Top-Rated Clearwater Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targeting multiple offshore fishing spots around ClearwaterSmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests per tripSpecies variety includes Tarpon, Snook, King Mackerel, and Cobia
Looking for a fishing charter that actually delivers? The Reel Fisher runs one of Clearwater's most popular offshore trips, and there's a good reason anglers keep coming back. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter charter – we're talking about a 6-hour adventure where you get the boat to yourselves (just 2 guests max) and hit multiple spots based on what's biting. Whether you want to chase tarpon in the shallows or head offshore for kings and cobia, we'll put you on fish. No crowds, no rushing – just serious fishing with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Your day starts early with a quick tackle briefing and game plan discussion. The beauty of this charter is the flexibility – we're not locked into one fishing style or location. If the tarpon are rolling in the flats at dawn, that's where we'll start. If the offshore bite is hot, we'll run out to the structure and put you on some hefty cobia and king mackerel. The boat is equipped with quality rods and reels, fresh bait, and all the tackle you'll need. Just bring your Florida fishing license, snacks, drinks, and sunscreen. The captain provides the local knowledge and puts you in the right spots at the right time. With only 2 anglers aboard, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to work different techniques throughout the day.
We fish everything from shallow water sight-casting to deep structure trolling depending on conditions and target species. In the flats, we'll pole around looking for cruising tarpon and snook, using live pilchards or artificial lures. When we head offshore, expect to troll for kings using spoons and live bait, or drift fish around structure for cobia with crabs and jigs. The tackle is matched to the fish we're after – lighter spinning gear for the flats work, heavier conventional setups for the offshore action. Don't worry if you're new to some of these techniques; the captain will walk you through everything from proper hook sets to fighting big fish. The key is staying versatile and reading the conditions as the day unfolds.
Tarpon are the crown jewel of Clearwater fishing, and these silver kings put on a show like nothing else. These fish can push 100+ pounds and when they eat your bait, get ready for multiple jumps and screaming runs. Best fishing is typically April through July when they're migrating through our waters. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatic fights that'll test your tackle and your nerves. Most anglers practice catch and release with these magnificent fish.
King Mackerel are speed demons that'll smoke your drag in seconds. These toothy critters average 15-30 pounds but can reach 50+ pounds during peak season from fall through early spring. They're aggressive feeders that hit trolled baits hard and make blistering runs toward structure. Kings are excellent table fare if you're looking to take fish home, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or blackening.
Redfish are year-round residents that provide consistent action when other species are finicky. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-35 inches and are known for their bulldogging fights in shallow water. They're ambush predators that love to cruise grass flats and oyster bars looking for crabs and baitfish. Reds are great eating within the slot limit and make perfect targets for anglers wanting to practice sight-casting skills.
Cobia are the gentle giants of the offshore scene, often approaching boats out of curiosity. These brown sharks (as locals call them) average 30-50 pounds and are incredible table fare. Peak season runs from March through June when they're spawning near shore. What makes cobia fishing so exciting is their willingness to eat sight-cast baits – you'll literally see these fish swimming around and cast directly to them. Their fights are powerful but not flashy, just steady bulldogging pressure that'll work your arms.
This world-class fishing charter sells out regularly, especially during prime season. The Reel Fisher has built a reputation for putting anglers on fish while providing a personalized experience you won't find on crowded party boats. With just 2 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed individual attention and the flexibility to fish your style. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone wanting to experience the best of Clearwater's diverse fishing opportunities, this charter delivers. The 6-hour timeframe gives you enough time to cover serious ground and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Book now and get ready for some of the best fishing action Clearwater has to offer.
Get ready to chase fish across Clearwater waters aboard this reliable 24-foot Skeeter center console! Built in 2015 and powered by a strong 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke, this boat cuts through waves at speeds up to 50 knots, getting you to the hotspots fast. The center console design gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting that trophy catch. Everything you need is on board - GPS keeps you on course, fish finder shows what's swimming below, and the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky fish without spooking them. Keep your drinks cold in the icebox during those long offshore runs. The flybridge gives your captain a perfect view of the water and birds working baitfish. Whether you're targeting snook in the shallows or heading offshore for kingfish and cobia, this Skeeter handles it all. Perfect for a duo looking to spend quality time on the water chasing whatever's biting in Clearwater's productive fishing grounds.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the bulldogs of offshore fishing - dark brown, stocky, and built for power. These loners typically run 30-50 pounds around here and can reach 6 feet long. You'll find them cruising around structure like wrecks, reefs, and channel markers in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration (March-May) is prime time when they move through our area. What makes them special? They're curious fish that'll come right up to the boat, plus they're some of the best eating in the Gulf with firm, white meat similar to shark. They're sight-fishing targets - we spot them swimming near the surface and cast right to them. Bucktail jigs work great, but live crabs or eels are hard to beat. Here's the deal: when you see one, don't get excited and cast right at it. Lead them like you would a duck - cast where they're going, not where they are.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll give you an arm-burning fight. These silvery torpedoes average 20-30 pounds around here, though we hook 40-50 pounders regularly. They cruise offshore in 40-150 feet of water, especially around structure and current breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when they're feeding aggressively on baitfish. What makes them fun? Pure speed - they'll scream drag like few fish can. Plus they're fantastic on the table with firm, flaky white meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. We target them by trolling spoons and live bait rigs. Pro tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks when using live bait - one through the nose, one trailing behind. Kings love to bite the back half of baitfish, so that stinger hook saves a lot of missed fish. These migratory fighters are worth the offshore run every time.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are perfect for anglers who love sight fishing the shallows. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches around Clearwater, with that distinctive black eyespot near the tail. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What's great about reds? They eat almost anything and fight hard in skinny water, making long runs and thrashing at the boat. The slot-sized ones (18-27 inches) are excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Oversized "bull" reds we release to keep the population healthy. Gold spoons and topwater plugs work great, but live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly. Local trick: look for tailing fish in 1-3 feet of water. When you see that tail waving, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They'll usually crush it.
Megalops AtlanticusThese "silver kings" are the stuff of fishing legends around here. Most tarpon we catch run 80-100 pounds, though giants up to 200+ pounds cruise our waters. They love the shallow flats and channels, especially during spring and summer when they migrate through. What makes them special? That first explosive jump when hooked - they'll clear the water by 6+ feet and shake like crazy trying to throw the hook. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating. The meat's too bony and they can live 50+ years. Best fishing is early morning or late evening on the flats. Here's a tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It gives slack and prevents the line from snapping when they crash back down. These prehistoric fish have been around 125 million years and they'll test every bit of your skills.
Clearwater, FL