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!