Clearwater Fishing Tours with Captain Jace
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
8-hour afternoon fishing charter with Captain Jace in ClearwaterInshore fishing targeting seasonal species around Clearwater BeachChildren under 13 fish free on family-friendly adventure
Captain Jace knows these Clearwater waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast is a magnet for serious anglers and families alike. This 8-hour afternoon charter gives you plenty of time to work the productive inshore waters around Clearwater Beach, where the intercoastal waterways hold some of the most consistent fishing action you'll find anywhere. We're talking about crystal-clear flats, grass beds, and structure that holds fish year-round. The best part? Kids under 13 fish completely free, making this one of the most family-friendly fishing adventures on the water.
This isn't your typical half-day rush job. With 8 full hours on the water, Captain Jace has time to really put you on fish and adjust tactics based on what's working that day. We launch in the afternoon and fish right into that golden sunset hour when predator fish really turn on to feed. The intercoastal waters around Clearwater Beach offer incredible variety - one minute you're working shallow grass flats for snook, the next you're bouncing bottom structure for sheepshead or targeting deeper channels where tarpon roll through. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably, so whether you're bringing the whole family or a small group of fishing buddies, everyone gets plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up.
Captain Jace runs a top-rated operation with quality tackle suited for everything from finicky sheepshead to bruiser tarpon. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. Expect to throw live shrimp around structure, work soft plastics through the grass beds, and maybe even get some topwater action during those magic evening hours. The inshore waters here are perfect for both spinning and conventional gear, and Jace keeps everything rigged and ready so you spend more time fishing and less time retying. Whether you're a seasoned angler who knows how to work a jig or a beginner who needs some coaching on hook sets, this charter adapts to your skill level while keeping everyone engaged.
Snook are the crown jewel of Clearwater's inshore scene, and these ambush predators love the structure-rich environment around the intercoastal waterways. They're most active during dawn and dusk, which makes our afternoon-to-sunset timing perfect. Snook are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized snook perfect for kids to learn on, up to serious slot fish that'll test your drag system. What makes snook so addictive is their attitude - they hit hard, fight harder, and they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black lateral line.
Grey Snapper around Clearwater are scrappy fighters that'll surprise you with their strength for their size. These reef dwellers love structure and are perfect for teaching kids the fundamentals of bottom fishing. They're year-round residents, but summer months bring the biggest numbers as they move inshore to spawn. Don't let their relatively small size fool you - a good mangrove snapper will make your rod dance, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within regulations. They're also great confidence builders for newer anglers since they're generally willing biters when you find them.
Tarpon are the giants of the inshore world, and Clearwater's waters see good numbers during their spring and summer migration. These silver kings can range from juvenile fish in the 20-40 pound class up to absolute monsters pushing 100+ pounds. There's nothing quite like watching a tarpon launch itself 6 feet out of the water right next to the boat - it's a sight that'll stick with you forever. Even smaller tarpon are incredible fighters, known for their aerial displays and long, powerful runs that'll test both your tackle and your endurance. Late spring through early fall is prime tarpon season here.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge of inshore fishing - these black-and-white striped fish have incredible eyesight and a mouth full of human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. They congregate around pilings, bridges, and any hard structure where barnacles and crabs live. Landing sheepshead requires finesse and patience, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to match wits with clever fish. Winter months are actually prime time for big sheepshead, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in these waters.
Ladyfish might not win any beauty contests, but they make up for it with pure fighting spirit. These silver torpedoes are incredibly acrobatic, often called "poor man's tarpon" for their jumping ability. They're excellent for keeping kids engaged since they're willing biters and put up a spirited fight on lighter tackle. Ladyfish are year-round residents and often show up in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. They're also fantastic bait for bigger predators if you're looking to step up to something larger.
