Clearwater, FL shore/bay fishing

I haven't fished that particular area, but have always had fun fishing the surf. the key is to get your bait as far out as you can. you may want to wade out into waist deep water and cast from there, if it is shallow pretty far out.

wish I was down around some salt water!

you may want to pick up a couple of artificial baits as well, just to get a little variety. something like a couple of purple sparkle beetles, gold spoon, etc.

fwiw, be sure you have some pliers, as you will be meeting a good number of saltwater catfish over the next few days.

Thanks bud. A google map would be ideal, although if it is a popular spot I'm sure other folks will be fishing and I can check them out. Any idea what to do bait and equipment set up wise? I have a cheap rig I bought here, as I couldn't bring much of my own tackle on the flight.

Thanks.

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

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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.

Thanks for the info. This has been solid. I will be out trying tomorrow. Ain't got anything to do.

There is an old bridge turned into a pier that's pretty good. Flats in bays are good when water is moving

Live fish trump shrimp there

I live just south in Madeira Beach. Just a couple tips for OP.

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Flats in bays are good when water is moving.

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Not always true especially this time of year. Reds are killing it right now at slack tide. Easy fishing especially at low tide when you see them tailing and following the mullet schools. Trout are still mushy. Need cooler water to firm up the meat.

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Live fish trump shrimp there.

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Very true until November-December when the bait schools leave. Winter fishing is all about the shrimps. However if you can get some live "select" shrimp right now I would free line them in any pass on outgoing tide for 40"+ snook. You will need a snook stamp to keep and fish need to be in slot.

Last thing OP. Clearwater was ground zero for the 100 million gallon sewage dump. As of last week the beaches there still had warnings up for bacteria and red tide. Come south to Indian Rocks or Redington Shores if you want to beach fish. There are some pretty famous fishing spots in both. Just a bit further south at Johns Pass the tarpon are still there and people are catching some big ones. Huge swim baits or a tiny pink/green crappie jig are killing it. If you hook one and are under geared then prepare to be spooled.