Hey Folks, Heading down with the family first week of April. Any recommendations surf/pier/guide etc? Thanks in advance!
not sure of the season but if its available i would target tarpons but there are a LOT of options there.
The sheephead in the rivers will blow your mind. We saw huge ones in the Weeki Wachee everyday but could not catch any. I talked to locals and none of them acted like they ever targeted sheep.
Dear Syl…Tremendous fishery in the Clearwater area. You’re essentially between Tamba Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A lot of local information available in the local newspaper sports section. A lot of guides to choose from…that handles the license, and Florida regulations which are very different than our here in SC. April is a killer month there… they are about a month ahead of us on general fishing activity. There is a wadeable fishery in Clearwater Bay…you can sight cast to monster reds, gator trout, big Sheeps under docks, not to mention sharks!! A good pair of Chuck Taylor high tops and a floating minnow bucket and your are in business…be intentional with the tide charts…it varies up and down the coast and between Gulf and Bay. Use the same fishing methods we do here…no need to reinvent the wheel. A dock with a light on it is super for nighttime fishing…snook and trout…try a live pinfish under a float…or the good old standby Live Shrimp. Hope you slay them, but leave a few for seed.
Sol Mate
Mako 20B
225 Optimax
I lived in Clearwater for 3 years before coming here to Charleston. I use to take a head boat out on the weekends. The boat leaves from passagrille (St Petersburg). I think it was actually called the Miss Passagrille. It would be about a 25-30 minute drive from Clearwater. the price is fairly cheap ($40 from what I remember). Regardless, it is a blast and you can expect to catch lots of snapper and an occassional grouper.
Thanks Fellas. I figured it would be a difficult decision. Trust me, I have been wearing Google Earth out trying to come up with a plan, after Legoland of course 
I was actually born in Clearwater. Interesting place for sure
One of my dads best friends capt Paul Hawkins is down there. I think he retired recently except for his private clients but maybe try to look him up. Hell of a guy. Really really good at catching tarpon on the fly
Might be able to wrangle up his contact info if you are interested. Just gotta call the pops
Well, thanks for the advice. Ended up just fishing from the surf. Lots of Whiting and Ladyfish. One big surprise, however!
Sweet fish! I am always amazed at the different coloration of reds. That one has virtually no red on him.
quote:
Originally posted by DFreedomSweet fish! I am always amazed at the different coloration of reds. That one has virtually no red on him.
Yes D, Me too. This one came from the white sand beaches, I wish I would have had a good ole’ SC copper one to lay next to this one. Excellent representation of the Redfish spectrum.
Head down to Anna Maria Island. It’s about 30 minutes from Indian Rocks. Look up Logan Bystrum as a guide. He grew up on the island next to my father in law. Great snook and red fishing. He’s been known to land some Goliath grouper.
What a fish! I grew up down there and in fact was there at the same time. As mentioned by Sylvan, the color comes from the sand. When I was a kid smoked mullet (also snowy white) was sold in every corner fish market…no more. Oh well, everything changes.