Capitano
Paul Duffey

Member since July 2022 Clearwater, United States
Sfondo
Man, I love what I do! Being a full-time fishing guide for me is an excuse to fish with new friends and share this amazing place I call home! I am laid back and absolutely love to put people on fish! A screaming drag is one of my favorite sounds in the world! Let's go bend a few rods and make some memories!
Tecniche
Light Spinning tackle sight fishing Fly Fishing for tailing redfish

Ciao, sono il Capitano Paul Duffey

Acqua pulita, Stati Uniti
Sfondo
Man, I love what I do! Being a full-time fishing guide for me is an excuse to fish with new friends and share this amazing place I call home! I am laid back and absolutely love to put people on fish! A screaming drag is one of my favorite sounds in the world! Let's go bend a few rods and make some memories!
Tecniche
Light Spinning tackle sight fishing Fly Fishing for tailing redfish
26
Recensioni
35
Rapporti di Pesca
Verificato
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TIGHTLINES CHARTER Family Friendly to Expert!

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Skinnywater Sightfishing 1 on 1 experience

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Palm Harbor
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Rapporti di Pesca

Catch & Release Fishing in Clearwater โ€“
Catch & Release Fishing in Clearwater โ€“
Mar 13, 2026 Acqua pulita
Catch & Release Fishing on the Clearwater Flats If youโ€™re planning a Clearwater Florida snook fishing charter, this time of year is one of the most important periods for protecting our fishery. As water temperatures rise and we move deeper into spring, more species become active โ€” especially snook returning to the flats and staging to spawn. Right now, weโ€™re still catching big trout and sheepshead, but the real story is whatโ€™s happening with snook and redfish. These fish are transitioning into their spawning cycle, and how we handle them today directly impacts the fishery weโ€™ll have tomorrow. Why Catch & Release Matters (Especially for Snook) Snook are one of the most valuable, year round, inshore species we have here on Floridaโ€™s Gulf Coast โ€” not just for fishing, but for the entire ecosystem. Hereโ€™s what most people donโ€™t realize: A single female snook can release around 1 to 1.5 million eggs per spawn They can spawn multiple times per season โ€” sometimes every couple of days Spawning season runs spring through early fall, right when most anglers are targeting them That means one healthy slot or oversized snook could potentially produce millions of offspring in a single season. But hereโ€™s the reality: Only about 1 in every 5 million eggs survives to reach legal size Thatโ€™s why releasing these fish โ€” especially the bigger ones โ€” is so important. The Bigger the Fish, The More Important the Release Snook have a unique life cycle: Most smaller fish are male Larger fish become female breeders So when you release a big snook, youโ€™re not just letting one fish go โ€” ? Youโ€™re protecting a major contributor to the entire population. This is especially important right now as fish begin to move toward passes, beaches, and spawning areas around Clearwater and Tampa Bay. What Weโ€™re Seeing on the Water Right Now On recent trips: Snook are starting to show back up on the flats Big redfish are cruising shallow water Trout and sheepshead are still providing steady action This mix of species makes it a great time to fish, but also a critical time to practice responsible handling and release techniques. Best Catch & Release Practices When weโ€™re targeting snook and other inshore species, a few simple things make a huge difference: Keep fish in the water as much as possible Use circle hooks when fishing live bait Handle fish with wet hands Avoid dragging fish onto dry decks Minimize time out of the water for photos Revive fish properly before release These small actions dramatically increase survival rates. Teaching the Next Generation One of the best parts of running family fishing charters in Clearwater is teaching kids not just how to catch fish โ€” but how to respect them. A lot of our trips now focus on: Learning how to handle fish properly Understanding why we release certain species Seeing how healthy fisheries benefit everyone Itโ€™s not just about catching fish โ€” itโ€™s about making sure theyโ€™re there for years to come. The Future of Clearwater Fishing The fishery we enjoy today exists because of responsible anglers before us. With snook populations recovering and growing in recent years, continuing strong catch and release practices โ€” especially during spawning periods โ€” is key to keeping the bite strong. Whether youโ€™re targeting snook, redfish, trout, or just looking for a fun day on the water, practicing conservation helps ensure that Clearwater fishing stays world-class.
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Spring Transition Fishing in Clearwater:
Spring Transition Fishing in Clearwater:
Mar 2, 2026 Acqua pulita
Spring Transition Fishing on the Clearwater Flats & the Gulf If youโ€™re looking for spring inshore fishing charters in Clearwater Florida, right now is one of the most exciting times of the year on our local flats. The Gulf Coast is in that seasonal transition where winter species are still biting, but our spring and summer fish are starting to move back into the shallows. On recent trips weโ€™ve been seeing big speckled trout and sheepshead still holding strong, while at the same time snook are beginning to show up on the flats again and redfish are cruising shallow water. For anglers, this overlap creates some of the best mixed-bag fishing of the entire year. Big Trout Still Biting Even though water temperatures are warming, the trophy trout bite is still going strong. Many of these fish spent the winter staged around deeper grass flats and potholes, and they continue feeding aggressively as bait starts to return to the area. Weโ€™ve been finding our best trout by working: Deeper grass flats early in the morning Sandy potholes along the edges of the flats Areas with good tidal movement and shallow grass flats late in the day Both live shrimp and artificial lures have been producing, and the size of some of these trout this time of year can be impressive. Sheepshead Season Still Hanging On Another species that is still providing steady action is sheepshead. While the peak of the spawn is beginning to wind down, plenty of fish remain around structure, docks, and rocky areas throughout Clearwater and the surrounding coast. Sheepshead are a great target for anglers of all experience levels because: They fight hard for their size They are plentiful this time of year (really year round) They are one of the best tasting fish in the Gulf Live shrimp fished close to structure continues to be the most reliable way to hook up with these striped bandits. Snook Returning to the Flats One of the most exciting signs of the season changing is the return of snook to the shallow flats. As water temperatures stabilize, these fish begin moving out of their winter refuges and back into areas where theyโ€™ll spend the warmer months. Seeing them hovering in the shallows warming up is one of the best spring sights to see! Seeing snook start to appear again means: Sight fishing opportunities increase More topwater action in the mornings Exciting light-tackle fights Hooking a snook in skinny water is always a highlight of any trip. Big Redfish in Shallow Water Along with the snook movement, we are also starting to see big redfish cruising the flats. These fish are often found in extremely shallow water, sometimes tailing or pushing wakes as they move through the grass. For anglers who enjoy sight fishing, this is one of the best times of year to: Spot redfish from a distance Make precise casts with artificial lures or flies Watch the fish react to your presentation Thereโ€™s nothing quite like watching a redfish track down a bait in clear, shallow water. A Great Time for a Mixed-Bag Trip Because of this seasonal overlap, many trips right now are producing multiple species in a single outing. Itโ€™s not unusual to catch trout and sheepshead early in the trip and then spend the rest of the time targeting redfish or snook as the tide changes. This variety makes early spring one of the best times for anglers who want to experience everything Clearwaterโ€™s inshore fishery has to offer. We look forward to seeing you on the boat!
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Clearwater Fishing Report โ€“ February 4th
Clearwater Fishing Report โ€“ February 4th
Feb 4, 2026 Palm Harbor
This weekโ€™s Clearwater skinny water redfish sightfishing charter report followed the recent stretch of abnormally cold temperatures that led to localized fish kills around parts the Gulf Coast. While the cold definitely affected some areas, the system remains healthy and we were still able to locate active fish by focusing on protected backwater flats that warmed quickly once the sun came up. These trips were run on our Gheenoe, which allowed us to reach extremely shallow water that most boats simply cannot access. Late morning incoming sun warmed the dark bottom and pulled fish onto the flats, and we were able to sightfish some big redfish cruising in as little as 6 inches of water. Instead of blind casting, my clients were spotting individual fish, planning the cast, and watching the eat โ€” that's sightfishing at its best!. These one-on-one trips really shine in these conditions. With only a single angler on board I can pole quietly, control boat position, and take time setting up each shot. These trips are especially rewarding for experienced anglers who want to make accurate presentations and target larger fish rather than just catch numbers. Several quality redfish were landed, and many more were seen tailing and pushing wakes across the shallow flats. Even with the focus on redfish, the rest of the winter fishery continues to produce. Trout fishing remains strong with gator trout over 20 inches still being caught along deeper grass edges, and the clear water continues to make spotting sheepshead around structure surprisingly easy on inshore trips. Cold weather always changes fish behavior, but it also concentrates them into predictable patterns. By adjusting locations and timing, we were able to stay on feeding fish and experience some of the most technical and exciting fishing of the season.
