Clearwater fishing charters
Inshore around Clearwater Harbor, plus bass on Lake Tarpon.
Book a local captain for inshore fishing around Clearwater Harbor and Caladesi Island for redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon. For freshwater, guides run bass trips on Lake Tarpon, just north of Clearwater. Inshore trips start at $600 for 4 hours. Bass trips start at $350 for 4 hours.
Build Your Trip
Book your Clearwater fishing trips today: inshore on Clearwater Harbor and bass on Lake Tarpon.
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 trip Start here · select one
Looking for a specific fish?
2. Your options
Where do you want to fish? 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. Distances are straight-line estimates; drive times vary with traffic.
Reviews from Clearwater trips
5.017 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
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
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
Lake Tarpon Bass Fishing Trip
We had a great 4 hour bass fishing trip on Lake Tarpon with Captain Bill Goudy Jr. We landed 3 largemouth bass (largest was 4 lbs 9 oz and biggest of my lifetime) : ) and 2 others that shook loose. My wife landed a large bowfin as well. We can highly recommend Captain Bill as a great bass fishing guide!
MF61614 · March 2020
Lake Tarpon Bass Fisshing 01/02/2020
Just returned from Bass fishing with Capt. Bill Goudy Jr. Had an excellent trip, caught lots of Bass and some really nice ones. Capt. done an excellent job, and equipment was in good shape. Would recommend this trip to anyone. Thanks again Capt. Bill!!
Bucky Billing · January 2020
Capt Bill is the MAN!
Fished Lake Tarpon with Capt Bill and had an amazing time with my best friend Chris. Want to plan a trip back as soon as possible for more action
Eddie Champ · January 2020
What fishing charters can you book in Clearwater?
iOutdoors books inshore fishing trips around Clearwater Harbor and Caladesi Island for redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon, from $600 for 4 hours and $800 for 6 hours. Bass trips on Lake Tarpon start at $350 for 4 hours. Inshore trips include the licensed captain, fishing license, tackle, bait and fuel.
Compare Clearwater fishing trips
| Inshore · Clearwater | Bass · Lake Tarpon | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Clearwater Harbor & Caladesi Island | Lake Tarpon, Palm Harbor |
| Main target | Redfish, seatrout, snook, tarpon | Largemouth bass |
| Trip lengths | 4 or 6 h | 4, 6 or 8 h |
| Price | From $600 (4 h), $800 (6 h) | From $350 (4 h), $425 (6 h), $550 (8 h) |
| License | Included | Florida freshwater license needed (16+) |
| Best for | Beach stays, families, first-timers | A break from saltwater, up to 4 people |
| Book Clearwater inshore | Book Lake Tarpon bass |
What’s biting in Clearwater by season
Full Clearwater fishing calendarWinter Dec–Feb
- Inshore: Redfish and seatrout on the flats on warmer days
- Bass: Largemouth move shallow to spawn on Lake Tarpon
Spring Mar–May
- Inshore: Snook and redfish get active; tarpon arrive late in the season
- Bass: Good bass fishing as the water warms
Summer Jun–Aug
- Inshore: Tarpon and snook; early starts beat the heat
- Bass: Best early and late in the day
Fall Sep–Nov
- Inshore: Redfish school on the flats; snook feed before the cold
- Bass: Bass feed up as the water cools
What you can catch in Clearwater
Inshore trips fish shallow, protected water in the bay. Bass trips fish Lake Tarpon, a freshwater lake in Palm Harbor.
- Inshore: redfish, spotted seatrout, snook and tarpon in season.
- Bass: largemouth bass on Lake Tarpon, all year.
Redfish
Red drumOn the grass flats and mangrove shorelines of the bay, all year.
Spotted seatrout
Speckled troutOver grass beds; a good fish for beginners.
Seasons, size and bag limits apply to many species: see the FWC freshwater and saltwater fishing regulations.
Where you’ll fish
Open in Google Maps: Clearwater Harbor · Lake Tarpon
Clearwater inshore: around Clearwater Harbor and Caladesi Island, close to Clearwater Beach. Your captain confirms the meeting spot and start time before the trip.
Lake Tarpon: a freshwater lake in Palm Harbor, just north of Clearwater, for largemouth bass.
How to plan your Clearwater fishing trip
Clearwater sits on the Gulf coast, with Clearwater Harbor and Caladesi Island close by and Lake Tarpon just to the north for bass.
Inshore or bass?
Choose inshore for redfish, seatrout, snook and tarpon in calm, protected water; it suits families and first-timers. Choose a bass trip for largemouth bass on Lake Tarpon; bass boats take up to 4 people.
How long should we go?
4 hours is a good first trip and works well with kids. 6 or 8 hours gives the captain time to move between spots and wait for the tide.
Where to stay and what’s nearby
Pick a base by the water you book. Your captain or guide confirms the exact meeting spot before the trip.
- Clearwater inshore trips: Shephard’s Beach Resort and Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach are on South Gulfview Boulevard, close to Clearwater Harbor.
- Lake Tarpon bass trips: Hampton Inn & Suites Tarpon Springs on US-19 is a short drive from the lake.
Getting here: Tampa International (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) are both close.
Off the water: Sunset at Pier 60, Caladesi Island State Park and the Tarpon Springs sponge docks.
Hotels are listed for convenience; iOutdoors isn’t affiliated with them.
What should we bring?
Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, food and drinks. On bass trips, each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
Clearwater fishing charter FAQ
How much does a fishing charter in Clearwater cost?
Inshore trips in Clearwater start at $600 for 4 hours and $800 for 6 hours. Bass trips on Lake Tarpon start at $350 for 4 hours, $425 for 6 hours and $550 for 8 hours. The booking calendar shows the exact price for your date and group.
Can I book offshore fishing from Clearwater?
Offshore trips are not booking online right now. Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm, and we can help you plan one.
Where can I go bass fishing near Clearwater?
On Lake Tarpon in Palm Harbor, north of Clearwater. Bass boats take up to 4 people.
Do I need a fishing license?
On saltwater trips the captain’s license covers you. On bass trips, each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt.
What’s included?
Inshore trips include the licensed captain, fishing license, rods, reels, tackle, bait and fuel. Bass trips include the guide, bass boat, fuel, life jackets, rods, reels, tackle and lures. Not included: the tip (10–20% is customary) and food and drinks.
Are these trips good for kids and first-timers?
Yes. Inshore trips fish calm, protected water, and bass boats take up to 4 people. Your guide or captain sets up the rods and helps every step of the way.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the guide or captain 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.
