5.0(4 Reviews)Private Inshore Charter - Clearwater's Best Fishing
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4hour inshore fishing trip starting at 8:00 AMTarget sea trout, redfish, snook, snapper, and sheepshead speciesAccommodates up to 4 guests with Hog Squad Fishing
When you're looking for a top-rated fishing charter that actually puts you on fish, Captain Dylan and Hog Squad Fishing deliver every single time. This 4-hour private inshore trip kicks off at 8 AM and takes you to Clearwater's most productive flats, grass beds, and structure where the fish are actively feeding. You'll have the boat all to yourself and up to three buddies, which means no crowds, no rushing, and all the time you need to work each spot properly. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip - Dylan reads the water, adjusts to conditions, and puts his years of local knowledge to work finding where the fish are holding that day.
Your morning starts early because that's when the fish are most active, especially during those prime feeding windows. Dylan runs a clean, well-equipped boat that's perfect for working the shallows and getting into those tight spots where the big fish like to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing around Clearwater is the variety - you're not just targeting one species and hoping for the best. Depending on tides, weather, and what's been biting, you might start working grass flats for trout and reds, then move to some structure for snapper and grouper, or hit the mangroves where snook love to ambush bait. The trip flows naturally based on what the fish are telling you, and Dylan's got the experience to read those signs and keep you in the action.
Dylan comes prepared with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and all the terminal gear that's proven to work in these waters. You'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working that day. Live shrimp is always a go-to for multiple species, but you might also throw some pinfish or pilchards when targeting bigger predators. The techniques vary based on conditions and target species - maybe you're sight fishing the flats with light tackle, bouncing jigs along the bottom for grouper, or working topwater plugs around structure during low-light periods. The water around Clearwater offers everything from shallow grass flats that barely cover the boat's prop to deeper channels and ledges where the bigger fish cruise. Dylan knows how to work each environment and will teach you the techniques that consistently produce.
"Captain Dylan got us on fish right from the start and we got hooked up early. The school moved around a bit, but Dylan knew where to look and kept us on them. It seemed like we were getting bites/hooked up every other cast. We had never gone after this species, but always wanted to and Dylan made it happen. He is a wealth of knowledge on many other species and knows how to get us on those as well. We will be booking another charter next time to target go after some other awesome saltwater fish. I recommend anyone wanting to actually catch fish, book with Captain Dylan." - Jansen
"Best Charter Captain around. He put us on fish and we caught a lot and had a great time. Super nice dude too. First time I caught a lot of fish on a charter . Will definitely book with him again!" - Susanne
"The very first fish I caught was my personal best redfish! After that we went on to slay snook, trout, and more redfish. Best day ever! Look no further than Hog Squad Fishing if you're looking for a charter!" - Rusty
Gag Grouper are one of the most sought-after species in these waters, and for good reason. These fish are smart, strong, and absolutely delicious on the table. Gags typically hang around structure - ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where they can ambush prey. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, and once you hook one, you'll understand why anglers get so fired up about them. They'll make that initial run straight for the bottom, testing your drag and your patience. Most gags you'll encounter range from 15 to 25 pounds, but the occasional monster over 30 pounds will really get your heart pumping.
Tarpon fishing is what legends are made of, and Clearwater's waters host some incredible silver king action, especially from May through September. These prehistoric fish can reach 100+ pounds and when they eat your bait, the world changes in a hurry. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their aerial display. They'll jump, tail-walk, and throw the hook with moves that defy physics. Even a smaller 40-pound tarpon will give you a workout you won't forget. They're catch-and-release only, but landing one is a badge of honor that every serious angler needs to earn.
