Quick Trip Clearwater Bay Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twohour inshore charter targeting Redfish, Snook, and Spotted SeatroutProfessional 22' Tidewater boat with all tackle and licenses includedFamilyfriendly trip suitable for beginners and experienced anglers
Looking for a solid fishing experience without burning your whole day? This 2-hour Clearwater Bay charter with Captain Ethan Hamrick hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality action on Florida's productive inshore waters. Whether you're traveling with young kids, squeezing in some fishing between other plans, or just testing the waters with a new charter service, this trip delivers the goods. You'll be targeting some of Tampa Bay's most sought-after species including redfish, snook, and spotted seatrout from a well-equipped 22' Tidewater bay boat that's built for these shallow waters.
Captain Ethan knows Clearwater Bay like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish fast. The 22' Tidewater is perfect for navigating the grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines where the best action happens. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation – you're getting personalized attention with just 2 guests max, so whether you're a first-timer who needs help tying knots or a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique, Ethan's got you covered. The boat comes loaded with quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus your fishing license is handled for the trip. All you need to bring is non-spray sunscreen and sunglasses – drinks are provided on board. The 2-hour window is perfect for hitting the prime feeding times without wearing out the kids or cutting too deep into your vacation schedule.
Inshore fishing in Clearwater Bay is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Captain Ethan runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. You might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks around structure, working soft plastics along grass edges, or pitching jigs into mangrove pockets. The beauty of a 22' Tidewater is its shallow draft – you can get into skinny water where bigger boats can't reach, and that's often where the biggest fish are hiding. The boat's equipped with a trolling motor for stealthy approaches to spooky fish, plus all the rods are rigged and ready to go. Ethan will match your tackle to the target species and conditions, whether that's light spinning gear for trout or beefier setups when the snook are being stubborn around structure.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Clearwater Bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches and fight like freight trains once hooked. They school up on shallow flats and around oyster bars, especially during moving tides. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush a well-presented bait and then peel line like they're heading for the Gulf. Spanish Mackerel show up in good numbers during warmer months, typically running 12-20 inches and providing non-stop action on light tackle. They're perfect for kids since they bite aggressively and don't require perfect presentation. Southern Flounder are the stealth predators of the bay, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure. They average 14-18 inches but can surprise you with doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ inches. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage for their offshore migration. Snook are the glamour species here, with their distinctive black lateral line and explosive strikes. They're structure-oriented fish that love mangrove shorelines, docks, and bridge pilings. Most run 20-28 inches, and their acrobatic fights make every hookup memorable. Summer and early fall produce the most consistent snook action. Sea Trout round out the slam species, with their beautiful spotted flanks and willingness to bite. They school over grass flats and average 14-20 inches, though gator trout over 20 inches are always a possibility. Winter months can be phenomenal for bigger trout as they move to deeper grass beds.
This top-rated 2-hour charter offers the perfect introduction to Clearwater Bay's world-class inshore fishing without the full-day commitment. Captain Ethan's local knowledge and customer-focused approach make this a customer favorite for families and anyone wanting to maximize their fishing time. The combination of productive waters, quality equipment, and personalized service delivers real value whether you're a novice angler or experienced enthusiast. With only 2 spots available per trip, these popular time slots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book your Clearwater Bay fishing adventure today and experience why anglers keep coming back to fish these renowned Florida waters.
Captain Ethan's 22-foot Tidewater bay boat is your ticket to Clearwater's productive inshore waters. This well-equipped fishing machine runs on a reliable 200hp Yamaha engine, getting you to the hotspots quickly and quietly with its wireless trolling motor. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools of Redfish, Snook, and Spotted Seatrout hiding in the shallows, while the GPS keeps you on course through the bay's maze of channels. A PowerPole anchoring system holds you steady over productive structure, and the livewell keeps your bait lively all day. The onboard cooler stores your catch and cold drinks, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication. Perfect for small groups wanting a focused fishing experience without the crowds of larger charter boats.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails - usually one big spot, sometimes several. Most run 20-28 inches and 3-8 pounds in our shallow waters. They cruise oyster bars, grass flats, and mangrove shorelines in 1-4 feet - so shallow you'll often see their backs or tails. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is fantastic when they school up. What makes them special is their power - they'll make long, strong runs that test your equipment and skills. They're also great eating with firm, mild meat. Here's the secret: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, then cast live shrimp or gold spoons ahead of their path and let them find it - patience pays off with these fish.
Salmo TruttaSpotted seatrout, or "specks," are beautiful fish covered in dark spots with a silver-green back that typically run 14-18 inches and 1-3 pounds in our bay. They hang out over grass flats and around oyster bars in 3-12 feet of water, especially where there's good current flow. Spring through fall are prime, with dawn and dusk being magic hours. What guests love is their willingness to bite and decent fight - they'll make good runs and jump occasionally. They're excellent eating with soft, sweet white meat that's perfect fried or grilled. Key tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below - the noise attracts them from a distance, and when you see that cork disappear, set the hook gently since their mouths are soft.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the kings of our inshore waters - sleek, silver fish with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. They typically run 18-24 inches here, though bigger ones push 30+ inches and 10+ pounds. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in 2-15 feet of water. Summer months are peak season when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes them special is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll run hard and try to cut you off on structure. They're also prized eating with firm, white meat. Here's what works: cast live shrimp or pinfish tight to cover and be ready - when a snook hits, it's usually fast and hard. Keep steady pressure but let them run initially.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lay flat on sandy or muddy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged with both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-18 inches and 2-5 pounds, though bigger ones hit 8+ pounds. They love shallow bays, grass flats, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water. Fall and winter are best when they're fattening up before moving offshore to spawn. What guests love is the challenge - you're essentially sight fishing for a fish that's invisible until it moves. They're also top-notch table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the trick: drift slowly with live mud minnows or shrimp on a light jig head, and watch for that subtle thump - they don't hammer baits like other fish.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-2 feet long and weigh 2-4 pounds in our waters. You'll spot their silver sides with yellow spots as they cruise near the surface in schools. They love structure like bridges and jetties, usually in 10-30 feet of water. Spring through fall are prime time when water temps are up - they head south when it gets cold. What makes them special is their speed and fight - they'll make screaming runs that'll test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Pro tip: when you find a school, work fast with small spoons or live bait - they move quickly and won't stick around long if you spook them.
Clearwater, FL