Fresh Clearwater Fishing Reports

Lots of snook and lots of red fish. Some big trout and numbers starting to show up.

As water temperatures around Clearwater continue to cool down this week, the inshore bite has really come alive. Fall brings a major shift in fish behavior, and one of the most exciting changes is the return of big speckled trout to the shallows. These trophy-sized fish are following schools of bait into the grass flats, sand holes, and channels around Clearwater, Dunedin, and Tarpon Springs — setting the stage for some of the best light-tackle inshore fishing of the year. Where to Find the Trout: If you’re targeting trout right now, focus on shallow grass flats with patchy sand bottoms in 2–5 feet of water. The edges of spoil islands, channel drop-offs, and the mouths of tidal creeks are all producing quality fish when the tide is moving. On early-morning high tides, look for trout staging along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars before they slide back onto the flats as the tide falls. The stretch from Clearwater Beach south toward Sand Key and north toward Caladesi Island has been holding plenty of action, especially during the first few hours after sunrise. This is the perfect setup for a 4-hour Clearwater fishing charter, where we can take advantage of those prime morning tides and cooler conditions. Live Bait Tips for Clearwater Inshore Trout: While artificials are still productive, this time of year live bait can really make the difference — especially when you’re trying to fool those big, cautious gator trout. Live shrimp under a popping cork or free-lined with a small split shot is a classic and reliable setup. For larger trout, small pinfish or even live pilchards can tempt bites from fish that might ignore plastics. On charters, we typically fish with a variety of both — matching the bait to the tide and water clarity. When the bite slows, a well-timed pop of the cork can draw attention from nearby trout, redfish, or even the occasional snook. Recommended Gear Setup: To get the most out of your Clearwater inshore trip, we use a light-tackle setup that balances casting distance and sensitivity. Here’s a quick gear breakdown we run on the boat: Rod: 7’ medium-light Shimano spinning rod Reel: 2500 Shimano Stradic spinning reel Line: 10lb braided main line for maximum casting distance Leader: 25lb fluorocarbon leader — invisible in Clearwater’s clean fall water Hooks: 1/0 circle hook for shrimp or 2/0 for pinfish Floats: Popping corks or slip floats depending on water depth and wind This setup is perfect for trout, but also versatile enough to handle redfish, snook, and mackerel if they crash the party. Turn a 4-Hour Trip Into a Trophy Adventure: If you’re looking for a fun, productive, and educational way to spend a morning on the water, this is it. Our 4-hour Clearwater inshore fishing charters are tailored to take advantage of these seasonal bites — short, efficient trips focused on action and teaching techniques that help you catch more fish on your own. Families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike are loving this time of year. The weather’s cooler, the crowds are smaller, and the bite is steady. The combination of live shrimp, pinfish, and the right gear makes every cast a chance at a trophy trout. Don’t forget to sign up for our email list on the website to stay up-to-date on Clearwater fishing reports, seasonal tips, and early access to prime charter dates before they fill up. Next Week’s Preview: Next week, we’ll take things offshore — covering the nearshore fall run as Spanish mackerel and kingfish move in close to the beaches. Expect fast action, surface explosions, and plenty of light-tackle fun just a few miles off Clearwater Beach!

As the fall season settles into Clearwater, we’re seeing some of the best inshore fishing conditions of the year. Cooler mornings, shifting tides, and cleaner water are setting the stage for steady action around bridges, docks, and grass flats. Our recent 4-hour Clearwater fishing charters have been full of variety — and plenty of bent rods! ? What’s Biting This Week This week, sheepshead and mangrove snapper have been the main targets around dock pilings and bridges, providing both steady action and great table fare. Redfish are schooling up in small packs along oyster bars, and we’ve had several days where doubles and triples came over the rail at once. Closer to the passes and nearshore structure, snook are still active — especially during the first few hours of daylight. The early morning tide change is prime time to hook into a few before the sun gets high. Whether you’re fishing as a family or looking for a quick solo trip, these 4-hour charters are the perfect way to get on the water without committing to a full day. With great weather and a variety of fish biting close to shore, it’s one of the best times of year to get out and enjoy the Gulf. ⚓ Why Fish Clearwater This Fall Clearwater’s waters are alive right now — clean tides, cooler temps, and plenty of baitfish have everything feeding. Our short trips keep you close to the action, running from the Clearwater Beach boat ramps out to nearby bridges, spoil islands, and the grass flats that surround the Intracoastal. Every trip is personalized, so whether you’re chasing redfish, snook, trout, or sheepshead, we’ll tailor the experience to your goals. If you haven’t joined us yet, now’s the time — fall fishing in Clearwater is something special. ? Stay Connected Want to keep up with what’s biting each week? ? Sign up for our email updates on **hidden content** to get fishing reports, seasonal tips, and early access to booking specials straight to your inbox. ? Next Week’s Preview: Big Trout on the Move Next week, we’ll dive into the inshore bite as big speckled trout start moving into the shallows with the cooling water temperatures. We’ll talk about where to find them, what lures and baits work best, and how to turn your next 4-hour trip into a trophy trout adventure!

