Tampa Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Tampa

Phil Pegley
Phil P.
Ruskin, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Our trip to Key West to end the hot Florida summer was as advertised this year's experience was graced with beautiful weather conditions light winds in Clear waters is what Key West dreams are made of .we really had some excellent trips offshore with our main focus being on the mahi mahi. Snapper fishing on the reef was outstanding, especially around the full a new moon. The lobster season in Key West has always been very good and this year was no different. We were able to get limit catches on numerous trips. We love to play with the tarpon...
Phil Pegley
Phil P. Ruskin, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Our trip to Key West to end the hot Florida summer was as advertised this year's experience was graced with beautiful weather conditions light winds in Clear waters is what Key West dreams are made of .we really had some excellent trips offshore with our main focus being on the mahi mahi. Snapper fishing on the reef was outstanding, especially around the full a new moon. The lobster season in Key West has always been very good and this year was no different. We were able to get limit catches on numerous trips. We love to play with the tarpon while we are down there as well. They have a great tarpon, fish or a year-round. I hope you can join us next year from late July through August, so tight lines until next time Captain Phil
Lobster Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Lobster Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Lobster Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Lobster Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Lobster Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Lobster Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V.
Clearwater, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Offshore the gags, mangos, red snapper are chewing. Hogfish are starting to bite. Inshore redfish, trout, and black drum are heating up.
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V. Clearwater, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Offshore the gags, mangos, red snapper are chewing. Hogfish are starting to bite. Inshore redfish, trout, and black drum are heating up.
Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Scup Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Scup Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Scup Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper, Hogfish, Mangrove Snapper, Red Snapper, Scup Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Scroll for more
Keith N.
Madeira Beach, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Been stacking limit days and putting the meat in the box. Ever snapper trip this season has reached the limit.
Keith Neukam
Keith N. Madeira Beach, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Been stacking limit days and putting the meat in the box. Ever snapper trip this season has reached the limit.
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Madeira Beach, Florida
Scroll for more
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V.
Clearwater, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Lots of red snapper and red grouper
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V. Clearwater, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Lots of red snapper and red grouper
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Red Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Scroll for more
Cody Beckman
Cody B.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Inshore bites still been on fire lots of big snook around and redfish school staring to show up in the bay
Cody Beckman
Cody B. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Inshore bites still been on fire lots of big snook around and redfish school staring to show up in the bay
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Joe Burruezo
Joe B.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Summer sharks are here! With trout snapper and mackerel for the dinner table
Joe Burruezo
Joe B. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Summer sharks are here! With trout snapper and mackerel for the dinner table
Bonnethead Shark Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Bonnethead Shark Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Scroll for more
Wade Osborne
Wade O.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Katie and crew!
Wade Osborne
Wade O. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Katie and crew!
Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Cody Beckman
Cody B.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Water temps in the bay are dropping so the fish are eating like crazy. Starting to have that really good fall time bite! Big predator fish like reds and snook have worked their way in from offshore and the beaches back to the mangroves and flats. The mangrove snapper migration is also in full swing and they're everywhere on the shallow water wrecks and reefs in the bay.
Cody Beckman
Cody B. Tampa, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Water temps in the bay are dropping so the fish are eating like crazy. Starting to have that really good fall time bite! Big predator fish like reds and snook have worked their way in from offshore and the beaches back to the mangroves and flats. The mangrove snapper migration is also in full swing and they're everywhere on the shallow water wrecks and reefs in the bay.
Snook Fishing in Tampa, Florida
Scroll for more
Tyson Wallerstein
Tyson W.
Clearwater, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
Mid-summer fishing can be spectacular if you pick the right species to target. Big tarpon and even bigger sharks can blister a reel and give many anglers the experience of a lifetime.
Tampa Bay is a summertime hot-spot for bull sharks and late season resident tarpon fishing. Deep holes of 15 to 20 foot or more will often hold bait this time of year and in turn predators.
Fishing with big cut baits such as half a mullet or half a mackerel, will keep the catfish at bay and allow your baits to let the scent out in order to...
Tyson Wallerstein
Tyson W. Clearwater, Florida Reported 3 years ago
Mid-summer fishing can be spectacular if you pick the right species to target. Big tarpon and even bigger sharks can blister a reel and give many anglers the experience of a lifetime.
Tampa Bay is a summertime hot-spot for bull sharks and late season resident tarpon fishing. Deep holes of 15 to 20 foot or more will often hold bait this time of year and in turn predators.
Fishing with big cut baits such as half a mullet or half a mackerel, will keep the catfish at bay and allow your baits to let the scent out in order to
entice the big fish into biting. Tackle is the same for both species, you’ll need a heavy action seven-to-eight-foot rod either spinning or conventional and a reel that can hold a couple hundred yards of sixty-five-pound braid. A heavy monofilament leader of 80-pound test or greater or some heavy piano wire will work for both species as long as you’re using a big enough hook, if you’re using a one-pound bait or better you need to be using a 9/0 or 10/0 wide gap circle hook.
Tarpon are excellent night predators, thet can be found cruising the shadow lines of almost any bridge this time of year. A cautious approach with the trolling motor will allow you to stalk fish along the shadow line without spooking them. Try casting artificial lures like a half ounce buck tail jig with a 4in soft plastic jerk bait tail as a trailer, both in white. This lure closely resembles a shrimp drifting by, which is what the tarpon are looking for
Snook Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Scroll for more
Steve Hunsucker
Steve H.
Largo, Florida
Reported 3 years ago
It has been a hot summer so right off the bat, if you've fished with us recently, we commend you! We have remained pretty busy getting folks out fishing and producing some great catches!
Throughout the month of August on our longer trips we have been happy to still catch American Red Snapper as our season goes through August 24th. The dates apply to charter-for-hire vessels with federal reef permits only, so if you want to catch red snappers with one of our experienced captains, book a 10-12 hour charter before then!
August we have also enjoyed catching and keeping...
Steve Hunsucker
Steve H. Largo, Florida Reported 3 years ago
It has been a hot summer so right off the bat, if you've fished with us recently, we commend you! We have remained pretty busy getting folks out fishing and producing some great catches!
Throughout the month of August on our longer trips we have been happy to still catch American Red Snapper as our season goes through August 24th. The dates apply to charter-for-hire vessels with federal reef permits only, so if you want to catch red snappers with one of our experienced captains, book a 10-12 hour charter before then!
August we have also enjoyed catching and keeping
amberjacks and some gray triggerfish as they are open this month only and will close September 1st. September 1st we will see the opening of gag groupers as well as Captain Steve's birthday! 8+ hours are recommended for gag groupers and they will be open through November 10th.
On our 4, 5, and 6 hour charters we are excited to see that trolling bite pick up as we have been catching spanish mackerel, bonita, and barracudas. Generally the king mackerel will start to migrate down our coast sometime in October.
Amberjack, Triggerfish, Yellowtail Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, 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 Tampa

