Clearwater Sunset Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Evening fishing charter targeting multiple species at sunsetInshore and offshore waters explored on calm daysSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests
There's something special about fishing as the sun starts to dip toward the horizon in Clearwater. The water takes on a golden glow, the fish start moving, and you get to experience some of the best angling Florida has to offer. Our sunset fishing trip gives you the perfect chance to chase multiple species while soaking in one of the Gulf Coast's most beautiful shows. With just two anglers max, you'll get personalized attention from our experienced captain and crew who know these waters like the back of their hand.
We'll meet you at the dock about an hour and a half before sunset, giving us plenty of time to get to the best spots and set up our lines. Depending on conditions, we might head a few miles offshore to target bigger fish, or we could stick to the inshore flats and mangrove edges where the reds and trout like to hang out. The beauty of this trip is the flexibility - our captain reads the water, weather, and fish activity to put you on the best bite possible. You'll be fishing with quality tackle, and we'll have everything rigged and ready so you can focus on the fun part. The small group size means you won't be fighting for rod time or the captain's attention. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching dolphins cruise by while you're waiting for your next strike.
We run a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are telling us. For the inshore species like redfish and sea trout, we'll often use live shrimp or pinfish under popping corks around grass flats and dock structures. When we're targeting tarpon, it's all about presenting live crabs or threadfin herring in the right zones where these silver kings like to roll. If we venture offshore for gag grouper, we'll drop down some heavy tackle with live bait or jigs to the rocky bottom where these tasty fish call home. The crew will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, so even if you're new to saltwater fishing, you'll feel confident on the water. We keep our tackle selection current and our drag systems smooth - because there's nothing worse than losing a fish due to equipment failure.
Gag grouper are the prize fighters of this area, and for good reason. These bottom dwellers can reach 20-30 pounds and will test your arms and your patience. They hang around rocky ledges and structure in 30-60 feet of water, and they're notorious for trying to cut your line on the bottom. Fall through early spring gives you the best shot at keeper-sized gags, and the meat quality is outstanding. What makes them so exciting is that initial run when they realize they're hooked - pure power heading straight for the rocks.
Tarpon fishing around Clearwater is legendary, especially during the warmer months from May through September. These silver kings can stretch over six feet and weigh 100+ pounds, making them the ultimate light tackle challenge. They're famous for their aerial acrobatics when hooked, often jumping multiple times in spectacular fashion. Evening hours are prime time since tarpon become more active as temperatures cool. The best part? They're primarily catch and release, so you get the fight of a lifetime while preserving the fishery.
Sea trout are your bread and butter inshore species here, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action. These spotted beauties average 12-18 inches and love grass flats with good current flow. They hit live shrimp and soft plastics with equal enthusiasm, and they're excellent table fare. Spring and fall offer the most reliable trout fishing, with early morning and evening being peak feeding times. They're also great for beginners since they're aggressive feeders and relatively easy to hook.
Redfish are the bullies of the shallow water, and Clearwater's backcountry is loaded with them. These copper-colored fighters average 18-27 inches in the slot and will give you a tug-of-war you won't forget. They cruise oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats looking for crabs and baitfish. Fall and winter months are particularly productive, and sight fishing for reds in shallow water gets your heart pumping like nothing else. When you see that bronze back and black spot tailing in two feet of water, you'll understand why redfish have such a devoted following.
Tripletail are the wildcards of this fishery - they're not always around, but when they show up, it's game on. These pancake-shaped fish love floating debris, channel markers, and crab trap floats. They average 10-15 pounds and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Summer months bring the most tripletail opportunities, and they're sight fishing targets that require stealth and accuracy. What makes them special is their unique behavior of laying on their side near the surface, mimicking floating debris until an unsuspecting meal swims by.
This sunset trip combines everything great about Clearwater fishing into one perfect package. You get variety in species, stunning scenery, and personal attention from an experienced crew. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want to unwind on the water, this charter delivers. The timing works great for families or couples looking to cap off a day in paradise. Don't forget to bring your camera for those sunset shots, and if you have a great trip, the crew always appreciates tips. Book now and get ready for an evening of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Our restored 1989 25' Privateer bay boat cuts through Clearwater's waters with serious fishing power. The 250HP Suzuki pushes this classic hull up to 35 knots, getting you to the fish fast whether we're working the flats or heading a few miles out for sunset action. Built for the serious angler, she's loaded with a fish finder to mark your targets, GPS to nail the hot spots, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches in shallow water. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold as the sun paints the sky. Captain knows these waters inside and out, from the grass flats where reds cruise to the deeper channels where snook ambush bait. This boat handles both inshore shallows and near-shore waters with ease, giving you maximum fishing time during those golden evening hours. Perfect for up to 2 anglers who want to experience Clearwater's best fishing as day turns to night.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper run 20+ inches on average, with bigger ones pushing 50+ inches and 80 pounds. These gray, marbled fish love rocky structure - think reefs, ledges, and wrecks from 20-100 feet deep. They're ambush predators that'll slam live bait like pinfish or grunt, but cut squid works great too. Spring through fall are prime months when they're most active. What makes them exciting is the initial hit and their bulldogging fight straight back to structure. They're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep your drag locked tight and don't give them any slack - they'll wrap you around the rocks faster than you can blink if you let them.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots average 20-30 inches and 5-15 pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Year-round fishing, but fall and spring are best when they school up. What makes them special is their powerful runs and how they'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, spoons, and topwater lures all work. Plus they're fantastic table fare with sweet, firm meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or wakes in shallow areas. When you spot one, cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but once hooked, they'll make your drag sing.
Salmo TruttaAlso called speckled trout, these spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though 5+ pounders show up regularly. They love grass flats, oyster bars, and shallow bays from 2-15 feet deep, especially around structure transitions. Best fishing happens dawn, dusk, and night during warmer months. They're aggressive feeders that hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. Guests enjoy their scrappy fight and they make excellent eating - white, flaky meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Local trick: during winter, look for them in deeper holes and channels where they school up. Work your bait slow and methodical - they get sluggish in cold water but still feed.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" averages 4-6 feet and 80-150 pounds, but giants over 200 pounds show up regularly. These prehistoric fish cruise shallow flats, channels, and around structure from the surface down to 50 feet. Peak season runs May through September when they migrate through our waters. What guests love most is watching a 6-foot tarpon launch 10 feet out of the water - pure adrenaline. They're catch-and-release only due to poor table quality and conservation. Live mullet, pinfish, or crabs work best. Here's the key: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip low - it prevents the hook from popping out during their acrobatic show. Most fish are lost during those spectacular jumps.
Lobotes SurinamensisThese odd-shaped fish with three-fin tails average 18 inches and 2-5 pounds, but 20+ pounders are possible. They're surface cruisers, often floating like debris near weed lines, channel markers, and structure from the surface to 30 feet. Summer through early fall is prime time when they migrate through our area. Guests love the sight-fishing challenge and their surprising acrobatics for such a chunky fish. They're also top-notch table fare - taste like a cross between snapper and grouper. Best technique is sight-casting live shrimp or small jigs. Pro tip: cast well past them and slowly work your bait into their strike zone. They spook easily, but once they see your bait, they'll usually ambush it.
Clearwater