Lakeland Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Lakeland

Frankie Bird
Frankie B.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 2 months ago
Trout bite has been on 🔥 and the red fish have been showing up on the flats. Shark season is upon us so the big ones will be lurking in the bay.
Frankie Bird
Frankie B. Ruskin, Florida Reported 2 months ago
Trout bite has been on 🔥 and the red fish have been showing up on the flats. Shark season is upon us so the big ones will be lurking in the bay.
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
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Phil Pegley
Phil P.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 2 months ago
Springtime has turned to summer and the fish bite has remained red hot. We have so many opportunities in our local waters right now just jumped in overgrown tarpon fishing for trout today. This year's spring Snook season was the best I've seen. In a good long time with the number of fish in the slot.
Not that we were keeping them but people here on spring break were getting fish over 30 inches more days than not.
With the water temp being close to 90 remember to slow down your presentations clipped baits and cut baits are working excellent...
Phil Pegley
Phil P. Ruskin, Florida Reported 2 months ago
Springtime has turned to summer and the fish bite has remained red hot. We have so many opportunities in our local waters right now just jumped in overgrown tarpon fishing for trout today. This year's spring Snook season was the best I've seen. In a good long time with the number of fish in the slot.
Not that we were keeping them but people here on spring break were getting fish over 30 inches more days than not.
With the water temp being close to 90 remember to slow down your presentations clipped baits and cut baits are working excellent
for red fish and tarpon
We just got our second hatch of greenbacks they're still a little bit on the small side, but the mangrove snapper are really getting fired up on them
This will continue for the next few months as the moons are approaching. Excellent time to get out there and get some tasty snapper.
The first photo is of two purpleheart recipients true American heroes I was fortunate enough to get to fish with through the wounded warriors foundation with Jeremy's 33 inch Snook

We've got another month here in Tampa Bay before we head to key west for about six weeks. Let's get your Captains Experience is booked here or join me in key west for some mahi, wahoo, tuna, and lobster just to name a few.

Tight lines for now see on the water enjoying your next Captain's experience

Captain Phil
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
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Steve Niemoeller
Steve N.
St. Cloud, Florida
Reported 2 months ago
West lake toho has been really good bass fishing lately with shiners,soft plastic worms and topwater baits the bass have moved further offshore
We have Bass boats and pontoon boats for a couple anglers or a family of anglers come and experience the fun !!!
Steve Niemoeller
Steve N. St. Cloud, Florida Reported 2 months ago
West lake toho has been really good bass fishing lately with shiners,soft plastic worms and topwater baits the bass have moved further offshore
We have Bass boats and pontoon boats for a couple anglers or a family of anglers come and experience the fun !!!
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
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
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Joe Burruezo
Joe B.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 3 months ago
Reds all over the bushes!
Joe Burruezo
Joe B. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 months ago
Reds all over the bushes!
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
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Steven Swindal
Steven S.
Apollo Beach, Florida
Reported 3 months ago
Snook, trout and redfish are on fire right now
Steven Swindal
Steven S. Apollo Beach, Florida Reported 3 months ago
Snook, trout and redfish are on fire right now
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
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Tom Charlton
Tom C.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 4 months ago
Surprise Hammer Head while grouper fishing.
Tom Charlton
Tom C. Tampa, Florida Reported 4 months ago
Surprise Hammer Head while grouper fishing.
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
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Frankie Bird
Frankie B.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 4 months ago
Snook bit has been on 🔥 and we are starting to get some good 30+ inch reds up in the trees. Shark bite staying consistent and if you want to fill the cooler with meat the mackerel and trout are plentiful.
Frankie Bird
Frankie B. Ruskin, Florida Reported 4 months ago
Snook bit has been on 🔥 and we are starting to get some good 30+ inch reds up in the trees. Shark bite staying consistent and if you want to fill the cooler with meat the mackerel and trout are plentiful.
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
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Steve Niemoeller
Steve N.
St. Cloud, Florida
Reported 4 months ago
From bass boats to pontoon boats young kids to elderly and we also offer trips for anglers with disabilities
Steve Niemoeller
Steve N. St. Cloud, Florida Reported 4 months ago
From bass boats to pontoon boats young kids to elderly and we also offer trips for anglers with disabilities
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
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
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John Burger
John B.
St. Cloud, Florida
Reported 5 months ago
The tilapia are really starting to bed hard and they are everywhere. The big gar are still out roaming around as well. Water is still super clear and these warm evenings make it a great time to be out on the water !!
John Burger
John B. St. Cloud, Florida Reported 5 months ago
The tilapia are really starting to bed hard and they are everywhere. The big gar are still out roaming around as well. Water is still super clear and these warm evenings make it a great time to be out on the water !!
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
Fishing in Kissimmee, Florida
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Phil Pegley
Phil P.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 5 months ago
Chilly weather fishing, Tampa Bay

Well, the water temps have climbed back up into the 60s and what a blessing it was for us not to have a significant fish kill. Other places were not quite so lucky how our fish were able to hang on through those 50° water temps was amazing and they are alive and well.
During those times are focused was more on what we could target and provide our best. Captain's experiences catching bull sharks around local power plants was very reliable, and the reef bite for snapper and Sheepshead has been on fire. We've...
Phil Pegley
Phil P. Ruskin, Florida Reported 5 months ago
Chilly weather fishing, Tampa Bay

Well, the water temps have climbed back up into the 60s and what a blessing it was for us not to have a significant fish kill. Other places were not quite so lucky how our fish were able to hang on through those 50° water temps was amazing and they are alive and well.
During those times are focused was more on what we could target and provide our best. Captain's experiences catching bull sharks around local power plants was very reliable, and the reef bite for snapper and Sheepshead has been on fire. We've
been considerate of these fish during their spawn only taking a couple fish makes for a brighter fishery in the future
So let's get out there and get your trips booked with Captain's experiences, your catches are waiting.
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
Fishing in Ruskin, Florida
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Target Species

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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

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