Top Fishing Trips in Tampa

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, Nearshore, Flats in Ruskin

Grouper And Snapper Trips

100% (6)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats in Clearwater

Clearwater Beach Fishing

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 5 People From $550
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Treasure Island

6Hr Offshore Grouper - Best In FL

100% (2)
36 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,800
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, River, Flats in Tampa

Tampa Inshore Fishing Charter

100% (6)
25 ft 1 - 12 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Treasure Island

Treasure Island Offshore Trips

100% (6)
32 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,060
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Eco Tour, Boat Cruise, Sunset Cruise in Gulfport

St Pete Sandbar Trip - 35'

100% (10)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $500
See all trips in Tampa

Recent Tampa Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Going out with Captain Brad was a great time. He is a no nonsense guide who went above and beyond to get us on the fish. Even in not so great weather, he made sure we all had a great time.

    Richard J. | October 5, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Inshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    My whole crew was extremely happy with excursion I was sick the whole trip so this review is for them. I’d recommend them very informative very nice and very caring.

    Lee S. | September 28, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

  • ★★★★★
    Such a fun trip! We had a great time.

    Laura E. | September 28, 2026

    Trip: Inshore/Nearshore Fishing 4-8 Hours

  • ★★★★★
    We had an excellent time with Zack. He knew all the best spots to fish and made sure that we were successful. The day flew by and was a great time. Thanks!

    Josh M. | September 26, 2026

    Trip: Crushing Clearwater Offshore

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent day out on the boat with Capt. Charlie. We caught plenty of fish, threw some back in and had a good time. Capt. Charlie knew his fishing spots. Would definitely go again!!. Thank you Charlie.

    Cheryl L. | September 15, 2026

    Trip: 5 HR Inshore Trips

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent guide Great personality Will gladly go out again and recommend We had a fantastic time and caught plenty of red grouper!!!!!!

    Richard T. | September 14, 2026

    Trip: Offshore Trip - 27' Cape Horn

  • ★★★★★
    Did a 8 hour trip with Captain Brad The best trip we ever had Brad told us how to fish for gag grouper We did great Brad is very experienced on how to fish and where to fish

    Thomas D. | September 6, 2026

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Reefs & Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Great captain and a great experience, very helpful and a nice guy overall,

    Alec K. | August 30, 2026

    Trip: 3-6 Hour Inshore/Nearshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Our group booked a six hour trip with Captain Jim and we had a blast. He put us on some good fish and we caught a wide variety to eat for the week.

    Jeff M. | August 28, 2026

    Trip: 4-6 Hour Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had such a wonderful experience with Captain Charlie ! Amazing communication from day one, which is something you really don’t find anymore. This was my first time out fishing like this, and he immediately made me feel welcome, comfortable, and completely at ease. We left with wonderful memories and so much appreciation for the day. Captain Charlie is genuine, personable, and an absolute pleasure to be around. I couldn’t have asked for a better first experience! We highly recommend Charlie and would absolutely book with him again! 🎣❤️

    Elizabeth S. | August 21, 2026

    Trip: 5 HR Inshore Trips

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