Clearwater's Top Nearshore & Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targeting snapper, grouper, and amberjack offshore2025 Freeman sportfishing boat with professional tackle includedDeparting Belleair Bluffs for nearshore and deep water fishing
Looking for the real deal when it comes to Gulf fishing? This six-hour charter out of Belleair Bluffs delivers exactly what serious anglers want - variety, action, and the chance to get into some serious fish. We're talking about a trip that covers both nearshore reefs and light offshore structure, giving you the best of both worlds in one solid day on the water. With a brand new 2025 28' Freeman that'll cruise at 65 knots, you'll spend way more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. Perfect for anyone who knows their way around a rod and wants to step up their Gulf game.
This charter starts early from Belleair Bluffs, and once we clear the marina, that Freeman's going to show you why speed matters. We'll hit the nearshore reefs first, working structure that holds everything from solid Snapper to chunky Grouper. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility - depending on what's biting and where the fish are staging, we can adjust our game plan throughout the day. You'll be fishing with professional-grade tackle that's matched perfectly to what we're targeting, plus we've got live bait that'll make these Gulf fish go crazy. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to work without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Your Florida license is covered, and all the terminal tackle you'll need comes with the package.
We're running a mixed approach that keeps things interesting all day long. Starting on the nearshore reefs, we'll be bottom fishing with circle hooks and live bait for the Grouper and Snapper that call these structures home. The technique here is all about reading the bottom, understanding how these fish relate to structure, and presenting baits naturally in the current. As we move to the offshore zones, we'll switch up tactics to target pelagics like Bonito and Barracuda that cruise these deeper waters. Live bait fishing becomes critical out here, especially when Amberjack start showing up around structure. The Freeman's electronics package lets us mark fish and structure precisely, so we're not just fishing blind. We'll also run some artificial lures when conditions are right, particularly for the more aggressive species that'll chase a well-presented jig or spoon.
Snook are the ultimate inshore predator and one of Florida's most prized catches. These fish are ambush feeders that love to lurk around structure, especially during dawn and dusk periods. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at hooking into a solid Snook, with fish ranging from schoolies up to trophy-sized specimens pushing 30-plus inches. What makes Snook so special is their incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and use every piece of structure they can find to try and break you off. The way they inhale a live bait is something every angler needs to experience.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of Gulf bottom fishing, and these reefs hold some beautiful fish. They're year-round residents that stick tight to structure, making them reliable targets no matter when you fish. A good Red Grouper will test your tackle and your technique - once they feel the hook, they'll dive straight for the rocks trying to break you off. Fish in the 15-25 pound range are common, but the bigger ones will really make you work. Their firm white meat makes them fantastic table fare, which is why they're such a customer favorite on these mixed-bag trips.
Redfish are probably the most versatile fighters you'll encounter, equally at home in shallow water or around deeper structure. These copper-colored bulldogs are known for their stamina and their ability to make long, powerful runs. Fall and winter months tend to be prime time for larger Redfish, with fish over the slot limit providing some serious arm-burning action. What's cool about Redfish is how they feed - they're opportunistic and will eat everything from live bait to artificials, making them perfect targets for intermediate anglers looking to expand their skills.
Hogfish are one of the more unique catches you'll encounter on this charter, known for their distinctive appearance and excellent eating quality. These fish have a different feeding behavior than other bottom dwellers - they use their snouts to root around in the sand for crustaceans and small fish. They're more common during warmer months and tend to be found around specific types of bottom structure. When you hook a Hogfish, you'll notice they don't fight like other fish their size, but their rarity and table quality make them a special catch that always gets anglers excited.
Red Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing when they're in season, and these offshore structures hold some legitimate fish. During open season, typically summer months, these reefs come alive with Snapper action. A good Red Snapper will fight harder than you'd expect for its size, and they're incredibly smart fish that can be finicky about bait presentation. The bigger fish tend to be deeper and more structure-oriented, which is why this charter's ability to hit different zones throughout the day gives you the best shot at connecting with quality Snapper.
