Clearwater Florida Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6-hour inshore fishing charter with Captain Jace in Clearwater watersTarget Redfish, Sheepshead, Snook, Trout and other local speciesKids under 13 fish free with maximum 4 guests per trip
Captain Jace knows these Clearwater waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This 6-hour adventure with JT Fishing Charters takes you into some of the most productive inshore waters Florida has to offer. We're talking about prime fishing grounds where redfish cruise the grass flats, snook ambush baitfish around structure, and trout stack up in the deeper potholes. The best part? Kids under 13 fish for free, making this the perfect family outing that won't break the bank.
You'll meet Captain Jace at the dock bright and early, where he'll have the boat rigged and ready to go. The first thing you'll notice is how well-maintained everything is – from the tackle to the electronics, this isn't some weekend warrior setup. We're talking about a professional operation that takes fishing seriously. The boat can handle up to 4 anglers comfortably, which means everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Captain Jace will start by checking the tide charts and weather conditions, then make the call on where to start the day. Maybe it's the grass flats on the north end, or perhaps the mangrove shorelines where snook love to hang out. Either way, you're in for a day of variety – we're not just anchoring up in one spot and hoping for the best.
Captain Jace runs a mixed bag of techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the fish. You might start the morning throwing live shrimp under popping corks over the grass beds, targeting trout and redfish. As the day heats up, we could switch to casting jigs around docks and mangroves for snook, or maybe drift some live pinfish near structure for sheepshead and snapper. The tackle is all provided – medium-action spinning rods spooled with 15-20 pound test, perfect for these inshore species. If you've got your own gear and prefer to use it, that's fine too, but most folks are happy to fish with what's on board. The boat's equipped with a quality fish finder and GPS, so Captain Jace can mark productive spots and return to them throughout the day. Live bait is kept fresh in aerated wells, and there's always a good selection of artificials rigged and ready to go.
Snook are the kings of Clearwater's inshore waters, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings where they can dart out to grab an easy meal. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, though you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. What makes snook so special is their fight – they'll make blistering runs, jump clear out of the water, and generally give you everything they've got. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line. Just remember, snook have specific slot limits and seasons, so Captain Jace will make sure you're following all the regulations.
Grey snapper might not get the same headlines as snook, but they're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag system. These guys hang around structure – think docks, bridges, and rocky areas where they can find cover. They're year-round residents in Clearwater, though they tend to bite better in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are more moderate. Snapper are notorious bait thieves, so you'll need to stay sharp and set the hook quickly. They're also excellent table fare, which makes them a favorite among families looking to bring dinner home.
Sheepshead are the ultimate test of an angler's patience and skill. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs, which means they can steal your bait without you even feeling it. They're most active in the cooler months from November through March, when they move inshore to spawn around structure. Fiddler crabs and sand fleas are the go-to baits, and you'll need to fish them right on the bottom. When you do hook a good sheepshead, you're in for a bulldogging fight that'll put your tackle to the test.
Sea trout are probably the most consistent biters you'll encounter in Clearwater's grass flats. These spotted beauties love to cruise the shallow waters looking for shrimp and small baitfish. They're active year-round but really turn on during the spring and fall transitions. Trout aren't the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to bite and their excellent eating qualities. They're perfect for kids and beginning anglers because they're forgiving and relatively easy to catch once you locate a school.
Redfish are the poster child of Florida inshore fishing, and Clearwater's shallow flats provide perfect habitat. These copper-colored bruisers can be found tailing in inches of water or cruising the deeper grass beds. They're year-round residents, though they're most active during the spring and fall months. What makes redfish special is their power – they'll make long, sustained runs that'll test your equipment and your skills. They're also great table fare when kept within the slot limit, and they photograph beautifully with that distinctive black spot near the tail.
Captain Jace and JT Fishing Charters offer something you won't find everywhere – a genuine commitment to putting you on fish while making sure you have a great time doing it. The free kids under 13 policy makes this an unbeatable value for families, and the 6-hour trip length gives you plenty of time to target multiple species and explore different areas. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Florida species to your list or a family wanting to create some lasting memories, this
Captain Jace's 2022 Skeeter Bay is your ticket to Clearwater's best inshore fishing spots. This sleek 24-footer cuts through the water at up to 55 knots with its powerful 300HP Yamaha, getting your crew of four to the fish fast. The boat's packed with everything serious anglers need - a top-notch fish finder to locate those elusive Redfish and Snook, GPS to navigate the flats, and a whisper-quiet wireless trolling motor that won't spook the Trout when you're working the shallows. Keep your catch fresh and drinks cold in the spacious icebox while you target Sheepshead around the structure. Perfect for families too - kids under 13 fish free, making it easy to get the next generation hooked on Florida's amazing inshore fishing scene.
Lutjanus GriseusAlso called mangrove snapper, these copper-red beauties are some of the smartest fish in our waters. Most run 12-16 inches and 1-2 pounds, though deeper water can produce fish up to 4-5 pounds. They're opportunistic feeders that love structure - docks, bridges, reefs, and mangrove edges. Night fishing is prime time since they're naturally nocturnal hunters. What guests love about grey snapper is their excellent table fare - white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for kids since they bite consistently once you find them. The challenge is they're notorious bait thieves with those small mouths. My go-to trick is using a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, not the head. Let it sink to the bottom, then bring it up just a foot or two. Don't jerk when you feel the nibble - let them take it before setting the hook firm.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These bronze-backed beauties with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 18-27 inches around Clearwater's flats and mangroves. They love water so shallow their backs sometimes show, cruising oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall offers epic action as they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful fight and that distinctive tail-slapping battle. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Guests love the visual aspect - watching a red's wake or seeing them "tailing" in skinny water gets everyone excited. My best advice is to lead them by several feet when sight-casting. Reds spook easily in shallow water, so approach quietly and cast beyond where you think they're heading. A gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp works perfectly.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our grass flats fishing. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches and 1-2 pounds, perfect for light tackle fun. They love shallow grass flats, especially during moving tides when baitfish get active. Dawn and dusk are prime times, though they'll bite throughout the day in cooler months. Fall through early spring offers the most consistent action as they school up in deeper holes during cold fronts. Guests enjoy trout because they're willing biters, fight well on light gear, and make excellent table fare with tender, flaky meat. They're also perfect for beginners and kids. The key is working the grass edges where the flat drops into deeper water. Soft plastics under a popping cork work great - the cork creates noise that draws them in from a distance, while the jig mimics the shrimp they're feeding on.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we occasionally land 8-10 pounders around the bigger bridges. They're year-round residents but fishing peaks in late winter and early spring when they spawn around passes and jetties. What makes sheepshead unique are their human-like teeth - perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off pilings. Guests love them because they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat, and they provide steady action once located. The trick is getting close to structure without spooking them. I always tell clients to watch their rod tip like a hawk - sheepshead are notorious bait stealers. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, and when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard. Their bony mouths require a solid hookset.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after gamefish, and for good reason. These sleek predators typically run 18-24 inches around Clearwater, though we occasionally hook into trophy fish pushing 30+ inches. You'll find them hanging around docks, mangroves, and bridge pilings where they ambush baitfish. They love structure and won't venture far from cover. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with flaky white meat. Here's a local tip: cast your lure right against the structure and work it slow. Snook are lazy and won't chase a bait that's more than a few feet away from their hiding spot.
Clearwater, FL, United States