Clearwater's Premier Full-Day Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Fullday private charter targeting multiple species offshoreExplore flats for Tarpon and deeper waters for CobiaAccommodates both experienced anglers and beginners aboard
Looking for a fishing charter that gives you the whole Gulf to yourself? You've found it. The Reel Fisher's Clearwater fishing charters put you on a private boat for a full day of serious angling, whether you're chasing trophy tarpon in the shallows or heading offshore for king mackerel that'll test your drag. This isn't a cattle boat operation – it's just you and your captain, hitting the best spots when the fish are biting. We're talking about waters where 100-pound tarpon roll on the surface and cobia cruise the wrecks like underwater submarines.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Captain fires up the engines while you grab your coffee, and within minutes you're cruising past the Clearwater Pass toward wherever the fish are holding. This is a full-day charter, so we've got time to work multiple spots – maybe start shallow for some redfish and snook around the grass flats, then make the run offshore when the conditions are right for kings and cobia. The boat stays busy all day, but there's plenty of room to move around and fight fish without bumping into other anglers. Bring your own snacks and drinks because we're staying out until the sun starts setting or your arms give out, whichever comes first.
We fish smart, not just hard. In the shallows, we're sight-fishing with live bait and artificials, working the grass edges where snook and reds love to ambush prey. The captain knows exactly where to position the boat so you can make perfect presentations without spooking fish. When we head offshore, it's all about reading the water – finding bait schools, working the structure, and trolling the right depths. We run everything from spinning reels loaded with 20-pound braid for the inshore stuff to conventional setups with serious drag when we're after big cobia and kings. The tackle's all provided, but if you've got favorite lures or gear, bring them along. Live bait comes fresh from our wells, and we've always got a good selection of proven artificials rigged and ready.
Snook are the ultimate inshore gamefish around Clearwater – these guys hit like freight trains and jump like tarpon once they're hooked. Best fishing happens during the warmer months from April through October, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. They love to hang around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they can ambush baitfish. What makes snook so special is their attitude – they're aggressive predators that'll absolutely slam a well-presented lure, but they're also smart enough to keep you honest. A good snook will test every knot and try every trick to throw the hook.
Tarpon fishing in Clearwater is world-class, especially during the summer migration when silver kings roll through by the hundreds. These fish average 80 to 150 pounds and jump like dolphins when hooked – pure adrenaline from the first run to the final release. Peak season runs from May through August, with July being absolutely phenomenal for big fish. Tarpon are catch-and-release only, but landing one of these giants is a memory that lasts forever. They're prehistoric-looking fish with scales the size of silver dollars, and watching a 100-pounder clear the water six feet in the air never gets old.
King mackerel are the speed demons of the offshore scene, hitting trolled baits at 40+ mph and making screaming runs that'll empty your reel if the drag isn't set right. Spring and fall are prime time for kings, when they're feeding heavily and putting on weight. These fish average 15 to 40 pounds around Clearwater, but 50-pounders show up often enough to keep things interesting. Kings have razor-sharp teeth and incredible speed – they're built for one thing, and that's catching baitfish in open water. The fight is all about that first run, and if you can turn their head and get them coming back to the boat, you've usually won.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Clearwater's shallow water fishing, especially around oyster bars and grass flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. These copper-colored bruisers average 20 to 30 inches and fight with pure bulldogging power – no jumps, just steady pressure and head shakes. Fall months are absolutely prime for slot-sized reds, though you'll find fish year-round in the right spots. What's cool about redfish is how you can sight-fish for them in skinny water, watching their backs and tails break the surface as they feed. They're also excellent table fare if you're keeping a few within the slot limits.
Cobia are the wild cards of offshore fishing – these brown sharks lookalikes cruise around wrecks, buoys, and floating debris, always looking for an easy meal. Spring migration in March and April brings the big fish through Clearwater waters, with 30 to 60-pounders being pretty common. Cobia are curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat, giving you perfect sight-fishing opportunities with live bait or heavy jigs. They fight like underwater bulldozers, using their broad tails and powerful bodies to stay deep. Plus, cobia are absolutely fantastic eating – firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and shark.
This is the kind of fishing charter that sells out fast, especially during peak season when the tarpon and kings are running thick. You're getting a private boat, experienced captain, and a full day on some of Florida's best fishing grounds. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next trophy or someone who just wants to experience what Gulf Coast fishing is all about, this trip delivers. The Reel Fisher
Our 2015 24-foot Skeeter center console cuts through Clearwater's waters with authority, powered by a reliable 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast. This boat handles offshore runs with ease while staying nimble enough for backcountry work. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, and with space for up to five anglers, there's room to work without stepping on each other's lines. The wireless trolling motor lets you slip into shallow spots silently, while the fish finder helps locate schools and structure. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and the icebox ensures your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. The flybridge gives you that elevated perspective when scanning for diving birds or surface action. Whether you're targeting inshore species in the grass flats or heading offshore for bigger game, this Skeeter delivers the performance and features serious anglers expect from a quality fishing platform.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like catching a shark with an attitude - these brown, powerful fish average 30-60 pounds and fight like freight trains. We find them around buoys, wrecks, and structure in 30-100 feet of water, often cruising just under the surface. Spring migration (March-May) offers the best shot at multiple fish, but they're around all summer. Guests love the challenge of sight-fishing these solitary hunters and their incredible table quality - firm, white meat that rivals grouper. They're curious fish that'll often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Pro tip: when you spot one, toss a bucktail jig ahead of its path and work it with steady retrieves. Keep the boat moving to cover water.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or "kings," are speed demons that'll test your reflexes and tackle. These silvery rockets average 15-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds offshore. We target them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, ledges, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall provides consistent action, with summer being prime time. What guests love is the screaming runs and razor-sharp teeth that demand wire leaders. They're also fantastic table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. We troll spoons, live bait, and diving plugs to find them. Here's the key: use a stinger hook rig since kings often grab bait from behind, and keep steady pressure during the fight to avoid pulled hooks.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish, or red drum, are the perfect sight-fishing target with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most fish run 18-28 inches, but mature "bulls" can reach 40+ inches. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines year-round, though fall and spring offer peak action. They're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with authority. What makes them special is their accessibility to all skill levels and excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My go-to technique: work a gold spoon slowly over shallow grass beds during moving tides. Watch for tailing fish and lead them slightly with your cast.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of Florida's premier inshore game fish, averaging 1-3 feet with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-8 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Pro tip: use a fluorocarbon leader and work your lure slowly along structure edges. These fish are spooky, so keep noise to a minimum and make accurate casts to cover.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish, averaging 80-100 pounds but capable of reaching 200+ pounds in our waters. These silver giants cruise shallow flats, channels, and harbor areas from late spring through early fall. What draws anglers worldwide is their raw power and aerial displays - watching a 6-foot tarpon launch itself skyward is pure magic. The fight can last an hour, testing both angler and tackle. We practice catch-and-release since their meat is bony and not great eating. Best months are May through September during warmer water temps. My tip: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give slack and prevent the hook from pulling free during those spectacular leaps.
Clearwater, FL