Water’s moving, bait’s thick, and the bite is on across Clearwater and the surrounding beaches. Here’s what’s happening right now and how to get in on it.
Snook: season open and fish are fired up
Snook season is open and the usual haunts are paying off. Focus on:
Passes and the mouths of creeks, especially the day after a good rain when that darker, moving water pulls bait.
Shallow flats and the edges of spoil islands when the sun gets up.
Fish from 25 to 30 inches are common, with bigger fish pushing 30 to 40 inches showing. Live or dead bait is a must. Don’t stop at scaled sardines and pinfish. Bring options: finger mullet, threadfins, grunts, ladyfish strips, and shrimp.
Quick setup: 30–40 lb leader, 1/0–3/0 circle hook, and cast up-current so your bait sweeps naturally into ambush points. Low light, moving water, and shadow lines will stack the odds.
Tarpon: the bite is happening now
If silver kings are on your list, this is your window.
Where:
Rock piles off Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Beach down to Indian Rocks Beach, plus bridges and deeper cuts in St. Joseph Sound and Clearwater Sound.
When:
The start or end of tide swings are prime. Pre-dawn and last light are classic, but don’t sleep on a mid-day chew when the tide really rips.
Baits:
Live crabs, threadfins, mullet, and sardines work. When they get picky, dead-bait drifts and bottom-soaked chunks can be deadly, especially early or late in the season.
Tackle tip:
60–80 lb leader with a 6/0–8/0 circle hook. Keep fish in the water for the release, support the head and tail, and mind the boat traffic around bridges.
Redfish: strong push on the flats
Reds are showing well on the Clearwater flats.
Tides that produce:
Low water coming up or high water going out has been best.
Targets:
Oyster bars, potholes on the flats, and mangrove points with moving water.
Bait:
Live or dead bait has been the ticket. If you’re throwing artificials, gold spoons and paddle-tail jigs hopped through potholes are money. Give each spot a few clean presentations and keep moving until you find them.
Sharks: toothy critters for big fun
Bull sharks, blacktips, and lemons are cruising the daytime flats, blasting through schools of mullet, redfish, and even tailing stingrays. It’s a show and a fight you won’t forget.
How to rig:
Wire leader or heavy mono bite tippet, stout hooks, and fresh, bloody bait. Keep hands clear and use a dehooker. Land them fast, revive them well, and always respect the business end.
Final notes
Bring a bait buffet. Having multiple live and dead bait options has been the difference between “saw a few” and “we limited out.”
Mind the tides. Plan your route around the beginning and ending of tide swings for tarpon, and moving water windows for snook and reds.
Know the rules. Seasons, size limits, and gear restrictions change. Check current local regulations before you go and handle fish for a healthy release.
See you on the water.
— Capt. Craig
