Clearwater Offshore Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Six-hour offshore charter targeting multiple species around ClearwaterSmall group capacity limited to two guests maximumProfessional charter service covers flats to offshore fishing zones
Looking for a fishing charter that gives you the full Clearwater experience? The Reel Fisher's 6-hour offshore trip is exactly what you're after. We're talking about a completely customizable day on the water where you call the shots. Whether you want to chase monster tarpon in the shallows or head out deep for king mackerel and cobia, this charter adapts to what's biting and what gets your heart pumping. You'll have the boat to yourself (well, you and one buddy), which means no crowded rails or waiting for your turn to fight a fish.
This isn't your typical cookie-cutter fishing trip. Captain and crew know these Clearwater waters like the back of their hand, and they're not afraid to move around to find where the fish are stacked up. You might start your morning working the grass flats for redfish and snook, then make a run offshore when the bite heats up for kings and cobia. The beauty of a 6-hour window is having enough time to really explore different scenarios without feeling rushed. The boat's equipped with everything you need - quality rods, reels, tackle, and all the essentials. Just bring yourself, some snacks and drinks, and get ready to put some serious bends in those rods. Since it's just two anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and coaching that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day.
Clearwater's fishing scene is all about reading the conditions and adapting your approach. When we're targeting inshore species like redfish and snook, we're talking about sight fishing the flats with live bait or working structure with cut bait and artificials. The shallow water game here is incredible - crystal clear flats where you can actually see these fish cruising before you make your cast. For the offshore action, we're trolling for kings and cobia around structure, wrecks, and bait schools. The Gulf side offers some fantastic opportunities, especially when the baitfish are thick and the predators are following. Live bait is king out here - nothing beats a fresh sardine or threadfin for getting these pelagic species fired up. The crew knows exactly where to find the productive spots based on season, weather, and recent reports from the fishing community.
Tarpon are the absolute kings of Clearwater fishing, and for good reason. These silver giants can push 100+ pounds and will test every bit of your tackle and technique. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and when they're here, they're here in numbers. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size - it's their acrobatics. These fish go airborne like nothing else, and landing one is a combination of skill, stamina, and a little bit of luck. The flats around Clearwater are prime tarpon habitat, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot in the 80s.
King mackerel are your classic offshore speed demons. These fish are built for one thing - going fast and hitting hard. Kings typically run anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional smoker pushing 40+. They're most active during the warmer months, and they love to patrol the edges of structure and follow bait schools. What anglers love about kings is the initial run - they'll scream drag off your reel faster than almost any other species. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
Redfish are the inshore workhorses that keep things interesting year-round. These copper-colored fighters average 18 to 27 inches in slot size, though you'll encounter plenty of oversized bulls that'll really test your gear. Reds are incredibly consistent - they feed in shallow water, they're not particularly spooky, and they fight like freight trains. Fall and winter are phenomenal for redfish around Clearwater, when they school up in impressive numbers. What makes reds so popular is their reliability - when other species are finicky, you can usually count on finding willing redfish.
Cobia are the wild cards that can absolutely make your day. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious, aggressive, and surprisingly strong for their size. Most cobia in these waters run 20 to 40 pounds, but they fight way above their weight class. They're most common during the warmer months, and they have this habit of following rays and other marine life. Cobia are sight fishing opportunities - you'll often see them cruising near the surface, and a well-placed cast can result in an explosive strike. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a favorite among charter guests.
Here's the bottom line - Clearwater offers some of the most diverse fishing in Florida, and this charter gives you access to all of it. Six hours with just two anglers means you're getting a premium experience without the premium price tag of larger boats. The flexibility to move between inshore and offshore based on conditions and preferences is what separates this trip from the rest. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some new species to your list or someone relatively new to saltwater fishing who wants to learn from experienced guides, this charter delivers. The Reel Fisher crew knows these waters, they know the fish, and they know how to put you on them. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions - book your spot and let's get you hooked up with some Clearwater favorites.
Get ready to fish Clearwater's offshore waters aboard our 24-foot Skeeter center console! This 2015 beauty packs a serious 300HP Yamaha 4-stroke that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at 50 knots when the bite is hot. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need - fish finder to locate your targets, GPS to mark those honey holes, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure or stalking spooky fish. Whether you're targeting King Mackerel in the deep blue or working the flats for Tarpon and Snook, this boat handles it all. The flybridge gives you that elevated view to spot birds working or bait schools moving. Perfect for 2 anglers who want room to fish without getting tangled up. From inshore grass flats to offshore wrecks, this Skeeter will put you on the fish in comfort and style.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like underwater bulldogs – dark brown, powerful, and built for fighting. They average 30-50 pounds and can hit 100+ pounds, living up to 12 years. These loners hang around structure like wrecks, buoys, and oil rigs in 30-70 feet of water, though we spot them cruising the surface too. Spring migration and summer months are best when they move inshore to spawn. Guests love them because they're aggressive fighters and some of the best eating fish in the Gulf – firm, white meat with amazing flavor. They're curious fish that'll often swim right up to the boat. Here's a tip: when you see one, cast a bucktail jig or live crab right in front of its nose. They can't resist investigating, and once they bite, hold on tight.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are speed demons that'll test your drag and your arms. These olive-backed fish with razor-sharp teeth typically run 15-30 pounds, though we see some pushing 50+ pounds offshore. They cruise in 40-150 feet of water around structure, wrecks, and current breaks. Spring through fall is prime time when the water hits 70+ degrees. What makes them popular is their blistering runs and excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's great grilled or blackened. We usually troll with live bait or spoons, but here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with one hook in the bait's nose and a trailing treble hook. Kings love to attack from behind, and that second hook saves a lot of cut-offs from those knife-like teeth.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for sight fishing in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tail average 20-30 inches and fight way above their weight class. They love 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves – sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring are peak times. What guests love is watching them cruise the flats, then seeing that explosive strike on topwater lures. They eat great too – mild, sweet meat that's perfect for the grill. My go-to trick is using a weedless gold spoon in skinny water. Cast ahead of cruising fish and let it flutter down. The flash drives them crazy, and you'll get some violent strikes.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are the reason many anglers come to Florida. Tarpon average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and 280 pounds. They're famous for their wild jumps – sometimes 10 feet out of the water – when hooked. Around Clearwater, we find them in the shallow flats, channels, and along grass edges from late spring through summer. They feed on baitfish like mullet and pinfish. Most folks practice catch-and-release since they're full of bones and high in mercury. The fight is what makes them special – pure acrobatics and power. Pro tip: when they jump, bow your rod toward the fish to keep slack in the line. That jump is often when they throw the hook.
Clearwater, FL