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Clearwater Gator Trout Bite Heats Up!
Clearwater Gator Trout Bite Heats Up!
Gen 1, 2026 Acqua pulita
Clearwater inshore fishing charter for big speckled trout The new year kicked off with outstanding action on our Clearwater inshore fishing charters, as winter conditions lined up perfectly for targeting big gator speckled trout. Cooler water temperatures, lighter boat traffic, and stable weather created an ideal setup, and the trout responded by feeding aggressively throughout the week. These winter trout are exactly what many anglers wait all year for. Larger fish grouped up on predictable structure, making it possible to target quality over quantity while still enjoying steady action. Several trips this week produced trout well into the upper slot, with a few true gator-class fish that made for unforgettable catches and great photos. Where We Found the Fish Most of our success came from working shallow grass flats with nearby depth changes, focusing on potholes, edges, and subtle depressions where trout can ambush bait. On incoming tides, fish pushed up shallow and fed actively, while outgoing water pulled larger trout toward drop-offs and channel edges. Mangrove shorelines near grass flats also played a key role, especially on days with light wind and clear water. These areas provide warmth, cover, and bait, making them prime winter holding spots for larger trout. Best Baits and Techniques Live shrimp was the top producer this week, especially when fished slowly under a Four Horseman popping corks or on an unweighted float near structure. Artificial lures also performed well, particularly soft plastics and suspending twitch baits worked deliberately along the bottom. Slowing down presentations was critical โ€” winter trout arenโ€™t willing to chase far, but when you put a bait in front of them, they commit. Light tackle made these fish even more fun, and itโ€™s a great way for kids and first-time anglers to experience solid fights without feeling overwhelmed. Why Winter Is Prime for Family-Friendly Trips January is one of the best months for family-friendly inshore fishing in Clearwater. The calmer seas, cooler temperatures, and protected waters make trips comfortable and productive. Trout fishing offers consistent bites without long runs, which is ideal for younger anglers or anyone looking for a relaxed day on the water. In addition to great fishing, winter trips often include encounters with dolphins, manatees, and a wide variety of bird life, adding to the overall experience and making these trips just as much about enjoying Floridaโ€™s natural beauty as catching fish. Why Gator Trout Are Special Big speckled trout are territorial, smart, and selective feeders. Catching them consistently requires understanding tides, water temperature, and bait movement โ€” all things that come together during the winter months. January is when patience pays off, and this week proved just how rewarding that can be. For anglers chasing a personal best trout, now is the time to be on the water.
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Dec 25 โ€“ Clearwater Holiday Fishing: Mix
Dec 25 โ€“ Clearwater Holiday Fishing: Mix
Dic 23, 2025 Acqua pulita
Merry Christmas from the Tightlines family to yours! The holiday week brought great weather, smiling faces, and exactly what winter anglers hope forโ€”steady, mixedโ€‘bag inshore action throughout the Clearwater area. Our familyโ€‘friendly fishing charters found consistent bites around docks, seawalls, and channel edges across Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf, producing a variety of species that kept rods bending for families, visiting relatives, and groups enjoying time on the water during the holidays. This Weekโ€™s Fishing Report Holiday conditions lined up perfectly for inshore fishing around Clearwater. Cooler winter water temperatures stabilized the bite, lighter boat traffic opened up prime structure, and fish stayed grouped up in predictable areas all day. We focused on dock lines with tidal movement, deeper residential canals, barnacleโ€‘covered seawalls, and channel edges that held bait. The mixedโ€‘bag