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Clearwater Fishing

Clearwater Fishing

Clearwater, Florida is a coastal city that has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga Native American tribe and later became a center of commercial fishing. Fort Harrison was built in what is now Clearwater in 1835 during the Seminole Wars. The fort was on a bluff that overlooks Clearwater Harbor and is now the Harbor Oaks neighborhood. A road connecting Clearwater to Tampa was constructed in 1849. In the early 1900s, Clearwater became a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and warm weather. The city underwent significant growth and development in the mid-20th century and has since become a major city in the Tampa Bay area. Over the years, Clearwater has also become known for its cultural events and festivals, excellent fishing, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Common species that are caught while inshore Clearwater fishing are Gray Snapper (Mangrove Snapper), Kingfish, Snook, Spotted Seatrout, and Tarpon. Inshore reefs and nearshore waters are brimming with Gag Grouper, Gray Snapper, Red Snapper, Red Grouper, and White Grunt. Top species that you may want to venture offshore for are Gag Grouper and Red Grouper. Over the reefs nearshore there are lots of Barracuda, Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, and King Mackerel. Further offshore, one might catch Blackfin Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, or Yellowfin Tuna.

If you like to catch monster fish, consider trying to reel in a Goliath Grouper. This species often reaches 800 pounds and 8 feet in length. A record 116-pound Cubera Snapper was also caught in Clearwater, proving that this is a top fishing destination.



Clearwater Fishing Forecast

Target Species of Fish

Based on historical data for fishing Clearwater, you should target one of the following species for this time of year:
  1. Scaled Sardine

  2. Scaled Sardine

    There is a 28.36% catch rate for Scaled Sardine, based on 19004 Scaled Sardine counted.

    Clearwater Scaled Sardine Counts Chart
    Scaled

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER SCALED SARDINE COUNTS CHART


  3. Pinfish

  4. Pinfish

    There is a 9.94% catch rate for Pinfish, based on 6662 Pinfish counted.

    Clearwater Pinfish Counts Chart
    Pinfish

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER PINFISH COUNTS CHART


  5. White Grunt

  6. White Grunt

    There is a 9.87% catch rate for White Grunt, based on 6612 White Grunt counted.

    Clearwater White Grunt Counts Chart
    White

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER WHITE GRUNT COUNTS CHART


  7. Red Grouper

  8. Red Grouper

    There is a 9.52% catch rate for Red Grouper, based on 6380 Red Grouper counted.

    Clearwater Red Grouper Counts Chart
    Red

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER RED GROUPER COUNTS CHART


  9. Spotted Seatrout

  10. Spotted Seatrout

    There is a 8.19% catch rate for Spotted Seatrout, based on 5484 Spotted Seatrout counted.

    Clearwater Spotted Seatrout Counts Chart
    Spotted

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER SPOTTED SEATROUT COUNTS CHART


  11. Spanish Mackerel

  12. Spanish Mackerel

    There is a 5.12% catch rate for Spanish Mackerel, based on 3432 Spanish Mackerel counted.

    Clearwater Spanish Mackerel Counts Chart
    Spanish

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER SPANISH MACKEREL COUNTS CHART


  13. Gag Grouper

  14. Gag Grouper

    There is a 3.57% catch rate for Gag Grouper, based on 2389 Gag Grouper counted.

    Clearwater Gag Grouper Counts Chart
    Gag

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER GAG GROUPER COUNTS CHART


  15. Gray Snapper

  16. Gray Snapper

    There is a 2.69% catch rate for Gray Snapper, based on 1803 Gray Snapper counted.

    Clearwater Gray Snapper Counts Chart
    Gray

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER GRAY SNAPPER COUNTS CHART


  17. Ladyfish

  18. Ladyfish

    There is a 2.5% catch rate for Ladyfish, based on 1673 Ladyfish counted.

    Clearwater Ladyfish Counts Chart
    Ladyfish

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER LADYFISH COUNTS CHART


  19. Red Drum

  20. Red Drum

    There is a 2.07% catch rate for Red Drum, based on 1387 Red Drum counted.

    Clearwater Red Drum Counts Chart
    Red

    ENLARGE CLEARWATER RED DRUM COUNTS CHART


Recommendations above based on 114 species of fish and 66999 fish counted for September around Clearwater.

To date, there are 175 species of fish and a total of 1963686 fish counted for Clearwater and within a 30 mile (48 km) radius since 1/1/1860 (163 years).

Last Update: 9/18/2023 2:42:54 PM

*** PLEASE NOTE ***
Please check local, state/province, and federal laws before fishing for any species found on this site. All data is based on historical data found for this area, and in some cases as far back as the year 1600.

