Inshore Fishing Trip in Clearwater, FL
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private inshore fishing aboard 42' custom sportfish vesselAccommodates up to 6 guests with all gear providedMultiple trip durations available with experienced Captain Ron
Captain Ron knows Clearwater's inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior or bringing the family out for their first taste of saltwater fishing, this trip delivers exactly what you're looking for. You'll spend your day working the flats, grass beds, and structure where the fish actually live – not just burning fuel to get somewhere that might produce. The 42-foot custom sportfish gives everyone plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably, while Captain Ron handles the details that separate a good day from a great one. Choose your adventure with 4, 6, or 8-hour options, and get ready to see why Clearwater's inshore scene keeps anglers coming back season after season.
This isn't your typical cattle boat experience where you're elbow-to-elbow with strangers. Captain Ron runs private charters only, so your group of up to 6 people gets the full attention and all the best spots. The 42-footer was built specifically for these waters – stable enough for beginners to feel confident, but equipped to handle whatever the Gulf throws at you. You'll start early when the fish are most active, working different areas based on tides, weather, and where the bait is holding. The calm inshore waters mean less time dealing with rough seas and more time with lines in the water. Captain Ron provides all the tackle, bait, and local knowledge you need, so even first-timers can focus on the fun part – catching fish. The relaxed pace lets everyone enjoy the day, whether that means teaching kids how to cast or helping experienced anglers dial in their technique for specific species.
Clearwater's inshore fishing success comes down to reading the water and using the right approach for each situation. Captain Ron switches between live bait fishing around structure, working artificial lures over grass flats, and targeting schools when they're moving through the area. The boat carries everything from light spinning gear for smaller species to heavier tackle when the kings and tunas show up. You'll fish depths ranging from just a few feet on the flats to 30-40 feet around ledges and artificial reefs. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish want on any given day. Sometimes that means slow-trolling live bait along drop-offs, other times it's sight-fishing to cruising jacks or working topwater plugs over shallow structure. Captain Ron reads the conditions – water temperature, tide movement, bait activity – and puts you where the action is happening. The inshore waters around Clearwater offer protection from rough weather while still giving access to the variety of species that make this area famous among serious anglers.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Clearwater's inshore scene, and for good reason. These silver rockets can stretch the tape anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional smoker pushing even bigger numbers. Kings move through the area following baitfish schools, typically showing up in late spring through early fall when water temperatures climb. They hit hard and fast, often launching themselves clear out of the water in spectacular displays that'll get your heart pumping. The fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, direction changes, and enough speed to test your drag system. Captain Ron knows exactly where to position the boat when kings are in the area, whether that's along the edges of grass flats or near structure where they ambush prey.
Mahi Mahi bring tropical excitement to Clearwater's waters, especially during summer months when they follow warm water currents closer to shore. These colorful fighters change colors as they battle, flashing gold, green, and blue in an amazing display that's almost as exciting as their acrobatic jumps. Most mahi you'll encounter run 10-25 pounds, perfect for putting a serious bend in medium tackle. They're aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. What makes mahi special is their habit of traveling in schools – find one, and there's usually more nearby. The meat is absolutely premium table fare, making these catches as rewarding in the kitchen as they are on the water.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll definitely win respect for their fighting ability. These bulldogs of the inshore waters pull harder than fish twice their size, using their broad sides and raw power to test every knot in your system. Jacks are year-round residents that show up in schools, creating feeding frenzies that attract other species. They're perfect for beginners who want to experience a serious fight without dealing with complicated techniques. Captain Ron often uses jacks as indicators – when they're actively feeding, it usually means conditions are right for other species too. Don't underestimate a 15-pound jack on appropriate tackle – they'll give you a workout that leaves your arms burning.
Yellowfin Tuna represent the ultimate prize when they move within range of inshore boats. These pelagic speedsters are built for power and endurance, capable of runs that seem to last forever. Even smaller yellowfins in the 15-30 pound range fight like fish twice their size, using their torpedo-shaped bodies and incredible stamina to test both angler and equipment. They typically show up during warmer months when baitfish concentrate along temperature breaks and current edges. The key to yellowfin success is being ready when they appear – these fish move fast and feeding windows can be short. Captain Ron monitors conditions closely and positions the boat to intercept schools when they're accessible from inshore waters.