pattern made for fun, fastโ€‘paced trips. Sheepshead continued to feed aggressively on structure, mangrove snapper showed well around docks, and black drum added steady action. We also picked up juvenile grouper and the occasional trout on deeper edges. This style of fishing is perfect for families and firstโ€‘time anglers because bites are frequent, techniques are simple, and thereโ€™s always something happening. Species Caught This Week: Sheepshead Mangrove snapper Black drum Redfish (Red Drum) Speckled Sea Trout Snook The diversity kept trips exciting and gave kids and firstโ€‘time anglers plenty of opportunities to catch fish. Why Holiday Weeks Are Great for Inshore Fishing Holiday weeks are some of the best times of the year to fish Clearwaterโ€™s inshore waters. Reduced boat traffic allows fish to settle into comfortable patterns, and cooler water temperatures keep them tight to structure. Combined with calm winter conditions, this creates an ideal environment for family fishing trips where kids can stay engaged and parents can relax and enjoy the experience. Book Your Holiday & Winter Fishing Trip If youโ€™re visiting Clearwater for the holidays or planning a winter getaway, now is a great time to get on the water. Our familyโ€‘friendly inshore fishing charters are perfect for kids, beginners, and anyone looking for a fun outdoor activity during their stay. Trips fill quickly during the holiday season, so be sure to reserve your date in advance and make fishing part of your Clearwater vacation. Next Weekโ€™s Fishing Preview Clearwater Canal Snook Fishing. Looking ahead, warming afternoon temperatures and stable winter patterns should push snook deeper into residential canals throughout Clearwater and St. Joseph's Sou. Expect the best action around docks, seawalls, and deeper bends during the warmest part of the day. These canal snook patterns offer exciting sightโ€‘fishing opportunities and steady bites in protected water, making next week another excellent option for familyโ€‘friendly inshore fishing trips.
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Dec 18 โ€“ Peak Sheepshead Season: Clearwa
Dec 18 โ€“ Peak Sheepshead Season: Clearwa
Dic 16, 2025 Acqua pulita
Winter sheepshead season is officially underway in Clearwater, and our fishing charters this week found big fish stacked on dock lines, bridge pilings, and seawalls from Mandalay Channel through St. Joseph Sound. Cooler water and barnacle-rich structure make this the most dependable bite of the seasonโ€”perfect for families looking for constant action. This Weekโ€™s Fishing Report: The winter pattern has fully set in across St. Joseph's Sound and Clearwater Harbor. As water temperatures drop, sheepshead slide up tight to structure and feed aggressively on barnacles and crustaceans. We focused on deeper docks with good tidal flow, bridge pilings during moving water, and seawalls that stay warm in the afternoon sun. Light tackle with small hooks and fiddler crabs or shrimp produced best, especially on slower portions of the tide when fish stayed pinned to structure. Most of our fish came from precise presentations tight to pilingsโ€”when the bite was on, it was quick and consistent. This is one of the most reliable bites we see all year, making it ideal for firstโ€‘time anglers and family groups. Species Caught While sheepshead were the star of the show, trips also produced a mixed inshore catch, including: Sheepshead Mangrove snapper Black drum This variety keeps rods bending and kids engaged, especially on shorter trips. Best Areas This Week: Nearshore wrecks out of Anclote Clearwater Harbor Dock lines and residential canals Bridge pilings with steady current Seawalls holding barnacle growth Abandon boats with heavy growth Protected water and short runs kept conditions comfortable even on cooler mornings. Why Winter Is Great for Family Fishing Winter inshore fishing around Clearwater offers some of the calmest water and most predictable action of the year. With fish holding close to structure and biting consistently, families can enjoy steady action without long runs or rough conditions. Itโ€™s an excellent time to introduce kids to fishing or keep everyone involved from start to finish. Next Weekโ€™s Fishing Preview: Clearwater Holiday Fishing: Mixed Bag Inshore Action. As we move into the holiday week, expect a true mixedโ€‘bag inshore bite across Clearwater and upper Tampa Bay. Cooling water temperatures will keep sheepshead active on structure, while mangrove snapper, black drum, and seasonal species continue to show on docks and deeper edges. With light holiday boat traffic and calm winter conditions, this is shaping up to be an excellent week for family fishing trips, visiting relatives, and anglers looking to put fresh fish in the cooler during the holidays.
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Recensioni dei clienti

