5.0(4 Reviews)Private Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter
5.0(4 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 4-hour inshore fishing trip for up to 4 guestsTarget sea trout, redfish, snook, snapper, and sheepshead speciesMorning departure at 8:00 AM with Hog Squad Fishing
When you're looking for a legitimate fishing charter that actually puts you on fish, Captain Dylan and Hog Squad Fishing deliver the goods. This 4-hour private inshore trip launches at 8:00 AM sharp from Clearwater, giving you and up to three buddies prime access to some of Florida's most productive saltwater fishing grounds. We're talking about targeting serious species like redfish, snook, sea trout, snapper, and sheepshead in waters where they actually live and feed. No cattle boat experience here – just you, your crew, and a captain who knows exactly where to find the bite.
Your morning starts early because that's when the fish are most active and the water's at its calmest. Captain Dylan picks his spots based on tide movement, baitfish activity, and seasonal patterns that change throughout the year. You'll be fishing productive grass flats, oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and structure that holds fish consistently. The beauty of inshore fishing in Clearwater is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to cruising redfish in skinny water, the next you're working deeper channels for snook or targeting structure for grouper. This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where everyone does the same thing. Dylan adjusts tactics based on what's biting and what you want to target most.
We fish with light to medium tackle that gives you a real fight without overpowering the fish. You'll use spinning reels spooled with braided line for sensitivity and hook-setting power, paired with fluorocarbon leaders that won't spook fish in clear water. Depending on conditions and target species, we'll employ different techniques throughout the day. Live bait fishing with shrimp, pinfish, or pilchards when the fish want something natural. Artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs when they're aggressive or when you want to cover water quickly. Captain Dylan carries a full spread of tackle and knows when to switch gears if one approach isn't producing. The boat's equipped with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice for your catch.
"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 the heavy hitters of the inshore game, and Clearwater's nearshore reefs and structure hold some bruisers. These fish average 3-8 pounds but can push into the teens. They're most active during cooler months from October through March when they move into shallower water to feed. Gags fight dirty – they'll try to cut you off on structure and use their broad tails to bulldoze toward cover. What makes them special is their table fare and the fact that getting one to the boat requires skill and persistence. They're not always cooperative, but when they are, you're in for some serious rod-bending action.
Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, and Clearwater Bay sees good numbers from April through October. These fish range from juvenile "poons" of 20-40 pounds up to mature fish over 100 pounds. They're famous for their aerial displays and ability to throw hooks, making them one of the most challenging species to land. Peak season runs May through July when massive schools move through the area. What gets anglers hooked on tarpon is the adrenaline rush – that first jump when a 6-foot fish goes airborne is something you'll never forget. Most anglers practice catch-and-release with these magnificent fish.
Red Grouper prefer slightly deeper water than gags, typically hanging around 30-60 foot depths on hard bottom and artificial reefs. They're more cooperative than their gag cousins and excellent table fare. Reds average 2-6 pounds with larger specimens reaching double digits. Best fishing occurs during fall and winter months when they're actively feeding before spawning season. They're perfect for anglers who want to experience grouper fishing without the frustration factor – reds usually eat what you put in front of them and don't fight as dirty as gags.
Redfish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Clearwater, available year-round with peak action from September through December. These copper-colored bulldogs average 18-27 inches with plenty of slot-sized fish and the occasional oversized bull red over 27 inches. They're perfect for sight-fishing on shallow flats, especially during low-light periods. Reds are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials hard. What makes them special is their fighting ability – they use their broad shoulders and stamina to make long, powerful runs. Plus, slot-sized reds make excellent table fare.
Hogfish are one of the most prized catches in Clearwater waters
Meet your fishing machine for the day - a 2017 Bulls Bay 23-footer that's built to get you on the fish in Clearwater's productive inshore waters. This center console runs on a reliable 250HP Yamaha that'll cruise at 30 knots, getting you to the hot spots quickly and quietly with its wireless trolling motor. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's equipped with everything you need: GPS to mark your favorite structure, fish finder to locate schools, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're working the grass flats for sea trout and redfish, targeting snook around the mangroves, or hitting deeper structure for snapper and sheepshead, this boat handles Clearwater's diverse inshore fishing grounds with ease. The spacious deck gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are solid fighters that average 20 inches but can grow up to 4 feet and 80 pounds. These guys love structure - reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms from 30-200 feet deep. They're curious fish that'll often follow stone crab traps since they feed heavily on crabs and shrimp. What makes them special is their unique biology - all start as females and some change to males as they mature. The meat is fantastic, white and flaky. They hit live bait hard, especially pinfish and mullet. Once hooked, they'll try to drag you straight back to the rocks, so keep that reel locked tight and don't give them any line. The key is to muscle them up and away from structure quickly - no playing around with these bruisers.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are unique catches with their pig-like snouts and bright colors, averaging 2-8 pounds but capable of reaching 20+ pounds. These curious wrasse live around reefs and hard bottom in 20-80 feet, using their snouts to dig for crabs and shellfish. They're tricky to hook because of that specialized mouth, but once on, they fight surprisingly hard. The real prize is the meat - sweet, flaky, and considered some of the best eating in the Gulf. They're hermaphrodites that start female and can change to male, with males showing brighter colors and a black spot behind the pectorals. Live shrimp and small crabs work best. My trick: make some noise by tapping your rod on the boat rail - hogfish are curious and the vibrations often draw them in closer to investigate.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the bread and butter of our offshore trips, running 5-15 pounds on average with some pushing 30+ pounds. These rust-colored fighters live on rocky bottoms and around structure in 40-200 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that love live shrimp, crabs, and cut bait. The meat is some of the best you'll find - firm, white, and sweet from their shellfish diet. What guests love is how hard they fight for their size, plus they're pretty reliable biters year-round, though fall and winter tend to be best. They'll try to dive straight into the rocks when hooked, so you need to turn them quick. My tip: use a stout rod and don't be afraid to put some serious pressure on them right from the hookset.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, typically running 18-27 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near their tail. These copper-colored fighters cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is the visual fishing - you'll often see their backs out of the water as they feed. They eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs, and the strikes can be explosive. The meat is excellent, mild and sweet. They're strong fighters that make long runs in shallow water. Pro tip: when you spot tailing reds, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sit still - they spook easily in skinny water.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is pure excitement on a rod. These prehistoric giants average 80-100 pounds but can reach 280 pounds and 8 feet long. Around Clearwater, we find them in shallow bays, channels, and near bridges during their migration from May through August. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - most folks release them - it's the spectacular jumps and blistering runs. They'll leap 10 feet out of the water trying to throw your hook. We target them with live mullet, pinfish, or crabs on circle hooks with 40-pound line. The fight can last an hour with a big fish. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by lowering your rod tip toward them. This gives slack and prevents them from landing on a tight line and breaking 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