Clearwater Inshore Fishing with Captain Kenny
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Kenny guides 2-8 hour customizable inshore fishing tripsTarget King Fish, Snapper, Redfish, Trout, Snook, and TarponSmall group experience accommodates up to 2 guests maximum
Looking for a solid fishing charter in Clearwater that won't waste your time? Captain Kenny knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's been putting anglers on fish for years. Whether you've got 2 hours to kill or want to make a full day of it with an 8-hour adventure, this is your chance to get after some of Florida's most prized gamefish. We're talking Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, King Mackerel, and Red Snapper – the kind of fish that make for great stories and even better photos. With just 2 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between coming home empty-handed and bragging to your buddies for months.
Captain Kenny runs a no-nonsense operation focused on getting you hooked up with quality fish. You'll launch from Clearwater and head to his proven spots – grass flats for Redfish and Snook, deeper structure for Snapper and Kings, and when conditions are right, those magical Tarpon zones that'll test your drag and your patience. The boat's equipped with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Kenny reads the water conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Some days that means working the mangroves with live shrimp, other days it's trolling for Kings or sight-fishing the flats. The beauty of these customizable trips is that Kenny tailors each outing to what's biting and what you want to target. First-timers get the full coaching experience, while seasoned anglers appreciate having a local who knows where the fish are holding.
Kenny's approach varies with the target species and conditions, but you'll likely experience several proven techniques during your trip. For Redfish and Snook, expect plenty of sight-fishing on the flats using live bait under popping corks or free-lined. When the fish are picky, Kenny switches to artificial lures – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that trigger aggressive strikes. For Red Snapper, you'll be bottom-fishing over structure with circle hooks and fresh cut bait, while King Mackerel calls for trolling with live bait or pulling spoons behind the boat. The tackle is sized appropriately for each species – medium to heavy spinning gear for most inshore work, with the option to step up to conventional reels when targeting larger fish like Tarpon. Kenny provides all the gear, but feel free to bring your own if you've got a favorite setup. He's always happy to share local rigging techniques and help you dial in your presentation for maximum success.
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of Clearwater's offshore-adjacent waters, typically running 15-25 pounds with some true giants mixed in. These fish are structure-oriented, so Kenny positions the boat over ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where they school up. Peak season runs from June through August, though you can find them year-round in deeper water. The fight is all about power and endurance – they'll make hard runs toward the bottom, testing your drag system. What makes Red Snapper special is their incredible table fare; there's a reason they're considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Snook are the inshore glamour species that every angler wants to hook. These fish are ambush predators that love structure – docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines, and oyster bars. They're most active during dawn and dusk, though you can catch them throughout the day with the right presentation. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear of the water multiple times. The slot limit keeps things interesting, and their spawning seasons (catch and release periods) add an element of conservation awareness. Peak action happens during the warmer months, but Clearwater's mild climate keeps them active almost year-round.
Tarpon fishing is what legends are made of, and Clearwater offers some of Florida's most consistent opportunities. These "Silver Kings" range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class to monsters exceeding 150 pounds. Tarpon season peaks from May through August when massive schools migrate through the area. The fight is unlike anything else – imagine a fish that can jump 6 feet out of the water while peeling line off your reel at alarming speeds. Most Tarpon are released after a quick photo, making this a true sport fishery focused on the experience rather than the harvest.
King Mackerel bring speed and excitement to every trip. These fish are built for velocity, with razor-sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Kings typically range from 15-40 pounds in local waters, though bigger fish show up during peak season (fall through spring). They're excellent trolling targets, often striking spoons, live bait, or diving plugs pulled at 6-8 knots. The initial run is explosive, and their cutting ability means you need wire leaders and sharp hooks. Kings are also fantastic table fare when prepared fresh, making them a favorite for anglers who like to eat their catch.
Redfish complete the inshore slam and offer some of the most visual fishing you'll experience. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, often feeding in less than 3 feet. You'll see their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The sight-fishing opportunities are world-class, especially during the cooler months when big schools form up on the flats. Redfish fight with raw power, making long runs and using their broad sides to create maximum resistance. They're also excellent eating within the slot limits, though many anglers practice catch and release to preserve this incredible fishery.
Captain Kenny's reputation speaks for itself – consistent catches, fair pricing, and the kind of local knowledge that
The Pathfinder 2500 is your ticket to Clearwater's best fishing spots. This 25-foot center console cuts through the water with authority, powered by a reliable 300HP Mercury that cruises smoothly at 30-35 knots. Built specifically for serious anglers, she's designed to get you to the fish fast and keep you comfortable while you're working the flats and channels. With room for just 2 guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast, fight fish, and move around the deck. The shallow draft design means we can slip into those skinny water honey holes where the snook and redfish love to hide. Captain Kenny knows every inch of these waters, and this boat gives him the freedom to chase whatever's biting – whether that's following a school of kings offshore or sneaking up on tarpon rolling in the backcountry. The stable platform makes it perfect for sight fishing, and when you hook into something serious, you've got the room to battle it properly.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings" as we call them, are speed demons that'll strip line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. These olive-backed speedsters average around 30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water, often following bait schools along drop-offs and ledges. Warmer months are best when water temps hit 68-84 degrees and baitfish are thick. What makes them special? Pure speed and those screaming runs that'll test your drag system. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat - just watch the mercury content. The key to landing kings is using a wire leader with two hooks on live bait like blue runners or sardines. Hook one through the nose, the second near the back - kings often hit the tail end first and you don't want to miss that bite.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snappers are true bottom dwellers that'll give you a real workout when hooked. Most catches run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds, but these pink-to-red beauties can grow much larger. You'll find them around structure in 30-620 feet of water - wrecks, reefs, and hard bottom are prime spots. They prefer cooler water temps between 50-70 degrees, making fall through early spring our best seasons here in Clearwater. What makes guests love targeting them? That stubborn fight when they try to dive back to cover, plus they're absolutely delicious with that mild, nutty flavor. Pro tip: use heavy weights and multiple hooks with fresh squid or cigar minnows, and be ready - they'll make a hard run for structure the moment they feel that hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter inshore species, easily spotted by those black eyespots near the tail and copper-red backs. They run 28-33 inches on average but can push 45+ inches and 50 pounds. These fish love super shallow water - 1-4 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves where their backs sometimes stick out. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring are prime when they school up. Why do guests love them? They eat almost anything, fight hard in shallow water, and taste great with that mild, sweet flavor. Plus, spotting them in skinny water gets your heart pumping. Here's my go-to tip: look for nervous water or "push" waves in the shallows - that's usually redfish rooting around for crabs and shrimp in the mud.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most exciting inshore targets, with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color that really pops. Most run around 1½ feet, but they can hit 4+ feet if you're lucky. These ambush predators love hanging around mangroves, docks, and any structure in shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months from May through September are prime time when they're most active. What keeps anglers coming back? That explosive strike and the way they fight in tight quarters. They're also great eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local trick: work your lure slowly around structure and be ready for that sudden hit - snook don't mess around when they decide to eat.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver giants that can reach 6+ feet and jump clear out of the water when hooked. Most of what we catch runs 4 feet and 80-100 pounds, but they grow much bigger. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow flats, channels, and coastal waters, often rolling on the surface. Late spring through summer is peak season when they migrate through our area. What draws anglers? Those heart-stopping jumps and the sheer power of fighting a fish that can swim 35 mph. They're built for acrobatics and will test every bit of your tackle and stamina. We practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating - too bony and tough. My advice: when one jumps, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip to keep tension without breaking your line.
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