4.9(13 Reviews)Quick 2-Hour Inshore Fishing in Clearwater
4.9(13 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Private 2hour inshore trip targeting Gag Grouper and Grey SnapperCaptain Mikey guides beginners and families through Gulf Coast watersAll fishing licenses, tackle, and bait included with charter
Sometimes you don't need all day to get on the fish. This focused 2-hour inshore fishing trip with Captain Mikey puts you right in the action fast, targeting prime spots along Clearwater's flats and nearshore waters. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone looking to squeeze some solid fishing into a busy schedule, this charter gets you hooked up with quality fish without eating up your whole day. We're talking light tackle, live bait, and local knowledge that puts fish in the boat consistently.
Captain Mikey runs a tight ship when it comes to maximizing your time on the water. With only 2 hours to work with, he wastes zero time getting you to the productive spots where Gag Grouper and Grey Snapper are hanging out. The boat holds up to 2 guests, so you get that personal attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories or going home with fish. We're working the flats and nearshore structure where these fish congregate, using light tackle that makes every catch feel like a battle. All your licenses, rods, reels, and bait are included, so you just show up ready to fish. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip - Mikey reads the conditions and adjusts on the fly, moving spots if the bite isn't happening where we start.
We're fishing smart, not hard on this trip. Light tackle is the name of the game, using spinning reels spooled with appropriate test line that gives these Gulf Coast fish a fair fight while still having the backbone to bring them up from structure. Bottom fishing with circle hooks keeps everything legal and ethical, while live and cut bait does the heavy lifting when it comes to attracting bites. Captain Mikey handles all the rigging, re-baiting, and unhooking, so you focus on feeling that rod tip load up. We're targeting specific structure and depth changes where these species feed, using the boat's electronics to stay on productive bottom. The beauty of light tackle is feeling every head shake and run - even a 3-pound snapper will give you a workout and put a smile on your face.
"Awesome 2 hr trip, he was amazing with my daughters and wife , we were on the fish in 5 minutes and it was non stop the whole time !" - Jeremy Muth. "Our family had the best time! Captain Mike was so friendly and really knew what he was doing. He requested to switch our day because of weather to insure we caught some fish and we definitely did! I really appreciated that. Every time we lost a bait he was there to put a new one on. He was so patient with my youngest as well. We had a blast and I would definitely fish again with him!" - Emily. "Great Captain.Awesome experience. Captain Michael worked non stop chumming, rebaiting our hooks and taking many fish off our hooks. Great guy Great Captain. Highly qualified and highly recommend. Thanks Mikey" - Craig.
Gag Grouper are the bread and butter of this fishery, hanging around hard bottom and structure in 15-40 feet of water. These chunky fish average 3-8 pounds but can push into double digits, and they fight like they're twice their size. Best months are typically fall through early spring when they're more aggressive and feeding heavily. What makes gags so fun is their initial run toward structure when hooked - they know every cave and ledge down there, so you need to turn their head quick and get them coming up. The meat is phenomenal, firm and white, making them a top table fare target for families.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as locals call them, are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are being finicky. These smart fish average 1-4 pounds but make up for size with attitude and numbers. They're structure-oriented, hanging around docks, bridges, and rocky bottom where they ambush baitfish and crustaceans. Summer months see them more active in shallower water, while winter finds them in slightly deeper holes. Don't let their size fool you - a 3-pound mangrove on light tackle will give you a workout, and they're notorious bait stealers that keep things interesting between bigger fish.
Tarpon show up seasonally and turn every trip into something special when they're around. These silver kings can range from juvenile "baby" tarpon of 10-30 pounds up to giants over 100 pounds. Peak season runs late spring through early fall, when they're moving through the area in schools or hanging around structure feeding on baitfish. What makes tarpon fishing addictive is the aerial show - they jump, tail-walk, and gill-rattle like nothing else in these waters. Most are released after a quick photo, making them a true sport fish that tests your tackle and your heart rate.
King Mackerel are speed demons that show up when conditions are right, usually in cooler months when they're chasing bait closer to shore. These toothy predators can range from "schoolie" kings of 5-15 pounds up to monsters over 30 pounds. They're known for blistering runs that will test your drag system and smoking reels that aren't set properly. Kings are excellent eating when handled properly, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. When they're in the area, the action can be non-stop with multiple hookups and screaming drags.
