Lakewood Ranch Fishing Reports (December 2025)

Lakewood Ranch Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Lakewood Ranch

George Hastick
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

With the dropping water temperatures a variety species have become very active and bait is everywhere! From trout and flounder to mackerel and snook all have the feed bags on. Don't miss out on the fall bite!

George Hastick St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

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Hank Valencia
Seminole, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

Some trout and pompano but flippers competing for them lol

Hank Valencia Seminole, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

Some trout and pompano but flippers competing for them lol

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George Hastick
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 3 months ago

Snook have been hiding in the mangroves with a few reds around also and are willing to take live and cut baits with well placed casts. The trout bite has been on fire with plenty around on the grass flats ranging from 15" to 22". Live baits and artificial sea...

George Hastick St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 3 months ago

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Dillon Arsenault
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

Scallop season is in full swing and we found the mother loads! Beautiful water and tasty buttery scallops! Finding them in 3 to 5 feet jn in bunches this season of up to 3 to 10 at a time in one dive!

Dillon Arsenault St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

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Dillon Arsenault
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

Hogfish bite is on fire on our nearshore spots and they are eating shrimp live or dead on 1 oz knocker rigs!

Dillon Arsenault St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

Hogfish bite is on fire on our nearshore spots and they are eating shrimp live or dead on 1 oz knocker rigs!

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George Hastick
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 4 months ago

Snook have been attacking live free lined scaled sardines thrown under the mangroves some reds have also been under the mangroves. Trout have been very solid action taking live and artificial baits. Great mackerel action has been over hard bottoms and artificial reefs. Live bait and spoons have been catching...

George Hastick St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 4 months ago

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Dillon Arsenault
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 5 months ago

Tarpon bite at night and day time time has been on fire! we are slaying them under the lights on the bridges at night and beaches during day.

Dillon Arsenault St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 5 months ago

Tarpon bite at night and day time time has been on fire! we are slaying them under the lights on the bridges at night and beaches during day.

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Dillon Arsenault
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 5 months ago

The grouper have been very active still, they are biting harder than Ive seen in years and more fish then we can count. the population is thick and healthy!

Dillon Arsenault St. Petersburg, Florida Reported: 5 months ago

The grouper have been very active still, they are biting harder than Ive seen in years and more fish then we can count. the population is thick and healthy!

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★★★★★
Had an amazing day on the water with Captain Joe! His deep knowledge of local fishing and boating made the trip so fun. Highly recommend his charter for a great day out!
Dan E. | November 27, 2025

Trip: 4 Hour Trip Inshore
★★★★★
Wonderful day on the water!! Very family friendly!!
Donna M. | November 26, 2025

Trip: Redington Shores Nearshore/Offshore
★★★★★
Fantastic day on the water with Captain Alex. I showed up to the dock a little early and everything was already dialed in—the boat was spotless, fully prepared, and stocked with fresh bait he’d caught that morning. Even on a quick half-day trip, we covered multiple areas and switched up tactics, starting with snook along mangroves and docks before moving on to speckled trout and mackerel. Captain Alex struck the perfect balance between being helpful and letting me fish how I wanted. He was always ready to assist, but also encouraged me to bait hooks, handle fish, and stay fully involved. The action stayed steady, and he offered great coaching and insight whenever I had questions. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’d absolutely book with him again and look forward to getting back out there soon!
Scott S. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore
★★★★★
Outstanding experience with Alex and his skills and knowledge. Great day of fishing with everyone in the group catching a ton and we have a great time. Highly recommend!
Mike H. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Bradenton Classic Inshore
★★★★★
Booked a trip with Captain Cole and from the start there was good and timely communication. Brought my two younger boys who had a blast! Cole was patient, answered their 100 questions, and took us to nice spots where we pulled out some nice fish and the boys were thrilled! We had a blast!
Morgan H. | November 25, 2025

Trip: Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore
★★★★★
We had a great trip Taylor!! He was a great captain! We caught LOTS of fish. Super knowledgeable and such a pleasure to be around. We will definitely be calling him when we come back to Florida again. Top notch experience! Caught mackerel, trout, groupers, Jack fish, lady fish, lizard fish, catfish and we saw a dolphin. Thank you for a great experience!
Laura Q. | November 24, 2025

Trip: Inshore Fishing Charter Bradenton
★★★★★
Joey put us on the fish almost instantly once we stopped. First drop all 4 poles hit an it was hard to make time for lunch or drinks with our deck hand Linda keeping us lock an loaded with bait and tackle. Great people an a great time! Deff would recommend these guys for any of your fishing trips!
Keith H. | November 22, 2025

Trip: Offshore Fishing 4-8 Hours
★★★★★
Had lots of fun
Elam P. | November 13, 2025

Trip: 4 Hours Fishing Trip
★★★★★
What an amazing saltwater fishing experience Captain Austin provided my family and I. This trip included my Denise, my daughter, her husband, my grandson, and I. None of us are experienced saltwater fishermen but the Captain put us on fish right away and we all caught plenty all day. My grandson caught a nice red Grouper and a big hog fish and Denise caught 2 big hog fish. It was a great time for us all and thank you Captain Austin for a time together we will never forget.
James L. | November 11, 2025

Trip: Nearshore/offshore
★★★★★
Great time, great action. Very knowledgeable. Caught lots of different species. Highly recommend!
Scott J. | November 10, 2025

Trip: Inshore Trip Afternoon Action

Top Fishing Trips in Lakewood Ranch

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.

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24 ft 1 - 5 People From $450

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St Pete Sandbar Trip - 35'

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Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty in Sarasota

Sarasota’s Premier Fishing Trip

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Sarasota Inshore/Nearshore

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23 ft 1 - 5 People From $550

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.