Half Day Nearshore Family Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour nearshore fishing trip targeting Spanish Mackerel and Snapper.Familyfriendly charter accommodates up to six guests on modern Freeman boat.All equipment, tackle, bait, and Florida fishing licenses included.
Looking for a solid half-day fishing trip that won't have the kids (or adults) getting seasick? This nearshore charter out of Belleair Bluffs hits the sweet spot for families who want to catch fish without dealing with rough offshore conditions. You'll spend four hours working the productive waters within nine miles of Clearwater's coast, targeting structure that consistently holds fish. The captain knows exactly where to find the reefs, ledges, and rock piles that produce steady action, making this a top-rated choice for groups who want results without the long boat ride.
This trip is built around keeping things simple and successful for everyone aboard. You'll fish from a brand-new 2025 28-foot Freeman sportfishing boat powered by twin 300HP Yamaha engines – meaning you get to the fishing spots fast and ride smooth even when there's a chop. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, so there's plenty of room to fish without bumping into each other. Your captain focuses on nearshore structure that holds Spanish Mackerel, Sheepshead, Key West Grunts, and Mangrove Snapper consistently. These aren't the biggest fish in the Gulf, but they bite regularly and put up a good fight, which keeps everyone engaged. The calm water conditions mean novice anglers can actually focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness, and kids stay excited instead of getting worn out by a long offshore run.
Everything you need is already on the boat – quality rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait are all included. The captain will set you up with the right gear for whatever species are biting that day. Most of the fishing happens around bottom structure, so expect to do a lot of bottom fishing with live and cut bait. The technique is straightforward – drop your bait down to the reef or ledge, keep slight tension on the line, and wait for that telltale thump. When Spanish Mackerel are running, you might switch to trolling small spoons or casting jigs to schools of fish. The captain handles all the technical stuff like finding fish on the electronics and positioning the boat, so you can focus on the fun part. Your Florida fishing license is provided, which saves you the hassle of getting one beforehand.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing around Clearwater, and while this trip focuses more on nearshore structure, these ambush predators occasionally show up around the deeper reefs. They're aggressive fighters that make spectacular jumps and long runs, averaging 20-28 inches in this area. Fall and spring offer the best shot at hooking one, especially around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. Landing a snook on this kind of trip is always a bonus that gets everyone talking.
Red Grouper are bottom-dwelling powerhouses that live on the deeper reefs and ledges you'll be fishing. These chunky fish average 15-25 inches and fight like bulldogs, trying to get back to their rocky hideouts as soon as they feel the hook. They bite year-round but are most active during cooler months. Red Grouper have excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families planning a fish dinner. Their curious nature means they'll often investigate baits, but once hooked, they put up a determined fight straight down.
Redfish patrol these nearshore waters in schools, especially during fall and winter months. They average 20-27 inches around Clearwater and are known for their powerful, sustained runs when hooked. These copper-colored fighters are incredibly popular because they eat almost anything and fight hard without jumping, making them perfect for young anglers. You'll typically find them around structure during the day, and their distinctive black spots make them easy to identify.
Hogfish are one of the more unique catches you might encounter on this trip, recognizable by their pig-like snouts and excellent eating quality. They use their pointed noses to root around in the sand for crabs and small fish, typically staying close to reefs and hard bottom. Averaging 12-20 inches, they're not the strongest fighters but their rarity and incredible taste make them a prized catch. Spring through fall offers the best chances, and they require fresh bait presented right on the bottom.
Red Snapper are the most sought-after species when they're in season, typically during summer months. These deep-bodied fish are renowned for their excellent table fare and respectable fight, averaging 16-24 inches around the nearshore reefs. They school around structure and can provide fast action when you locate them. Red Snapper are smart and sometimes finicky, requiring fresh bait and light tackle, but when they're biting, you can often catch several from the same spot.