Riepilogo delle valutazioni
Eccellente
4.7 / 5
su 5 stelle da 26 recensioni
Vedi dettagli
Imbarcazione
Eccellente
4.8 / 5
Equipaggio
Eccellente
4.8 / 5
Esperienza
Eccellente
4.6 / 5
Foto e video degli utenti (34)
Great trip!
Great trip!
Great trip. Very accommodating.
+31
Valutazione del pescatore
21
3
1
0
0
I pescatori hanno dichiarato
Buona esperienza
89%
Capitano cordiale
100%
Consiglia questo charter
88%
Adatto ai bambini
94%
Soddisfatto dellโ€™imbarcazione
100%
Pesce catturato
81%
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Scott T.
Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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5.0 / 5
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Eccellente
5.0 / 5
Complessivamente

Great trip!

VERIFICATO   NUOVO  INSHORE 1/2 DAY TRIP - Reds & Snook - 7:00 AM il Marzo 25, 2026
We had a morning with Paul.ย  After our safety review we boated out to his spot and spent our morning catching fish. Large...
Scott T. consiglia TIGHTLINES CHARTER Family Friendly to Expert!
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Kristen T.
Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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5.0 / 5
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Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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Nice trip!

VERIFICATO   NUOVO  Inshore 3hr Quick Trip - Tightlines il Marzo 14, 2026
We had a family-friendly trip where we caught a lot of different fish and to check out the area along the way. Captain Paul...
Kristen T. consiglia TIGHTLINES CHARTER Family Friendly to Expert!
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Kevin K.
Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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Eccellente
5.0 / 5
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5.0 / 5
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5.0 / 5
Complessivamente

Great trip. Very accommodating.

VERIFICATO   NUOVO  INSHORE 1/2 DAY TRIP - Reds & Snook il Marzo 22, 2026
Great trip.ย  We had a newcomer to fishing and captain hit a variety of spots where everyone was able to get in on the action.
Kevin K. consiglia TIGHTLINES CHARTER Family Friendly to Expert!
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John P.
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5.0 / 5
Complessivamente

Very professional.

VERIFICATO   NUOVO  INSHORE 1/2 DAY TRIP - Reds & Snook - 7:00 AM il Marzo 13, 2026
Was on time, professional, very accommodating with instructions.ย  Would definitely recommend!
John P. consiglia TIGHTLINES CHARTER Family Friendly to Expert!
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Lance E.
Eccellente
4.7 / 5
Esperienza:
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5.0 / 5
Imbarcazione
Eccellente
5.0 / 5
Equipaggio
Molto bene
4.0 / 5
Complessivamente

Fishing with Paul

VERIFICATO   NUOVO  INSHORE 1/2 DAY TRIP - Reds & Snook - 2:00 PM il Marzo 13, 2026
Lance E. consiglia TIGHTLINES CHARTER Family Friendly to Expert!
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