View full Clearwater Fishing Forecast to see all species.

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Top Clearwater Fishing Spots

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The Top 10 Fishing Spots for Clearwater are the following:

  1. EGMONT KEY REEF #26
    EGMONT KEY REEF #26 (Bay) Relief (in feet) 8 Description GULF PIER -FT. DESOTO PILE CUTOFFS Date of Deployment May 17 2002 Primary Material CONCRETE PILE CUTOFFS Ton


  2. USS Narcissus
    The USS Narcissus is a screw steamer launched in July 1863 as Mary Cook at East Albany, N.Y. It was purchased by the Union Navy at New York City on 23 September 1863 from Ja


  3. BUOY 3
    27.578333333333 -82.746166666667


  4. BAHIA BEACH REEF (BAY) REEF#3
    BAHIA BEACH REEF (BAY) REEF#3 Depth (in feet) 19 Relief (in feet) 8 Description CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKING RAILINGS AND RUBBLE FROM TREASURE ISLAND CAUSEWAY Date of Dep


  5. Gunsmoke
    Attributes RECRD 2670 VESSLTERMS GUNSMOKE FEATURE_TYPE Wreck - Submerged, dangerous to surface navigation LATDEC 27.559181 LONDEC -83.084667 GP_QUALITY High DEPTH 8 SOUNDING_T


  6. DESOTO BOAT RAMP


  7. MISENER BARGE
    Name MISENER BARGE County MANATEE Depth (in feet) 25 Relief (in feet) 8 Description 100 X 35 X 8 FOOT BARGE ACCIDENTALLY SUNK BY MISENER MARINE Date of Deployment December 19


  8. Port Manatee Reef


  9. Bird Key Channel
    Channel with a ledge here that will hold fish.


  10. Blue Stack 79
    Attributes RECRD 174 VESSLTERMS BLUE STACK 79 FEATURE_TYPE LATDEC 27.583642 LONDEC -83.099833 GP_QUALITY Low DEPTH 0 SOUNDING_TYPE YEARSUNK HISTORY HISTORYLNM23/83--WK SUNK IN


View more Top Clearwater Fishing Spots


Latest Clearwater Fishing Reports

  • FALL FISHING IS HERE! 
    Hi everyone! It has been a very hot summer out on the water! Fishing in July and August although hot was good and fall is shaping up to be great! The post FALL FISHING IS HER


  • Fishing Report – September 4th 2023
    Here is the September 4th 2023 fishing report. My reports are published in the Tampa Bay Times every 4th and 20th of the month! The post Fishing Report – September 4th 2023 a


  • Fishing Report – August 20th 2023
    Here is the August 20th 2023 fishing report. My reports are published in the Tampa Bay Times every 4th and 20th of the month! The post Fishing Report – August 20th 2023 appea


  • Fishing Report – August 4th 2023
    Here is the August 4th 2023 fishing report. My reports are published in the Tampa Bay Times every 4th and 20th of the month! The post Fishing Report – August 4th 2023 appeare


  • Snook Fishing in Tampa: Tips Tricks and Fishing Spots Revealed
    Welcome to the exciting world of snook fishing in Tampa Florida! Anglers looking to experience the thrill of reeling in the elusive and hard-fighting snook will find paradise


  • Fishing Report – July 20th 2023
    Here is the July 20th 2023 fishing report. My reports are published in the Tampa Bay Times every 4th and 20th of the month! The post Fishing Report – July 20th 2023 appeared


  • Mid-Summer Snook Bite in Tampa Bay
    The weather patterns may be unpredictable but that hasn’t stopped fishing enthusiasts from enjoying their time on the water. As we embrace a dry summer the temperatures rise


  • Fishing Report – June 4th 2023
    Here is the June 4th 2023 fishing report. My reports are published in the Tampa Bay Times every 4th and 20th of the month! The post Fishing Report – June 4th 2023 appeared fi


  • 6/9/23 44 Hour Red Snapper Trip
        This Red Snapper trip left the dock on 6/9/23 at 10pm. Once again the weather was wonderful. The seas were calm at only 1ft or less and we were all very happy that continu


  • 6/5/23 44 Hour Red Snapper Trip Report
    These trips leave the dock at 10pm and it was setting up to a beautiful voyage. The weather was wonderful. We had close to a full moon and only about 2 ft seas.We traveled aro


View Clearwater Fishing Reports

Top Clearwater Bait & Tackle Stores

  1. 4th Street Tackle
    4th Street Tackle is a new bait and tackle shop in St. Petersburg, Florida. We offer you top name brands, excellent service, and tackle for all types of fishing situations. Whether your fishing the mangroves or grass flats in the upper Tampa Bay or t

  2. Tampa Bay Bait N' Tackle
    Tampa Bay Bait and Tackle is the largest salt and fresh water bait supplier in the Tampa Bay area.

