Lakeland Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Lakeland

Frankie Bird
Frankie B.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 2 weeks ago
Gae grouper season is right around the corner and these fish are hungry. Starting to see them in big groups.
Frankie Bird
Frankie B. Ruskin, Florida Reported 2 weeks ago
Gae grouper season is right around the corner and these fish are hungry. Starting to see them in big groups.
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Scroll for more
Phil Pegley
Phil P.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 2 weeks ago
Fishing the beautiful waters of key west

It's always an experience getting down here to key west to do some fishing and diving, and this year has not disappointed. I would have to say the theme is less people more lobsters. We are into our regular lobster season now catching our limit. Every single day conditions have been so beautiful.

We ran out to 1860 feet of water this past Tuesday landed right in a school of beautiful mahi. After we had our way with them trolling, we busted out the top water plugs and we're catching 10 to 15...
Phil Pegley
Phil P. Ruskin, Florida Reported 2 weeks ago
Fishing the beautiful waters of key west

It's always an experience getting down here to key west to do some fishing and diving, and this year has not disappointed. I would have to say the theme is less people more lobsters. We are into our regular lobster season now catching our limit. Every single day conditions have been so beautiful.

We ran out to 1860 feet of water this past Tuesday landed right in a school of beautiful mahi. After we had our way with them trolling, we busted out the top water plugs and we're catching 10 to 15
pound fish on topwater.

The following day we decided to get into some 1000 foot deep bottom fishing. The golden tiles were on it along with some beautiful snowy grouper.

We're going to be here for a few more weeks so come see what this beautiful paradise has got to offer. The water is so clear if you look, you're going to see something beautiful.
Get your trips booked with Captain Experiences and we will definitely bow some RODZ and get you underwater for a amazing experience tight lines for now Captain Phil
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Scroll for more
Joe Burruezo
Joe B.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 2 weeks ago
Redfish and snapper have been great!
Joe Burruezo
Joe B. Tampa, Florida Reported 2 weeks ago
Redfish and snapper have been great!
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Steve Niemoeller
Steve N.
St. Cloud, Florida
Reported 1 month ago
Summer time Bass fishing has been great lately on Bass boats and large groups on pontoons we have been using wild shiners and a variety of artificial toasters and plastic baits to catch the bass on , we also offer bream trips as well
Steve Niemoeller
Steve N. St. Cloud, Florida Reported 1 month ago
Summer time Bass fishing has been great lately on Bass boats and large groups on pontoons we have been using wild shiners and a variety of artificial toasters and plastic baits to catch the bass on , we also offer bream trips as well
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Scroll for more
Phil Pegley
Phil P.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 1 month ago
As things change to our Midsomer patterns. It’s all about the availability of the bait. That drives the fish bite. When we get the strong outgoing tides near the new and full moon, pass crabs are flushing out of Tampa Bay in big numbers. This is one of our favorite scenarios to catch Tarpon. It concentrates the fish and they are focused on those little crabs.
Also, the second hatch of sardines has exploded, and the flats are covered. The small Bait are exactly what the mangrove snapper are looking for solid catches of snapper daily now. We are still...
Phil Pegley
Phil P. Ruskin, Florida Reported 1 month ago
As things change to our Midsomer patterns. It’s all about the availability of the bait. That drives the fish bite. When we get the strong outgoing tides near the new and full moon, pass crabs are flushing out of Tampa Bay in big numbers. This is one of our favorite scenarios to catch Tarpon. It concentrates the fish and they are focused on those little crabs.
Also, the second hatch of sardines has exploded, and the flats are covered. The small Bait are exactly what the mangrove snapper are looking for solid catches of snapper daily now. We are still
seeing our share of Snook. And redfish the over slot speckled trout have moved out to the edge of the grass flats and have been super cooperative anytime the tide is moving.
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Scroll for more
George Hastick
George H.
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported 1 month ago
The bite has been on fire from the shallow mangrove lined flats to rock pile fishing in the bay. We have been using live bait catching snook, trout, redfish, mangrove snapper and more!
George Hastick
George H. St. Petersburg, Florida Reported 1 month ago
The bite has been on fire from the shallow mangrove lined flats to rock pile fishing in the bay. We have been using live bait catching snook, trout, redfish, mangrove snapper and more!
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Tom Charlton
Tom C.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 1 month ago
8 foot nurse shark while snapper fishing in Tampa Bay
Tom Charlton
Tom C. Tampa, Florida Reported 1 month ago
8 foot nurse shark while snapper fishing in Tampa Bay
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Frankie Bird
Frankie B.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 2 months ago
Trout,reds and big snook all week. Tampa bay is all fired up and only getting better every day.
Frankie Bird
Frankie B. Ruskin, Florida Reported 2 months ago
Trout,reds and big snook all week. Tampa bay is all fired up and only getting better every day.
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Scroll for more
Brad Hardy
Brad H.
Lakeland, Florida
Reported 2 months ago
We been doing a lot of large mouth bass fishing with clients and the bite is definitely on!
Brad Hardy
Brad H. Lakeland, Florida Reported 2 months ago
We been doing a lot of large mouth bass fishing with clients and the bite is definitely on!
Fishing in Lakeland, Florida
Scroll for more
Tom Charlton
Tom C.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 2 months ago
Blue fish and red grouper in the bay.
Tom Charlton
Tom C. Tampa, Florida Reported 2 months ago
Blue fish and red grouper in the bay.
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more

