Clearwater Florida Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore charter targeting Spanish and King MackerelCaptain Matthew Karwoski guides up to four guestsFall fishing adventure departing 8:00 am from Clearwater
When fall rolls around in Clearwater, Florida, serious anglers know it's time to get after the mackerel. Captain Matthew Karwoski runs some of the most productive mackerel trips on the Gulf Coast, and his four-hour morning charters are where you want to be when these fish start schooling. Starting at 8:00 am with room for up to four guests, this isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's a targeted hunt for two of the Gulf's most exciting pelagic species. Captain Matt has been working these waters long enough to read the conditions like a book, and when the mackerel are running, there's no better place to be than on his boat.
Your morning starts early, but trust me, you'll be glad you made the effort once you see what these fish can do. Captain Matt knows exactly where to find the bait schools that draw in hungry mackerel, and he's not afraid to run to the spots that produce. The four-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas without feeling rushed, and with only four anglers max, everyone gets their fair share of rod time. Don't expect to just sit back and relax – when the mackerel bite turns on, it's game time. These fish move fast, hit hard, and they'll test your reflexes from the first strike. The Gulf waters off Clearwater offer perfect conditions for targeting these species, especially during fall when they're feeding heavily before their seasonal movements.
Mackerel fishing is all about covering water and finding the active schools. Captain Matt typically runs a combination of trolling and live bait fishing, depending on what the fish are telling him. When you're trolling, you'll be pulling spoons, plugs, and sometimes wire line rigs at varying speeds until you mark fish or get that first strike. Once you locate a school, it's time to switch gears – live bait fishing with pilchards or threadfins can turn a single hookup into a wide-open bite. The tackle setup is crucial here because mackerel have razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through mono in a heartbeat. Wire leaders are standard, and you'll be fishing medium-action spinning gear that can handle the long runs these fish are famous for. Captain Matt provides all the gear, but if you've got your own setup, bring something in the 20-30 pound class with a smooth drag system.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These fish can reach 40+ pounds in local waters and they fight like nothing else you've hooked. Kings are ambush predators that patrol the edges of structure and bait schools, often showing up as single large marks on the fish finder. Fall is prime time because they're feeding aggressively before winter, and the cooler water temps bring them closer to shore. When a king hits your bait, you'll know it – they'll strip line off your reel like it's going out of style, then jump clear out of the water trying to throw the hook. The key to landing them is keeping steady pressure while letting your drag do the work. Most anglers remember their first king mackerel long after they've forgotten other catches.
Spanish Mackerel might be smaller than their king cousins, but pound-for-pound they're just as scrappy. These fish typically run 2-4 pounds in Clearwater waters, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and attitude. Spanish mackerel school heavily during fall migration, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're incredibly fast swimmers with excellent eyesight, so your presentation needs to be on point. These fish will hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with equal enthusiasm, and they're perfect for anglers who want steady action. Spanish mackerel are also excellent table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill or smoker.
Fall mackerel fishing in Clearwater doesn't last forever, and the best captains like Matt Karwoski stay booked up when the bite is hot. This four-hour charter gives you the perfect shot at both species without eating up your entire day, leaving time for other activities or just enjoying the Florida sunshine. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next king or a newcomer wanting to experience some of the Gulf's best action fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Captain Matt's local knowledge and dedication to putting guests on fish make this a top-rated charter experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait until everyone else figures out how good the fishing is – book your mackerel charter now and get ready for some of the fastest fishing action on Florida's Gulf Coast.
Meet the Pro Sport, a rock-solid 29-foot center console catamaran that's perfect for chasing Spanish and King Mackerel in Clearwater's productive waters. Built in 2002, this fishing machine comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with twin Yamaha 225HP engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast – cruising at 35 knots means more time with lines in the water. Captain Matt's got her rigged right with everything you need: fish finder to mark the schools, GPS to hit those honey holes, radar for safety, and VHF radio to stay connected. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while the onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold. Whether you're trolling the flats or working deeper water for kings, this catamaran's stable platform gives you the edge when those hard-fighting mackerel start screaming line off your reel.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish you'll hook around Clearwater, averaging 20-30 pounds with occasional monsters over 50. These silver rockets cruise our waters from 40-150 feet deep, often around structure and baitfish schools. Fall through spring offers the best action when water temps sit between 68-84°F. What makes kings special is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish out there. The meat's rich and flaky, perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and dual hook setup. Kings love to grab bait by the tail, so that trailing treble hook back near the sardine's tail will seal the deal when they come back for the head.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action and great table fare. These sleek, spotted speedsters typically run 1-2 feet long and 2-4 pounds, traveling in large schools near the surface. You'll find them around structure, grass flats, and anywhere baitfish gather in 10-40 feet of water. Fall is prime time here in Clearwater when they're thick and aggressive. They hit hard and make several fast runs before coming to the boat. The mild, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find - no fishy taste at all. Local secret: when you see diving birds or nervous baitfish, cast small spoons or jigs right into the commotion. Spanish macs are usually right underneath feeding.
Clearwater/Belleair Bluffs