If you’re looking for some of the most reliable action this time of year around Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, and Dunedin, you’ll find it around our bridges, docks, and pilings. These structures provide shelter, shade, and a steady food source for one of Florida’s most popular inshore targets — the sheepshead. ? Targeting Sheepshead on Structure Sheepshead are famous for their bold black stripes and sneaky bite. They love to feed on barnacles, crabs, and shrimp clinging to hard structure. We position the boat tight to bridge pilings and residential docks where the tide pushes bait right to them. Light tackle and small hooks are key — these fish are pros at stealing bait. Once hooked, a sheepshead puts up a strong fight for its size and makes for excellent table fare. Anglers of all ages enjoy the challenge of tricking them into biting and bringing one to the net. ? Other Species You’ll Hook Along the Way While targeting sheepshead, we regularly encounter: Mangrove snapper lurking tight to the pilings Spotted seatrout holding in deeper pockets around docks Redfish cruising in the shade lines of bridge pilings Snook, especially if the tide is moving strong at sunrise or sunset The occasional black drum when fishing cut bait near structure This makes bridge and dock fishing a versatile trip — you never know what’s going to bend the rod next. ??? Perfect for Families and Serious Anglers Whether you’re bringing the kids out for their first sheepshead catch or you’re an experienced angler looking to fine-tune your dock-fishing technique, these trips deliver action and variety. With calm waters close to shore, it’s an easy and comfortable experience for everyone on board. ? Next Week’s Preview: Nearshore Wrecks & Reefs Next week, we’ll head offshore a bit to talk about nearshore wrecks and reefs. These hotspots hold grouper, snapper, mackerel, and plenty of other hard-pulling fish as fall patterns continue to build. Stay tuned for tips and highlights from those trips.

Had a mangrove snapper smash fest in Tampa bay yesterday with 5 limits of good ones. We threw back 4 times what we kept. Had some throw back grouper and flounder as well!!! Started the day off, catching some snook and redfish. If you’re looking to catch some mangrove snapper and grunts to fill the freezer and not wanting to have to go out in the gulf! Book your trip and get on the calendar now.

Last week we teed up a pure inshore game plan—and it’s paying off. With bait thick and tides pushing, the most reliable action around Clearwater Harbor and up into St. Joseph Sound has come from oyster beds, mangrove edges, and dock lines. If you fish the structure correctly—quiet approach, right angle, right timing—you’ll stay bent on snook and redfish, with bonus trout and mangrove snapper in the mix. Conditions Snapshot Bait: Pilchards easy at first light on markers and windward edges; glass minnows on sand troughs near the beach. Tides: The first 90 minutes of moving water is gold (incoming for reds on the bushes; either direction for snook on docks). Water: Clarity swings with wind; cleaner water = lighter leader and longer casts. Launch: Seminole Street Boat Ramp (Clearwater) and Turtle Cove Marina (Tarpon Springs) for short runs to protected structure. Oyster Beds: Don’t Rush the Edges Why they work: Current wraps and slows—perfect ambush lanes for reds, trout, and snapper. Boat setup: Idle in and stake/power-pole up-tide; avoid wake on the bars. Live bait: Pinfish or pilchards on a 1/0 circle, 25–30 lb fluoro; let the tide carry the bait along the shell edge. Lures: Gold spoon for search, then a 3–4" paddletail (1/8 oz) when you contact fish. Tip: If you nick shell, you’re in the lane—re-tie often. Mangrove Edges: Pitch Pockets, Not the Wall Presentation: Short, accurate underhand pitches past the pocket; swim the bait with the tide out of the shadows. Live bait: Free-lined pilchards or cut bait placed up-tide so it settles naturally at the opening. Lures: Weedless jerk shad or paddletail on a 3/0 EWG hook; keep it quiet. Leader: Start 30–40 lb on snook days; drop to 25–30 lb if it’s clear and the fish are wary. Docks & Seawalls: Shade + Angle = Snook Why they work: Predictable shade lines and pilings that funnel bait. Boat handling: Set up up-current and cast past the target; let the bait cross the shade seam under control. Live bait: Pilchards on 1/0–3/0 circles; count it down for mid-water strikes. Lures: Walk-the-dog topwater at gray light; then a 1/4 oz jighead + 4–5" paddletail to work pilings. Tip: Most misses come from bad angles—fix the line of travel, not the lure. Tackle & Settings (What We’re Running) Rods/Reels: Medium to med-heavy Shimano 3000–4000. Line/Leader: 20–30 lb braid to 30–40 lb fluoro (snook around structure), lighter for open flats. Hooks/Jigs: 1/0–3/0 circles; 1/8–1/4 oz jigheads; spoons for search. Quiet boat = more bites: Soft feet, slow hatches, and keep the trolling motor a click lower than you think. Best Trips to Book (Inshore, This Week) 2-Hour Quick Trip — $300: Sunrise structure hop (docks or an oyster line) with minimal running. 4-Hour Inshore — $550 (most popular): Prime tide on two structures—mangrove edges then dock shade. Small Tweaks, Big Difference Leader check every fish or nick—snook sandpaper will cost you. Cast past the spot so the bait travels naturally through the strike zone. Pause at the edge of an oyster bar or pocket—let current finish the presentation. If you bump shell or dock and spook fish, stake out and let it rest—then return with a quieter angle. Where We Focused This Week Dock lines with early shade inside Clearwater Harbor. Mangrove points and pockets on the flood north toward St. Joseph Sound. Oyster bars with clean water and moderate flow—especially where a grass flat meets shell. What We Provide All licenses, premium Shimano gear, bait/tackle, ice & water, and hands-on coaching for any experience level. Bring sun protection, snacks, and a small cooler for your car if you plan to take fish home (when allowed). Next Week’s Preview Sheepshead on docks and bridges. As we edge toward fall fronts, expect rising numbers on pilings and fenders. We’ll cover fiddler/crab and shrimp/sand flea rigs, how to feel the thump and set the hook, and which tide angles keep your bait in the bite zone.