs for families, plus full-day offshore trips for those chasing grouper and snapper limits.
Fall (September–November)
Fall fishing benefits from cooling water and bait schools flooding the area. Kingfish and Spanish mackerel run strong along the nearshore reefs, while offshore waters see improved grouper and amberjack action. Inshore, redfish feed aggressively before winter, often tailing in skinny water. Snook move back into bays and rivers, offering consistent action around structure. Many captains split trips between trolling for pelagics offshore and casting artificials or live baits to redfish inshore. Clear weather and lighter winds make this one of the most comfortable seasons for mixed-bag trips.
Winter (December–February)
Winter in Clearwater Beach sees cooler inshore waters, pushing snook into deeper canals and residential docks. Spotted seatrout fishing is excellent over grass and sand potholes, and sheepshead gather thick around bridge pilings and rock piles. Offshore, red grouper, mangrove snapper, and hogfish stay active, especially on calm days between fronts. Light tackle bottom fishing is popular in 30–60 feet, while some boats make longer runs for amberjack and tuna. Water clarity improves, which benefits sight fishing on sunny days for trout and pompano. Shorter half-day trips are common for inshore targets, while offshore trips depend heavily on favorable weather windows.
Gamefish in Clearwater Beach
- Snook – 20–40 inches. Found around passes, bridges, and docks in summer; free-lined live bait or artificials.
- Redfish – 18–30 inches. On grass flats, mangroves, and oyster bars year-round; live shrimp or cut bait.
- Spotted Seatrout – 14–25 inches. Over grass flats and potholes in cooler months; soft plastics or live shrimp.
- Tarpon – 60–150 pounds. Along beaches in summer; live crabs or threadfin herring.
- Spanish Mackerel – 2–5 pounds. Nearshore reefs and passes in spring/fall; trolling spoons or live bait.
- Gag Grouper – 10–30 pounds. Offshore ledges and reefs; live pinfish or trolling diving plugs.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 pounds. Nearshore/offshore trolling in spring and fall; live bait or spoons
- Sheepshead – 2–8 pounds. Around docks, bridges, and rock piles in winter; fiddler crabs or shrimp.
Clearwater Beach Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points for fishing trips in Clearwater Beach?
Most charters depart from Clearwater Municipal Marina, with others using ramps near the Causeway or Sand Key
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Half-day trips run four hours and stay inshore or nearshore, while full-day trips reach offshore reefs and ledges up to 40 miles out.
Is fishing gear included on charters?
Yes, local captains provide all rods, reels, bait, and tackle, along with licenses for everyone onboard.
What species can families expect on shorter trips?
On half-day inshore runs, expect trout, mackerel, sheepshead, and sometimes snook or redfish.
Do I need a fishing license?
When fishing with a licensed captain in Clearwater Beach, you’re covered under their charter license. Solo or shore anglers need to purchase a Florida fishing license.
What’s the best time of year to fish Clearwater Beach?
Snook and tarpon peak in summer, kingfish runs happen in spring and fall, and winter is great for trout and sheepshead.
Which fishing techniques are most common here?
Live bait drifting, free-lining, trolling, vertical jigging, and light tackle casting are the main methods.
Can we target tarpon on a charter?
Yes, during peak season (May–July), many captains offer sight-casting trips to rolling tarpon along the beaches.
Are there specialty trips available?
Some captains offer night snook trips in summer, and winter sheepshead charters for those looking to fill a cooler with good-eating fish.