Target Species

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

What's Biting in Lakeland

Top Fishing Trips in Lakeland

Hot Trip
people are viewing this trip.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Flats Fishing in Tampa

Family Bowfishing Outing

100% (9)
22 ft 1 - 6 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

River, Lake Fishing in Windermere

Orlando Bass Fishing Charter

100% (30)
20 ft 1 - 4 People From $375
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Duck Hunting in Tampa

Duck Hunts

100% (10)
26 ft 1 - 4 People From $750
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River Fishing in Ruskin

Bowfishing (night Trip)

100% (6)
20 ft 1 - 8 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Tampa

Bay Fishing At Its Best

100% (2)
22 ft 1 - 3 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Boat Cruise, Booze Cruise, Sunset Cruise in Tampa

Sunset Tours Downtown Tampa

100% (6)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $400
See all trips in Lakeland

Recent Lakeland Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    George was a great Captain, he was knowable of the area and very professional! He made my request for my wife who has never caught a slot red or a snook come true she actually caught both. George was a good conversationalist and after talking with him and sharing some stories, we found out he is really a good guy and we will use him again. Great day on the water, Thanks again Captain George!

    Mike G. | August 8, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing Fun!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Steven was a great captain! We first went bait fishing and caught some good fish, didn’t happen to catch any sharks this time but still had a great time seeing a hammerhead shark, stingrays, dolphins, and amber schools. It was a super fun trip and I highly recommend Steven as he seems to know the area and how to fish it very well.

    Troy C. | August 6, 2026

    Trip: Shark Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best trip ever, captain john was so funny and was teaching us the ways of the bay. Ended up catching about 15-20 fish each between me and my dad. After the trip we were so pumped and hyped just thinking about all the catches. I highly recommend captain john for your next charter in Tampa Bay. 10/10 on the entire trip and the experience!!! Love that this charter is veteran owned as well, being active duty myself, I felt very comfortable and the vibes were immaculate. The boat was super clean and everything was organized which was helpful while out on the water. Please book with John!!!

    Marshall F. | August 5, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Slam

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Steven is the real deal. We had a party of 4 and none of us had been on an ocean charter before and we all wanted to catch some sharks. Steven put us on a load of bull sharks, we each caught a shark, the biggest of the 4 sharks being about 5.5ft long. He’s great at instructing and demonstrating everything, he’s great with novice fishermen, and he’s a fun guy to be around. He will put you on some fish.

    Nicolas J. | July 31, 2026

    Trip: Shark Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    He was awesome, was super accommodating to our group and made sure we left with a good catch. He was super personable and lets you reel in your catches, I will definitely be booking with him again!

    Sylvia H. | July 30, 2026

    Trip: Shark Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day out on the water with Steven picking up all different species from Triple Tail to Trout.

    Steven F. | July 16, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Steven gave us a great trip catching fish. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and was a great experience overall. I recommend Captain Steven for those of you looking to take advantage of the Tampa experience.

    Dennis J. | July 14, 2026

    Trip: Shark Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    Great host. Great time. Fun for both my boy and I. Caught some fish and experienced the bay. Will going back soon. Thank you Chris.

    Dave D. | July 10, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brian and Captain Gerry were great! Great conversation and knows their stuff. We booked a 4 hour trip. Safety is priority and a storm was rolling in, so we had to head back after 2 hours. However, it passed after 30-45 minutes and we went back out. They took us to 4-5 different spots and we caught over 10 species of fish! Flounder, grouper, spades, sheeps head, lady fish, trout, silvers, mackerel, jack, pin, mangrove snapper, puffer. Many we had to release because they weren’t in season or were juveniles. However, the ones we did keep, the captains cleaned up for us. Overall, had a wonderful time. 10/10

    Win P. | July 7, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

  • ★★★★★
    Tommy was great & we had a wonderful time. Very knowledgable of the area, tides, and the best times to fish!

    Brittany T. | July 2, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Flats, Mangroves & Bay

Need a Place to Stay?

Enter to Win a

$500 DAMN GOOD GIFT CARD

Gift Card

Sign up to win $500 towards ANY trip. Winners drawn monthly.

By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing communications from Captain Experiences. To opt-out, click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of our emails. Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions