Book Your Fishing Charter in Clearwater, FL

With 361 sunny days on average, Clearwater is a true Sunshine State destination that should be on top of your Florida bucket list. This city on the Tampa Bay metropolitan area is known for its eponymous Clearwater Beach, a stretch of white sandy beach and crystal-clear water (pun intended, of course) that’s often on lists of top beach destinations in the United States. 

And while the beach is definitely enough reason to visit, you’ll find that it’s so much more once you step into this beautiful city. Clearwater has had years and years of developing itself into a tourist-friendly destination, after all, so here you’ll find everything catered to your comfort. 

Apart from being a veritable tourist destination, Clearwater is also a fishing destination worth your bucket and more. And because it’s in Florida, and surrounded by bodies of water such as the Gulf Of Mexico and Tampa Bay, you can expect diverse and productive fishing all year round. 

Clearwater Fishing: Year-Round Diverse and Productive Fishing Opportunities

Seeking inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing opportunities all in one destination? You’ve come to the right place. 

Clearwater is known as a saltwater fishing headquarters, and that’s not hyperbole. Even just heading out on Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach, you can snag species such as snook, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, redfish, gag grouper, and tarpon. If you want something a little more picturesque, pack your picnic blanket along with your fishing gear and head over to one of Clearwater’s parks such as Philippe Park and Sand Key Park. Philippe Park is a nice place to launch a kayak into Safety Harbor to catch some redfish or trout, while Sand Key is perfect for surf-casting, or even fishing from the rocks or jetties on the property.

Feeling a little more adventurous? Book a guide to take you to Hurricane Pass, a naturally cut deep channel between Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. This area is known for its trophy snook, along with redfish, flounder, kingfish, and the occasional cobia. 

If you’re keen to fish offshore in Clearwater, get ready for a longer trip out on your chartered boat. It will be worth it because the waters of Clearwater attract a great number of species all year round. The most popular species targeted here include sailfish, blue marlin, and wahoo. If you’re bottom fishing, you can catch red snapper, grouper, and amberjack. Trolling will give you success with sailfish, blackfin tuna, and common dolphinfish in the spring, summer, and fall. The artificial reef of Rube Allyn Reef is just 11 miles offshore, but if you’re prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing opportunity, brave the 100 miles to get to the Middle Grounds, one of the best deep-sea fishing destinations in the Gulf of Mexico. The area yields species such as gag grouper, scamp grouper, common dolphinfish, tuna, wahoo, and shark.

Finally, it will not be Florida if you can’t fish for largemouth bass. Just a few minutes away from the city is Lake Tarpon, which is known for its trophy largemouth. Other bass fishing lakes that you can access from the city include Winter Haven Chain, Lake Okeechobee, and Lake Toho.

Fall in Love with the Water and Its Creatures at Clearwater

1. Be a Beach Bum

Clearwater Beach is on the top of everyone’s lists for a reason. This pristine white sandy beach is a feast for the senses. And then there’s the well-developed waterfront, adding to the appeal of the whole area. And if you get here before dusk, you will not only be treated to a beautiful sunset but will also be able to attend Sunsets at Pier 60, a nightly event where you can enjoy some live music, watch street performers, and shop for some local crafts

2. Take Your Kids to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Kids and kids at heart will love visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Be sure to make a beeline for Winter, the aquarium’s most famous resident, a bottlenose dolphin rescued by the organization.