If you’ve been waiting for fast-paced, non-stop action on the inshore side of Clearwater, your time has come! The fall migration of Spanish mackerel has officially kicked off, and these hard-hitting fish are lighting up the waters along Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Dunedin Causeway. Schools of bait are pouring through the passes, and the macks are right behind them — slashing through pods of glass minnows and whitebait on almost every tide change. Where to Find the Macks This time of year, you don’t have to run far to get into them. Look for diving birds, surface splashes, and bait showers anywhere from Clearwater Pass up to Honeymoon Island. Spanish mackerel push close to shore chasing baitfish, often holding near channel markers, range towers, and just off the beaches in 6–20 feet of water. When the tide’s moving, you can even find them mixed in with ladyfish and jacks on the same flats we’ve been trout fishing. On a 4-hour Clearwater charter, we often combine both — working the inshore grass flats early, then sliding out to the passes when the tide starts pulling the bait out. It’s a great way to stay on the action all morning. Lures and Techniques: For Spanish mackerel, it’s all about flash, speed, and movement. These fish are built for chasing down fast-moving prey, so your lure choice and retrieve make all the difference. Spoons: A 1/2 oz silver or gold spoon is hard to beat. Cast long, let it sink a second or two, then burn it back just under the surface. The flash mimics fleeing baitfish perfectly and triggers aggressive strikes. Casting Jigs: White, chartreuse, or silver casting jigs and Gotcha plugs work great when mackerel are busting bait near the surface. The key is a fast, steady retrieve — if you think you’re reeling too fast, go faster. Wire or Fluoro: These toothy fish can slice through light leaders, so step up to a short section of 30–40 lb fluorocarbon or use light wire if you’re getting cut off too often. When they’re thick, double hookups are common, and the drag-screaming runs will keep even experienced anglers smiling all day. Gear Breakdown: Our Clearwater mackerel setups are light but tough enough to handle the chaos: Rod: 7’ medium Shimano spinning rod Reel: 4000-size Shimano reel with smooth drag Line: 15–20 lb braid Leader: 30–40 lb fluorocarbon or short wire section Lures: Silver spoons, Gotcha plugs, or bucktails This setup allows long casts to reach busting schools while still keeping the fight sporty and fun. Hot Tip: Watch the Birds When you’re on the water, keep an eye out for diving birds. Gulls and terns feeding frantically on the surface usually mark the mackerel bite below. Move quietly upwind or uptide, kill the motor, and drift down through the school making long casts. You’ll know immediately when you’re in the zone — the hits come fast and furious. Book Your Clearwater Fishing Charter The Spanish mackerel bite is one of the most exciting fisheries of the fall season, and it’s perfect for families and beginners. The action is visual, the fish fight hard, and there’s never a dull moment. Our 4-hour Clearwater fishing charters are designed to make the most of this bite, with plenty of chances for photos, fillets, and memories that last. As always, we provide all Shimano gear, lures, and tackle, so you just bring sunscreen, a hat, and a smile. Don’t forget to sign up for our email list on the website for fishing updates, seasonal specials, and early booking for the upcoming winter inshore trips! Next Week’s Preview Next week, we’ll take a look at late fall nearshore fishing as the kingfish run heats up just off Clearwater Beach — bigger fish, heavier gear, and some serious drag-pulling excitement you won’t want to miss!

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!