  3. Captain K's Bait & Tackle
    We're located in St. Petersburg, FL and home to a bait, tackle & fishing charter center. Karen is a Florida native and has been fishing the Gulf and bay waters her entire life. We're here to serve the St. Petersburg, Treasure Island and Tampa B

  4. Aylesworth's Fish & Bait, Inc.
    Since 1944 we have provided the highest quality fishing baits and related products to fishermen

  5. Bill Jackson's Outdoor Adventure Store
    A one-of-a-kind outdoor sports store serving the Tampa Bay area since 1951

  6. Bait House
    Open since the 1940s, The Bait House Tackle & Tavern is located in the marina on beautiful Clearwater Beach. We are proud to offer the freshest fish, highest quality tackle and gear, and some of the best food on the beach. Our daily menu features

  7. Betts Fishing Center
    Betts Fishing Center is a family-owned tackle store that has been serving anglers in Pinellas County

  8. Indian Rocks Tackle


  9. Dogfish Tackle Co


  10. Mirrolure


View more Clearwater Bait & Tackle Stores

Top Clearwater Fishing Charters & Guides

  1. Absolute Flats Fishing
    Absolute Florida Flats Fishing with local saltwater guide, Capt. Rich Knox, who has been a fishing guide service on the West Central FL Gulf Coast for over 20 years, fishes the beautiful expansive Florida Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay to New Port Richey,

  2. 2 Shea Charters
    My years of experience in the Gulf give me an unmatched knowledge of its seasons and spots and the 2 Shea is more than ready to carry you quickly and comfortably to them. Whether you are after some nice grouper just off-shore or those large amberjack

  3. GulfStar Fishing
    World class fishing-first class service..We Catch EM!

  4. Salty Dog Charters LLC
    Salty Dog Charters is a family owned and operated fishing charter business. We are currently running our charters out of Johns Pass in Treasure Island Florida. We are fully licensed and insured and the boat is periodically surveyed to ensure we are i

  5. Captain Brian Caudill Inshore Fishing Charters
    Clearwater Fishing Guide Capt. Brian Caudill has expert knowledge of the shallow water flats, beautiful mangrove islands and sandy beaches around Clearwater, Tarpon Springs and Dunedin in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. With his extensive knowledge of C

  6. Capt. John O'Hanlon Fishing Expeditions
    We are fishing the St. Joseph Sound area. Featuring Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island and Three Rooker Bar. The Islands offer a convenient access from Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and Tarpon Springs. Both Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island are

  7. Double Eagle Deep Sea Fishing
    ocked in the Clearwater Municipal Marina on Clearwater Beach the Double Eagle fishing fleet is conveniently located to Tampa and St. Petersburg on the gulf coast of Florida. Whether you're an avid angler or novice, a vacationing family or busines

  8. Skinny Water Charter
    Pro Fishing Guide For Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island Beach, & St. Petersburg Beach Areas.

  9. FishTaxi Charters
    Clearwater Deep Sea Fishing Charters at their finest! Our Tampa Bay offshore fishing specialist, Captain Ryan, specializes in catching Grouper, Red Snapper, Amberjack, Kingfish, Mackerel, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, and many other deep sea fish species.

  10. Above Average Charters
    We are located in sunny Clearwater Florida, just a few steps away from beautiful Clearwater Beach in the Clearwater Municipal Marina. We offer deep sea fishing or sport fishing charters for beginners to experienced anglers.

View more Clearwater Charters & Guides

Top Clearwater Marinas

  1. Anclote Village Marina
    Located at the mouth of the Anclote River, Anclote Village Marina offers unparalleled access to the Gulf of Mexico. Both wet and dry slips are available, along with a fleet of rental boats.

  2. Hubbard's Marina
    Hubbard's Marina is the Original Pary boat fishing fleet and Dolphin watching company in the State of Florida! We have been in operation since 1928, fishing local waters for over 80 Years! We offer 5,10,12 & 39 hour party boat fishing trips.

  3. Antigua Cove Marina


  4. Tampa Harbour
    Tampa Harbour is the answer to all your boating needs. Our convenient South Tampa location is just seconds to the open waters of Old Tampa Bay. For landlubbers we are the home of the world famous “Hula Bay Club” and “Duke’s Retired Surfers Bar”. Just

  5. Sunset Landing Marina


View more Clearwater Marinas

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