re: Clearwater, FL shore/bay fishing

Fish the pass between Sand Key and Clearwater beach.

On the north side of the pass there is a parking lot, you can park there and walk down to the jetty. Snook and Sheephead will be cruising along the rocks.

Live bait out deeper can produce snook, and is good fishing even from the shore. Either buy live bait or make a carolina rig with a 1/2oz to 1 oz weight with about 24 inches of light line then tie on a cheap fly (get cheapest pack available at walmart). Tip the fly with a small piece of shrimp and throw out. Work it back like you are fishing for bass. You will pick up a pinfish in short time. On another pole fish with a flouro leader and hook. Toss out pinfish and let it swim in the open when it gets to shore cast out and then repeat. You can also do the same thing just use a carolina rig with a 1-4 oz sinker. Night fishing is also a great option, just bring a small lantern/radio/beverage of choice

Edit to include:

Also the flies work great when sheephead come through. Cast way out ahead to not spook them then crawl it back. (be sure to tip with shrimp) The big ones will wreck the hook but the mid size to small ones are a ton of fun and good eating. Juvenile snook and sheephead tend to cruise very tight to the rocks.

There is also a park on the other side of the pass but i haven't been there....we have a fried with a condo on the north side so that is what i am familiar with - the south side should be the same.

Be sure to follow all regulations and check to see if a license is required. I believe fishing from the beach is something that does not require a fishing license. Check the website or check with the local bait shops to clarify regulations.

If you do go to a bait shop, ask for a 'bubble rig'. This is by far one of my favorite things to throw on the beach...it is worth the $5 or so.