Six hours on the Gulf targeting this variety of species is exactly what intermediate anglers need to take their fishing to the next level. You're getting access to proven fishing zones, professional equipment, and the speed to cover water efficiently - all the ingredients for a day that'll have you talking for months. The Freeman's capability means weather windows that might shut down other boats won't necessarily end your trip, and the mix of nearshore and offshore fishing keeps the action varied throughout the day. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience what Gulf fishing is really about, this charter delivers on every level. Book your spot and get ready for the kind of fishing day that reminds you why the Gulf of Mexico has such a legendary reputation
Step aboard our brand-new 2025 28' Freeman sportfishing boat and experience the Gulf like never before. This elite fishing machine packs twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll rocket you to the hottest snapper and grouper spots at 65 knots – meaning more time with lines in the water instead of burning fuel getting there. Built for serious anglers, this beauty handles Gulf swells with confidence while keeping all 6 passengers comfortable during the hunt. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing bottom fish. Our fish finder will mark schools and structure while the GPS keeps us locked onto productive reefs and ledges. When conditions get sketchy, the radar keeps us safe and on target. The wireless trolling motor lets us ghost over spooky fish without spooking them with engine noise. Between fights with red snapper and gag grouper, kick back on the flybridge for a better view of the action or grab a cold drink from the icebox. The multimedia system keeps the crew entertained during longer runs to offshore structure. When nature calls, the onboard head means no cutting trips short. This Freeman was built to fish hard and fish smart in Clearwater's productive Gulf waters.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the more unique species we target on our deeper reef trips. They average 2-5 pounds with that distinctive pig-like snout and bright orange-pink coloration. You'll find them rooting around hard bottom areas, coral patches, and rocky structure in 20-80 feet of water. Spring through early fall tends to produce the best results when they're most active. What guests really enjoy about hogfish is their curious nature - they'll often swim right up to the boat - and they're considered some of the finest eating fish in the ocean, with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals lobster. They're tricky to hook because of that snout, so here's the key: use a small hook with live shrimp and let them really take it before setting. They're fast strikers but gentle biters.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are the backbone of our nearshore and offshore fishing here in the Gulf. Most fish we catch run 5-15 pounds, but don't let that fool you - they fight like they're twice that size. You'll find them hanging around rocky bottom, wrecks, and ledges in 30-120 feet of water. The bite tends to be best during cooler months when they're more active, especially October through March. What guests love about grouper fishing is that hard initial strike followed by a bulldogging fight straight down to the bottom. Plus, the meat is firm, white, and absolutely delicious - some of the best table fare in the Gulf. My tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and pump it up quickly. If you give them time to think, they'll wrap you around the nearest rock or structure.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing and the main target on our offshore trips. Most fish we catch are 2-8 pounds, though bigger ones are out there. They live around structure - wrecks, reefs, and ledges - typically in 60-150 feet of water. The federal season usually runs summer months, but dates change yearly. What makes snapper fishing so popular is that initial hard strike followed by a strong fight, plus they're absolutely fantastic eating with firm, sweet white meat. They're also beautiful fish with that bright red color. Here's the trick: use circle hooks with fresh cut bait and let them load up on the rod before reeling. They'll try to get back to structure, so once hooked, get them up and away from the bottom quickly or they'll cut you off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are primarily an inshore species, but we do encounter them around nearshore structure and grass flats. They typically run 18-30 inches around here, with that distinctive copper-bronze color and black spots near the tail. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, around oyster bars, and sometimes following bait schools over deeper grass beds. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and strong, steady fight - they'll make several powerful runs before giving up. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's great on the table. Here's something most people don't know: redfish are curious and will often investigate boat noise, so don't be surprised if they show up right under us while we're fishing.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's most sought-after inshore species, averaging 1-3 feet with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. They're ambush predators that love hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in shallow water, usually less than 10 feet deep. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay warm - they're very temperature sensitive and will shut down if it gets cold. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they'll jump and fight like a small tarpon. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating you'll find. Here's a local tip: when working around structure, cast your bait or lure past the cover and work it back through - snook position themselves to ambush prey coming to them, not away.
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