The best and safest area for shore fishing on Clearwater Beach is on the north beach side of Clearwater Beach. It’s quieter throughout the day, but especially quiet in the mornings giving you plenty of room to fish safely.
Table of Contents
Is fishing good in Clearwater?
Inshore fishing in Clearwater is an excellent activity for the whole family. It will take you to some of the most beautiful beaches, the West coast of Florida has to offer, all while allowing you the opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish. It’s a great way to enjoy all Florida has to offer!
What fish can you catch at Clearwater Beach?
Clearwater Florida has an abundance of different fish species and several different ways to target them. We have Snook, Redfish Trout, Tarpon, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Permit, Cobia, Black Drum, Gag Grouper, Mangrove Snapper, Hog Snapper and several different species of sharks.
How is the fishing in Clearwater?

Do you need a fishing license in Clearwater Florida?
Resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need a shoreline fishing license unless they have a regular saltwater fishing license, persons with disabilities fishing license, other combo license or are exempt.
How much does it cost to fish at Pier 60 Clearwater Beach?
The cost of fishing rod rental from the bait shop on pier 60 is $7.25 per day. Plus $8 Fishing rites $5.25 kids between 5-15 years. Bait included.
What is the best month to fish in Florida?
The best time to fish in the state of Florida in saltwater is normally April through September whereas the best times to fish freshwater are spring through November. Each species of Florida gamefish will have its peak high seasons.
What fish are biting in Clearwater?
Inshore, Spanish mackerel, redfish, trout and flounder are biting for much of the year. These species, along with perhaps the most famous local catch – snook – can be found swimming near the beaches, in the Intracoastal Waterway, as well as in bayous, passes and bays.
Where can I fish in Clearwater Florida?
- Edgewater Drive Park. 2.5 mi. Parks.
- Pier 60 Fishing. 4.4 mi. $$ Hunting & Fishing Supplies, Fishing, Souvenir Shops.
- Dunedin Causeway. 5.7 mi. Beaches.
- Fish Tampa Flats. 2.0 mi.
- Safety Harbor Pier. 4.2 mi.
- Kapok Park. 2.5 mi.
- Courtney Campbell Trail. 7.7 mi.
- Weaver Park. 3.4 mi.
Which coast of Florida is better for fishing?
So if you’re angling for bigger fish like swordfish, marlin, or tarpon, you should consider putting in along Florida’s Atlantic coast. The beautiful and expansive Gulf Coast of Florida offers an excellent, if slightly different, fishing experience.
What fish can you catch of Pier 60 Clearwater?
- snook.
- redfish (red drum)
- speckled sea trout.
- Spanish mackerel.
- flounder.
- cobia (rare)
- black sea bass.
- perch.
Can you fish off Pier 60?
Pier 60 is a ocean near Clearwater. The most popular species caught here are Spanish mackerel, Spotted seatrout, and Common snook. 1074 catches are logged on Fishbrain.
Are there Barracudas in Clearwater Florida?
Barracuda are one of the many sportfish in the Clearwater area that get overlooked as a quality gamefish. Although considered to be a catch and release species, these toothy critters put up a great fight on light tackle.
Where is the best fishing in Florida?
- St. Petersburg.
- Clearwater. Clearwater is one of the top destinations for anglers in Florida because it has an abundance and variety of fish, including hogfish, grouper, and kingfish.
- Tampa.
- The Atlantic Coast.
- The Florida Keys.
- Johns River.
- Lake Okeechobee.
- Biscayne Bay.
What is the best time to go fishing?
Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
Can you fish off the beach in Florida without a license?
Residents and non-residents are required to carry a valid Florida fishing license to fish in freshwater, whether you are fishing from the shore, from a boat, from a dock, jetty or from a pier. Exceptions are for anglers under 16, resident or non-resident, and Florida residents 65 and over.
What is the fine in Florida for fishing without a license?
Still, an accusation for fishing without a license should not be taken lightly. Not only do the civil penalties range from $50 (for a first offense) to $250 (for a second offense or a third offense within 36 months), you must also pay the cost of the license or permit.
Do you need a fishing license to fish off Pier 60 Clearwater?
Pier 60 is ideally located on famous Clearwater Beach. It is one of the best equipped and most attractive fishing piers in Florida and offers access to fishing activities, fine dining, shopping, entertainment and outstanding white sandy beaches. Fishing licenses are not required.
Do you have to pay for the cabanas on Clearwater Beach?
12 answers. Hi Sandra! Yes, both cabanas and umbrellas are available for rent on the public portions of Clearwater Beach. Simply pick your favorite spot, have a seat, and an attendant will pay you a visit to collect the daily rental fee of $30.00/Umbrella & 2 chairs or $40.00 for a Cabana & 2 chairs.
Do you have to pay to go on Pier 60 in Clearwater?
Pier 60 is free to visit. To walk out onto the last third of the fishing pier, however, you will need to pay a small fee of $1. If you want to fish off the pier, you’ll also have to pay a daily fishing fee of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, or $7 for children under 15.
How deep is the Skyway fishing pier?
The first ยพ mile of the south pier is around 6-to 7-feet deep, where it then begins to gradually drop to 10- to 14-foot depths. It keeps dropping to 20-foot depths about a ยฝ mile from where the bridge makes a bend to the north. This is a particularly good area to test your luck with ravenous Spanish mackerel.
What time of year do Pompano run in Florida?
The Florida pompano lives in the surf zone that laps Alabama’s sugar sand beaches year-round, but the tasty fish are more plentiful when the water is warmer from March through October with the peak fishing season in the spring.
Where is the best fishing on the west coast of Florida?
Tampa Bay has some of the best inshore fishing in Florida. This area holds large numbers of Red and Black Drum, Snook, Jack Crevalle, Spotted Seatrout, Sheepshead, and many more. The best part is, no matter what time of year you go fishing, there’s always something biting.
Where can I catch sheepshead in Clearwater Beach?
1. At Big Pier 60 in Clearwater, Spanish mackerel, silver trout and whiting have been caught every day this past week. Sheepshead are hugging the pilings close to the beach and some snook are also under the pier near the surf trough, reports Big Pier 60 Bait & Tackle (727-462-6466).
Is fishing better on the east coast or west coast of Florida?
West in offshore fishing, the East Coast wins hands-down. The primary reason for this is the Gulf Stream is located off the East Coast and the water gets much deeper, much faster south of Stuart.