4.6(5 Reviews)Capt. Mikey's 4-Hour Flats & Structure Hunt
4.6(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Private half-day inshore fishing charter targets grouper and snapperCaptain Mikey guides anglers through productive flats and nearshore structuresAll tackle, bait, and Florida fishing licenses included
Captain Mikey's half-day inshore fishing charter puts you right in the heart of Clearwater's most productive fishing grounds. This four-hour private trip targets the flats and nearshore structures where gag grouper, grey snapper, and other prized species hang out year-round. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in on some solid action, this charter delivers consistent results without the long boat ride of offshore trips.
Your morning starts at one of Clearwater's local boat ramps, where Captain Mikey has everything rigged and ready to roll. No wasted time here – you'll be running to the first spot within minutes of pushing off the dock. The beauty of inshore fishing in Clearwater is the variety. One minute you're working structure for grouper in 30 feet of water, the next you're sight-casting to redfish cruising the grass flats. Captain Mikey reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Wind out of the west? He knows protected spots that still hold fish. Water's gin-clear? Time to break out the lighter leaders and finesse presentations. This is local knowledge you can't get from apps or fishing reports – it's years of running these waters and knowing exactly where fish set up based on tide, weather, and season.
Everything on this trip is geared toward light tackle fishing, which means more fight in every fish and better hookup ratios overall. Captain Mikey supplies professional-grade spinning reels matched with medium-action rods that can handle anything from 12-inch mangrove snapper to 40-pound king mackerel. The bait selection changes based on what's working, but expect to see live shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait in the wells. Bottom fishing dominates the day when targeting grouper and snapper around structure, but don't be surprised if Captain Mikey switches things up with some drift fishing or even pulls out topwater plugs when the bite calls for it. All your Florida fishing licenses are included in the trip cost, plus hooks, weights, and terminal tackle. Just bring yourself, sunscreen, and something to drink.
"I took my 6 and 7 year old sons on a charter with Captain Mike and it was awesome. We were catching fish non-stop and Mike kept the hooks baited without delay. He was extremely patient with my 2 boys and made sure they were having a fun time. I really appreciated that Mike noticed I was spending most of the time helping my sons hook and real fish, so he stepped in to help so I could have a chance to catch a few fish myself. My boys had such a great time that they keep asking when we can go back and 'fish with Captain Mike.' Next time I'm in the area, I will definitely be booking another charter with Captain Mike. Highly recommend." - Benjamin Morrow
"Mikey is AWESOME! We had a great trip for our family of 4. Caught a ton of fish, enjoyed quality time together, and great conversation with Mikey and each other. Mikey took care of everything and knew when we needed bait even without us saying anything, which let us just focus on having a great time. We will be repeat clients!" - Cal Hurst
"Captain Mikey was terrific!! He knew exactly where to take us to catch big fish including grouper, snapper, hogfish and many more. He is very knowledgeable and provided a great fishing adventure for our family of 5. We even saw dolphins eating our catches that we threw back. We would definitely do another family fishing outing with him again. Thank you so much for a perfect fishing adventure!!" - Tina Menard
Gag grouper are the crown jewel of Clearwater's inshore scene, and for good reason. These bottom-dwelling bruisers average 3-8 pounds but can push 15-20 pounds when you find the right rocks and ledges. Gags are aggressive feeders that inhale baits quickly, so you need to set the hook fast and keep steady pressure to prevent them from diving back into structure. The best action typically runs from late fall through early spring when water temperatures drop and these fish move into shallower structure. What makes gag grouper so popular with anglers is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These fish range from palm-sized juveniles up to 3-4 pound adults that put up a solid fight on light tackle. Grey snapper are structure-oriented and school heavily, so when Captain Mikey finds one good fish, there are usually plenty more in the area. They're notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth and quick reflexes, making them challenging but rewarding targets. Peak action happens during warmer months when these fish feed aggressively in preparation for spawning, but Clearwater's grey snapper bite stays strong most of the year.
