Damn Good Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters In Clearwater

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Recently Booked Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Crushing Clearwater Offshore

100% (10)
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

100% (10)
34 ft 1 - 12 People From $880
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Offshore Fishing Frenzy

100% (2)
27 ft 1 - 6 People From $950
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Reel Salty Sportfishing

100% (10)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Classic

100% (2)
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Tampa Bay Fishing - 22’ Aguasport

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $600

Top Types of Spanish Mackerel Trips in Clearwater

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Target Species in Clearwater

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More Spanish Mackerel Fishing Charters In Clearwater, Fl

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Coastal Clearwater Charter

100% (7)
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Clearwater Flats Fishing

100% (3)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $560
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Clearwater

Bottom And Trolling Fishing!

NEW
30 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

100% (3)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Tampa Bay Inshore Slam

100% (1)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter near Clearwater

Full Day Tampa Bay Adventure

100% (1)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $900
See All Spanish Mackerel Trips in Clearwater

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Everything to Know About Booking a Clearwater spanish mackerel fishing charter

What are the best spanish mackerel fishing charters in Clearwater?

Why should I book a spanish mackerel fishing charter in Clearwater with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 45 spanish mackerel trips in Clearwater, and the most popular trips in the area are Crushing Clearwater Offshore guided by Steve, Clearwater Fishing Thriller! guided by Steve, and Offshore Fishing Frenzy guided by Jim.

Our guides in Clearwater are rated a 4.95 out of 5 based on 3706 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly spanish mackerel guides / fishing lessons in Clearwater? Check out our beginner and family friendly spanish mackerel guides in Clearwater.

What types of spanish mackerel fishing charters are common in Clearwater?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for spanish mackerel in Clearwater as well as inshore fishing, nearshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Clearwater are light tackle fishing, live bait fishing, and bottom fishing but artificial lure fishing and trolling are popular as well.

How much do Clearwater spanish mackerel fishing charters cost?

Prices for spanish mackerel in Clearwater can range anywhere from about $500 to $2,680, but the average price for a half day trip for spanish mackerel in Clearwater is $777. The average price for a full day trip for spanish mackerel in Clearwater is $1,609.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater?

The most popular season for spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater is spring, and most anglers book their trips 13 days in advance.

Do I need a Clearwater fishing license for spanish mackerel and what are the bag limits for spanish mackerel in Clearwater?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Clearwater, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Clearwater. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Clearwater.

What is spanish mackerel in Clearwaterall about?

In Clearwater, Florida, Spanish mackerel fishing offers anglers an exciting opportunity to target these fast and ferocious predators in the Gulf waters. Spanish mackerel are known for their sleek, torpedo-like bodies and lightning-fast strikes, making them a thrilling catch for anglers of all skill levels. Clearwater's proximity to productive nearshore and offshore waters provides ample opportunities for anglers to hook into these prized gamefish throughout the year.

One effective technique for Spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater is trolling. Anglers deploy a spread of artificial lures or natural baits behind the boat while moving at a moderate speed, covering a large area of water to locate schools of feeding Spanish mackerel. Trolling allows anglers to mimic the movement of fleeing baitfish, enticing Spanish mackerel to strike as they pursue their prey. This method is particularly productive when targeting Spanish mackerel in open water or near structure such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges.

Another popular method for Spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater is casting and retrieving lures or spoons near areas of surface activity. Spanish mackerel are voracious feeders and often chase baitfish near the surface, creating visible disturbances on the water's surface known as "breaking fish." Anglers can cast lures or spoons into these feeding frenzies and quickly retrieve them, imitating the movement of fleeing baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes from Spanish mackerel. Whether trolling or casting, targeting Spanish mackerel in Clearwater promises an exhilarating angling experience and the chance to land some of the Gulf's most exciting gamefish.

What are the most popular months to fish for spanish mackerel in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, Florida, the Spanish mackerel fishing season offers anglers exciting opportunities to target these fast and aggressive predators throughout the year. While Spanish mackerel can be found in the area year-round, their presence and activity levels vary depending on the season. Typically, the Spanish mackerel season in Clearwater is most active during the spring and fall months, when these fish migrate along the coast in search of baitfish and warmer waters.

