Clearwater Full Day Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day targeting snook, redfish, trout in shallow watersReef and wreck fishing for grouper, snapper, shark speciesPrivate charter accommodates single guest with experienced guide
Looking for a fishing trip that covers all the bases? This full day charter with Skinny Water Charters puts you right in the heart of Clearwater's best fishing action. You'll start in the shallow flats targeting snook, redfish, and trout, then move to the productive reefs and wrecks inside the bay where grouper, snapper, and sharks hang out. The real excitement comes when tarpon and cobia show up - these bruisers can turn up anywhere, and we're always ready to switch gears when the big fish are feeding.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. With a full day on the water, we can really dial in on what's biting and adjust our game plan as conditions change. We'll start early when the shallow water bite is usually most active, working the grass flats and mangrove shorelines where snook and reds like to ambush baitfish. As the sun gets higher and the shallow water heats up, we'll transition to deeper structure - artificial reefs, wrecks, and hard bottom areas where the grouper and snapper are stacked up. The beauty of Clearwater's inshore waters is the variety. One minute you're sight fishing for a laid-up redfish in two feet of water, the next you're dropping down to a wreck in 20 feet hoping for a nice gag grouper. With just one angler on board, we can move fast and stay on the fish without worrying about crowd management.
We'll run the full spectrum of techniques depending on what we're targeting. In the shallows, it's all about live bait and artificial presentations - live shrimp under popping corks for trout, free-lined pinfish for snook around structure, and soft plastics worked through the grass beds for reds. When we hit the deeper structure, we'll switch to bottom rigs with cut bait for grouper and snapper, though we always keep a few rods rigged and ready for whatever shows up mid-water. Circle hooks are the norm for most bottom fishing to help with fish survival, and we'll adjust our tackle based on what's biting - lighter gear for trout and smaller snapper, heavier setups when the big grouper are cooperating. All tackle and bait are included, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, feel free to bring it along. The boat's rigged with quality gear that can handle everything from schoolie trout to triple-digit tarpon.
Snook are the crown jewel of Clearwater's inshore scene, and for good reason. These ambush predators love the mangrove edges and dock lines where they can hide in the shadows and blast unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during the warmer months, roughly April through October, with the best action happening around dawn and dusk. What makes snook so special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll make several powerful runs toward structure, trying to cut you off on barnacles or pilings. A slot snook between 28 and 33 inches is a trophy most anglers dream about.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of these waters, showing up in good numbers during their migration from roughly March through July. These silver giants can range from juvenile fish around 20-30 pounds up to mature adults pushing 150 pounds or more. What sets tarpon apart is their acrobatic display once hooked - multiple jumps, head shakes, and long runs that'll test your drag and your patience. They're catch-and-release only, which keeps the population healthy for future generations. Landing a tarpon on light tackle is a bucket list experience for most anglers.
King mackerel patrol the deeper edges and are absolute rockets when they decide to feed. These toothy predators hit fast and fight hard, making blistering runs that'll peel line off your reel in seconds. Spring and fall are prime time for kings in our area, when they're following bait schools and actively feeding. They're excellent table fare and put up one heck of a fight - just be ready for that initial run because it's usually the strongest.
Redfish are the bread and butter of shallow water fishing here. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round and offer some of the most consistent action you'll find. They school up in the shallows, often in water so skinny you can see their backs breaking the surface. Reds are notorious for their initial run once hooked - they'll strip drag like they're late for dinner. The slot fish between 18 and 27 inches are perfect for the table, while the oversized bulls provide pure excitement.
Blacktip sharks add some serious excitement to any trip. These coastal predators are common in our area, especially during the warmer months when they move into shallow water to feed and reproduce. Blacktips are known for their spectacular jumps when hooked - sometimes clearing the water completely in a display that rivals tarpon. They typically range from 20 to 50 pounds in our waters and provide a different kind of fight than most fish - more bulldogging power than speed, but they've got plenty of endurance.
A full day charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Clearwater's waters have to offer. With the flexibility to move between shallow and deep water fishing, plus the time to really work productive areas, you'll maximize your chances at landing that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're after your first snook, hoping to jump a tarpon, or just want to load the cooler with dinner, this trip covers all the bases. The single angler setup means personalized attention and the ability to focus on whatever type of fishing gets your heart pumping. Don't wait - the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak season.
Your fishing platform for this Clearwater adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to handle both shallow water action and deeper bay fishing. The boat features an ice box to keep your catch fresh throughout the long day on the water, plus GPS navigation to hit prime fishing spots around the bay. The fish finder will help locate schools of snook, redfish, and trout in the shallows, then track down grouper and snapper when you head to the reefs and wrecks. This setup gives you the flexibility to chase whatever's biting – whether that's working the grass flats for reds or positioning over structure for bigger reef fish. When tarpon or cobia show up, you'll have the mobility to get on them fast. Perfect for covering serious water and maximizing your shots at multiple species during your full day out.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are exciting fighters that average 4-6 feet and put on quite a show with their signature jumps. These athletic sharks patrol our nearshore waters and reef areas, typically in 30-100 feet. What sets blacktips apart is their energy - they'll leap completely out of the water multiple times during the fight, spinning and thrashing like a tarpon. They're year-round residents but most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant. While not typically kept for eating, the fight alone makes them worthwhile targets. They respond well to fresh cut bait and live offerings. The key is using circle hooks and heavy enough tackle to handle their runs. Pro tip: bring plenty of oily fish like mackerel for chum - blacktips rely heavily on scent and will find your baits quickly once you get them fired up.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and equipment. These sleek predators average 20-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds, and they're built for one thing - blazing fast runs that'll strip line in seconds. We target them over reefs and wrecks in 40-100+ feet of water, especially during cooler months when baitfish are thick. What makes kings special is their aggressive nature and excellent eating quality - firm, flaky meat that's perfect on the grill. They hit trolled baits and live offerings with serious authority. Summer and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavily. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig with two hooks - kings often grab bait by the tail, and that second hook saves the day more often than not.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect sight-fishing target in our shallow flats and mangrove creeks. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots typically run 18-30 inches and love water so shallow their backs stick out. What makes reds special is watching them cruise the flats in small schools - pure visual fishing at its best. They're year-round residents with peak action in fall and spring when they're most aggressive. The fight is bulldog strong with powerful runs, and they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Guests love the variety - from explosive topwater strikes to delicate sight-casting with soft plastics. Local tip: look for nervous water and mullet getting pushed around - that's usually reds feeding underneath, and a well-placed cast will get hammered.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier gamefish, typically running 1-4 feet with that distinctive black lateral line down their golden sides. Around Clearwater, we find them hugging mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings in shallow water. They're ambush predators with serious attitude - when hooked, they'll make blistering runs and try to cut your line on structure. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their finicky nature and explosive strikes on topwater lures. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: always use a fluorocarbon leader - snook have excellent eyesight and will shy away from visible line in clear water.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that can reach 6+ feet and 200+ pounds in our waters. We typically find them rolling in deeper channels, around bridges, and over grass flats during their spring and summer migration. These prehistoric fish are pure spectacle when hooked, launching themselves 10 feet out of the water in acrobatic displays that'll get your heart racing. Most guests fish tarpon for the thrill since they're largely catch-and-release due to bony, oily meat. The fight can last hours on bigger fish. Peak season runs May through August when they're most active. Here's a local secret: when you see them rolling on the surface, cast slightly ahead of the school and let your bait sink naturally - they're more likely to eat on the drop.
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