PRIVATE • SEASONAL FISHING • LICENSES INCLUDED
Clearwater Kingfish Charters
Fast. Aggressive. Hard Fighting.
Experience one of the Gulf Coast’s most exciting seasonal fisheries. King mackerel migrate through Clearwater’s nearshore waters during the spring and fall, bringing explosive strikes, screaming drags, and some seriously fast fish. We target kings around reefs, wrecks, hard bottom, and schools of bait when conditions are right.
Veteran & First Responder Owned • USCG Licensed Captain • All Fishing Licenses Included
Serving Clearwater • Dunedin • Palm Harbor • Tarpon Springs
SPRING & FALL KINGFISH SEASON
When to Fish for Kingfish in Clearwater
Kingfish are a seasonal favorite along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with some of our best opportunities coming during their spring and fall migrations. As bait moves through our nearshore waters and Gulf temperatures become favorable, king mackerel follow — bringing fast runs, explosive strikes, and some of the most exciting fishing of the year.
Looking for Fishing Outside Kingfish Season?
Explore Nearshore Fishing Charters →
Spring Migration • Fall Migration • Reefs • Wrecks • Bait Schools • Hard-Fighting Kings
Find the Bait:
Nearshore Reefs • Wrecks • Hard Bottom • Bait Schools • Birds & Surface Activity • Follow the Migration
Hook the King
Live Bait • Slow Trolling • Trolling Lures • Explosive Strikes • Screaming Drags • Hard-Fighting Fish
Spring & Fall Runs
Seasonal Migration • Favorable Water Temps • Spring Action • Fall Action • Conditions Matter • Captain’s Local Knowledge
PLAN YOUR KINGFISH TRIP
Kingfish are seasonal and their arrival varies with water temperature, bait and Gulf conditions. Contact Captain Gary if you’re planning a trip specifically to target kingfish.
FAST • AGGRESSIVE • BUILT TO FIGHT
What Makes Kingfish Fishing So Exciting?
King mackerel are built for speed. From explosive strikes to long, drag-screaming runs, kingfish deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back every spring and fall.
⚡ Speed
Explosive Strikes
Blistering Runs
Fast-Paced Action
Powerful Fish
🎣 How We Fish
Live Bait
Slow Trolling
Trolling Lures
Follow the Bait
🌊 Where We Fish
Nearshore Reefs
Wrecks
Hard Bottom
Bait Schools
📅 When We Fish
Spring Migration
Fall Migration
Low 80s–Upper 70s*
Conditions & Bait Matter
WHY CHOOSE KINGFISH?
Fast Fish. Screaming Drags. Serious Fun.
Kingfish are one of the Gulf Coast’s most exciting game fish. When the migration is on, these fast-moving predators follow schools of bait through Clearwater’s nearshore waters, creating opportunities for explosive strikes and drag-screaming runs.
🐟 FOLLOW THE BAIT
We look for bait schools, diving birds, reefs, wrecks and other signs that migrating kingfish are moving through the area.
🎣 EXPLOSIVE STRIKES
Kingfish are built for speed. A solid strike can turn into a screaming run in seconds — which is exactly what makes them so much fun to catch.
⏱️ NEARSHORE ACTION
During the migration, kings can move through Clearwater’s nearshore waters, giving us the opportunity for serious fishing without making a long offshore run.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
What's Included With Every Kingfish Charter
Head out for your Clearwater kingfish charter with everything you need for a successful day on the water provided. Just bring your favorite snacks, drinks and sunscreen—we’ll handle the rest.
INCLUDED
Private Charter
Your boat is reserved exclusively for your group.
USCG Licensed Captain
Experienced local guidance from departure to the last cast.
Fishing Licenses Included
Everyone in your group is covered.
Premium Rods & Reels
Quality tackle matched to the day’s target species.
Live Bait & Tackle
When conditions call for it, we’ll have the right bait ready.
Fish Cleaning
Keep your legal catch cleaned and bagged to take home.
JUST BRING
Your Favorite Drinks & Snacks
We’ll provide the adventure.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
The Gulf sun can be strong.
Comfortable Clothing
Dress for the weather and wear non-marking shoes if possible.
Camera or Phone — You’ll want pictures of these fish.
Cooler for Your Catch
If you’re keeping fish, bring a cooler for the ride home.
Your Crew & Sense of Adventure
We’ll take care of everything else.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for kingfish fishing in Clearwater?
Kingfish typically move through the Clearwater area during two seasonal migrations, with strong opportunities in the spring and fall. Water temperature, bait, weather and Gulf conditions all influence when the fish arrive and how long they stay.
How do you catch kingfish?
We use several techniques depending on conditions, including slow-trolling live bait and trolling artificial lures. Finding concentrations of bait is often the first step—where the bait goes, kingfish and other predators are often nearby.
Where do you fish for kingfish around Clearwater?
Kingfish can be found around nearshore reefs, wrecks, hard bottom and schools of bait in the Gulf. The exact location changes throughout the migration, so each trip is based on current conditions and where the fish are moving.
How big do kingfish get?
King mackerel can grow into very large, powerful fish. Size varies throughout the migration, and while every fish is different, even an average kingfish is capable of a fast, drag-screaming run.
Do I need fishing experience or a fishing license?
No experience is necessary, and your fishing license is included with your charter. We provide the rods, reels, tackle and guidance, whether you’re an experienced angler or catching your first kingfish.
Can we keep the kingfish we catch?
Yes, legal kingfish may be kept when current regulations allow. We follow all applicable size, bag and seasonal regulations, and your legal catch can be cleaned and bagged after the trip.
What happens if the kingfish aren't biting?
Kingfish are wild, migratory fish, so no catch can ever be guaranteed. If conditions change or the kings aren’t cooperating, Captain Gary can adjust tactics and, when appropriate, target other available nearshore species to give your crew the best fishing opportunity possible.
Can kids come kingfish fishing?
Absolutely. Kids are welcome on our private kingfish charters. When conditions are appropriate, kingfish can provide an exciting experience for younger anglers. Captain Gary can help with the tackle and technique and make the trip as hands-on as your crew wants.
Are your kingfish charters private?
Yes. Every Sportsman Charters trip is completely private—it’s just your group and Captain Gary aboard the boat. You won’t be paired with strangers, giving your crew more room, more personalized attention and more time on the rods.
All fishing charters depart from Ozona Shores Marina in Palm Harbor, providing quick access to the productive waters of Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and the surrounding Gulf Coast.
YOUR NEXT KING STARTS HERE
Ready to Chase Kingfish off Clearwater?
When the kingfish migration is on, there’s nothing quite like it. Follow the bait, watch the rods and get ready for explosive strikes and screaming runs on a private Clearwater kingfish charter with Captain Gary.
Looking for Something Different?
Explore more with Sportsman Charters:
🎣 Nearshore Fishing Charters →
Grouper • Snapper • Cobia • Seasonal Gulf Species
🌴 Adventure Charters →
Sandbars • Sunset Cruises • Dolphins • Custom Adventures
🎣 Inshore Fishing Charters →
Snook • Redfish • Spotted Trout • Year-Round Opportunities
⭐ Private Charters Only • ⭐ Fishing Licenses Included • ⭐ Veteran & First Responder Owned • ⭐ USCG Licensed Captain