The Gulf of Mexico off Clearwater Beach is one of Florida's most productive fishing grounds — home to grouper, snook, snapper, mackerel, pompano, and trophy tarpon. Even first-timers can catch dinner from Pier 60. Serious anglers can book half- or full-day charters out of the marina. Here's the breakdown.
Pier 60 — The Easiest Way to Fish
Pier 60 is a legitimate 1,080-foot fishing pier open 24/7. It has a full bait-and-tackle shop, cleaning stations, pole rentals, and staff who know what's running.
- Pier fee: $8.50 adult, $5 child, $5.50 senior
- No license required — the pier's blanket saltwater license covers you
- Pole rental: ~$10/day + $20 deposit
- Bait: shrimp ~$7, squid ~$5, silver trout ~$12
- Hours: pier walkway 24/7, bait shop 6 AM – 11 PM
What You'll Catch at Pier 60
- Spanish Mackerel — spring and fall runs, fast fighters
- Snook — year-round catches, slot limits apply
- Pompano — surf-side species, excellent eating
- Flounder — under the pier on bottom rigs
- Sheepshead — around the pilings, pick at the barnacles
- Redfish — slot-limited, often in the surf
- Jack Crevalle — the underrated fight
- Sharks — blacktip, bonnethead, nurse — catch-and-release only
Charter Fishing
The Clearwater Beach Marina (25 Causeway Blvd) is the departure point for most charters. Three tiers:
Inshore Charters (half day, $400–$600 for 4)
Fish the flats and mangroves for snook, redfish, tarpon, trout. 4-hour trips are common. Best for families and first-time charter anglers.
Nearshore Charters (half day, $500–$800)
Fish the reefs 5–10 miles offshore for grouper, snapper, kingfish, mackerel. Guaranteed action most days.
Offshore / Deep Sea (full day, $1,000–$2,000)
Head 20–40 miles offshore for grouper, red snapper, amberjack, king mackerel, sharks, blackfin tuna. 8–10 hour trips.
Party Boats (Budget Option)
Queen Fleet runs half-day and full-day group boats out of the marina for $60–$110 per person. Bait, rods, and tackle included. Casual, family-friendly, no need to own gear.
Surf Fishing
You can fish from the beach itself for whiting, pompano, flounder, and the occasional snook. Best spots:
- Sand Key Park (jetty fishing at the Clearwater Pass end)
- North of Pier 60 at dawn
- Caladesi Island if you can ferry over
Surf fishing does require a Florida saltwater fishing license unless you're on a licensed pier.
Florida Saltwater Fishing License
- Required for: surf fishing, fishing from your own boat, fishing from the bank
- Not required for: fishing on Pier 60 (licensed pier), on a licensed charter/party boat
- Cost: $17 non-resident for 3 days, $30 for 7 days, $47 annual
- Buy online: GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or at the Pier 60 bait shop
Regulations — The Big Rules
- Snook: slot 28–32", closed season May 1 – Aug 31 and Dec 15 – Jan 31
- Redfish: slot 18–27", 1 per person per day
- Grouper (Gag): closed season Feb–May, 24" minimum
- Snapper: varies by species and season
- Tarpon: catch-and-release only; tag required to harvest
Rules change. Check MyFWC.com for current regulations before keeping any fish.
Local Tips
- Dawn bites are dramatically better than midday — plan accordingly
- Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms — book morning charters
- After a cold front, fishing picks up and shells wash up (bonus shelling)
- Clean your catch at Pier 60's cleaning station — most Clearwater Beach restaurants will cook your catch
If you have kids and 2 hours, do Pier 60. If you have a half-day and want to catch dinner, book a nearshore reef charter. If you want to brag to your friends, do a full-day offshore trip.Back to Activities