Fishing Charter Clearwater | Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventures targeting local Clearwater speciesSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboardEquipment and tackle provided by experienced charter crew
Looking for a solid day of inshore fishing in Clearwater? You've found the right crew. Reel Passion Charters knows these waters like the back of our hand, and we're here to put you on fish. This isn't some crowded party boat deal – we keep it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots you deserve. Whether you're chasing your first redfish or you're a weekend warrior looking to add some variety to your cooler, our Clearwater inshore trips deliver the goods. We handle all the tackle, bait, and know-how – you just bring yourself, some snacks, and whatever you like to drink.
Our Clearwater inshore fishing adventures are all about getting you hooked up with quality fish in the most productive waters around Tampa Bay. We're talking grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and those sweet transition zones where the big boys like to hang out. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the diversity – one cast you're pulling in a feisty sheepshead around structure, the next you've got a red drum peeling drag in the shallows. Our captain reads the conditions daily, checking tides, wind, and water temps to put you where the action is hottest. We're not clock watchers either – if the bite is on, we're staying on them. Pack light and comfortable since you'll have plenty of room to move around and fight fish properly. The whole vibe is relaxed but focused, perfect for both serious anglers and folks just looking to have a great time on the water.
Inshore fishing around Clearwater is all about versatility, and we've got the gear dialed in for whatever these waters throw at us. We run a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working best. On the live side, we're talking pilchards, pinfish, and shrimp – the holy trinity of Tampa Bay baitfish that these predators can't resist. For artificials, we've got everything from soft plastics for working the grass flats to hard baits for covering water when fish are scattered. The tackle is medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that can handle everything from 15-inch snapper to 30-inch redfish without being overkill. We'll match your technique to the target – maybe we're sight fishing for reds in skinny water, or working structure for grouper and snapper. Bottom fishing, drift fishing, casting to structure – whatever it takes to put fish in the boat. Don't worry if you're new to saltwater techniques; our captain will walk you through everything from proper hook sets to fighting fish in current.
Spanish Mackerel are the speed demons of our local waters, and they're an absolute blast on light tackle. These silver bullets typically run 12 to 20 inches and hit like freight trains, making screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're often our go-to when we want consistent action. They school up around bait pods and aren't shy about crushing both live baits and fast-moving lures. What makes them special is that explosive strike and the way they fight – pure adrenaline from hook-up to boat.
Gag Grouper are the bruisers you'll remember long after the trip ends. These bottom dwellers average 16 to 24 inches around here, but the occasional doormat will make your arms burn. They're structure lovers, hanging around rocky bottom, ledges, and artificial reefs where they ambush anything that swims by. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. The excitement comes from that initial thump on the bottom followed by the realization you've just hooked into something that doesn't want to come up. It's a tug-of-war that'll remind you why you love fishing.
Grey Snapper, or mangrove snapper as most locals call them, are the thinking angler's fish. They're incredibly smart and can be finicky, but that makes landing a nice one that much more satisfying. These guys range from keeper-sized 10-inchers up to hefty 16-inch slabs that know every trick in the book. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months. You'll find them around structure, mangroves, and dock pilings where they can quickly dart back to cover. The challenge is getting them to commit to your bait – they'll inspect, nibble, and test your patience before finally taking it.
Sheepshead are the black and white striped convicts of the inshore world, and they're absolute masters at stealing bait. With their human-like teeth designed for crushing crustaceans, they require a completely different approach than other species. Most run 12 to 18 inches, but the occasional 4-pounder will surprise you with how hard they pull. Winter through early spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn. The fun factor comes from the challenge – you need perfect timing on the hook set and the right bait presentation. Land a nice sheepshead and you've earned some serious bragging rights.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Clearwater inshore fishing and the species that keeps anglers coming back for more. These copper-colored bulldogs range from slot-sized 18 to 27-inchers up to oversized bulls that'll straighten hooks if you're not careful. They're year-round residents with peak action in fall and spring when they school up in impressive numbers. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat and their never-give-up attitude once hooked. Whether you're sight fishing to tailing reds in inches of water or blind casting to deep grass edges, these fish deliver the goods every time. That first run toward structure will get your heart pumping and remind you why redfish are considered the perfect inshore gamefish.
Set out on Clearwater's productive inshore waters aboard our restored 25' Privateer bay boat. This classic 1989 vessel got a complete makeover in 2016, combining old-school fishing boat reliability with today's tech. The 250HP Suzuki pushes us to prime fishing spots at a smooth 35 knots, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're working structure or grass flats. Our fish finder helps locate schools and bottom features where snook, redfish, and trout like to hang out. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. GPS navigation means we can hit multiple productive areas during your trip. Built for up to 5 anglers, this bay boat handles Clearwater's shallow waters and deeper channels with ease. Whether you're sight-fishing the flats or working deeper holes, this setup gives us the range and capability to follow the bite wherever it takes us.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the bulldogs of the reef - once they grab your bait, they'll try dragging it straight back to their rocky hideout. Most run 3-8 pounds around here, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them around any hard structure - reefs, wrecks, ledges, even stone crab traps. They love live pinfish and cut bait, but be ready for that initial dive. Fall and winter months are peak season when they move inshore. What guests love? That bone-jarring hookset and bulldogging fight, plus they're fantastic eating - sweet, flaky white meat. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't give them any slack. Lock that drag down and horse them up before they can reach cover.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are the sneaky opportunists of inshore waters. These copper-colored fish typically run 1-3 pounds and have a knack for stealing bait. They hang around docks, mangroves, rocky areas, and grass flats - anywhere they can ambush prey. Night fishing is prime time, though they'll bite during the day if you're patient. Live shrimp hooked through the tail works best, but they're notorious bait thieves. What makes them fun? They're smart, spooky fish that test your skills, and the white flaky meat is top-notch table fare. Here's the key: once your bait hits bottom, barely move it. Let them come to you, and when you feel that subtle tap, give them a second before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing - bronze bulldogs with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most run 18-27 inches in our waters, cruising grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines in just 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs or tails breaking the surface while they root for crabs. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special? That explosive topwater strike and powerful run, plus they're beautiful fish with great table fare. The smaller "slot" fish are perfect eating. Here's a local secret: look for nervous baitfish or muddy water where they're feeding. Cast past them and work your lure back slowly - redfish eat with their heads down, so let them find it.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters - those black and white stripes give them away every time. These 2-8 pound fighters hang tight to structure like dock pilings, bridges, and oyster bars where they munch barnacles with their human-like teeth. They're tricky to catch because they're master bait stealers, nibbling your shrimp or crab until it's gone. Late winter through spring is spawning season when they bite best. What guests love? The challenge - they're finicky but rewarding, plus the sweet white meat rivals any fish we catch. My trick: use a small hook with fresh shrimp, get right against the structure, and when you feel them pecking, wait for that solid weight before setting the hook hard. Their bony mouths need a firm hookset.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, flashy fighters that run in schools near the surface. These silvery speedsters typically measure 14-20 inches and pack serious punch on light tackle. You'll find them around structure, grass flats, and nearshore reefs, especially when baitfish are thick. They hit hard and fast - spoons, small jigs, and live shrimp work great. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps warm up. What makes them special? That initial run is pure adrenaline, plus the meat is excellent - mild flavor that grills perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you see diving birds working bait, get there fast. Cast past the school and work your lure back through - just keep your drag loose for that first screaming run.
Clearwater