Captain Jace's Clearwater fishing tours deliver the kind of authentic inshore experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With 8 hours on some of Florida's most productive waters, quality tackle, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish, this charter offers serious value for families and dedicated anglers alike. The free fishing for kids under 13 makes this an unbeatable deal for families looking to create lasting memories on the water. These afternoon-to-sunset trips book up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons, so don't wait to secure your spot for what could be your best day on the water this year.
Your ride for the day is a brand-new 2022 Skeeter Bay boat that's built for serious inshore fishing around Clearwater's waters. This 24-footer packs a 300HP Yamaha engine that'll cruise at 55 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to the dock with plenty of daylight to spare. Captain Jace knows these intercoastal waterways like the back of his hand, and with the onboard fish finder, you'll spend more time reeling in catches than searching for them. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or shallow flats where the big ones hide. There's room for up to 4 anglers, plus an icebox to keep your drinks cold and your catch fresh. GPS navigation means no wrong turns, just more time with lines in the water targeting whatever's biting in Clearwater's productive waters.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snappers, also called mangrove snappers, are smart fish that'll test your patience. They typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, though open water fish can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around docks, reefs, and mangrove edges where they hunt crabs and small fish. These guys are nocturnal feeders, so late afternoon into evening is prime time - perfect for our sunset charters. What guests love is the challenge - they're picky eaters with excellent table fare that's sweet and flaky. The greyish-red color and that dark stripe through the eye make them easy to identify. They're opportunistic but cautious, so patience pays off. Here's my trick: use a 4J hook with live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then lift it just off the structure. No fancy movements - let them think it's an easy meal.
Elops SaurusLadyfish are the "poor man's tarpon" - silver bullets that jump and fight way above their weight class. Most run 12-24 inches and put on quite a show when hooked, skipping across the surface and making multiple jumps. You'll find them in shallow bays, around docks, and near beaches year-round. They're not great table fare, but they're perfect for light tackle fun, especially for kids learning to fish. These fish travel in schools and hit just about anything - live shrimp, small jigs, or flies. They're also prime bait for bigger gamefish like tarpon and sharks. What's cool is you can catch them from shore or boat, any time of day. My tip: use a heavy mono leader because they'll thrash around and their small teeth can cut light line. When you find one, work the area - where there's one ladyfish, there's usually a whole school ready to bite.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish with their black and white stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves. Most run 1-8 pounds around docks, bridges, and any structure covered in barnacles - their favorite food. Spring months from February through April are best when they spawn, though we catch them year-round. What makes them fun is the challenge - they nibble bait off hooks like pros. But land one and you've got excellent eating with sweet, white meat. Those human-like teeth aren't just for show - they crush barnacles and crabs with ease. The key is getting right up against structure without spooking them. Here's my tip: use a small hook with fresh shrimp, fiddler crab, or even scrape some barnacles right off the piling. When you feel that light tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Wait too long and you'll just be reeling up a bare hook.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore gamefish, typically running 1-3 feet with that distinctive golden color and bold black lateral line. They love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. These fish are temperature sensitive, so they're most active during warmer months from late spring through early fall. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and strong runs, plus they're excellent table fare with firm white meat. They can change from male to female as they mature, and those bright yellow fins during spawning season are something to see. My go-to tip: get your bait right up against the structure where they hide. Snook won't chase far, but if you put a live shrimp or pilchard within a few feet of their cover, they'll usually hammer it.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our waters - pure adrenaline on a hook. Most fish we see run 80-100 pounds and 4 feet, but giants over 200 pounds cruise these waters. They patrol shallow flats, bridges, and channel edges, often rolling on the surface. Peak season here runs May through September when they migrate through our area. What makes tarpon fishing special is their aerial show - they'll jump 10 feet out of the water trying to throw the hook. These prehistoric fish aren't great eating due to their bony structure, so we practice catch and release. The fight can last an hour on lighter tackle. They gulp air at the surface, which gives away their location. My advice: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. This keeps tension off the line during their acrobatics and prevents them from throwing the hook.
Clearwater, FL, United States