Red Snapper fishing offers consistent action with one of the best-eating fish in the Gulf. These bottom dwellers hang around structure and artificial reefs, making them predictable targets when you know where to look. Reds are smart fish that require finesse – light leaders, fresh bait, and patience often make the difference between a full cooler and empty hands. They fight with surprising strength for their size, using
Captain Ron's 42' custom motorboat is your ticket to some serious inshore action around Clearwater's productive coastal waters. This restored beauty runs smooth and steady with twin Detroit engines, giving you a rock-solid fishing platform that handles whatever the Gulf throws at you. The spacious layout comfortably fits your crew of up to 6 anglers, with a flybridge for spotting fish and plenty of deck space to work your catch. Modern fish finder and GPS keep you on the bite, while the onboard fridge and icebox ensure cold drinks and fresh bait all day long. Built for offshore duty but perfect for inshore work, this boat's got the reliability and comfort to make your Clearwater fishing trip productive and enjoyable.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of our inshore waters - pure muscle with attitude. These brassy-gold bruisers average 3-8 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds on a good day. You'll find them around grass flats, structure, and wherever bait schools up in 5-50 feet of water. They're here year-round, but spring and summer offer the best action. What makes jacks special is their raw power - pound-for-pound, they're one of the strongest fish in the Gulf. They fight dirty, making long runs and using their broad sides against the current. While not great table fare, they're pure adrenaline on the rod. Watch for diving birds - that's your cue that jacks are pushing bait to the surface. Cast a silver spoon or topwater plug past the school and retrieve it fast. They can't resist the chase.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds around Clearwater, though we occasionally hook into 40+ pounders. They cruise our nearshore waters in 40-150 feet, often following temperature breaks and bait schools. Summer and fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 70-80°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than most fish and make multiple strong pulls. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for the grill. Here's the key: use a wire leader and two hooks on your live bait. Kings love to hit the tail section of a sardine or threadfin, so that trailing hook often seals the deal when the front hook misses.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are hands-down the most colorful fish you'll catch - brilliant gold and electric blue that puts on a light show when they come to the boat. Most run 15-25 pounds, though we see some chunky 30+ pounders. They love floating debris, weed lines, and structure in 100-600 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're pushing through our Gulf waters. What guests love most is the acrobatic fight - these fish go airborne and make screaming runs. Plus, they're phenomenal eating with firm, sweet meat that's perfect for tacos or grilling. Pro tip: when you hook one mahi, don't boat it right away. Keep it in the water and cast to the school - they're curious fish that'll stick around, and you might double or triple up before the school moves on.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of bottom fishing - bright red beauties that fight hard and taste even better. Most range 2-8 pounds, though we hook into some chunky 15+ pounders on the deeper structure. They hang around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 60-150 feet of water. Summer's the prime season when regulations allow us to target them. What guests love is the solid pull and head-shaking fight all the way to the boat, plus they're absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. These fish are smart, so fresh bait is key. Live pinfish or fresh cut squid on a knocker rig works best. Here's the trick: when you feel that bite, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily. They'll hook themselves and you'll avoid pulling the bait away.
Thunnus AlbacaresYellowfin tuna are offshore legends - built like torpedoes and fast as lightning. Most run 30-100 pounds around here, with their distinctive bright yellow fins and crescent tails. These warm-blooded speedsters cruise the deep blue in 300+ feet, following current edges and temperature breaks. Summer months bring the best opportunities when they're feeding near the surface. What sets yellowfin apart is their incredible strength and stamina - they'll make multiple long runs that'll test your tackle and endurance. The payoff is some of the finest sashimi-grade meat you'll find. For chunking, use whatever baitfish they're feeding on - blue runners and sardines work great. When they're up feeding, nothing beats the thrill of watching a 60-pound tuna demolish a surface plug at full speed.
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