Premium Clearwater Inshore Fishing Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Captain Kenny guides customizable 28 hour inshore fishing tripsTarget species include Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, and Speckled TroutSmall group experience accommodates up to 2 guests maximum
Looking for a real fishing adventure in Clearwater's backwaters? Captain Kenny runs some of the most productive inshore charters on Florida's Gulf Coast, and he's got the local knowledge to put you on fish. Whether you've got two hours to kill or want to make a full day of it with an eight-hour trip, these waters hold some serious surprises. We're talking about targeting red snapper, king mackerel, tarpon, redfish, and snook in their home turf – the grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and deeper channels where these fish love to hang out. Captain Kenny keeps his trips small with just two anglers max, so you're getting personal attention and prime fishing spots without the crowd.
Captain Kenny knows every oyster bar, grass flat, and mangrove cut from Dunedin up to Tarpon Springs. Your day starts early when the fish are most active, and the game plan changes based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. Some days we're sight-fishing for redfish cruising the shallows, other times we're anchored up on structure waiting for that king mackerel to slam your bait. The boat's rigged with quality tackle and all the gear you need, from light spinning setups for trout to heavy conventional reels when we're chasing tarpon. Don't worry about bringing anything except sunscreen, drinks, and maybe some snacks – Captain Kenny's got the rest covered. The beauty of these customizable trips is that we can adjust on the fly. If the snook bite dies down, we'll move to a different spot or switch up tactics.
Clearwater's inshore fishing is all about reading the water and knowing when to be where. We'll be working everything from live bait under popping corks to artificial lures depending on conditions and target species. The grass flats near Three Rooker Island are money for redfish, especially on moving tides when these copper-colored fighters cruise the edges looking for crabs and baitfish. For snook, we're hitting the mangrove shorelines and dock lights with live shrimp or pinfish – these fish love structure and ambush points. King mackerel action happens in 15-30 feet of water where we'll troll spoons or pitch live bait to schools we mark on the fish finder. Captain Kenny runs top-notch electronics and knows exactly where the artificial reefs and natural bottom contours hold fish. When tarpon season kicks in, we're looking for rolling fish and setting up with circle hooks and live crabs or threadfins.
Red snapper are the bread and butter of Clearwater fishing, and these reef dwellers pack serious fight in a compact package. Most of our snappers run 12-20 inches and hit the scales between 2-5 pounds, but don't let the size fool you – they'll test your drag and put up a scrappy battle all the way to the boat. Best action happens from late spring through fall when they're feeding heavily on the nearshore reefs and hard bottom areas. What makes snapper fishing so addictive is their aggressive bite – when you find a school, you can load the boat.
Snook fishing in Clearwater is pure adrenaline, especially when you hook into a slot-sized fish around the mangroves. These silver-sided predators average 20-28 inches in our area and are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and bulldogging runs back to cover. Summer months bring the best action when snook are most active, but fall and spring produce quality fish too. They're ambush feeders that love to hide in the shadows, making every cast an adventure. The thrill comes from the explosive strike and acrobatic fight – snook don't give up easy.
Tarpon season in Clearwater is legendary, and hooking into the "silver king" is a bucket-list experience for any angler. These giants range from juvenile fish around 20-40 pounds up to mature adults pushing 100+ pounds. Peak season runs May through August when tarpon migrate through our waters in massive schools. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's watching a six-foot fish launch completely out of the water multiple times during a 30-minute fight. They're catch-and-release only, but the photos and memories last forever.
King mackerel bring speed and teeth to the party, with most fish running 15-35 pounds and capable of screaming line off your reel. These pelagic predators show up best from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop and baitfish schools are thick. Kings are built for speed and their initial runs are absolutely blistering – you'll know immediately when you've hooked one. They're excellent table fare too, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take dinner home.
Redfish are the poster child of inshore fishing, and Clearwater's grass flats produce some beautiful copper-colored specimens. Our reds typically run 18-27 inches and are famous for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall and spring when they school up in big numbers. What gets anglers hooked on redfish is the sight-fishing opportunities – watching a red tail wave in two feet of water as it roots for crabs never gets old. They're also one of the most reliable species, with consistent action even on tough days.
