Extended Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Extended charter targets redfish, snook, grouper across Clearwater flatsTwo extra hours compared to half-day options for thorough explorationAll equipment and bait provided for anglers of every skill level
When you want more than just a quick trip out to the flats, this extended charter gives you the extra time needed to really work the water around Clearwater. Starting at 8:00 AM, you'll have those prime morning hours plus additional time to explore different structures and flats that shorter trips can't cover. This isn't your typical rush-and-run fishing – it's designed for anglers who want to settle in and fish properly. Whether you're after that first redfish or you've been chasing snook for years, the extra hours make all the difference in putting you on fish.
This top-rated charter takes advantage of Clearwater's diverse inshore waters, from grass flats to mangrove shorelines and deeper structure. You'll fish for two hours longer than standard half-day trips, which means we can hit multiple spots without feeling rushed. The morning bite is usually strong, and by having that extra time, we can adjust our game plan based on conditions and what's biting. We'll target everything from shallow water redfish and snook to deeper structure fish like grouper and cobia. All your tackle, bait, and gear comes with the trip – you just need to show up ready to fish. The boat accommodates up to 2 anglers, so you're not fighting for rod space or prime spots.
We'll use a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what we're targeting and where we're fishing. For the flats work, expect to throw soft plastics and topwater plugs around grass beds and oyster bars where redfish and trout hang out. When we move to structure fishing for grouper and snapper, we'll drop live bait and jigs to the bottom. The gear is set up to handle everything from 15-inch trout to 30-pound cobia, with medium to heavy action rods and reels spooled with both mono and braid. If the bite is hot on artificials, we'll stay with that. If live bait is producing better, we'll switch it up. The extended time means we can really dial in what's working instead of sticking with one approach all day.
Cobia are the crown jewel of Clearwater inshore fishing, and these fish can show up anywhere from 20 to 60 pounds. They cruise the flats and around structure, often following rays and sharks. Spring through fall is prime time, with May and June being world-class months. When you hook a big cobia, you'll know why anglers travel from across the country to fish here – they make long, powerful runs and put up a fight that'll test your drag and your arms.
Tripletail are one of the more unique species we target, and Clearwater's waters hold some beauties. These fish hang around floating debris, markers, and structure, often lying on their sides looking like floating leaves. They're ambush predators that can exceed 15 pounds, and they're known for their acrobatic fights once hooked. Summer months are best, and they're prized both for the challenge of sight fishing them and their excellent table fare.
Gag grouper are the bread and butter of structure fishing around here. These fish live around rocks, ledges, and artificial reefs in 15 to 40 feet of water. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, cut bait, and jigs. A good gag runs 5 to 15 pounds, with bigger fish possible. They're smart fish that'll try to get back to their holes once hooked, so you need to muscle them up quickly. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they're most active.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore game fish, and the Clearwater area has excellent populations around mangroves, docks, and bridges. They're ambush predators that love structure and moving water. A slot-size snook of 28 to 33 inches puts up an amazing fight with explosive strikes and strong runs. They're most active during warmer months, with summer being prime time. The thrill of sight fishing for snook in shallow water around mangroves never gets old.
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are excellent light tackle fish that inhabit both shallow flats and deeper structure. They're smart, finicky fish that require stealth and good presentation. Most run 12 to 18 inches, but larger fish over 5 pounds are possible around deeper structure. They're year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky, and they're fantastic eating fish that fight harder than their size suggests.
The extended charter format gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Clearwater's inshore waters have to offer. Instead of rushing through spots, you'll have time to work areas properly and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. The extra two hours often make the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. With space for just 2 anglers, you'll get personalized attention and instruction whether you're new to saltwater fishing or looking to improve your technique. Contact The Reel Fisher to lock in your preferred date – the calendar fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hottest.
This 2015 24-foot Skeeter center console runs a powerful 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at 50 knots when needed. The boat's built for serious angling in Clearwater's inshore waters, where redfish cruise the flats and snook hide in the mangroves. With GPS and fish finder on board, we can pinpoint structure holding grouper and track down schools of baitfish. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when we're working shallow water for speckled trout and sheepshead. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the extended charter. The flybridge gives great visibility for spotting fish and navigating backcountry waters. This rig handles two anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting fish and room to move around when the action heats up.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are one of our most exciting targets out here - dark brown fish that often get mistaken for sharks when you first spot them cruising near the surface. These bruisers average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious fighters that'll test your gear. They're loners by nature, so we hunt them by sight fishing around reefs, wrecks, and structures in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time when they're moving through our area. What makes cobia special is their incredible table fare - firm, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a local trick: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and don't let them get back to structure. They'll try to wrap you up on anything they can find, so muscle them up quick and enjoy the fight.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are the scrappy fighters of the grouper family, averaging 20 inches but capable of reaching 57 inches and 80 pounds. These gray, mottled fish love rocky bottoms, reefs, and offshore wrecks where they can ambush prey. Juveniles hang inshore around structure, while adults move to deeper reefs and drop-offs. They're year-round targets, but cooler months often produce better fishing when they're more active. What makes gags special is their bulldogging fight - once hooked, they'll try everything to get back to their hole in the rocks. The table fare is outstanding too. Here's the key: when you hook one, lock that reel down tight and keep your rod low. Don't give them any slack or they'll dive straight into the nearest crevice and cut you off on the rocks.
Lutjanus GriseusGrey snapper, or mangrove snapper as we call them locally, are crafty fish that keep you honest. Most run 1-2 pounds inshore, though open water fish can hit 20 pounds. These copper-red colored fish with the dark eye stripe are opportunistic feeders that lurk around docks, mangroves, rocks, and any structure they can use for cover. They're nocturnal by nature but bite well during the day around here. Year-round action makes them reliable targets, and their white, flaky meat is top-shelf eating. What challenges anglers is their wariness - they're smart and spook easily. My advice: use live shrimp hooked through the tail, let it sink to bottom, then lift it just off the structure. Don't jerk when you feel the bite - let them take it and swim off before setting the hook, or they'll drop it every time.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are Florida's premier inshore gamefish - sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. They average 1-2 feet but can stretch over 4 feet in the right conditions. These ambush predators love mangroves, docks, bridges, and any structure in shallow estuaries and backcountry waters. May through September is peak season when they're spawning and their fins turn bright yellow. What makes snook fishing addictive is their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, plus they're catch-and-release only so every fish swims away to fight another day. They're temperature sensitive, so warmer months are your best bet. Pro tip: work your lures right along the structure edges where they hide. Don't pull them away from cover - make multiple casts to the same spot since they often follow before striking.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are quirky fish that'll fool you every time - they float on their sides mimicking debris, which is exactly where we find them. Most run 2-13 pounds around here, though bigger ones hit 40+ pounds. They're masters of disguise with mottled coloring that changes from black to white depending on their mood. Look for them around weed lines and floating objects year-round, especially during summer months. What guests love is their acrobatic fight despite that chunky body, plus they taste like red snapper or grouper. Be careful handling them - those gill plates are razor sharp. My tip for landing them: cast well past where you see one floating and drag your bait slowly toward them. They spook easily, so let them ambush your offering rather than dropping it right on their head.
Clearwater, FL