Clearwater, FL Marine Weather & Fishing Forecast

Clearwater, FL Conditions: Saturday, August 1

On Saturday, August 1, Clearwater, FL sees high tide at 2:26 AM (2.4 ft) and 1:38 PM (3.0 ft), low tide at 7:41 AM (1.1 ft) and 8:28 PM (0.3 ft). Winds 3–14 mph from the SW gusting to 19 mph. Air temperatures 76–89°F. Current water temperature is about 85°F. The strongest fishing windows line up with the moving water around each tide change, roughly an hour on either side.

Tides from NOAA Station 8726724 · wind & temperature from Open-Meteo. Open the live forecast for hourly charts and the 7-day outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tides in Clearwater, FL today?

Clearwater, FL experiences a mixed semidiurnal tide pattern common along the Gulf Coast, with two unequal high and low tides each day. The difference between highs can be significant, so check both tide heights when planning your trip.

What is the best time to fish in Clearwater, FL?

The best fishing near Clearwater, FL is typically one to two hours before and after each tide change, when moving water flushes bait off flats and through passes. On the Gulf Coast, outgoing tides are often the most productive because they concentrate baitfish in channels and creek mouths.

Is it safe to boat in Clearwater, FL today?

Check the live wind forecast above for current conditions near Clearwater, FL. Gulf waters can build steep chop quickly in winds above 15 mph, especially when wind opposes the tidal current. Afternoon sea breezes are common from spring through fall and can increase winds significantly after midday.

What is the water temperature near Clearwater, FL?

Water temperature data for Clearwater, FL is sourced from the nearest NOAA station (8726724). In Florida, seasonal temperature swings significantly influence which species are active and where they can be found — check current readings in the tide panel above.

What wind conditions are expected in Clearwater, FL today?

The wind chart above shows today's hourly forecast for Clearwater, FL using Open-Meteo weather model data. Along the Gulf Coast, east and southeast winds typically produce the best inshore fishing conditions with cleaner water, while west and southwest winds can push murky water across bays.

Fishing in Clearwater, FL

Clearwater Beach is not only home to some of the Nation's prettiest white sand beaches, it is also the gateway to some of Florida's finest nearshore and offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. The famous Clearwater Pass connects the Gulf to the bay, creating powerful tidal flows that concentrate baitfish and attract gamefish like snook, redfish and tarpon throughout the year. The nearby artificial reefs hold trophy red and gag grouper and snapper for offshore anglers.

Planning Your Trip

Inshore anglers can work the flats from boat, kayak or wading for spotted seatrout and redfish. The grass flats around Caladesi Island State Park are an amazing place to explore, with shallow water that rewards patient sight-fishing on calm mornings. Spring tarpon runs through Clearwater Pass bring some of the most exciting inshore action of the year.

Offshore fishing from Clearwater accesses hard bottom and ledges holding amberjack, red snapper, mangrove snapper and grouper. Live pinfish or pilchards over structure produces consistent results when the tides align. Use the wind and tide forecasts above to find the most productive windows for your offshore trip.

What's Biting in Clearwater, Season by Season

Spring: Kingfish and Spanish mackerel stream past the beaches from late March into May, often within casting range of the sand. Snook wake up and stage around Clearwater Pass and Dunedin Causeway, cobia track rays over nearshore hard bottom, and hogfish and gag grouper remain in reach on close-in ledges early in the season.

Summer: Snook spawn in Clearwater Pass and Hurricane Pass, feeding hard on strong outgoing tides at night. Tarpon travel the beach trough from Sand Key up past Honeymoon Island through June and July. Mangrove snapper load up on nearshore rocks and the pass bridges, and early-morning trout fishing on St. Joseph Sound stays steady.

Fall: October brings the beach bite back. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish crash glass minnow schools along the sand and in the passes, and redfish bunch into schools on the flats of St. Joseph Sound. Snook feed heavily around structure before winter, and flounder collect on sandy edges near the passes.

Winter: Sheepshead take over the pass bridges, docks and rock piles from December through February, joined by black drum and flounder. Trout hold in the deeper holes of St. Joseph Sound and the Intracoastal, and hogfish fishing on nearshore hard bottom is at its best when seas allow the run out.

Local Spots Worth Knowing

Big Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach fishes around the clock and produces mackerel, snook, pompano and sheepshead depending on season. Sand Key Park sits on the south side of Clearwater Pass, where strong tides funnel bait past the jetty. To the north, Dunedin Causeway offers easy wading and kayak launching onto the grass of St. Joseph Sound, and Honeymoon Island State Park covers the north tip of that system, with beach access toward Hurricane Pass where snook and tarpon run in summer.

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