Clearwater Florida Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour inshore fishing charter targeting Redfish, Snook, and TroutKids under 13 fish free with experienced Captain JaceSmall group charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Captain Jace knows these Clearwater waters like the back of his hand, and when you step aboard his charter, you're getting six solid hours of prime inshore fishing action. We're talking about some of the most productive flats and backcountry spots along Florida's Gulf Coast, where redfish cruise the grass beds and snook ambush baitfish in the shadows. This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – it's a genuine fishing adventure that puts you right in the middle of some of the best inshore action Florida has to offer. Plus, kids under 13 fish free, making it perfect for families looking to get the little ones hooked on the sport.
Your day starts early with Captain Jace, who's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where the fish are holding based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. We'll be fishing the shallow flats, mangrove shorelines, and grass beds that make Clearwater's inshore scene so legendary. The boat maxes out at four anglers, so you're not fighting for space or dealing with crowds – just quality fishing time with personalized attention from a captain who genuinely wants you to succeed. Expect to move around throughout the day, hitting different spots as conditions change and following the bite wherever it takes us.
We're primarily sight fishing and working structure with light tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run. Captain Jace provides all the gear, from spinning reels spooled with the right test line to a tackle box full of proven baits for these waters. You'll be throwing live shrimp under popping corks, working soft plastics along the grass lines, and maybe even getting into some topwater action when the conditions are right. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you're bouncing a jig head for sheepshead around the docks, the next you're sight casting to a school of redfish tailing in two feet of water.
Snook are the crown jewel of these waters, and for good reason. These fish are pure ambush predators that love to hide under docks, bridges, and mangrove overhangs before exploding on your bait. They're most active during the warmer months from spring through fall, and catching one is like hooking into a bulldozer with fins. The way they jump and run toward structure makes every hookup an adventure, and their distinctive black lateral line makes them one of the most recognizable fish in these waters.
Grey snapper might not get the same headlines as snook, but they're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag system. These guys school up around structure and grass beds, especially during their spawning season in summer. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other fish are being finicky – they're reliable producers that keep the action going when the bite slows down elsewhere.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of this group, with mouths full of human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans around structure. Finding them isn't hard – they're always around docks, bridges, and oyster bars – but getting them to commit to your bait takes finesse. When you do connect, they're bulldogs that fight all the way to the boat, and their unique appearance always makes for great photos.
Sea trout are your most likely encounter on any given day, schooling up in the grass beds and providing consistent action throughout the year. They're particularly hot during the cooler months when they move into deeper grass beds and channels. These fish are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders, but they also offer enough challenge to keep experienced anglers interested, especially when you get into the bigger "gator trout" that push the 20-inch mark.
Redfish are what most people dream about when they think Florida inshore fishing, and Clearwater's shallow flats are prime territory for these copper-colored bruisers. They're year-round residents that love to cruise the flats in small schools, often with their backs and tails visible in shallow water. The sight fishing opportunities are incredible, especially during the warmer months when they're most active in the shallows, and their powerful runs make every hookup memorable.
Captain Jace's six-hour charters give you the time needed to really get into the rhythm of inshore fishing while covering enough water to find where the fish are biting. With the boat limited to just four anglers and kids under 13 fishing free, this is the kind of personalized fishing experience that creates lasting memories and hopefully a few new fishing addicts in the family. These Clearwater waters are productive year-round, but the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak season. Don't wait – get your spot locked in and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Florida has to offer.
Captain Jace's 2022 Skeeter Bay is built for serious fishing in Clearwater's productive inshore waters. This 24-foot fishing machine packs a 300HP Yamaha that'll get your crew of up to 4 anglers to the hottest redfish and snook spots at 55 knots. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting trout, sheepshead, and other local favorites - including a fish finder to locate structure and schools, GPS for navigating the flats and channels, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you move quietly through shallow waters without spooking fish, perfect for stalking reds in the grass beds. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or looking to land that trophy snook, this well-equipped bay boat handles Clearwater's diverse inshore fishing grounds with ease.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-red beauties are smart, scrappy fighters that'll test your patience and skill. Most run 1-3 pounds inshore, but we occasionally hook into those magical 5+ pounders around deeper structure. You'll find them around docks, bridges, and rocky bottom in 10-30 feet of water. They bite best at dawn, dusk, and night since they're naturally nocturnal feeders. What guests love about snapper fishing is the chess match - these fish are picky and require finesse, but the payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink naturally, and resist the urge to jerk when you feel that first nibble - wait for the solid pull before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target with their distinctive black spots and copper-bronze backs. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we also target oversized "bulls" that can push 30+ inches and really bend the rod. They cruise super shallow water from 1-4 feet deep around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and feed aggressively. What makes reds special is watching them cruise the shallows with their backs out of water, then seeing that explosive eat on a well-placed lure. They're strong fighters and excellent table fare in slot size. The trick is staying quiet, making long casts ahead of cruising fish, and working topwater plugs or soft plastics slowly through their feeding zones.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are a bread-and-butter species that keeps action steady on our grass flats. They typically run 12-16 inches with occasional 20+ inch gator trout that really get your attention. Look for them over shallow grass beds in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and sandy potholes. Spring through fall are prime time, with early morning and evening being peak feeding periods. Trout are popular because they're willing biters, fight well for their size, and have tender, mild-flavored meat that's perfect for kids. They school up, so where you catch one, there's usually more. My go-to technique is a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise draws them in and the natural presentation seals the deal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and gray stripes, and they're famous for having human-like teeth that crunch through barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we see some monsters pushing 8+ pounds around bridge pilings and dock structures. They're year-round residents but fish best in cooler months from November through March when they're more active. What makes sheepshead fishing addictive is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites, but once hooked, they fight hard and make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. The key is getting your bait right against structure with a sharp hook and being ready to set it quick when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, running anywhere from keeper size around 28 inches up to trophy fish over 40 inches. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in both salt and fresh water - they love structure and ambush points. Peak season runs May through September when they're spawning and more aggressive, but we catch them year-round. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like few other fish. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: work your lure as close to cover as possible and be ready for that lightning-fast strike when it hits the shadow line.
Clearwater, FL, United States