Clearwater Inshore Fishing: 6-Hour Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing charter targeting multiple speciesLight tackle with live bait for Tarpon, Snook, and SnapperFour-person capacity with experienced Captain Evan Denis
When you're looking for some serious action on Clearwater's flats and nearshore waters, Capt. Evan Denis knows exactly where the fish are holding. This six-hour charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's best inshore fishing grounds, where the grass flats meet deeper channels and the baitfish stack up thick. You'll be working with live bait on light tackle - the kind of setup that lets you feel every head shake and run while still having enough backbone to handle whatever comes your way. With space for up to four anglers, this trip strikes the perfect balance between having room to cast and keeping things intimate enough that everyone gets plenty of shots at fish.
Your day starts early, which is exactly when you want to be on the water in Clearwater. The morning bite is legendary here, especially when the tide's moving and pushing baitfish around the structure. Capt. Evan will have you rigged up with circle hooks and live shrimp or pinfish before you even clear the marina - no wasted time when the fish are feeding. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality rods and reels matched to the target species, to a well-stocked tackle box and plenty of net space for your catches. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in two feet of water, to slightly deeper drop-offs where the snapper hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing in Clearwater is the variety - one cast might get you a feisty trout over the grass, while the next could hook into a tarpon that'll test your drag system and your patience.
Light tackle fishing is an art form, and it's the preferred method for targeting Clearwater's inshore species. You'll be using spinning reels spooled with 15-20 pound test, paired with rods that have enough sensitivity to feel a trout's subtle bite but enough power to turn a redfish away from structure. The technique varies based on what you're targeting - free-lining live shrimp over the grass beds for trout and reds, bouncing jigs along drop-offs for snapper, or working the shadow lines around docks and mangroves for snook. When a tarpon shows up, which they often do in Clearwater's waters, you might find yourself locked into a 20-minute fight on gear that seems barely adequate for the job - and that's exactly what makes it so addictive. The captain will coach you through proper fighting techniques, including how to use the boat's position to your advantage and when to apply pressure versus when to let the fish run.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and Clearwater's nearshore reefs and ledges hold some beautiful fish. These guys average 2-4 pounds inshore, but don't let the size fool you - they fight hard and taste even better. They're most active during moving tides, especially around structure like rock piles and artificial reefs. What makes snapper fishing so rewarding is their aggressive strike - when they hit your bait, there's no mistaking it. They'll make a solid run toward the bottom, and on light tackle, you'll feel every ounce of their fight.
Snook are the glamour species of Florida inshore fishing, and Clearwater's dock lines and mangrove shorelines hold some serious fish. These ambush predators love structure and moving water, often positioning themselves in the shadows waiting for baitfish to drift by. A good snook will make several powerful runs, often jumping and gill-rattling in an attempt to throw the hook. They're catch and release only right now, which means you get to experience the fight without worrying about harvest regulations - just pure fishing fun. Peak snook activity happens during dawn and dusk, when they move into the shallows to feed.
Tarpon are the silver kings of the flats, and even the juvenile fish you'll encounter inshore will give you a workout on light tackle. These fish are pure muscle and attitude - they'll jump repeatedly, often clearing the water by several feet while shaking their heads violently. A 30-40 pound tarpon on 20-pound test is a legitimate challenge that can last 30 minutes or more. They're most active during the warmer months, but Clearwater's year-round populations mean you always have a shot at hooking into one of these magnificent fish.
Sea Trout are the perfect light tackle species - they bite readily, fight with surprising strength for their size, and are incredibly common in Clearwater's grass flats. These spotted beauties love live shrimp drifted over grass beds, especially during moving tides. They make several strong runs and have a habit of jumping, which always adds excitement to the fight. Trout are currently catch and release, so you'll get plenty of practice with proper handling techniques while enjoying some of the most consistent action on the flats.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the shallows, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. In Clearwater's waters, you'll find them cruising the grass flats, often in schools that can number in the dozens. When a red hits your bait, it typically makes one or two long, determined runs before settling into a bulldogging fight that tests your tackle and technique. These copper-colored fighters are catch and release only at this time, but their aggressive nature and fighting ability make them a favorite target for light tackle enthusiasts.
