6 Hour Nearshore Fishing Trip - Clearwater, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private nearshore fishing adventure in Gulf watersCaptain Merrick provides expert guidance for all skill levelsTarget popular species with proven techniques off Clearwater
When you're ready to step up your fishing game and spend some real time on the water, Capt. Merrick's 6-hour nearshore trip delivers exactly what Gulf Coast anglers are looking for. This isn't your quick morning run – we're talking about a full day of fishing the productive waters just beyond Clearwater's coastline, where the action heats up and the fish get bigger. With room for up to 4 anglers, this private charter gives you the flexibility to fish at your own pace while targeting some of the Gulf's most sought-after species. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to level up or a seasoned angler wanting to explore new waters, this top-rated experience puts you right where the fish are biting.
Captain Merrick knows these nearshore waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge makes all the difference when you're trying to put fish in the boat. We'll head out beyond the shallow flats into the Gulf's productive structure zones – think artificial reefs, ledges, and drop-offs where baitfish congregate and predators follow. The beauty of a 6-hour trip is the flexibility it offers. Weather acting up? We've got options. Fish moving deeper? No problem, we adjust. This isn't a cookie-cutter operation where you fish one spot all day. Capt. Merrick reads the conditions, watches his electronics, and puts the boat where the action is happening. You'll spend your time actually fishing instead of running around looking for them, and that's what separates a good day from a great one.
Nearshore fishing off Clearwater means mixing up your tactics to match what's working on any given day. We'll be working everything from live bait rigs for grouper around structure to trolling spoons and diving plugs for kings and Spanish mackerel. Bottom fishing with circle hooks and heavy sinkers gets down to where the gag grouper hang out, while free-lining live pinfish or sardines near the surface can trigger explosive strikes from king mackerel. The captain provides all the gear you need – quality rods, reels spooled with fresh line, and a tackle box full of proven lures and rigs. If you've got favorite rods you want to bring, that's always welcome, but everything's covered if you show up empty-handed. The boat's equipped with fish finders and GPS to locate structure and mark productive spots, plus a good live well system to keep bait frisky and your catch fresh.
Spanish Mackerel are the bread and butter of nearshore fishing here, and they're just plain fun to catch. These silver rockets typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening when water temps hit the 70s and 80s. They school up around bait pods and structure, making for fast action when you find them. Trolling small spoons or casting jigs into feeding frenzies is about as exciting as it gets – multiple hookups are common and kids love the constant action.
Gag Grouper represent the heavyweight division of our nearshore game. These bottom-dwellers hang around hard structure in 20-60 feet of water and can reach 20+ pounds, though most fish run 3-8 pounds. Fall and winter months are best, when they're feeding heavily before spawning season. What makes gags so popular is the challenge – they'll test your drag and try to cut you off in the rocks the second they feel the hook. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, which makes the fight even more worthwhile.
King Mackerel are the speed demons that get everyone's adrenaline pumping. These toothy predators patrol the edges of structure and open water, and when a big king hits your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately. Summer months bring the best king fishing, with fish ranging from 10-30 pounds being common. The initial run will test your reel's drag system and your arms, and their acrobatic jumps make for great photos and better stories.
Sea Trout might seem like an inshore species, but the bigger "gator" trout often move to nearshore grass flats and structure edges. These spotted beauties can reach 5+ pounds out here and provide excellent light-tackle action. Spring and fall transitions are prime times, especially during low-light periods. They're smart fish that require finesse, making them a favorite among anglers who appreciate technical fishing.
Redfish venture into nearshore waters more than most people realize, especially the bigger bulls that have outgrown the shallow flats. These copper-colored fighters are renowned for their bulldogging runs and stubborn nature. Year-round opportunities exist, but fall brings the best shots at trophy-sized fish. When you hook into a 20+ pound red in open water, you'll understand why they're considered one of the Gulf's premier gamefish.
Six hours on the water with an experienced captain who knows exactly where to find the fish – that's what separates a world-class fishing trip from just another day on the boat. Capt. Merrick's nearshore adventures give you the time and flexibility to really fish, not just cast a few lines and hope for the best. Whether you're after your first grouper or your biggest king mackerel, this customer-favorite charter puts you in the right place at the right time. The Gulf's nearshore waters are loaded with opportunity, and with the right guide, you'll tap into fishing that most anglers only dream about. Bring your crew, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for the kind of day that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place.
This versatile 24' Skeeter bay boat is built to handle Clearwater's Gulf waters with confidence. Perfect for targeting nearshore species, its shallow draft design lets you access productive fishing spots while providing a smooth, stable platform for up to four anglers. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you need to sneak up on feeding fish. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour adventure, and the GPS ensures you'll find those sweet spots again. The multimedia system adds convenience between fishing action. Whether you're working artificial reefs or following birds to feeding frenzies, this dependable boat delivers the performance needed for a successful day chasing Gulf Coast favorites like grouper, snapper, and kingfish in Florida's productive nearshore waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are stocky ambush predators that typically run 20-30 inches around our nearshore reefs and wrecks. Males are darker with distinctive patterns, while females show more marbled gray coloring. These guys love rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial structure in 30-100 feet of water. Fall through spring gives us the best action when they're more active in cooler water. Anglers love the challenge - once hooked, gags dive straight for cover and test every ounce of your tackle. They're also table fare champions with firm, white meat. The key is getting them up fast before they reach their hidey-hole. Use heavy tackle, lock that drag down, and keep steady pressure. Live pinfish or cut bait works great, but be ready for that initial bulldogging run.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kingfish," are the speed kings of our nearshore waters, averaging 20-40 pounds with some pushing 50-plus. These olive and silver torpedoes patrol depths from 40-150 feet, cruising along ledges, wrecks, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall delivers prime action when bait schools are thick. What sets kings apart is their explosive strikes and screaming runs that'll empty your reel in seconds. They're also solid eating despite their reputation - just stay away from the bigger ones due to mercury. The secret is using a wire leader with two hooks when live baiting. Hook your sardine or cigar minnow through the nose with the front hook, then let the stinger hook ride free near the tail. Kings love to hit from behind.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails, typically running 18-32 inches in our shallow Gulf waters. These copper-sided fighters love oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and winter offer the most consistent action when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful runs and ability to strip line in skinny water. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The sight-fishing opportunities are amazing - you'll often see their backs out of the water while they're "tailing" for crabs. My favorite technique is casting a gold spoon just ahead of cruising fish and working it slowly. Don't cast directly at them or they'll spook in that shallow water.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks," are beautiful silver fish with distinctive black spots that typically run 14-24 inches in our area. These grass flat specialists love shallow water from 2-8 feet, especially around oyster bars, drop-offs, and sandy potholes. Cooler months bring the best fishing when they school up in deeper holes and channels. Anglers appreciate their willing bite and decent fight on light tackle, plus they're fantastic eating with delicate, flaky white meat. Dawn and dusk produce the hottest action when they move shallow to feed. My go-to trick is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Let it sit still for 10-15 seconds between pops - that's when they usually hammer it. Keep them on ice immediately for best table quality.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver rockets with yellowish spots that average 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds. These speed demons hunt in large schools near the surface, making them easy to spot when feeding. Around Clearwater, we find them over grass flats and around structure in 15-40 feet of water. They're most active during cooler months, especially fall and winter when water temps drop. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes and blistering runs - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there fast and cast small spoons or jigs ahead of the school. Don't chase them directly or you'll spook the whole group.
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