During the spring season, which generally spans from March to May, Spanish mackerel become more abundant in the waters off Clearwater as they follow the northward migration of baitfish and warmer currents. Anglers can often find schools of Spanish mackerel feeding voraciously near the surface, particularly around inlets, passes, and along the beaches. This time of year provides prime opportunities for anglers to target Spanish mackerel using a variety of techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging.

Similarly, in the fall, typically from September to November, the Spanish mackerel fishing season in Clearwater experiences another surge in activity as these fish begin their southward migration along the coast. Cooler temperatures and changing currents trigger feeding frenzies among Spanish mackerel, making them highly active and aggressive. Anglers can capitalize on this seasonal abundance by targeting Spanish mackerel nearshore and offshore using similar techniques employed during the spring season. Whether trolling, casting, or jigging, the Spanish mackerel season in Clearwater promises exciting angling action and memorable catches for fishermen of all skill levels.

What techniques are popular for catching spanish mackerel in Clearwater?

In Clearwater, Florida, mastering effective fishing techniques is essential for anglers targeting Spanish mackerel in the Gulf waters. One popular technique for Spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater is trolling. Anglers deploy a variety of artificial lures or natural baits behind the boat while moving at a moderate speed, covering a large area of water to locate schools of feeding Spanish mackerel. Trolling allows anglers to mimic the movement of fleeing baitfish, enticing Spanish mackerel to strike as they pursue their prey. This method is particularly effective when targeting Spanish mackerel in open water or near structures such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges.

Casting and retrieving lures or spoons near areas of surface activity is another effective method for Spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater. Spanish mackerel are voracious feeders and often chase baitfish near the surface, creating visible disturbances on the water's surface known as "breaking fish." Anglers can cast lures or spoons into these feeding frenzies and quickly retrieve them, imitating the movement of fleeing baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes from Spanish mackerel. This technique requires precision casting and quick reflexes to capitalize on the fast-paced action of Spanish mackerel feeding frenzies.

Jigging is also a productive technique for targeting Spanish mackerel in Clearwater, especially when fishing near structure such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges. Anglers use vertical jigging techniques to present lures or jigs to Spanish mackerel holding near the bottom or around structures. This method allows anglers to cover a large area of water and target Spanish mackerel at various depths. Jigging can be particularly effective when Spanish mackerel are feeding actively, providing anglers with an exhilarating angling experience and the chance to land some of the Gulf's most exciting gamefish.

What other species are popular in Clearwater?

While Spanish mackerel fishing in Clearwater, Florida, is a thrilling pursuit, anglers have a plethora of other species to target in these bountiful Gulf waters. One notable species is the grouper family, which includes red grouper, gag grouper, and black grouper. These bottom-dwelling predators are renowned for their powerful strikes and delectable fillets, making them a favorite among anglers. Bottom fishing near reefs, wrecks, and ledges is a common technique for targeting grouper, offering anglers the opportunity to hook into these prized fish.

Another sought-after species in Clearwater is the snapper family, encompassing mangrove snapper, yellowtail snapper, and lane snapper. These flavorful fish can be found near structures such as reefs, wrecks, and rock piles, where they gather in search of prey. Anglers often use light tackle and live bait such as shrimp or squid to entice snapper to bite, providing an enjoyable and rewarding fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.

For those seeking high-speed action, Clearwater offers opportunities to target pelagic species such as king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and mahi-mahi. These swift predators patrol the offshore waters, particularly around bait schools and areas of upwelling. Trolling with artificial lures or live bait, as well as casting or jigging near surface activity, are effective techniques for enticing these pelagic species to strike, providing anglers with an exhilarating angling experience. Whether targeting grouper, snapper, pelagic species, or Spanish mackerel, Clearwater boasts a diverse and exciting fishery that caters to anglers of all preferences.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great day with Capt Wade, he was very professional and knowledgeable and shared his experiences with us. We caught Snook, Redfish, and Speckled Trout in numbers and size to satisfy our needs until next time. His lunch recommendation to cook our catch was awesome too.

    Rick R. | November 12, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    It was a great trip. Three of us fished comfortably for a half day. Mother Nature provided the fish, and Nick provided a great atmosphere. Easy to talk to and gave some good local recommendations, will look to book with Nick again in the future.

    Michael L. | September 2, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Robbie was AWESOME & we had a GREAT time!! Thank y'all!!

    Julie T. | August 11, 2024

    Trip: In or Near Shore Experience

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was a fantastic a knowledgeable guide. His boat was clean and well kept. We are a party of 4 with a 10 and 13 year old. Nick took us to an area where every cast was a catch. Thanks again.

