Half Day Inshore Fishing Trip - Clearwater, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing adventure with expert captain guidanceTarget popular species in flats, mangroves, and productive local watersAccommodates up to four guests with all skill levels welcome
If you're looking to get hooked up on some serious Florida inshore action, Captain Merrick's four-hour private fishing trips around Clearwater are exactly what you need. This isn't your typical charter boat shuffle - we're talking about a top-rated, personalized experience where you'll work the flats, mangroves, and channels that make this area a customer favorite among anglers who know their stuff. Whether you're teaching the kids how to cast or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in your techniques, Captain Merrick tailors every trip to match your crew's skill level and the day's conditions. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks, slather on that sunscreen, and get ready to see why Clearwater's inshore waters have earned their reputation as some of Florida's most productive fishing grounds.
Captain Merrick knows these waters like the back of his hand, and that local knowledge shows from the moment you push off the dock. You'll be fishing from a boat designed for navigating the shallow flats and tight mangrove cuts where the big fish like to hide. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety - one minute you might be sight-casting to cruising redfish in knee-deep water, and the next you could be working a channel edge where the grouper stack up. The captain reads the tides, weather, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish, but he's also focused on making sure everyone learns something new. First-timers get hands-on instruction with casting, bait presentation, and fighting techniques, while experienced anglers can pick up local tricks that'll make them more effective on these specific waters. The four-hour window is perfect for covering serious ground without wearing out the crew, especially when you've got kids or family members who might be new to spending extended time on the water.
Captain Merrick comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for whatever the conditions throw your way. You'll likely work with both live and artificial baits depending on what's biting - live shrimp and pinfish are staples for targeting multiple species, while soft plastics and topwater lures can produce some of the most exciting strikes you'll ever see. The techniques vary with the target and terrain. In the shallow grass flats, you might be sight-fishing with lighter tackle, making precise casts to fish you can actually see cruising. Around the mangroves, it's all about accurate presentations near structure, often requiring quick hook-sets before fish can dive back into cover. When working the deeper channels and drop-offs, the approach shifts to bottom fishing or slow trolling, especially when targeting species like gag grouper that hold tight to structure. Captain Merrick explains the why behind each technique, so you're not just following orders - you're learning to read water and understand fish behavior that'll make you a better angler long after the trip ends.
Gag grouper are the heavyweight champions of these inshore waters, and catching one is like arm-wrestling with a truck. These bruisers can push 20+ pounds and they know every rock, ledge, and hole where they can break you off. They're most active during the cooler months from October through March, and they fight dirty - making long, powerful runs straight back toward structure. What makes them so exciting is that initial hit and the chess match that follows. You've got to turn them quickly or they'll wrap you up, but when you finally boat a nice gag, you've earned a fish that's as good on the table as it is challenging to catch.
Tarpon are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, especially when you hook into one of the smaller "peanut" tarpon that frequent these inshore waters year-round. Even a 30-pound tarpon will give you a show you won't forget, jumping repeatedly and making runs that'll test your drag system and your patience. The larger migratory fish move through during spring and summer, and hooking a 100+ pounder in shallow water is a religious experience. They're catch-and-release fish, but the fight alone is worth the trip. Captain Merrick knows the areas where they congregate, often around bridges, channels, and deeper holes where they ambush baitfish.
King mackerel bring speed and teeth to the party, making screaming runs that'll burn drag and test your reflexes. These silver bullets are most active from spring through fall, and they're ambush predators that hit fast and fight faster. A 20-pound king can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, and they've got razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through leaders if you're not prepared. They're excellent table fare and provide some of the most exciting action you'll find inshore, especially when they're schooled up and competitive.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Clearwater inshore fishing, available year-round and willing to eat a variety of baits and lures. They're perfect for beginners because they bite readily and don't require perfect technique, but they can also be finicky enough to challenge experienced anglers. The bigger "gator" trout - those over 20 inches - are genuine trophies that require patience and skill to consistently catch. They love grass flats, channel edges, and areas with moving water, and they're most active during dawn and dusk periods.
Redfish are the poster children of inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round, they eat aggressively, fight hard, and can be sight-fished in shallow water where you can watch the whole battle unfold. Slot-sized fish (18-27 inches) are perfect for the table, while the oversized "bull" reds provide pure fighting power. They school up in big numbers during fall and winter, creating opportunities for multiple hookups that'll have everyone on the boat scrambling for rods. Captain Merrick knows the flats, mangroves, and oyster bars where they concentrate,
This 24' Skeeter bay boat is built to handle Clearwater's inshore waters with ease, getting you and up to three other anglers to the fish without breaking a sweat. The shallow draft design lets you slip into those productive flats and mangrove edges where the action happens, while the reliable hull keeps things comfortable when you venture into nearshore waters. The wireless trolling motor means you can position silently over structure without spooking fish, and the fish finder helps locate schools and bottom contours. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the four-hour trip, while the GPS ensures you never lose track of those honey holes. The multimedia system adds a nice touch for the ride out, but once you're on the fish, it's all about reading the water and working the right techniques. Whether you're targeting redfish around the mangroves or snook in the channels, this boat gives Captain Merrick the platform he needs to put you on fish while keeping everyone comfortable and focused on the fishing.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese stocky fighters average 20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 50+ pounds. You'll find them around rocky structure, ledges, and deeper channels - they love hiding in any cover they can find. Gag grouper are ambush predators that hit hard and immediately try to pull you back into their hole, so keep that drag tight and don't give them an inch. They're excellent table fare with firm white meat. Best action happens during cooler months when they move into shallower waters to feed. Here's a local trick: look for stone crab traps since these fish can't resist the crabs hanging around them. Once hooked, keep your rod tip low and muscle them up quickly before they reach cover.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons built for pure acceleration, typically running 10-30 pounds with some reaching 50+ pounds. These torpedo-shaped fighters cruise open waters between 40-150 feet, often following baitfish schools. Spring through fall brings the best action as they migrate along our coast. What makes them special is that blistering first run - they'll scream line off your reel faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. The meat is excellent when fresh, with a rich flavor that's perfect for grilling. Look for diving birds and bait schools to locate them. Here's the key: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on your bait - kings love to bite the tail end of live bait, so that back hook often seals the deal.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing prize, averaging 20-30 inches with those distinctive black spots and copper-bronze backs. These powerful fish cruise our shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action, with fall being peak season as they school up. What guests love is the visual excitement of watching them cruise and the strong, bulldogging fight they put up. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare too. Here's my favorite approach: use topwater lures early morning over shallow flats and listen for that explosive strike - it's fishing at its finest.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, averaging 14-18 inches with nice ones pushing 20+ inches and several pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, drop-offs, and deeper holes throughout our bay system. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning, late evening, and overcast days. What makes them popular is their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality with flaky white meat. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving fighters. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when water temps are comfortable. My go-to tip: fish the edges where grass meets sand using soft plastics or live shrimp, and work it slow - trout rarely chase fast-moving baits.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is what dreams are made of - these prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach well over 200. They're pure muscle and acrobatics, launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. You'll spot them rolling in channels, around bridges, and over grass flats, especially during warmer months from May through September. While they're not great eating, the fight is absolutely legendary - nothing compares to watching a massive tarpon go airborne. They feed on everything from crabs to mullet. Pro tip: when that first jump happens, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip toward the fish - it prevents them from throwing the hook on their aerial show.
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