Six hours on Clearwater's inshore waters with Capt. Evan Denis gives you the time to really dial in on the bite and target multiple species in different areas. Whether you're looking to bend some rods with hard-fighting reds and snook, or hoping to tangle with a silver king that'll test your skills, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back
Get ready to fish Clearwater's productive inshore waters aboard our nimble 23' Dorado bay boat! This shallow-draft vessel cuts through the flats with ease, powered by a reliable 225 HP Mercury engine that gets you to the honey holes fast. When it's time to work the structure quietly, we switch to the wireless trolling motor for a stealthy approach that won't spook wary fish. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS keeps us on the productive spots, while the fishfinder shows exactly what's swimming below. We'll chase Tarpon, Snook, Snapper, Redfish, and Trout using live bait on light tackle for maximum action. The Dorado's stable platform gives you room to fight fish properly, whether you're battling a jumping Tarpon or working a stubborn Redfish out of the mangroves. With space for up to 4 anglers, everyone gets their shot at Clearwater's excellent fishing without feeling crowded. This boat's built for the shallows where the big fish feed.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are real fighters that'll test your tackle when hooked. Most fish we catch run 1-2 feet and weigh around 5-8 pounds, though they can grow much larger. You'll find them in 30-200 feet of water around structure - wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom. They love deeper waters during summer months, making them perfect targets on our offshore runs. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and excellent table fare - their mild, nutty flavor makes them a favorite with families. These pink-red beauties will try to run straight to cover when hooked, so keep steady pressure. Pro tip: use fresh squid or live pinfish and drop it right to the bottom - snappers rarely chase bait up in the water column, so get your offering down where they live.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Tampa Bay's copper-colored bruisers and absolute favorites among our guests. These red drum typically run 18-30 inches with that signature black spot near their tail. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water over grass flats, around oyster bars, and sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight - they'll make powerful runs and use their broad tails to tire you out. Plus they're beautiful fish with great table fare, though we're releasing them to preserve the fishery. They'll eat live shrimp, crabs, and artificials like gold spoons or soft plastics. Best tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats during low light periods - that's when reds get sloppy and become easy targets for a well-placed cast.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of our most reliable inshore targets. These beautiful fish average 14-18 inches with distinctive black spots covering their silver sides. You'll find them over grass flats, around structure, and in 2-8 feet of water throughout Tampa Bay. They school up in winter and spread out during warmer months, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite and their delicate, flaky white meat - though we're practicing catch and release right now. They're perfect for light tackle fishing and will hit both live bait and artificials like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Best action happens during moving tides, especially early morning and late evening. Local secret: work your lure slowly over the grass beds - trout are lazy feeders and prefer an easy target drifting right past their nose.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore game fish and one of Florida's most prized catches. These silver-sided beauties average 18-28 inches but can push over 40 inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water, especially where fresh and salt water mix. They're ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line, and they'll absolutely hammer live bait. Spring through fall offers the best action, particularly around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make powerful runs that'll test your drag. Since we practice catch and release, you get the thrill without the pressure. Local trick: cast your live shrimp or pilchard tight to structure and let it drift naturally - snook are lazy and want an easy meal.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the kings of our local waters and every angler's dream fish. These silver giants average 80-150 pounds around Clearwater, with some pushing over 200. You'll find them in shallow bays, around bridges, and near passes from spring through fall - peak season runs May to August. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show when hooked - they'll jump repeatedly, sometimes clearing 10 feet of water. It's pure adrenaline watching a 6-foot fish cartwheel through the air. We target them in 10-40 feet of water using live crabs, pinfish, or mullet. The fights can last over an hour, testing both angler and equipment. While they're not great table fare due to their bony structure, the experience is what matters. Key tip: bow to the king when they jump - drop your rod tip toward the fish to give them slack, or they'll throw the hook on you every time.
Clearwater