Tarpon sightings add serious excitement to any inshore trip, especially during spring and summer months when juvenile tarpon flood Clearwater's backwater areas. These silver kings range from 10-pound juveniles up to 100-pound adults, and even small tarpon provide explosive jumps and long runs that test your drag system. Tarpon fishing requires patience and technique – these fish are notorious for throwing hooks during their aerial displays. The peak season runs May through September, with early morning and late afternoon providing the best shot at hooking up. Landing a tarpon is always optional since these fish are primarily catch-and-release, but the experience of fighting one is something every angler remembers.
King mackerel bring speed and teeth to Clearwater's nearshore
Step aboard our reliable 23' Dorado Bay boat for your half-day fishing adventure in Clearwater's productive inshore waters. This 2007 vessel packs a punch with its 200HP Suzuki engine, cruising smoothly at speeds up to 42 knots to get you to the best fishing spots quickly. Captain Mikey knows exactly where the Gag Grouper and Grey Snapper are biting around the flats and nearshore structures. The boat's wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're working the shallows, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the prime locations. With room for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines using our professional-grade tackle. The onboard multimedia system adds convenience during the ride between spots. All Florida licenses, fresh bait, and quality rods are included, so just bring yourself and get ready to hook into some solid fish in these coastal waters.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisThese chunky fighters typically run 20-40 inches around our local structure, though the big males can push 50+ pounds. You'll find them hanging around rocks, ledges, and nearshore reefs in 15-80 feet of water. They love live pinfish and cut bait, but here's the thing - once they grab your bait, they'll try to drag it straight back to their hole. Keep that drag locked tight and don't give them an inch, or you'll lose them in the rocks every time. Spring through fall gives us the best action when they move up shallow to feed. Great table fare with firm white meat that makes the fight worth it.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these smart fish average 12-16 inches inshore but can surprise you with a 4-5 pounder. They hang around docks, mangroves, and grass flats in 5-25 feet, always looking for an easy meal. Best bite happens at dawn, dusk, and nighttime when they get more aggressive. Guests love them because they're tricky to fool but taste fantastic - sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. My tip: use the smallest hook you can get away with and let that live shrimp sit still on bottom. They're opportunistic but spooky, so patience pays off big time.
Scomberomorus CavallaThese speed demons average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ when conditions are right. We find them in 40-100 feet around structure and baitfish schools, especially during cooler months from October through March. They'll smoke your drag at 35 mph and make long runs that test your equipment. Popular because they fight hard and make good eating - just watch the mercury if you're keeping them. My go-to setup is a wire leader with two hooks on live bait like blue runners. Put one hook in the nose, let the other dangle near the tail since kings often bite the back end first.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail are what inshore fishing is all about. Most run 18-28 inches in our shallow waters, but the big bulls can push 40+ inches. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet over grass flats, around oyster bars, and near mangrove shorelines. Spring and fall give us the most consistent action when they're feeding heavy. They fight like freight trains in shallow water and taste great - mild, sweet meat that's hard to beat. Watch for nervous water and birds working bait. When you see their backs out of water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Megalops AtlanticusThe silver king can reach 100-200 pounds and jump 6 feet out of the water when hooked. Around Clearwater, we find them rolling in 3-15 feet over grass flats and around bridges from May through September. They're pure catch-and-release since the meat's full of bones, but watching one explode out of the water is something you'll never forget. These fish can live 50+ years, so we treat them with respect. Pro tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward them - it keeps slack in the line so they can't throw the hook. Late spring through summer is prime time.
4.6 out of 5.0
I took my 6 and 7 year old sons on a charter with Captain Mike and it was awesome. We were catching fish non-stop and Mike kept th...
Mikey is AWESOME! We had a great trip for our family of 4. Caught a ton of fish, enjoyed quality time together, and great conversa...
Captain Mikey was terrific!! He knew exactly where to take us to catch big fish including grouper, snapper, hogfish and many more...
Captain Michael was fantastic! He has a great demeanor about him, making you feel comfortable. He wasted no time- everything was r...
Great time. Will do again.
Florida