Red Grouper are the workhorses of the grouper family and they're around year-round, making them a reliable target when other species are being finicky. They're typically found in 30-80 feet of water around hard bottom, wrecks, and ledges. Reds are excellent table fare and they fight with that classic grouper bulldogging style - not flashy, but they'll test your tackle with pure strength. Most red grouper run 10-20 pounds, and they're often mixed in with other species, so you never know what's going to eat your bait next.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing, and Clearwater's grass flats and mangrove shorelines are perfect redfish habitat. These copper-colored bruisers are available year-round, though they're most active during warmer months. What makes reds so fun is their versatility - you can catch them on live bait, artificials, topwater plugs, or sight fishing the flats. They typically range from 18-27 inches in the slot, and they fight with powerful runs that'll make your
This 23-foot Bulls Bay center console is built for serious fishing in Clearwater's productive inshore waters. The 2017 boat runs on a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to the best spots at 30 knots, whether you're targeting redfish on the flats or snook around structure. The center console design gives everyone room to cast and fight fish comfortably - perfect for up to 4 anglers. You'll appreciate the fish finder for marking schools and structure, plus GPS navigation to hit those honey holes consistently. The wireless trolling motor lets you work shallow water quietly without spooking fish. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip. This setup handles everything from sight fishing the grass flats for sea trout to working deeper structure for snapper and sheepshead. When Spanish mackerel and kingfish move in seasonally, you'll have the power and stability to chase them down.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that hang around rocky structure and reefs, usually 20-100 feet deep. Most run 15-25 inches, but the bigger ones can hit 30+ pounds. They love live bait like pinfish and mullet, plus cut crab works great. These fish are curious and will come check out stone crab traps since they're always hunting crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're more active. What guests really love is the fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your line straight back to the rocks. The meat is excellent eating, firm and white. Here's the key: keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any slack, or they'll dive into a hole and you'll lose them every time.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the tastiest fish we target, with that distinctive pig-like snout they use to root around for crabs and shrimp. They average 2-8 pounds and hang around hard bottom, reefs, and ledges in 15-60 feet. Spring through early summer is best when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them tricky is their small mouth and lightning-fast strike - you need quick reflexes. The payoff is incredible eating, sweeter than grouper with firm white meat that's prized by chefs. Live shrimp or small crabs work best on small hooks. Here's the trick: make noise by tapping your sinker on the bottom. Hogfish are curious and the sound draws them in thinking something is stirring up food they can steal.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our reef fishing. They average 5-15 pounds but can push 30+ on a good day. You'll find them on rocky bottom and structure in 30-120 feet of water. They're aggressive biters that hit hard on live or cut bait - shrimp, squid, and small fish work great. Fall through spring is prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawning season. What people love is they're tough fighters that pull hard toward the bottom, plus the meat is some of the best you'll eat - firm, white, and sweet with almost a shellfish taste. My tip: use a heavier sinker than you think you need. These fish will grab your bait and head straight for the rocks, so you need weight to get them up quick before they hole up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our most popular inshore target and for good reason. They average 18-27 inches in our waters and fight way above their weight class. You'll find them in 1-6 feet around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. That distinctive black spot near their tail makes them easy to identify. Spring through fall is prime time, especially on moving tides. What guests love is the variety - they'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, live shrimp, or crabs. The fight is strong and steady, and the meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor. Here's my secret: look for nervous baitfish or mullet jumping - redfish are usually right underneath pushing them up. Cast just past the commotion and work your lure back through it.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish around here. These silver giants average 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, but we see them bigger. They cruise shallow flats, bridges, and harbor areas in 2-15 feet of water. Best fishing runs May through September when they're migrating through. What makes them special is the jumps - they'll rocket 6+ feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. Most folks fish them for the fight, not the table since they're bony and taste pretty rough. Live mullet, pinfish, or crabs work best. The trick is keeping your rod tip low during the fight. When they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps slack in the line so they can't use their weight to snap you off.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Dylan got us on fish right from the start and we got hooked up early. The school moved around a bit, but Dylan knew where ...
Best Charter Captain around. He put us on fish and we caught a lot and had a great time. Super nice dude too. First time I caught ...
The very first fish I caught was my personal best redfish! After that we went on to slay snook, trout, and more redfish. Best day ...
Captain Dylan was awesome. My son and I had a blast. We caught 5 different types of fish and learned a lot. Captain D even picked ...
Clearwater