Clearwater Nearshore Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target Cobia, King Mackerel, Grouper, and Snapper nearshoreProfessional captain provides licenses, gear, bait, and fish cleaningHalfday or threequarter day options on stable platform
When you're looking for consistent action and variety on the Gulf waters, Captain Ethan's nearshore wreck fishing trips deliver exactly what serious anglers want. These half-day and 3/4-day charters put you right where the fish are - around productive structure and artificial reefs that hold everything from hard-fighting pelagics to tasty bottom fish. You'll fish from a stable 22' Tidewater that handles the Gulf chop like a champ, giving you and your fishing partner the perfect platform to work these proven spots. Whether you're after a cooler full of dinner or that photo-worthy trophy, these Clearwater nearshore grounds consistently produce the kind of mixed bags that keep anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts with Captain Ethan picking the right spots based on current conditions, season, and what's been biting lately. The beauty of nearshore wreck fishing around Clearwater is the diversity - you might start the morning trolling for kings and cobia, then switch to bottom fishing over structure for grouper and snapper. The 22' Tidewater gives you plenty of room to move around, and with only two anglers max, you're never fighting for space or waiting your turn. Captain Ethan provides all the gear you need, from quality rods and reels matched to the target species, to fresh live bait and the right terminal tackle for each technique. The boat's electronics help locate the best structure, and years of local knowledge means you're fishing the most productive spots, not just wandering around hoping to get lucky.
Nearshore wreck fishing requires a mix of techniques to maximize your catch. You'll likely start with trolling spread using diving plugs, spoons, or live bait to cover water and locate active fish like kings, spanish mackerel, and cobia. When marking fish or reaching productive structure, Captain Ethan will position the boat for drift fishing or anchoring, depending on conditions and target species. Bottom fishing over wrecks means using circle hooks with appropriate sinker weights to get baits down through the current to where grouper and snapper hold. Live pinfish, sardines, and squid are standard baits, but Captain Ethan adjusts tactics based on what's working. The key to wreck fishing success is reading the electronics, understanding current flow around structure, and being ready to switch techniques quickly when fish preferences change throughout the day.
King Mackerel are the crown jewel of Clearwater's nearshore scene, especially during their peak runs in spring and fall. These silver bullets typically range from 15 to 40 pounds around here, with the occasional smoker king pushing 50-plus. They're absolute freight trains when hooked, making blistering runs that'll test your drag and endurance. What makes kings so special is their unpredictability - they might slam a trolled spoon one minute or refuse everything but a perfectly presented live sardine the next. The best action usually happens early morning or late afternoon when they're actively feeding.
Cobia are another nearshore favorite that gets anglers fired up. These brown sharks (as some folks call them) are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities you won't forget. They average 25 to 45 pounds in these waters and fight like bulldogs, using their broad tails and thick bodies to wage war all the way to the boat. Spring and early summer are prime time for cobia, when they're moving through on their annual migration. They're excellent table fare and one of the most rewarding fish to catch on light tackle.
Tripletail are the oddball of the bunch, but once you hook one, you'll understand why Captain Ethan targets them specifically. These pancake-shaped fish love floating debris and markers, where they hang motionless looking like floating leaves. They're incredible table fare - some say the best eating fish in the Gulf - and they put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Most tripletail here run 3 to 8 pounds, and they're typically caught using live or dead shrimp freelined near structure. Summer months are best for tripletail action.
Lane Snapper might be smaller than their red snapper cousins, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These colorful little fighters are abundant around nearshore structure and provide non-stop action when they're feeding. They're perfect for beginning anglers to cut their teeth on, but experienced fishermen appreciate their excellent table quality and willingness to bite. Spanish Mackerel round out the target list as fantastic light tackle fish that hit hard and taste great. They're especially active during cooler months and provide excellent action when other species might be finicky.
Captain Ethan's nearshore wreck fishing trips offer the perfect combination of variety, action, and professional service that keeps anglers coming back. With all gear, licenses, bait, and fish cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The 4-hour and 6-hour options let you choose the right trip length for your schedule and fishing goals. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add new species to your list or someone wanting to experience Gulf fishing at its finest, these Clearwater nearshore waters deliver the goods. Book your trip with Wish Upon A Fish Charters and see why this top-rated fishing experience has become a customer favorite among those who know where to find the best action on the Gulf.
This 22' Tidewater bay boat puts you right where the fish are biting in Clearwater's Gulf waters. Powered by a reliable 200hp Yamaha outboard, she cuts through the waves to get you on productive wrecks and nearshore spots quickly. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking the fish below. With an integrated fish finder, you'll locate schools of snapper and grouper holding tight to the bottom. The GPS keeps you on your marks, while VHF radio ensures safe communication. A built-in livewell keeps your bait frisky, and the cooler stores your catch fresh. The PowerPole anchoring system locks you in position when you find that sweet spot. Whether you're working live bait for cobia or dropping jigs for grouper, this well-equipped platform handles two anglers comfortably with room to fight fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the sharks that aren't sharks - these brown, solitary bruisers average 30-50 pounds and can hit 6 feet long. They love hanging around structure like buoys, wrecks, and channel markers in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from April through June is prime time, though we catch them all summer. What guests love about cobia is the visual game - you'll often see them cruising just under the surface, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that rivals grouper. They're aggressive fighters too, making strong runs when hooked. Pro tip: when you spot one, cast past it and work your jig back slowly - they spook easily but once they commit, they usually stay hooked.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the speed demons of our nearshore waters, averaging 20-30 pounds with some pushing over 90. These olive-backed rockets with razor-sharp teeth cruise depths from 40-150 feet, often hunting around structure and baitfish schools. Peak season runs late spring through fall when they migrate through our Gulf waters. What makes them special? Pure speed and power - they'll rip line off your reel faster than almost any fish out here. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Just remember to use a wire leader and two hooks on live bait - kings love to bite the tail end of sardines and threadfins. When you hook one, hold on tight.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane snappers are the colorful little scrappers that'll surprise you with their fight. These pink and silver beauties with yellow racing stripes typically run 1-3 pounds and 10-14 inches, though bigger ones lurk in deeper water. You'll find them around coral patches, rocky bottom, and structure from 20-100 feet deep. They bite year-round but peak from spring through fall when they're most aggressive. Guests love them because they're easy to catch, fun for kids, and make excellent table fare - sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for fish tacos. They're not picky eaters either. Small pieces of shrimp, squid, or cut bait work great. Fish at night if you really want to load up on them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are the perfect starter fish - fast, fun, and plentiful. These silver speedsters with golden spots typically run 1-3 pounds and school up in massive numbers during their fall and spring migrations. You'll find them in 15-40 feet chasing bait around grass flats, nearshore reefs, and along the beach. Fall through spring is prime time when they're thick in our waters. What makes them popular is the non-stop action - when you find a school, everyone catches fish. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky meat perfect for smoking or grilling. Small spoons, jigs, or live shrimp work best. Keep moving until you find the schools - they're usually feeding aggressively near the surface.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are the oddball favorites that look like floating leaves until they strike. These chunky, mottled fish average 2-5 pounds but can push 15-20, getting their name from fins that make them appear three-tailed. They're surface dwellers, often found around floating debris, weed lines, and channel markers year-round in our Gulf waters. What makes them special is the sight-fishing challenge - they're masters of camouflage and spook easily. But they're acrobatic fighters and absolutely delicious, tasting like snapper or grouper. The key is stealth: cast well past them and work your bait slowly into their strike zone. Shrimp, crabs, and small jigs work best, but be ready for a sneaky ambush.
Clearwater, FL