This half-day nearshore charter delivers exactly what most families want – steady fishing action without the commitment or rough conditions of an offshore trip. You get professional equipment, local knowledge, and four hours on the water for up to six people. The Freeman boat provides a stable, comfortable platform that lets everyone fish effectively, while the nearby fishing grounds mean more time with lines in the water. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or just want a quick outdoor escape that produces results, this trip hits all the right notes. The captain's focus on family-friendly fishing means everyone goes home with stories and hopefully a few fish for dinner.
Get ready to fish the Gulf waters aboard our brand-new 2025 28' Freeman Sportfishing boat! This beauty packs twin 300HP Yamaha engines that'll cruise at 65 knots, getting your family to the hot spots in no time. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, she's built for comfort and performance on those productive nearshore reefs and ledges around Clearwater. The spacious cockpit gives everyone room to cast while the flybridge offers great views for spotting fish. Stay cool with drinks from the icebox, jam to your favorite tunes on the sound system, and let our fish finder do the work of locating those Spanish Mackerel and Snapper. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we need stealth mode, while GPS and radar ensure we're always on course. Even has a head onboard for convenience during your four-hour adventure. This rock-solid platform handles Gulf chop like a dream, making it ideal for families wanting smooth sailing and steady fishing action.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of those unique catches that always get guests talking. Named for their pig-like snout, these colorful wrasse grow up to 3 feet but most we catch run 16-24 inches. They hang around hard bottom, coral heads, and ledges in 15-60 feet, using that snout to dig up crabs and shellfish. Warmer months are best when they're more active on the reefs. What makes them special is their curiosity - they'll actually swim up to check out divers and often follow the boat. The meat is incredibly sweet, some say even better than grouper. They're tricky to hook because of that weird mouth, so here's the key: use a smaller circle hook with live shrimp and be patient. They'll mouth the bait before taking it, so wait for that solid pull before setting.
Epinephelus MorioRed Grouper are the workhorses of our nearshore reefs and ledges. These rusty-red fish with white spots average 5-10 pounds but can push 20+ on good days. They live on hard bottom from 20-100 feet, often holding tight to structure where they pick off crabs and small fish. Fall through spring tends to be prime time before they head out deeper to spawn. What guests love is the steady pull they give - not flashy, but a real tug-of-war that tests your tackle. Plus, grouper makes some of the best eating you'll find, with firm white meat perfect for the grill. My advice: use a stout rod and don't give them an inch once hooked. They'll try to get back to their hole every time, so keep that drag tight and pull hard from the start.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed Snapper are the crown jewel of Gulf fishing, though they're heavily regulated these days. These bright red beauties average 2-8 pounds around our reefs and ledges in 30-100 feet of water. They school up on structure - wrecks, rocks, and hard bottom where they feed on baitfish and crustaceans. Summer is prime time when seasons are open, usually just a few days in federal waters. What makes them legendary is that hard-fighting spirit and incredible table fare - firm, white meat with a mild, nutty flavor. They'll head straight for cover once hooked, so be ready for a battle. My go-to setup is a knocker rig with fresh cigar minnows or live pinfish. Drop it right to the bottom and hold on tight when they hit.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of our most popular targets, especially in the shallows around grass flats and oyster bars. These copper-colored bruisers with the signature black spot near their tail typically run 20-30 inches in our area. They love water 2-6 feet deep where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up, but you can find them year-round. What makes them so fun is that powerful run once hooked - they'll strip line and test your drag. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast your live shrimp well ahead of where they're moving and let it sit on bottom. They'll find it.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the most sought-after fish in our waters, and for good reason. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive black lateral line typically run 18-30 inches around here, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths where they ambush baitfish. They're active year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What makes them special is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll use every trick to wrap you around structure. The meat is firm and sweet, making them table favorites. Pro tip: when fishing around docks, cast your live shrimp or pinfish right up against the pilings where they're waiting in the shadows. Keep steady pressure once hooked - they love to cut you off.
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