Lakewood Ranch Fishing Reports (May 2026)

Lakewood Ranch Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Lakewood Ranch

Tim Cornish with Cornhusker Charters
Punta Gorda, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

11 species day, ties day record manatees dolphins in the wake, sea turtles, couldn't talk the tarpon into playing.. and a giant 35inch snook 👍 yesterday was 44inch wide stingray

Tim Cornish with Cornhusker Charters Punta Gorda, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

11 species day, ties day record manatees dolphins in the wake, sea turtles, couldn't talk the tarpon into playing.. and a giant 35inch snook 👍 yesterday was 44inch wide stingray

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Joe Masi
Bay Pines, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

It's has been great inshore, lots of small an big trout, bonnet head sharks, small an big redfish, snook are starting to bite after the cold weather, mackerel inside as well, some good black Drum action Nearshore, I'm getting big 15-25 pound permit hogfish and big mangrove snappers as well...

Joe Masi Bay Pines, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

It's has been great inshore, lots of small an big trout, bonnet head sharks, small an big redfish, snook are starting to bite after the cold weather, mackerel inside as well, some good black
Drum action
Nearshore, I'm getting big 15-25 pound permit hogfish and big mangrove snappers as well as sharks, sheepshead an mackerel sprinkled in

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Jose Nunez
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 1 month ago

Been getting inshore slams lately

Jose Nunez Sarasota, Florida Reported: 1 month ago

Been getting inshore slams lately

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James Gibson
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Fishing has been good!

James Gibson Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Fishing has been good!

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Phil Pegley
Ruskin, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Phil Pegley Ruskin, Florida Reported: 2 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.

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Austin Metcalf
Bradenton, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Today's Trip

Austin Metcalf Bradenton, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Today's Trip

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Ike Carrasquillo
Tampa, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

Ike Carrasquillo Tampa, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

Tampa bay waters are warming up and already we're seeing a good number of Sheepshead, Blackdrum, Southern Ray's showing up on the Saltwatwr flats. On the Freshwater side the Spotted Gar are still showing themselves with a mixed batch of Tilapia and other mix. Look for for the shallow banks with the most sun exposure when transitioning into your night bowfishing action also look for down trees branches or any type of structure that fish can hide that's where you are find your Ambush predators

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Marc Laurin
Sarasota, Florida
Reported: 2 months ago

With the cool water we are experiencing, the nearshore reefs have been the ticket.

Marc Laurin Sarasota, Florida Reported: 2 months ago

With the cool water we are experiencing, the nearshore reefs have been the ticket.

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★★★★★
We had a great time!! Very knowledgeable captain in the waters of Tampa Bay! I highly recommend for anyone.
Joe J. | April 28, 2026

Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo
★★★★★
Great was Great ! Aiden was also very good! We had a Great time and caught some Nice fish! Great boat too!
Bryan K. | April 27, 2026

Trip: St. Pete Offshore Experience
★★★★★
Captain Phil was great and we all enjoyed the trip. The fish didn't cooperate at first, but Captain Phil moved us to another spot and we got better action. We had a miscommunication with the booking but Trey at Captain Experience was very helpful and we got everything worked out. Thanks Guys! I would book here again.
Andrew R. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Tampa Bay Shark Hunt
★★★★★
Captain Randall is the Reel deal! Put us on the Fish and was a wealth of knowledge of the area !
David F. | April 24, 2026

Trip: Anna Maria Inshore And Nearshore
★★★★★
Marc was a great Captain we had a terrific day on the water, we caught many different species of fish and brought back 6 keepers, Marc also recommended a local restaurant that cooks your catch, it was delicious. We will definitely book with Marc again for our future trips when we get back down to Florida again, thank you Marc
Michelle R. | April 23, 2026

Trip: St Pete Inshore/Nearshore
★★★★★
Capt Andy was great. We had a keeper on board 10 seconds after the first cast!!! Just one of more to come! My son and I had a great time. Capt Andy was very friendly and knowledgeable. Extremely helpful with changing baits, etc.
Ron | April 21, 2026

Trip: Inshore Trip Afternoon Action
★★★★★
Captain Frankie was the best charter I’ve ever been on!! we explained what we wanted to go after and he was able to put us on the fish we were looking for! A great experience for even new fisherman or experienced fisherman! We plan to book another in the future!
Jeffery A. | April 20, 2026

Trip: Grouper And Snapper Trips
★★★★★
My wife, Carolina, and I, had a great time with Captain Steve! He showed us not only the techniques of catching fish on the West Coast, but also a great time and he is a great showman! Captain Steve definitely knows what he’s doing! We will be back!🙌🎣
Rafael P. | April 19, 2026

Trip: Beach Fishing: Family-Friendly
★★★★★
My wife and I recently booked an afternoon fishing trip with Jose. Jose was very personable and immediately set us at ease. He has a great sense of humor and we laughed throughout the afternoon. More importantly, we caught fish from the beginning of the trip to the end. Jose knows these waters and where to find them. We caught many species (spotted sea trout, sheepshead, redfish, snook, pinfish, a shark, and the elusive triple tail). The sea trout were the most plentiful and made an excellent meal. Thanks Jose for a fun afternoon. We will book again the next time we are in the area!!
Jim L. | April 16, 2026

Trip: 4 Hour Trip – Fish And Fun
★★★★★
Captain Josh was fantastic - he took grest care of my family and I, caught a ton a great fish, and enjoyed the amazing boat. He and his assistant were extremely enthusiastic and were great in teaching my kids about fishing in the Gulf. Great times had by all and would greatly recommend him.
Christopher J. | April 13, 2026

Trip: Nokomis Offshore/Nearshore

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Half Day St Petersburg Inshore Trip

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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.