Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Black Drum, Redfish, and Grey Triggerfish inshoreCaptain Matthew Karwoski provides expert local water knowledgeThree and six hour trips accommodate up to four guests
Looking for some of Florida's best inshore fishing action? Captain Matthew Karwoski knows these Clearwater waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. With Mow Fish Charter, you're getting a top-rated guide who's spent years dialing in the hottest spots along this stretch of coast. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target some new species, this charter delivers the goods. We're talking about prime Gulf Coast fishing where the action stays steady and the scenery doesn't hurt either.
Captain Karwoski runs clean, well-maintained boats that'll get your group of up to four anglers to the fish comfortably. You've got options here – half-day trips run about three hours, perfect for families or if you're just testing the waters. The six-hour trips? That's where things get interesting. More time means hitting multiple spots, adjusting tactics as conditions change, and really getting into the rhythm of these flats and nearshore waters. The captain provides all your tackle, bait, and knows exactly where to position the boat based on tides, weather, and what's been biting lately. Clearwater's inshore fishing stays productive year-round, but each season brings different opportunities and Captain Karwoski adjusts his approach accordingly.
Inshore fishing around Clearwater means versatility is key. You'll be working everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channels, structure around bridges, and productive drop-offs just offshore. Captain Karwoski sets you up with medium-action spinning gear that handles everything from finicky redfish to scrappy black drum. Live bait fishing produces consistently here – we're talking shrimp, pinfish, and cut bait depending on what's working. When the bite gets tough, switching to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs can turn the day around. The boat stays positioned to work with the current and wind, not against them. You'll learn to read the water, spot baitfish activity, and understand why certain areas hold more fish than others.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Clearwater's inshore scene. These copper-colored fighters love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars scattered throughout the area. They typically run 18 to 28 inches around here, with some real bulls pushing 30-plus inches during cooler months. Reds feed aggressively on incoming tides, especially early morning and late afternoon. What makes them special? They fight hard, taste great, and you can sight-fish them in shallow water – watching a red inhale your bait never gets old.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll test your tackle and patience. These bottom-dwellers cruise around structure, bridges, and deeper channels looking for crabs, shrimp, and mollusks. Clearwater's black drum range from keeper-sized fish around 16 inches up to massive 40-pound brutes that'll make your arms burn. Spring and fall see the biggest numbers, but you can target them year-round. They're notorious for subtle bites – you'll think you're snagged until that "snag" starts swimming away.
Black sea bass bring consistent action when other species get finicky. These spunky little fighters hang around rocky bottom, artificial reefs, and structure in 15 to 40 feet of water. Most run 12 to 16 inches, perfect for keeping the kids engaged and the cooler full. They hit live bait and small jigs aggressively, especially during summer months. Sea bass might be smaller than other targets, but they make up for it with attitude and excellent table fare.
Grey triggerfish add some serious excitement to any Clearwater charter. These hard-fighting fish inhabit deeper structure and ledges, typically in 30 to 60 feet of water. Triggers average 12 to 18 inches but pack a punch that surprises first-time anglers. They're notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth and quick reflexes, making them challenging and rewarding targets. Fall and early winter produce the best triggerfish action, and their firm white meat makes them a customer favorite.
White grunt round out the mix as reliable action fish that keep things lively when targeting larger species. These silver-sided fish school up around structure, grass beds, and sandy bottom areas. They're eager biters that hit live and cut bait consistently, making them perfect for beginners or when you need to get everyone involved. Grunts typically run 8 to 12 inches and make excellent bait for larger predators when the action slows down.
Captain Karwoski's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing really turns on. This charter combines local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for putting customers on fish. You're not just paying for boat time – you're getting years of experience reading these waters, understanding fish behavior, and knowing exactly when and where to be. Whether you choose the three-hour sampler or commit to the full six-hour adventure, you'll walk away with better fishing skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets. Don't sleep on booking your Clearwater fishing charter – the fish are biting and Captain Karwoski knows exactly where to find them.
Get ready to hit Clearwater's prime fishing spots aboard this well-equipped 29-foot Pro Sport center console catamaran. This 2002 beauty handles beautifully with twin Yamaha 225HP engines that'll cruise at 35 knots, getting your crew of up to 4 anglers to the hotspots fast. The spacious layout gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll love the wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on redfish in shallow water, plus the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long Florida days on the water. Safety's covered with GPS navigation, radar for those afternoon storms, and VHF radio to stay connected. Whether you're after black drum, sea bass, or triggerfish, this boat has everything you need for a productive day fishing Clearwater's legendary inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds around here, with the big bulls pushing 50+ pounds. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and brackish areas where they crunch up crabs and shellfish all day. Spring is when they really turn on during spawning season - you can actually hear them drumming underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating, but the big ones get tough and stringy. These fish will test your drag with long, powerful runs. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap-tap, don't set the hook immediately - let them mouth it for a few seconds, then reel down tight.
Centropristis StriataBlack Sea Bass are part of the grouper family and typically run 2-4 pounds, though we've seen some push 8+ pounds. These gray-to-black fish hang around wrecks, rocky bottom, and structure in 40-120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is they'll hit just about anything - live bait, jigs, even plugs - and they fight hard until they break the surface. The meat is excellent eating, white and flaky. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with squid strips and drop it right on the structure, then reel up a few cranks. They tend to grab bait as it's falling, so keep that line tight and be ready for the bite.
Balistes CapriscusGrey Triggerfish are scrappy little fighters that average 12-17 inches but can hit 2 feet. They're tough customers with leather-like skin and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through sea urchins like butter. You'll find them around hard bottom, ledges, and reef structure in 60-180 feet of water. They're year-round residents, but summer fishing is best when they're most active. Guests love them because they're aggressive biters and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. The white meat is sweet and firm - real table fare. Here's the secret: they're greedy little thieves. Drop your squid bait near some grouper or snapper, and when the triggers see the competition, they'll charge in to steal the bait. Just be ready to reel fast once you feel that bite.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds, though the big bulls can hit 40+ pounds. They love super shallow water, often feeding in 1-4 feet around grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring are prime time when they're most aggressive. What makes them special is that explosive strike on topwater lures and the way they peel drag on long runs. The meat is mild and sweet - perfect for the grill. My best advice: look for tailing fish in shallow water early morning or late evening. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly. A gold spoon or topwater plug will drive them crazy this time of year.
Haemulon PlumieriiWhite Grunt are steady producers that make great eating and keep the action going when other fish aren't biting. They typically run 8-12 inches and have that classic grunt sound when you pull them up - kids always get a kick out of that. You'll find them around reefs, docks, and structure from shallow water out to about 100 feet deep. They're active year-round but really bite well in warmer months. The flaky white meat is excellent fried up - locals call the dish "grits and grunts" for good reason. Since they're night feeders, they'll hit just about any bait you throw at them. Pro tip: use small hooks with shrimp or cut bait and fish near the bottom. They school up, so where you catch one, you'll usually find more.
Clearwater/Belleair Bluffs