Clearwater Half Day Guided Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Morning departure targets redfish, snook, and trout inshoreProfessional tackle, bait, and safety gear includedSmall group capacity accommodates novice and experienced anglers
Nothing beats getting on the water early when the fish are active and the bite is hot. Our 8:00 AM half-day trip has become the go-to choice for anglers who want to maximize their time without committing to a full day on the boat. You'll fish Clearwater's most productive inshore zones where redfish cruise the shallows, snook ambush baitfish around structure, and speckled trout hunt in the grass flats. With just two spots available, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines. We'll handle all the details - tackle, bait, and safety gear are included - so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat.
This half-day adventure strikes the perfect balance between serious fishing time and convenience. We launch right at 8:00 AM when the morning bite is firing, hitting spots that consistently produce multiple species. You'll work different techniques throughout the trip - from live bait fishing around mangrove shorelines to casting artificials over grass beds where trout and redfish feed. The small group size means you're not fighting for space or waiting your turn to get a line in the water. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or you've been chasing these species for years, we'll adjust our approach to match your skill level. The morning hours give us cooler temperatures and often calmer conditions, making it comfortable for everyone aboard while the fish are most cooperative.
We fish with quality spinning gear that handles everything from 12-inch trout to bull redfish pushing 30 pounds. Live shrimp and pinfish are our go-to baits since they trigger strikes from virtually every species we target, but we'll also work with soft plastics and topwater plugs when conditions are right. Around structure like docks and mangrove edges, we'll fish with lighter tackle and precise presentations to tempt snook and mangrove snapper. Over the grass flats, we switch to different weights and techniques to keep baits in the strike zone where trout and redfish are feeding. Circle hooks are standard for live bait fishing - they hook fish securely and make catch-and-release much easier. We carry everything from 1/8-ounce jig heads for shallow work to heavier rigs when we need to get down to grouper and sea bass in deeper water.
Cobia are the heavyweight champions of this trip, showing up in good numbers during their spring and fall migrations. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push much larger, and they fight like freight trains once hooked. They're curious fish that will follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities if you stay calm and make good presentations. Gag grouper provide consistent action around hard bottom areas and structure, typically running 2-5 pounds with occasional fish reaching keeper size. They hit live bait aggressively and put up a solid fight on medium tackle. Black sea bass might be smaller but they make up for it with numbers - you'll often catch multiples on the same spot, and they're excellent table fare. Snook are the prize inshore gamefish here, ambushing baits around mangroves and docks with explosive strikes. They're masters of using structure to their advantage, so expect heart-stopping runs toward cover. Grey snapper round out the mix with their willingness to bite and excellent eating quality, often schooling around structure where you can catch several in quick succession.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Clearwater inshore fishing, available year-round with peak action during fall months. These copper-colored bruisers cruise shallow flats and mangrove edges, feeding aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and small fish. They average 18-25 inches with plenty of slot-sized fish available, and their bulldogging fights make them a favorite among anglers of all experience levels. Speckled trout prefer grass flats and sandy areas where they hunt in small schools, hitting both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. Spring and fall offer the best trout fishing, with fish averaging 14-18 inches and occasional gator trout exceeding 20 inches. Snook fishing peaks during warmer months when these ambush predators patrol dock lines and mangrove shorelines. They're notoriously finicky but incredibly rewarding to catch, with their gill-rattling jumps and powerful runs. Pompano show up in cooler months, running the beaches and grass flats in schools. They're prized for their fighting ability and exceptional table quality. Sheepshead are winter specialists, using their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles around structure, providing steady action when other species slow down.
This morning half-day trip fills up quickly because it delivers exactly what most anglers want - quality fishing time, multiple species opportunities, and the flexibility to have your afternoon free. The 8:00 AM start time puts you on productive water during prime feeding periods, and the intimate two-person capacity ensures you get the attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. With all tackle, bait, and safety equipment included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater angling or you want to target specific species with focused techniques, this trip adapts to your goals. Don't wait on this high-demand time slot - contact The Reel Fisher today to lock in your date and get ready for some serious Clearwater fishing action.
This 24-foot Skeeter center console is your ticket to Clearwater's best inshore fishing spots. Built in 2015 with a powerful 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke, she'll cruise at 50 knots to get you on the fish fast. The boat handles beautifully in shallow waters where redfish, snook, and trout like to hide. Her wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those hot Florida mornings. GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive areas around the flats and mangroves. With space for up to 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect vantage point to spot tailing redfish and cruising snook in the skinny water.
Centropristis StriataBlack sea bass are perfect for anglers wanting consistent action around Clearwater's structure. These chunky fighters average 2-4 pounds but can push 8+ pounds on a good day. You'll find them around jetties, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in less than 120 feet of water. Late spring through summer is prime time when they move closer to shore. What makes them fun is their scrappy fight and excellent eating - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's something cool: they start life as females then change to males around 9-13 inches. They're mostly bottom feeders, so live squid or cut bait works great. Pro tip: use a medium rod with 20-30 pound line and don't be surprised when they put up a solid fight until they break the surface.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter here in Clearwater waters. These dark brown beauties average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them a serious challenge on the line. They're usually found cruising solo in 30-70 feet of water around reefs, wrecks, and buoys. Spring through summer is prime time when they move inshore for spawning. What makes cobia special is their aggressive fight and excellent table fare - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. They're often spotted just under the surface, so we do a lot of sight fishing. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep your drag locked tight and don't let them freewheel back to structure. They'll try to wrap you up every time, so stay firm and work them up quick.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our most popular bottom fish around Clearwater's rocky structure. These chunky fighters typically run 20 inches, though the big males can push 50+ inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms, with juveniles closer to shore and adults in deeper water. Spring and summer offer the best action when they're most active. What guests love about gags is the solid fight they put up and the sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They change from female to male as they grow, which is pretty unique. My go-to tip: once you hook one, lock that reel down and horse them up fast. They'll dive straight back to their hole and cut you off on the rocks if you give them any slack.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are some of the smartest fish around Clearwater's structure. These copper-red fighters typically run 1-2 pounds inshore, though open water fish can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around docks, reefs, mangroves, and any kind of cover where they can ambush prey. They're active year-round but bite best during warmer months. Guests love them for their challenging fight and excellent table fare - sweet, white, flaky meat that's restaurant quality. They're nocturnal feeders and very opportunistic. Here's a key tip: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to the bottom, then bring it up just a bit. Don't jig it around too much - these guys are smart and spook easily. When you feel that tap, wait a second before setting the hook.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's signature game fish and a favorite target around Clearwater's mangroves and shallow waters. These sleek predators average 18 inches but can stretch over 4 feet. You'll find them in estuaries, around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they ambush prey. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the full moon spawning periods. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - plus they're great eating when in season. They're temperature sensitive, so they move with the weather. Here's something unique: larger snook are usually females since they change sex as they grow. My local tip: fish the shadow lines around structure with live shrimp or soft plastics, and be ready for that lightning-fast strike.
Clearwater, FL