Extended Clearwater Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Extended 5hour inshore charter targeting redfish, snook, and seatroutAll equipment, live bait, and fishing licenses included aboard 22' TidewaterMorning and afternoon departures accommodate up to 2 guests
When a standard half-day charter just isn't enough time to scratch that fishing itch, this 5-hour extended inshore trip with Wish Upon A Fish Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. Based out of Clearwater Bay, this top-rated charter gives you the luxury of time to really work the flats, grass beds, and structure where the best fish hang out. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to maximize your day on the water or a visiting angler who wants to experience Florida's world-class inshore fishing scene, Captain will put you on fish while you soak up everything this productive bay system has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-maintained 22' Tidewater bay boat – the perfect platform for navigating Clearwater Bay's diverse inshore waters. This isn't some cramped rental boat; it's a purpose-built fishing machine designed to get you to the fish comfortably and safely. You'll have access to premium rods, reels, and tackle that can handle everything from feisty trout to bruiser redfish. The captain provides fresh live bait because that's what gets results when you're targeting these species. Your Florida fishing license is covered, and there are cold refreshments onboard to keep you comfortable during the extended day. Both morning and afternoon departures are available, so you can pick the timing that works best for your schedule. The beauty of this 5-hour format is that you're not rushed – there's time to move spots if the bite slows down, try different techniques, and really dial in what the fish want on any given day.
Clearwater Bay's inshore fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. You'll spend time working shallow grass flats where sight fishing becomes a real possibility – watching for tailing redfish or spotting the nervous water that gives away a school of trout. The captain will have you throwing everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics along drop-offs and structure. When the Spanish mackerel are running, you might find yourself casting small spoons or jigs into feeding frenzies that'll have your drag screaming. The tackle setup varies based on target species and conditions, but expect medium-action spinning gear that can handle the range of fish you'll encounter. Polarized sunglasses aren't just recommended – they're essential for seeing fish in shallow water and protecting your eyes during a long day in the Florida sun. The captain suggests non-spray sunscreen to avoid getting slick residue on your hands when you're handling fish or working lures.
Spanish Mackerel are pure adrenaline on light tackle, and Clearwater Bay sees excellent runs typically from spring through fall. These silver bullets average 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. They're schooling fish, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Look for diving birds or surface activity – that's where the mackerel will be slashing through baitfish.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for anglers who like technical fishing. These black-and-white striped convict fish hang around structure like docks, bridges, and oyster bars, and they're notorious bait thieves with mouths full of crushing teeth. They average 2-4 pounds in these waters, with occasional giants pushing 6-8 pounds. Winter months are prime time for sheepshead, when they're thick around structure and feeding aggressively before their spring spawn.
Sea Trout, or spotted seatrout, are the bread-and-butter species that keep anglers coming back to these grass flats. They're beautiful fish with distinctive spots and a soft mouth that requires a gentle touch. Most trout in Clearwater Bay run 14-20 inches, perfect eating size, though keeper-sized gator trout over 20 inches are always a possibility. They're most active during moving tides and low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime time.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Florida inshore fishing, and Clearwater Bay holds some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored drums are built for power, with broad shoulders and stamina that'll test your drag system. They range from schooling rats in the 18-24 inch range up to solitary bull reds that can push 30+ inches and 15+ pounds. Reds are year-round residents, but fall typically brings the best action as they stage for their offshore spawning runs.
Tripletail are the wild card species that makes every cast potentially special. These odd-looking fish float near structure or debris, often on their sides mimicking floating leaves. They're exceptional table fare and put up a surprisingly strong fight for their size. Most tripletail caught inshore run 3-8 pounds, and finding one is always a highlight of any charter. Summer months offer the best tripletail opportunities around channel markers and floating debris.
This extended 5-hour charter format is a customer favorite because it gives you the best chance to experience everything Clearwater Bay's inshore waters have to offer. You're not watching the clock or feeling rushed – there's time to enjoy the process, learn from an experienced captain, and put together a memorable day of fishing. The 2-person capacity keeps things intimate and ensures plenty of fishing time for everyone aboard. Whether you're looking to put dinner on the table, chase personal bests, or simply spend quality time on some of Florida's most productive inshore waters, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to book – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is red-hot.
Our 22' Tidewater bay boat is built for serious fishing in Clearwater Bay's productive inshore waters. Powered by a reliable 200hp Yamaha outboard, she'll get you to the fish quickly and quietly with the wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to redfish flats and snook hideouts. The boat comes loaded with everything anglers need - GPS to mark those honey holes, fish finder to locate schools of seatrout, VHF radio for safety, plus a livewell to keep your bait frisky and a cooler for the catch. With the PowerPole anchoring system, you can lock down over structure or grass beds without spooking fish. The stereo keeps things fun during longer runs between spots. This setup handles two anglers comfortably with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. Perfect for working the bay's mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats where the big fish hang out.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of shallow water fishing here in Clearwater Bay. These copper-colored bruisers with their signature black spots typically run 18-27 inches in the slot, though we see plenty of oversized bulls that'll test your drag. They cruise oyster bars, mangrove shorelines, and grass flats in just 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show. Fall and spring offer the hottest action when they school up to feed. What gets anglers hooked is their bulldogging fight and that heart-stopping topwater strike in skinny water. The smaller slot fish make excellent eating too. My go-to technique: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then make a quiet approach and drop your bait just ahead of their path. Once they commit, hang on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout are our bread-and-butter inshore species, and for good reason. These beautiful fish with their distinctive black spots average 14-18 inches, with keeper-sized fish being plentiful year-round in Clearwater Bay. They love grass flats, especially in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush shrimp and baitfish. Dawn and dusk fishing produces the most consistent action, though they'll bite throughout the day. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, making them perfect for all skill levels. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - excellent table fare. Pro tip: work your lure slowly across the grass beds and listen for that distinctive "drumming" sound they make when hooked. It means you've got a good one on.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the ultimate structure fish - those black and white "convict" stripes aren't just for show. These guys live tight to pilings, docks, and oyster bars where they pick off barnacles and crabs with their human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds, but don't be surprised by a 10-pounder around deeper structure. Winter through early spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. What guests love most is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling a thing. Plus, the meat is white, flaky, and delicious. Here's the key: use the smallest hook you can get away with and keep your bait pinned tight to the structure. When you feel that subtle tick-tick-tick, don't wait - set the hook hard or they'll rob you blind.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fighters that'll give you a real workout on light tackle. These silvery speedsters with their distinctive yellow spots typically run 1-3 pounds in our waters, though we occasionally hook into 5-pounders. You'll find them schooling near the surface around structure - bridges, piers, and channel markers are prime spots. They love moving water, so incoming tides usually fire up the bite. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They hit hard, make screaming runs, and the meat is outstanding - great for grilling or smoking. My tip: when you see birds working baitfish, get there fast. Spanish macs will be slashing through the schools underneath, and a small spoon or jig worked quickly through the chaos is deadly.
Lobotes SurinamensisTripletail are one of our most unique targets - these oddball fish look like floating debris until they explode on your bait. They average 5-15 pounds and have this weird habit of laying on their sides near structure, mimicking leaves or trash. You'll spot them around channel markers, crab trap floats, and weed lines from spring through fall. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and thrash like a tarpon despite their chunky build. The meat rivals grouper or snapper, firm and sweet. These fish are all about sight casting, so polarized glasses are a must. Here's the trick: when you spot one floating, don't cast directly at it. Drop your bait 10 feet away and work it past them slowly. They're ambush predators and that natural presentation triggers the strike.
Clearwater, FL