Spanish mackerel fishing out of Clearwater is a spring run on nearshore water, within reach of a 4 to 6 hour trip. Every ground below is measured from Clearwater Pass, given as depth in feet plus distance and bearing. For biology, tackle and leaders, read our Spanish mackerel guide. This page gives a waypoint shortlist sorted by run distance, how the fish are worked locally, and which station to read before you run. It helps you decide where to look and does not promise fish.
When Spanish mackerel are off Clearwater
Spanish mackerel arrive off Clearwater around March and stay through spring. This port’s share of the wider Gulf run (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide) happens on nearshore water: along the beaches, over artificial reefs and over larger natural bottom.
Where boats run from Clearwater Pass
Boats run nearshore on 4 to 6 hour trips, covering the beaches, artificial reefs and larger natural bottom. The reefs lie off Pinellas County. Distances and bearings are measured from Clearwater Pass. Chart layers and bearings are not for navigation.
| Ground | Type | Depth (ft) | Distance and bearing from Clearwater Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater Reef | Reef | 27 to 32 | 5.0 mi at 311 degrees |
| Sand Key Reef | Reef | 20 | 5.0 mi at 194 degrees |
| Dunedin Reef | Reef | 27 to 33 | |
| Loggerhead Ledge | Ledge | 40 | 9.4 mi |
| Rube Alan Reef | Reef | 50 | 12.0 mi at 260 degrees |
| Veteran Reef | Reef | 45 | 12.8 mi at 300 degrees |
| Gregs Ledge | Ledge | 55 | 13.8 mi at 289 degrees |
| Indian Shores Reef | Reef | 42 | 14.3 mi at 238 degrees |
Clearwater Reef position per ReefsNwrecks.
Along the beaches
The beaches are the shortest run from the Pass.
Reefs within 5 miles
Clearwater Reef sits in 27 to 32 ft, 5.0 mi at 311 degrees. Sand Key Reef sits in 20 ft, 5.0 mi at 194 degrees, and is the shallowest listed ground. Both are the same distance out on opposite headings, with Clearwater Reef to the north and Sand Key to the south. Dunedin Reef holds 27 to 33 ft. This band is the short end of a 4 to 6 hour trip.
Ledges and reefs 9 to 14 miles out
In distance order:
- Loggerhead Ledge: 40 ft, 9.4 mi.
- Rube Alan Reef: 50 ft, 12.0 mi at 260 degrees.
- Veteran Reef: 45 ft, 12.8 mi at 300 degrees.
- Gregs Ledge: 55 ft, 13.8 mi at 289 degrees.
- Indian Shores Reef: 42 ft, 14.3 mi at 238 degrees.
Loggerhead Ledge and Gregs Ledge are the larger natural bottom. Indian Shores Reef, at 14.3 mi, is the farthest listed ground and the far edge of what a 4 to 6 hour trip reaches.
How Spanish mackerel are fished from Clearwater
Locally, Spanish mackerel are fished with trolling spreads on the short trips. A station reading before you run tells you what to expect at the beach.
Trolling spreads on short trips
Stella’s notes on charter trolling show how local charters work the spread. For the method across other species, see trolling across coastal gamefish.
Reading CWBF1 before you run
The nearest NOAA station is NDBC CWBF1 at Clearwater Beach (27.978N 82.832W), which is also NOAA tide station 8726724. Check wind, wave height and tide there, then the NWS marine forecast, before you run. CWBF1 is a shore station, so it reads conditions at the beach and not at Veteran Reef, 12.8 mi out.
Who fishes Spanish mackerel out of Clearwater
Two local charters list Spanish mackerel: Stella Fishing Co. and Reel Deal Sportfishing. Reel Deal Sportfishing runs Reel Deal and Reel Deal II, both 34 ft diesel sportfishers. For the grounds above, a charter crew is the alternative to running your own boat.
FAQ: Spanish mackerel fishing out of Clearwater
When do Spanish mackerel arrive off Clearwater?
Around March. They stay through spring on nearshore water, along the beaches, over reefs and over larger natural bottom.
How far do I run from Clearwater Pass?
Run nearshore, on 4 to 6 hour trips. The inner grounds sit at 5.0 mi. The outer grounds run from Loggerhead Ledge at 9.4 mi to Indian Shores Reef at 14.3 mi.
Which reef is closest to Clearwater Pass?
Clearwater Reef (27 to 32 ft, 5.0 mi at 311 degrees) and Sand Key Reef (20 ft, 5.0 mi at 194 degrees) are the closest listed grounds. Both sit 5.0 mi from the Pass, on opposite headings.
How are Spanish mackerel fished here?
With trolling spreads on the short trips, along the beaches, over artificial reefs and over larger natural bottom.
Which Clearwater charters list Spanish mackerel?
Stella Fishing Co. and Reel Deal Sportfishing. Reel Deal Sportfishing runs Reel Deal and Reel Deal II, both 34 ft diesel sportfishers.
