Fishing charters in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater can be considered the fishing capital of Florida as it's home to a variety of exotic fish and a large fishing charter fleet.

You can land Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in Clearwater

Clearwater is popular with anglers, who come to explore the calm inshore waters. From the fishing on the flats to the Founder gigging, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and budgets.

Clearwater fishing charters will help you to land Mangrove Snapper, Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

$436 is the average price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip and 2 people. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate 2-6 anglers depending on the size of the craft.

The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Clearwater.

You can find more than 41 fishing companies in Clearwater and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing adventure in Clearwater.

Best time for inshore fishing

June, July and May will be your next best months for inshore fishing in Clearwater.

Popular inshore fish species

• Mangrove Snapper
• Snook
• Redfish
• Tarpon
• Cobia

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $300.00
• Skinny Water Charters from $430.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $225.00
• Simply Hooked Sport Fishing from $700.00
• Captain John O'Hanlon Fishing Expeditions from $475.00

Offshore fishing charters in Clearwater

Clearwater offshore fishing charters offer easy access to some of the best fishing grounds in the open water: from nearshore reef fishing to offshore fishing at the Continental Shelf.

Cobia, King Mackerel, Gag Grouper, Jack Crevalle, and Cobia can be your next catch.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip is $682 for 2 people. An extra person fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

The most affordable rates start at $350 for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip near Clearwater.

You can find more than 29 fishing companies in Clearwater and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing getaway in Clearwater.

Tip: It’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience. Offshore fishing spots are away from the coast, so you will need some time to get there.

The average tips are 15-20% of the total fishing charter price.

Best time for offshore fishing

June, July and May will be your next best months for offshore fishing in Clearwater.

Popular offshore fish species

• Cobia
• King Mackerel
• Gag Grouper
• Jack Crevalle
• Blacktip Shark

Popular offshore fishing charters

• Simply Hooked Sport Fishing from $700.00
• Barracudaville Charters from $535.00
• Bait House Charters from $700.00
• Pura Vida Charters from $700.00
• Bottom Line Sportfishing from $750.00

Family-friendly fishing charters in Clearwater

Clearwater family-friendly fishing charters provide trips for anglers of all ages. Your family can learn various fishing techniques and catch different species of fish.

Your party will enjoy fun fishing in waters like creeks, flats, and small bays. If an unexpected weather change comes along with inshore fishing, getting to safety is generally minutes away.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

If you are planning a vacation to Clearwater, take a quick 4-hour inshore fishing charter. The kids will learn more about fish species and won’t get bored.

$436 is the average base price for a private 4-hour family-friendly fishing charter and 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional guest. Fishing charters can accommodate 2-6 anglers depending on the size of the craft.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $450.00
• Skinny Water Charters from $430.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $400.00

Shark fishing charters in Clearwater

A steady flow of warm water makes Clearwater an attractive destination for shark fishing. Clearwater shark fishing charters have vast experience in targeting different shark species.

There are a variety of options for your next shark fishing trip near Clearwater. These waters are a playground for Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Nurse Shark, Bull Shark, and many more.

Note: you can keep certain Florida shark species, but most sharks are off-limits for harvesting. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Good shark fishing is along the coral or the sandy bottoms, river mouths, bays, and offshore waters. Deep waters are home to adult sharks, while shallows are a playground for juveniles and pups.

Oily and bloody bait is the best bet for appealing to sharks. Live bait for shark fishing consists of Ladyfish, Mullet, Little Tunny, and Blue Runner. Fishing charter will prepare the correct bait for your shark fishing trip.

Shark fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour shark fishing charter is $522 for 2 anglers. Add $50 for each additional guest. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

There are more than 13 fishing companies in Clearwater and nearby cities. It’s easy to book your next fishing retreat in Clearwater.

Best time for shark fishing in Clearwater

Most of the non-prohibited shark species can be caught any time of the year. The best months for shark fishing in Clearwater are March through October.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Nurse Shark
• Bull Shark
• Blue Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

• Florida Reels Fishing Charters from $450.00
• Skinny Water Charters from $430.00
• Pocket Change Inshore Fishing Charters from $400.00
• Bait House Charters from $900.00
• Bottom Line Sportfishing from $950.00

Tarpon fishing charters in Clearwater

Clearwater is one of the best Tarpon fishing destinations. Local fishing guides can help you to target Tarpon. They will show you how to use the proper fishing method in the right spot and at the right time.

Tarpon prefer to reside in shallows, bays, flats, and rivers. Top fishing bait would be mullet, carb, pinfish, and shrimp.

Note: Tarpon is exclusively a catch-and-release fishery. Tarpon over 40 inches must stay in the water. So be delicate with your catch, take a memorable photo, and let it go.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing trip is $580 for 2 guests. An extra angler fee is $50.

We found 15 fishing companies specialized in Tarpon fishing in Clearwater and nearby cities.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in Clearwater

Tarpon season starts in late spring and lasts until the end of summer. The best months to catch Tarpon are August, July, and June.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and cooler with ice. Usually, catch cleaning is free of charge.

A Saltwater fishing license is included in the price. This license covers all the anglers on the vessel.

A Fishing charter has to have a federal permit if you are planning to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can make a reservation with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The majority of the fishing charter deposits are refundable if you can cancel before the cancellation deadline. The average free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to Clearwater?

Popular public boat ramps and marinas near Clearwater are:

• Gandy Boat Ramp, 5108 West Gandy Blvd — 34 mins from Clearwater
• Seminole Boat Ramp, 198 Seminole St — 6 mins from Clearwater
• Crisp Park Boat Ramp, 3598-3500 Poplar St NE — 34 mins from Clearwater