    Jason Q. | August 2, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great time on the water. Chris and Kaden are very knowledgeable. Highly recommend

    Brian P. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Florida Sportfish on Light Tackle

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Heather sent my wife and I and our two granddaughters out for a 6 hour combination trolling and bottom fishing trip with Captain DJ and Tyler. We can't say enough about how enjoyable it was. Both DJ and Tyler were fantastic guys to be around and put us on plenty of fish, both trolling and bottom fishing. It was very impressive to watch them as a team work to keep our granddaughters busy reeling in fish. They made every aspect of the trip friendly, comfortable and fun. It was all we had hoped to experience. Many thanks to Heather, DJ, Tyler and Captain Experiences.

    Ricky M. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great fishing trip with Captain Wade. I booked our trip for my boyfriend’s 40th birthday for us, and 3 of his friends. Wade had everything we needed and more and provided a fun and laid back experience. We all caught a handful of fish, myself included, who had never fished before. I highly recommend!!

    Rachel B. | July 13, 2024

    Trip: St. Petersburg Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great morning on the water with Captain George. He put us over fish right away. First cast went into the cooler! He was very knowledgeable and courteous. We enjoyed our time on his boat!

    Lindy K. | July 9, 2024

    Trip: St Petersburg inshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Definitely a very fun trip! Will definitely recommend to friends/families. Caught almost 50 fish and was a blast! Two takeaways for myself: Red Snapper fishing can only happen with the 10-12 hour trips, not the 4 hour trips.

    Luis M. | July 6, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Wade was incredible. He exposed us to several different species of fish and was very educational. A huge manatee and even sting rays gave us appearances. Definitely worth while. Thank you sir!!!

    Jason V. | June 28, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time, didn’t get on the fish like we had hoped but still had a blast. That’s why they call it fishing.

    Todd D. | June 22, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great Captain… Last minute trip…. 1st time saltwater fishing for my daughter…..knowledgeable and personable…. Found fish in tough conditions… Will book with him again…. Don’t think I can give a better endorsement than that!

    Joseph S. | June 17, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolutely amazing time with Captain George! We had several other fishermen passing through that were going on about how it was a “tough day” but not with Captain George!! He put us right on the fish! He was always aware of his surroundings, watching the schools of bait fish, and making sure we were in the most optimal spot. He was very knowledgeable about all of the species we caught throughout the day. We were having such a blast that we added an extra hour to onto our trip, which is when he put us on to the BIGGEST Spanish Mackerel I’ve ever seen!! Just to top it off, he was also very kind and caring. He never lost patience with me when he kept having to cast my pole into difficult spots, and he made sure to remind us to drink plenty of water and reapply sunscreen. At the end of the trip, as he was cleaning our fish, I began to overheat and he knew EXACTLY what to do. He stayed calm, let us stay for a while as I regained my strength, and even checked on me later on in the day. What an amazing experience, captain, and day!! 10/10! We will be fishing with Captain George when we are back this way, and will be referring all of our friends and family!

    Lauren H. | June 6, 2024

    Trip: St Petersburg inshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Great time, great guide. Can’t wait for the next trip.

    Thomas G. | May 28, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    The four of us had a great time with Captain Nick. The boat was very clean, comfortable, easy to move around and enjoy the day. We caught real nice fish, Captain was very knowledgeable. I would recommend Captain Nick and would use him again.

    Ken C. | May 18, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Wade was great. Worked hard and put me in lots of fish! Will definitely call him again!

    Brian G. | May 8, 2024

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Absolutely amazing fishing experience! From catching a variety of big fish to catching sharks and seeing dolphins, it was the complete package. Highly recommend. The guides answered all our questions and talked to us like we’ve been friends for years. 100% would go on this trip again.

    Karlee G. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Awesome trip! DJ and Milan did a great job getting us into the fish! Caught a really nice blue fish. Great experience! Thank you!

    Rex G. | April 30, 2024

    Trip: Clearwater Fishing Thriller!

  • ★★★★★
    Nick was an amazing captain! He got us on some fish right away! We had a great time!

    Chris S. | April 26, 2024

    Trip: Reel Salty Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great half day out on the water with Hank. Very friendly and done a good job of keeping us on the fish.

    Brian W. | April 22, 2024

    Trip: 4-8 Hour Fishing Trip

What's biting in Clearwater?

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