Full Day Inshore Fishing in Clearwater
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting Gag Grouper and Grey SnapperAll equipment, tackle, bait, and Florida fishing licenses includedExpert guide navigates multiple flats and nearshore reef zones
Captain Mikey knows these Clearwater waters like the back of his hand, and when you book this private full-day charter with Island Time Family Charters, you're getting access to his years of local knowledge. This eight-hour adventure targets some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches – Gag Grouper, Grey Snapper, Tarpon, King Mackerel, and Redfish – across the diverse flats and nearshore reefs that make this area a fishing hotspot. With just two anglers max, you'll have personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work the best spots without crowds or rushed timelines.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Mikey at the marina, boat prepped and ready with all the gear you'll need. This isn't a cattle-boat operation – it's an intimate fishing experience where every detail matters. The beauty of a full day charter is the flexibility to adapt as conditions change. Morning might find you working structure for grouper, while afternoon could shift to the flats for redfish or out to deeper water if the kings are running. Captain Mikey reads the water, weather, and fish behavior to put you on the most productive spots throughout the day. All your tackle, rods, reels, and fresh bait are included, plus Florida fishing licenses for everyone aboard. You just need to bring snacks, drinks, sun protection, and your enthusiasm for hooking into some serious fish.
Inshore fishing around Clearwater demands versatility, and Captain Mikey's got the setup to match any situation. You'll be fishing with professional-grade spinning and conventional reels matched to the target species – lighter tackle for snapper and reds, heavier gear when grouper or kings are the focus. Depending on conditions and fish activity, you might be bottom fishing around structure, sight casting to cruising reds on shallow flats, or even getting into some live bait fishing when the tarpon show up. The boat stays stocked with circle hooks for conservation-minded fishing, various weights for different depths, and a selection of both live and cut baits. Captain Mikey teaches proper technique as you go, whether that's feeling the subtle tap of a snapper or setting the hook on a screaming king mackerel. The nearshore reefs and grass flats provide perfect classroom conditions for anglers wanting to sharpen their skills.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of Clearwater's nearshore scene, and these bottom-dwellers pack serious fight into their chunky frames. They typically run 15-25 pounds around here, with bigger fish possible on the right day. Gags love structure – ledges, rocks, and artificial reefs where they can ambush prey. They're most active during cooler months from October through April, making winter the prime time for grouper fishing. What makes them so exciting is the initial run when hooked – they'll try to get back to their hole, testing your drag and technique. Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are year-round residents that provide consistent action. These scrappy fighters typically range 12-18 inches and are notorious for their finicky bites and hard runs. They're structure-oriented like grouper but also cruise the flats, especially around dawn and dusk. Tarpon are the silver kings of inshore fishing, and Clearwater's passes and flats see good numbers from May through September. These fish can range from juvenile "poons" of 20-40 pounds to full-grown giants over 100 pounds. The jump, the runs, and the sheer power make tarpon fishing addictive – it's catch and release only, but the memories last forever. King Mackerel patrol the nearshore waters, especially during spring and fall migrations. These speedsters can hit 20-30 pounds and make blistering runs that'll test your equipment and skills. They're perfect targets when you want fast action and excellent table fare. Redfish are the inshore slam favorite, cruising shallow flats and mangrove shorelines year-round. Bulls can push 30+ inches, while slot-size reds between 18-27 inches provide great sport and dinner. Their copper-bronze sides and distinctive black spot make them easy to identify, and their willingness to eat a variety of baits keeps them popular with anglers of all skill levels.
This world-class inshore fishing experience combines the best of Clearwater's diverse fishing opportunities with Captain Mikey's local expertise and top-rated charter service. Eight hours on the water gives you legitimate shots at multiple species while learning techniques you can use for years to come. The intimate two-angler limit means personalized instruction, prime fishing spots, and the flexibility to target whatever's biting best. Whether you're looking to check multiple species off your bucket list, introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just spend a day doing what you love most, this charter delivers the complete package. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons. Secure your spot with Island Time Family Charters and get ready for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Your full day fishing adventure starts aboard a reliable 2007 23' Dorado Bay boat powered by a smooth 200HP Suzuki outboard. This well-equipped fishing platform cuts through Clearwater's waters at up to 42 knots, getting you to the productive flats and nearshore reefs where Gag Grouper and Grey Snapper are waiting. The boat's wireless trolling motor lets Captain Mikey position you quietly over fish without spooking them, while the GPS system ensures you hit all the best spots during your eight-hour charter. With space for up to 5 anglers and an onboard multimedia system for the ride between fishing holes, this vessel has everything needed for a serious day chasing fish in the Gulf of Mexico's coastal waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese bottom-dwellers average around 20 inches but can grow up to 4 feet and 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around nearshore reefs, rocks, and structure in 40-150 feet of water. Males are darker with distinctive reticulated dorsal fins, while females show a marbled gray pattern. They're ambush predators that love crab, shrimp, and baitfish. What makes them fun to target is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try to drag your bait straight back to the rocks. The meat is excellent eating with firm white flesh. Pro tip: keep your drag locked tight and don't let them freewheel, or they'll dive into a hole and cut you off on the structure.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-red fish typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, though they can hit 20 pounds in open water. You'll find them around docks, piers, mangroves, and any structure that provides cover. They're opportunistic feeders that hunt at night, making dawn and dusk prime times. What guests love is their willingness to bite and excellent table fare - white, flaky meat with mild flavor. They're smart though, so patience pays off. My go-to technique is dropping live shrimp tail-hooked to the bottom near structure, then reeling up just enough to stay off the rocks. Let it sit still - too much movement spooks these cautious biters.
Scomberomorus CavallaFast, toothy, and built for speed, kings are what every angler wants pulling drag. These silver bullets typically weigh 15-30 pounds but can top 90. You'll find them in 40-150 feet along the nearshore reefs and structure, especially when baitfish are thick. Spring through fall are prime, with cooler months bringing them closer to shore. What makes them special is their blistering runs - they're second only to wahoo for pure speed. Plus, they're fantastic eating when fresh. I run two hooks on a wire leader when using live bait: one through the nose, another free-swinging behind it. Kings hit the tail first, so that trailing hook is your insurance policy for a solid hookup.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around here. These copper-bronze beauties with the distinctive black eyespot near their tail typically run 20-30 inches in the shallows. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water over grass flats, oyster bars, and around docks. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months. What makes reds so popular is their willingness to eat almost anything and that strong, steady fight. The meat is mild and sweet too. They're not picky - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials all work. My favorite trick is sight-fishing with topwater plugs in skinny water. When you see their backs cruising the flats, cast ahead and work it slow.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king is pure adrenaline on a line. These prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. They patrol shallow flats, bridges, and harbors from spring through fall when water temps hit the upper 70s. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating - they're catch and release - but those explosive jumps that can launch them 10 feet out of the water. They're built for speed and acrobatics, hitting 35 mph. The fight is bucket-list worthy. Best bait is live mullet or pinfish, but they'll crush topwater plugs too. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - keeps tension off the line so they can't throw the hook.
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