Redfish are year-round residents that provide some of the most consistent action in these waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in the slot size range, though oversized bulls over 30 inches show up regularly. What makes reds special is their fighting style - they're bulldogs that use their broad sides to pull drag and make long, steady runs. They're most active
Captain Mikey's 23' Dorado takes you straight to the productive waters where Gag Grouper and Grey Snapper bite best. This well-equipped 2007 bay boat cuts through Clearwater's inshore waters at up to 42 knots with its reliable 200HP Suzuki, getting you to the fish fast during your focused 2-hour trip. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when working the flats, while GPS navigation pinpoints those proven honey holes along the Gulf Coast. Perfect for up to 2 anglers, families, or beginners wanting quality fishing time without the full-day commitment. All your tackle, bait, and licenses are covered - just bring yourself ready to catch some solid Florida fish in waters that produce year-round.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag Groupers are solid fighters that love structure around our Gulf waters. You'll typically find them hanging near rocky bottoms, reefs, and any good cover in 20-80 feet of water. Most run 20-24 inches, but we see some bruisers pushing 40+ inches. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and smaller fish, so live bait works great. What makes them fun is the fight - once hooked, they'll try every trick to get back to their hole in the rocks. The meat is excellent eating, firm and white. Best fishing is spring through fall when they're more active. Here's a tip: keep your drag tight and don't give them any slack once you hook up, or they'll wrap you around the nearest structure and break you off.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey Snappers, also called Mangrove Snapper, are smart fish that'll test your skills around Clearwater's docks and structure. They typically run 12-16 inches inshore, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. These copper-red beauties are opportunistic feeders that love shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. They hang around mangroves, docks, and grass flats where they can ambush prey. Best action happens at dawn, dusk, and night when they're actively feeding. What guests love is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they bite regularly. Pro tip: use a small hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sit still near structure, and don't jerk when you feel the bite - let them take it before setting the hook.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you a workout on light tackle around Clearwater's nearshore waters. Most Kings run 15-30 pounds, but 40+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise 40-150 feet deep along structure, drop-offs, and anywhere baitfish school up. Best fishing is spring through fall when water temps hit 70+ degrees. They're aggressive feeders that love live bait, spoons, and fast-moving lures. What guests love is their blazing runs - these fish can hit 40+ mph and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. The meat is good eating too, though it's got higher oil content. Here's a must: use a wire leader because their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. Troll at 6-8 knots with live bait or spoons behind planers.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect targets for our shallow water fishing around Clearwater's flats and grass beds. Most run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Look for them around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet of water. They bite year-round but are most active in spring and fall. What makes them special is they're great fighters for their size and excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. They're also perfect for sight fishing - watching them cruise the flats and making that perfect cast. Pro tip: use a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp and work it slowly along the bottom. When you see tailing fish, cast ahead of them and let the bait settle before they get there.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish around Clearwater's flats and nearshore waters. These silver giants typically run 80-120 pounds, though monsters over 200 pounds cruise our waters. They love shallow flats, channels, and anywhere baitfish gather. Peak season runs May through August when they migrate through our area. What makes them special isn't the eating - we release them all - but the fight. When hooked, they'll jump 8-10 feet out of the water in spectacular displays. They're prehistoric fish that can live 50+ years, so every one counts. Best fishing is early morning or evening on the flats using live mullet or pinfish. Here's the key: when they jump, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip at them - it keeps slack out of the line and prevents them from throwing the hook.
4.9 out of 5.0We had a great time fishing with Captain Mikey! I would definitely recommend booking a fishing trip with Island Time Family Charte...
Awesome 2 hr trip, he was amazing with my daughters and wife , we were on the fish in 5 minutes and it was non stop the whole time...
Our family had the best time! Captain Mike was so friendly and really knew what he was doing. He requested to switch our day becau...
Another fun and successful fishing trip with Captain Mikey!
Captain Mikey was so great and made the trip a memorable one! My husband caught a few sharks and other species of fish to really m...
Great Captain.Awesome experience. Captain Michael worked non stop chumming, rebaiting our hooks and taking many fish off our hooks...
My son and his dad had a great time.
Mike was the absolute man! Super personable & hard working. He put us on some great fish and we had a great time. Will definitely ...
Mike was great and he was so helpful for beginners like us. My wife’s expression holding a fish says it all. She conquered her f...
Capt Mikey was awesome! Very engaging and patient with us and our two boys on our first fishing trip! We caught so many fish- high...
Captain Mike was awesome. He took us out to one spot but nothing was biting, then he took us to another spot and we caught so many...
We had a great time fishing with Captain Mikey! I would definitely recommend booking a fishing trip with Island Time Family Charte...
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