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.
Good to Know
- Average inshore price $436 for 4-hour trip / 2 anglers
- Average offshore price $682 for 4-hour trip / 2 anglers
- Number of fishing charters 103 in Clearwater and nearby cities
- Best months for fishing June, July and May
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.
Anglers favorite Clearwater for its backcountry rivers, bays, and shallow flats.
Local fishing charters will do whatever it takes to reel in 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.
Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.
The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near Clearwater.
You can find more than 190 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
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.
Boat ramps and marinas near Clearwater
Popular public boat ramps and marinas near Clearwater are:
- Gandy Boat Ramp, 5108 West Gandy Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33611, USA
- Crisp Park Boat Ramp, 3598-3500 Poplar St NE St. Petersburg, FL 33704
- Seminole Boat Ramp, 198 Seminole St, Clearwater, FL 33755