6-Hour Inshore Clearwater Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private inshore charter targeting gag grouper and snapperCaptain Mikey provides all tackle, bait, and Florida fishing licensesLight tackle fishing designed for all experience levels
Captain Mikey's got you covered for a full day of inshore fishing action along Clearwater's legendary Gulf Coast waters. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking six solid hours of targeting some of Florida's most sought-after species in waters that consistently produce quality fish. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to dial in your technique or someone who just wants to catch dinner and have a blast doing it, this charter delivers the goods. You'll fish the flats, nearshore structure, and transition zones where gag grouper, snapper, and other prized species love to hang out. With room for just two anglers, you get personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
Your day starts early when Captain Mikey fires up the engines and heads out to the first spot – usually one of his proven grouper holes or snapper ledges depending on conditions and what's been biting lately. The beauty of a six-hour trip is that you're not rushed. If the bite's hot at the first location, you can milk it. If it slows down, there's plenty of time to move and find active fish. Expect to hit multiple spots throughout the day, from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper structure where grouper and snapper stack up. The captain reads the water, wind, and tide to put you on fish consistently. You'll cover a lot of ground, but it's strategic – every move is calculated based on years of experience fishing these waters. The relaxed pace means you can actually learn something about reading water and fish behavior instead of just casting blindly and hoping for the best.
Captain Mikey runs his charters using light tackle setups that make every fish feel like a monster while still having enough backbone to handle the big boys. We're talking spinning reels loaded with braid, medium-heavy rods that have some give, and terminal tackle matched to the target species and bottom structure. For grouper fishing, you'll use heavier jigs and live bait on circle hooks to get down to the bottom quickly and avoid getting broken off in the rocks. Snapper fishing often means lighter weights and smaller baits – these fish can be finicky, especially when they've been pressured. The captain provides everything you need: quality rods and reels, a full tackle selection, live and cut bait, and all the little extras like pliers, rigs, and weights. Your Florida fishing license is included too, so you just show up ready to fish. The light tackle approach isn't just more fun – it's more effective in these clear, shallow waters where heavy gear can spook educated fish.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These chunky bottom dwellers love the rocky ledges and structure scattered throughout Clearwater's nearshore waters. They're aggressive feeders that hit hard and fight harder, making powerful runs toward any cover they can find. Most gags here run between 20-28 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish mixed with some real doormat-sized bruisers that'll test your drag and your patience. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring them into shallower, more accessible areas. What makes gag grouper so appealing isn't just the fight – they're absolutely phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Grey snapper, also known as mangrove snapper, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being stubborn. These scrappy fish are incredibly smart and can be frustratingly picky about bait presentation, but when you dial in the technique, they bite with authority. Most snapper in these waters range from 12-16 inches, with occasional slobs pushing 20 inches or better. They school up around structure, especially during warmer months, and can provide fast action once you locate a good concentration. Snapper fishing teaches you patience and finesse – they'll inspect your bait, test it, and spit it out if something doesn't feel right. When you hook one though, they make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that keep things interesting.
Tarpon are the wildcards that can show up any time from late spring through fall, turning a routine fishing trip into something legendary. These silver kings range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class to massive adults that can exceed 100 pounds. They're not always cooperative, but when conditions align – usually during warmer months with good bait concentrations – they'll roll on the surface and crash baits with explosive power. Landing a tarpon on light tackle is a true test of angling skill and endurance. These fish are pure muscle and athleticism, capable of multiple jumps and runs that can last 20 minutes or more. Most anglers release tarpon after a quick photo, as they're not great table fare but represent the pinnacle of inshore fishing achievement.
King mackerel patrol the deeper edges of the flats and nearshore waters, especially during their spring and fall migration periods. These speed demons are built for one thing: catching baitfish at high speeds. Kings in this area typically range from 15-35 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 40 pounds or better. They hit trolled baits or live offerings with incredible violence, often jumping completely out of the water on the initial strike. The fight is all about speed – they make long, powerful runs that strip line off your reel in a hurry. Kings are excellent eating when prepared fresh, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for blackening or making into fish dip.
Redfish are the ultimate shallow water prize, cruising grass flats and mangrove shorelines year-round in Clearwater's protected waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 20-35 inches, with slot-sized fish being the primary target since oversized reds must be released. They're incredibly strong fighters that use their broad sides an
This 23-foot Dorado Bay boat cuts through Clearwater's inshore waters with authority, powered by a reliable 200HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. Built in 2007, she's proven herself on countless trips targeting gag grouper and snapper in the flats and nearshore structure. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working those shallow spots where the big snook like to hang out. Captain Mikey knows these waters inside and out, and with GPS navigation, you'll hit multiple productive locations during your 6-hour adventure. The onboard multimedia system keeps things entertaining during longer runs between spots. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows. All your gear is covered - rods, reels, tackle, bait, and Florida licenses are included, so just bring yourself and get ready to fish some of the Gulf Coast's most productive waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are some of the hardest fighting fish we target around Clearwater's nearshore reefs and structure. These chunky bottom dwellers typically run 20-30 inches, though we've seen monsters pushing 50+ pounds. They love rocky ledges, wrecks, and drop-offs in 30-80 feet of water. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they're actively feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. What makes them special is that bone-crushing initial run - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to their rocky hideout. The key is keeping your drag locked tight and not giving them an inch, or they'll wrap you up in the structure. Plus, they're fantastic eating with that sweet, flaky white meat.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are some of the smartest fish in our waters. These copper-colored fighters typically run 1-3 pounds inshore, though we occasionally see 5+ pounders around deeper structure. They love hanging around docks, mangroves, and rocky areas in 5-30 feet of water. Best fishing happens during warmer months when they're more active, especially around dawn and dusk since they're nocturnal feeders. What guests love is the challenge - they're incredibly wary and will inspect your bait thoroughly before committing. My go-to trick is using the smallest hook possible with fresh shrimp, and once you feel that subtle tap, don't jerk - just start reeling steadily. The reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes around Clearwater's nearshore waters. These silver bullets typically run 15-30 pounds, with occasional 40+ pounders that'll smoke your drag in seconds. We find them in 40-80 feet of water along ledges and temperature breaks, especially during spring and fall migrations. They're pure adrenaline - blazing runs and acrobatic jumps that happen so fast you barely have time to react. Guests love the nonstop action since kings travel in schools and hunt aggressively. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. My trick for landing them consistently is using a two-hook rig with live bait - one hook in the nose, another trailing behind. Kings love to hit the tail section of baitfish, so that stinger hook saves the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing around Clearwater's grass flats and oyster bars. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, with that distinctive black spot near the tail that fools predators. They love cruising water so shallow their backs show, especially around structure like docks, mangroves, and oyster reefs. Fall through spring gives us prime action when they school up and feed heavily. What makes them special is that heart-stopping moment when you spot their backs cutting through skinny water - pure sight-fishing excitement. They fight like bulldogs and make fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead and let your bait settle - they spook easily in thin water.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate sight-fishing thrill around Clearwater - watching a 100+ pound silver king explode from the water never gets old. These prehistoric giants average 80-120 pounds but can push 200+. They cruise our shallow flats, channels, and bridges in 3-15 feet of water, especially during the warmer months from May through September. What makes them legendary is their acrobatics - multiple jumps, powerful runs, and sheer stamina that'll test any angler. The challenge isn't just hooking them, it's the 30+ minute fight that follows. We practice catch-and-release since they're not great eating - too bony and high mercury. Pro tip: keep your rod tip low during their jumps to prevent them from throwing the hook. These fish live 50+ years, so treat them with respect.
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