Clearwater bass fishing charters
Largemouth bass on Lake Tarpon and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes.
Guided largemouth bass trips on two lakes: Lake Tarpon, a 2,534-acre lake in Pinellas County just north of Clearwater, and the 9,000-acre Winter Haven Chain of Lakes in Polk County, east of Tampa in Polk County. Trips start at $350 on Lake Tarpon and $325 on the Winter Haven Chain for 4 hours, with the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures included.
Build Your Trip
Book your Clearwater bass trip today: Lake Tarpon just north of Clearwater, or the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes east of Tampa in Polk County.
Tell us what sounds fun and we’ll show the trips that fit, or pick a trip and the fish you want.
1. What sounds fun? Optional
2. Pick your lake Start here · select one
Looking for a specific fish?
2. Your options
Lake How longPick a trip to see your options and the live calendar.
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide or captain confirms the meeting spot and start time with you before the trip. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
Where can you go bass fishing near Clearwater?
iOutdoors books guided bass trips on two lakes near Clearwater: Lake Tarpon, just north of Clearwater, from $350 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours; and the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, east of Tampa in Polk County, from $325 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The guide provides the bass boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What’s included and what to bring
- Professional local fishing guide
- Bass boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (each angler 16 or older, unless exempt)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Reviews from Lake Tarpon bass trips
5.021 reviews
Freshwater bass fishing trip
Loved fishing near Bradenton for bass. Took my family on vacation. We wanted to explore some freshwater fishing. Found Bass Online and their great guides and went out on Lake Tarpon with Capt Lenny. Great day of fishing with artificial lures! Will be back soon.
Bob Summers · January 2026
This was terrific. Our grandson said it was THE BEST part of our week long vacation in Florida. Captain Lenny was great. Wonderful experience and worth every penny. Will certainly take this adventure next time in Tampa.
mrFisherUSA · June 2024 · Google
Great time!
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Thomas Pace · December 2023
Great trip
Tampa Bass Fishing Trip - 6 Hr Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
Pete Johnson · September 2023
Bass fishing
Lake Tarpon Fishing Trip - 4 Hrs Schedule : Morning Session (Private)
William Vaughn · September 2023
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
alan lyons · September 2021
Fish on!!!!
Captian Bill was fantastic put me on fish all day and I put 20 on the boat. Captain Bill knew all the spots and tricks to get fish on the line and was extremely professional. If you ever get a chance to fish the Tampa area Captian Bill is a must.
Alan Lyons · September 2021
Bass Online is #1 Service
They advertise being good, there guides are the best. They only work with select few for a reason. I was able to ask specifically for a guide who I seen online. Buyer Beware, this is the real deal!
Tony Allen · July 2021
lake tarpon
went fishing with captain Bill back in the spring, weather was a little windy and chilly. He came through for me, caught my limit Up to 5 lbs size wise
Time bourke · June 2021
Great Choice with Captain Bill
When we looked to charter a guide we had multiple options so we went with Captain Bill Goudy. We definitely made an awesome choice. We chose Lake Tarpon and he was very knowledgeable of the lake and was able to find us fish. We had a great time. You won’t go wrong with Captain Bill. We will…
Kathy & Rich Erdely · April 2021
Lake Tarpon
Spent an OUTSTANDING morning with Capt Bill on Lake Tarpon. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth bass.. largest 6#14, that by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Great experience.. look forward to next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
rborman52 · February 2021
Just back from an OUTSTANDING morning on Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill Goudy Jr. He put us on fish immediately and we all caught several monster largemouth.. the largest 6#14 by a pal who NEVER catches big fish! Look forward to the next time.. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Richard Borman · February 2021 · Google
What’s biting by season
Full Clearwater fishing calendarWinter Dec–Feb
- Largemouth move shallow to spawn
- Crappie in open water
Spring Mar–May
- Good bass fishing as the water warms
- Bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Bass early and late in the day
- Bass school in open water
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
Fish you can catch on Lake Tarpon and the Winter Haven Chain
Largemouth bass are the main target on both lakes, with crappie, bluegill and shellcracker too. Swipe to see what you could catch.
Largemouth bass
Florida bassCaught all year, in the weeds, under docks and over submerged grass.
Black crappie
SpecksIn open water, best in the cooler months.
Bluegill
BreamAround grass beds and docks in the warmer months.
Redear sunfish
ShellcrackerNear the bottom around grass beds in spring and summer.
Size and bag limits apply: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations. Your guide can tell you what you can keep.
Where you’ll fish
Lake Tarpon is a 2,534-acre lake in Pinellas County, just north of Clearwater. Bass hold in the shoreline weeds, bulrush, cattail and tape grass, under docks and on offshore humps. More about Lake Tarpon.
The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes is 22 lakes and about 9,000 acres in Polk County, east of Tampa in Polk County, split into a North and a South Chain joined by a lock. FWC has logged 237 bass of 8 to 9.9 pounds, 32 of 10 to 12.9 pounds and 5 over 13 pounds here. More about the Winter Haven Chain.
Meeting spot: your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
Clearwater bass fishing questions
How much does a bass fishing trip near Clearwater cost?
On Lake Tarpon, trips start at $350 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. On the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes, trips start at $325 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and group.
Which lake should I pick?
Lake Tarpon is just north of Clearwater and the quicker drive. The Winter Haven Chain of Lakes is east of Tampa in Polk County: 22 connected lakes with a strong big-bass record in FWC’s TrophyCatch program. Both trips target largemouth bass.
What can I catch?
Largemouth bass are the main target on both lakes. FWC also lists black crappie, bluegill and redear sunfish (shellcracker).
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don’t carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Up to 4 people on the bass boat. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
What’s included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. Not included: your freshwater fishing license, live shiners (optional), the guide’s tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.