Clearwater Fishing Reports (October 2026)

Tierra Verde, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

The next 2 months thru mid August, with such a diverse range of fishing opportunities and an abundance of species, anglers of all skill levels eagerly embrace the call of the waters. Whether it’s the allure of landing a massive ARS, the excitement of the ongoing spot run, the pursuit of elusive Gag Grouper or the challenge of reeling in a Cobia or Wahoo, the Tampa Bay region - Gulf of Mexico offers an unparalleled offshore fishing experience.
As the summer progresses, anglers must stay informed about regulations and restrictions to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Ideal temperatures, calm seas and...

Ron F. Tierra Verde, Florida Reported 3 years ago

The next 2 months thru mid August, with such a diverse range of fishing opportunities and an abundance of species, anglers of all skill levels eagerly embrace the call of the waters. Whether it’s the allure of landing a massive ARS, the excitement of the ongoing spot run, the pursuit of elusive Gag Grouper or the challenge of reeling in a Cobia or Wahoo, the Tampa Bay region - Gulf of Mexico offers an unparalleled offshore fishing experience.
As the summer progresses, anglers must stay informed about regulations and restrictions to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Ideal temperatures, calm seas and light current all add up to a formula for some tasty snapper dinners. ARS - American Red Snapper Mangrove snapper, Mutton snapper, Lane snapper and Vermilion snapper are all in the mix for bottom fishers throughout the Tampa Bay area along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Ideal conditions & Federal NOAA reports validate the 2023 ARS Season is going to be dynamic - EPIC only for those whom have the required Federal Issued Credentials to legally Target & Keep the coveted Pelagic Species which includes American Red Snapper, Gag Grouper etc

Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida

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Phil P.

Ruskin, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

Hot summer means hot fishing
The water temps in Tampa Bay have soared into the upper 80s this brings extreme fishing to our doorstep . tarpon, Goliath, grouper and sharks are in the mix. Inshore. Fishing is still readily available. The trout have really rebounded nicely. After the big toxic dump, we had here three marches ago. Still lots of them on the flats. The snook have moved to areas near deeper water, and we're still getting some great redfish in the back country . The mangrove snapper spawn is driven by the moons in the summer and we will...

Phil P. Ruskin, Florida Reported 3 years ago

Hot summer means hot fishing
The water temps in Tampa Bay have soared into the upper 80s this brings extreme fishing to our doorstep . tarpon, Goliath, grouper and sharks are in the mix. Inshore. Fishing is still readily available. The trout have really rebounded nicely. After the big toxic dump, we had here three marches ago. Still lots of them on the flats. The snook have moved to areas near deeper water, and we're still getting some great redfish in the back country . The mangrove snapper spawn is driven by the moons in the summer and we will get the biggest of the year
Late summer means to Key West time for us we will be in Key West from July 23 until the end of August with the dates available for lobstering offshore, reef deep, dropping and back country hit us up through Captains experiences to book your trip today . tight lines until next time Captain Phil

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Ron F.

Tierra Verde, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

We are kicking ass & taking names ----
It is snapper city this weekend and throughout the next 2 months thru mid August.
Hot temperatures, calm seas and light current all add up to a formula for some tasty snapper dinners. Mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper and vermilion snapper are all in the mix for bottom fishers throughout the Tampa Bay area along the Gulf Coast.
Ideal conditions & Federal NOAA reports validate the 2023 ARS Season is going to be dynamic - EPIC only for those whom have the required Federal Issued Credentials to legally Target & Keep...

Ron F. Tierra Verde, Florida Reported 3 years ago

We are kicking ass & taking names ----
It is snapper city this weekend and throughout the next 2 months thru mid August.
Hot temperatures, calm seas and light current all add up to a formula for some tasty snapper dinners. Mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper and vermilion snapper are all in the mix for bottom fishers throughout the Tampa Bay area along the Gulf Coast.
Ideal conditions & Federal NOAA reports validate the 2023 ARS Season is going to be dynamic - EPIC only for those whom have the required Federal Issued Credentials to legally Target & Keep the covented Pelagic Species which includes American Red Snapper, Gag Grouper etc
We Deliver the Results Exceed Expectations!!"

Amberjack, Red Grouper, Red Snapper, Yellowtail Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida

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Alex K.

Bradenton, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

Plenty of snook trout and mangrove snapper with your occasional redfish and flounder

Alex K. Bradenton, Florida Reported 3 years ago

Plenty of snook trout and mangrove snapper with your occasional redfish and flounder

Speckled Trout Fishing in Bradenton, Florida

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Steve H.

Largo, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

Red snapper fishing in Clearwater Beach can be excellent during the summer months, particularly in depths of 100-150 feet. Federal for hire Red snapper season opens June 1st, and recreational season opens June 16th and runs into the middle of August. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 red snappers per person per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches.
Red grouper fishing can also be productive in the same depths as red snapper. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 red grouper per person per day with a minimum size limit of 20 inches.
When targeting red snapper and...

Steve H. Largo, Florida Reported 3 years ago

Red snapper fishing in Clearwater Beach can be excellent during the summer months, particularly in depths of 100-150 feet. Federal for hire Red snapper season opens June 1st, and recreational season opens June 16th and runs into the middle of August. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 red snappers per person per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches.
Red grouper fishing can also be productive in the same depths as red snapper. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 red grouper per person per day with a minimum size limit of 20 inches.
When targeting red snapper and red grouper, it's important to use heavy tackle and live or cut bait. Squid and sardines are popular bait choices, but other options like pinfish, grunts, and cigar minnows can also be effective. Bottom fishing techniques like drifting and anchoring can both be effective, depending on the conditions.
Overall, Clearwater Beach offers excellent offshore fishing opportunities for red snapper and red grouper during the summer months. It's always a good idea to check local regulations and weather conditions before heading out and to consider hiring a local guide or charter to help you find the best spots and techniques. We recommend at least an 8 hour charter for red groupers and 10-12 hour charters are best for both grouper and red snapper.