Captain Kenny's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot. These small-boat trips with personalized attention are exactly what serious anglers are looking for, and repeat customers know to book early. Whether you're a seasoned pro wanting to target specific species or a newcomer ready to learn the ropes, Captain Kenny tailors each trip to match your experience level and fishing goals. The combination of productive waters, expert guidance,
Meet your fishing platform for Clearwater's inshore waters - the Pathfinder 2500. This 25-foot center console cuts through Tampa Bay's shallows with authority, powered by a reliable 300-hp Mercury that cruises comfortably at 30-35 knots. Built specifically for sight fishing and navigating skinny water, she's your ticket to prime redfish flats and snook hideouts around Clearwater. The spacious deck gives you and one fishing partner plenty of room to work lures and fight fish, while the shallow draft gets you into those backcountry spots where the big speckled trout hang out. Whether you're targeting tarpon in deeper channels or stalking reds in ankle-deep grass beds, Captain Kenny's Pathfinder handles it all. Perfect for anglers who want a serious fishing boat that can reach the productive waters quickly and fish them effectively.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel, or "Kings," are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. Most range 10-30 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 40-50 pounds during peak season. They cruise open waters from 40-150 feet deep, often following temperature breaks and bait schools. Fall through spring offers the best action when they move closer to shore chasing baitfish. What makes kings exciting is their blistering runs - they can strip 100 yards of line in seconds when hooked. They're also excellent eating with rich, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. The key to landing kings is using a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono or braid instantly. Here's my go-to setup: slow-troll live sardines or Spanish mackerel behind a planer, keeping your bait 20-30 feet behind the boat. When they hit, they hit hard - no mistaking a king mackerel bite.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are one of our most popular targets, and for good reason. These pink to deep red fish average 1-2 feet and 6-10 pounds, though we occasionally hook into trophy-size snappers pushing 20+ pounds. They hang out around structure in 30-200 feet of water - think wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom. The cooler months from October through March offer the best action when they're more active and closer to shore. What makes them special? They put up a solid fight, trying to run back to cover when hooked. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for dinner. Here's a local tip: when you feel that initial bite, don't hesitate. Set the hook hard and start reeling immediately. Snappers have a habit of spitting the bait if you give them slack, and their sharp gill plates can cut your line if they make it back to structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Florida's most reliable inshore fighters, identifiable by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish we catch run 18-27 inches, perfect eating size with sweet, mild meat. They love shallow flats, oyster bars, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs are exposed. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer peak action when they school up in large numbers. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight and willingness to eat almost anything. They're not jumpers like tarpon, but they'll make strong runs and use their broad tails to fight you all the way to the boat. Here's the secret to consistent redfish success: look for nervous water or slight surface disturbances on the flats. When you spot them tailing or cruising, cast your bait well ahead of the school and let it settle to the bottom before starting a slow retrieve.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature inshore gamefish, and they're a blast to target around Clearwater. Most run 18-28 inches, though trophy snook over 30 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, bridges, and grass flats in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and cover, much like largemouth bass. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during moving tides around dawn and dusk. What makes snook special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to throw your lure. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key to landing more snook: work your lure or bait right along the edges of cover. Don't cast into the middle of mangroves - present it where the structure meets open water. That's where they sit waiting to ambush prey.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - true giants that can reach 6-8 feet and 100-200 pounds. We find them in shallow flats, channels, and around bridges in 5-50 feet of water. The best action happens May through September when they migrate through our area, especially during new and full moon phases. What draws anglers from around the world? Their aerial acrobatics. When hooked, tarpon launch themselves 6-10 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. They're not great eating due to their bony structure and high mercury content, so we practice catch-and-release. The fight can last 30 minutes or more on medium tackle. Here's a crucial tip: when a tarpon jumps, immediately bow your rod toward the fish to create slack line. This prevents them from landing on a tight line and breaking off. It's called "bowing to the king" and it'll save you from heartbreak.
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