Clearwater Inshore Fishing with Capt. Evan Denis
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter accommodates up to four guestsTarget Tarpon, Snook, Snapper, Redfish using specialized light tackleExplore Clearwater's shallow backcountry waters with experienced captain
There's something special about working the shallow waters around Clearwater, and Capt. Evan Denis knows these backcountry flats like the back of his hand. This 4-hour morning charter puts you right in the heart of some of Florida's most productive inshore fishing grounds, where crystal-clear waters hold some serious game fish. You'll be targeting everything from explosive snook to bulldogging redfish, all while enjoying the kind of light tackle action that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Capt. Evan runs a top-rated operation that focuses on the shallow backcountry spots where the big fish like to hang out. We're talking about those hidden pockets and grass flats that most weekend warriors never find. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, so whether you're bringing the family or a couple of fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to work. Don't worry about packing lunch – this is a focused fishing trip that maximizes your time with lines in the water. The captain provides all the tackle you'll need, from the rods to the terminal gear, though you're welcome to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Just remember, this is catch and release for snook, trout, and redfish per the captain's conservation practices, so bring your camera for those grip-and-grin shots.
This isn't heavy offshore gear we're talking about – inshore fishing is all about finesse and feeling every bump and run. Capt. Evan sets his clients up with light spinning tackle that lets you really experience the fight these fish put up. You'll be working with live bait, artificial lures, and whatever's producing on any given day. The technique varies depending on what we're chasing and where we find them. Maybe it's sight fishing for tailing redfish on the flats, or working structure for snook with soft plastics. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety – one cast you might be freelining a live shrimp, the next you're working a topwater plug over a grass bed. The shallow water means you can actually see a lot of the action happening, which adds a whole different dimension to the experience. The captain reads the water conditions, tides, and weather to put you on the most productive spots throughout your 4-hour window.
The snook fishing around Clearwater is absolutely world-class, and these ambush predators know how to put on a show. Snook are structure-oriented fish that love hanging around mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly April through October, though you can find them year-round in the right spots. What makes snook so exciting is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight – they'll jump, run, and use every trick in the book to throw your hook. These fish can range from schoolie-sized up to true giants pushing 30-plus inches, and even the smaller ones fight way above their weight class.
King mackerel bring a completely different type of excitement to the table with their blistering runs and razor-sharp teeth. While typically thought of as an offshore species, kings cruise the inshore waters around Clearwater, especially during their spring and fall migrations. These speed demons can strip line off your reel faster than you'd expect, and their initial run is something you won't forget. They're also excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for anglers who want to take something home for dinner. The key is having the right wire leader – kings will slice through regular monofilament in a heartbeat.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted pattern are relatively easy to catch but still provide great light tackle action. They're most active in the cooler months, making them perfect targets during fall and winter trips. Trout tend to school up over grass flats and around structure, and once you find one, there are usually more in the area. They're curious fish that respond well to both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Redfish are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. These copper-colored beauties are year-round residents that love shallow water, often feeding in water so skinny their backs are out of the water. Sight fishing for reds is one of the most exciting aspects of inshore fishing – watching a big red slowly cruise the flats, then perfectly placing your bait in its path. When they eat, they don't mess around, and that first run will test your drag system. Reds are incredibly hardy fish, which makes them perfect for catch and release fishing.
Cobia are the wildcards of the inshore world – curious, aggressive fish that can show up when you least expect them. These brown sharks, as some folks call them, are known for following rays and other fish around the flats. They're opportunistic feeders that will often approach the boat to investigate, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Cobia are excellent fighters that use their broad shoulders and stamina to wear you down, and they're also fantastic eating. They're most common during the warmer months when they're cruising the shallows looking for an easy meal.
Capt. Evan Denis has built his reputation on consistently putting clients on fish while showing them the real beauty of Clearwater's inshore waters. This 4-hour charter hits the sweet spot – long enough to cover multiple spots and techniques, but focused enough to maximize your fishing time. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or a family wanting to experience Florida's renowned inshore fishing,
Jump aboard our nimble 23' Dorado bay boat for your Clearwater inshore adventure! This shallow-water specialist cuts through the backcountry with ease, powered by a reliable 225 HP Mercury that'll get you to the fish fast. When it's time to get serious, we switch to the wireless trolling motor for whisper-quiet stalking – perfect for sneaking up on spooky tarpon and redfish without spooking them. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets, while GPS keeps us on productive spots. Built for up to 4 anglers, this bay boat handles the skinny water where the big snook hide and gives you room to battle those hard-fighting fish. Whether you're sight-casting to cruising reds or working structure for snapper and trout, this responsive boat puts you right where the action is.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of the Gulf - big, brown, and incredibly strong fighters that can reach 50+ pounds around Clearwater waters. These solitary fish cruise reefs, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-100 feet, often mistaken for sharks due to their dorsal fin and dark coloration. Spring migration from March to May brings the best action as they move through our area heading north. What makes cobia fishing special is the sight fishing aspect - you'll actually see these giants swimming near the surface before making your cast. They're also phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Cobia are curious fish that will often follow your boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. The key is using heavy jigs (4-8 oz) and being ready for that initial power run - they'll strip drag fast and dive straight for any structure nearby. Once hooked, keep them away from the bottom at all costs.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are pure speed demons that'll give you some of the fastest runs you'll ever experience on light tackle. These silver torpedoes typically range 10-40 pounds around Clearwater, though bigger fish show up regularly. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water near structure like reefs, wrecks, and ledges where baitfish concentrate. Spring through fall brings the best fishing as they migrate along our coast following the bait schools. What makes king fishing addictive is that explosive initial run - they'll scream drag and jump clear out of the water. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for the grill or smoker. These fish have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat, so we always use wire leaders. Here's the key: when trolling for kings, keep your baits moving at 6-8 knots and watch for diving birds - that's where you'll find the action.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore gamefish - they eat well, fight hard, and look gorgeous with their copper sides and signature black spots. Around Clearwater, most reds run 18-30 inches and love super shallow water. You'll spot them tailing in 1-3 feet over oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in deeper channels, but sight fishing the shallows during warmer months is pure magic. These fish are bulldogs that use their broad tails for powerful runs along the bottom. The meat is sweet and firm, great for blackening or grilling, though we release them to keep populations strong. Redfish aren't picky eaters - they'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait. Here's my go-to technique: when you see a red tailing in shallow water, cast your bait 10 feet past them and work it slowly back - dropping it right on their head will spook them every time.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of the most reliable fish in our inshore waters. These beautiful spotted fish average 14-20 inches and love the grass flats and shallow bays around Clearwater. You'll find them in 2-6 feet over seagrass beds, especially near drop-offs and sandy potholes. Fall through spring offers the best fishing when cooler water concentrates them in deeper holes and channels. Trout are scrappy fighters with a soft mouth, so keep your drag light. They're excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect fried or blackened. We practice catch and release to maintain healthy populations. The trick with trout is using a popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics - let it sit still for 30 seconds between pops. Their bite is often subtle, just a gentle tick, so stay alert and set the hook at the first sign of weight.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most prized gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches around Clearwater's mangroves and creek mouths. You'll find them lurking around docks, bridges, and oyster bars in 2-8 feet of water. They're ambush predators with lightning-fast strikes and bulldogging fights that'll test your drag. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their finicky nature - they're smart fish that require stealth and skill. The meat is fantastic with a mild, sweet flavor, but we practice catch and release to protect the population. Pro tip: when working a snook around structure, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head quickly - give them slack and they'll wrap you up in the nearest piling every time.
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