Red Grouper, Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida

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Ron F.

Tierra Verde, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

This area has become a dream destination for world-class sportfishing.
Whether you are an avid angler or new to the sport, there is something for everyone here. With the vibrant & bountiful Gulf of Mexico, great fishing year-round and easy access to offshore fishing is a must do for anyone.
Go offshore and fish the deep blue waters for large Edible pelagic species like Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna Or switch things up and target the Battlers such as AJ, Cobia, Kings, and Tarpon. There is some great fishing year round!
If you’re not sure where to go, don’t worry. We...

Ron F. Tierra Verde, Florida Reported 3 years ago

This area has become a dream destination for world-class sportfishing.
Whether you are an avid angler or new to the sport, there is something for everyone here. With the vibrant & bountiful Gulf of Mexico, great fishing year-round and easy access to offshore fishing is a must do for anyone.
Go offshore and fish the deep blue waters for large Edible pelagic species like Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna Or switch things up and target the Battlers such as AJ, Cobia, Kings, and Tarpon. There is some great fishing year round!
If you’re not sure where to go, don’t worry. We have U covered. Decide first what type of fishing you want to do and a Target Date that compliments your schedule.
With a good grasp on what to catch, finding the best time of year to enjoy a day on the water is easy.
Once you decide the species you want to catch and the time of year, We will hook U up!

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Craig L.

St. Petersburg, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

Tarpon have shown up
in good numbers off the beaches of Indian Rocks Beach to the clearwater beach area. They can be found just out side the swim boys up and down all the beaches. They will be in the passes awell the backwaters of clearwater sound and Dunedin FL into Tampa Bay. We can hook you up to these
majestic fish. Redfish, Trout, and Snook have been scattered from the beaches to the flat. Most of the big speckled trout are off the beaches mixed with the snook witch make for great sight fishing. Scaled sardines,
Small Pinfish and...

Craig L. St. Petersburg, Florida Reported 3 years ago

Tarpon have shown up
in good numbers off the beaches of Indian Rocks Beach to the clearwater beach area. They can be found just out side the swim boys up and down all the beaches. They will be in the passes awell the backwaters of clearwater sound and Dunedin FL into Tampa Bay. We can hook you up to these
majestic fish. Redfish, Trout, and Snook have been scattered from the beaches to the flat. Most of the big speckled trout are off the beaches mixed with the snook witch make for great sight fishing. Scaled sardines,
Small Pinfish and Pigfish is producing the better fish. For edfish they are on the flats and spoil ilands with a abundant of mullet. Cut Lady Fish or threadfins have been working well but live punfish and grass grunts can make a difference
You don't want to kill the bait,
it just needs to flutter on the bottom with the tail trimed off . With so many species around nearshore and inshore you can have a shot at catching
some big fish to test your skills. Don't forget the shark fishing with many different species and size from 10lb up to hundreds of pounds.
Now is the time to start booking your summer trips for Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Sharks and more.
Thanks,
Capt. Craig

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John R.

Tampa, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

It's officially Spring in Tampa Bay Area. Snook are all over the place and are feeding well. Water temp's are right where they should be which puts the fish in a good mood, which means bent rods and screaming drags.
Live bait is the best choice, but if you like tossing artificials, no worries, you'll catch your fair share as well. Here are a few lures that I like when targeting snook, redfish and trout. Headon's Spookis my go to for top-water. For redfish, and trout, I like tossing a 4"paddle tail ( colors: white and clear with red metal-flake...

John R. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 years ago

It's officially Spring in Tampa Bay Area. Snook are all over the place and are feeding well. Water temp's are right where they should be which puts the fish in a good mood, which means bent rods and screaming drags.
Live bait is the best choice, but if you like tossing artificials, no worries, you'll catch your fair share as well. Here are a few lures that I like when targeting snook, redfish and trout. Headon's Spookis my go to for top-water. For redfish, and trout, I like tossing a 4"paddle tail ( colors: white and clear with red metal-flake ). Snook in Tampa Bay are live bait feeders, but you can still get them to eat artificials. I like a 1/8oz snake-lock jig head with a ZMan Paddlerz. Schools of redfish are also showing up on the flats in a few areas. These fish are very boat shy, so be quiet and patient and you'll hook a few. Once again, live or cut bait has been the best way to hook these skittish bronze beauties.
Some of the redfish schools have been beat up by some fishermen, but that’s just how it goes with the amount of boaters on the water these days, so again, be patient and you'll hook a few. They are mostly oversized fish, which means your drag is gonna scream. The sheepshead bite is still going strong in Tampa Bay, and the rock piles, jetties and bridges have been producing some nice catches. Live shrimp, fiddler and mud crabs have been the baits of choice.

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Mike M.

Tampa, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

Inshore bite hasn't slowed down at all. Grass flats and mangrove lines

Mike M. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 years ago

Inshore bite hasn't slowed down at all. Grass flats and mangrove lines

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Seth L.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Reported 3 years ago

Good numbers of upper to over-slot snook have showed up along the beaches and in the passes. Snook and tarpon will be our main target species for the next few months.

Seth L. Tarpon Springs, Florida Reported 3 years ago

Good numbers of upper to over-slot snook have showed up along the beaches and in the passes. Snook and tarpon will be our main target species for the next few months.