Zephyrhills Weather Forecast
Fishing reports straight from our guides in Zephyrhills
Tyson Wallerstein
Clearwater, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
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
Steve Hunsucker
Largo, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
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.
Ron Finger
with Fish Hawk Charters
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
Hot temperatures, calm seas and light current all add up to a formula for some tasty snapper throughout the Tampa Bay area along the Gulf Coast.
Ideal conditions & Federal NOAA reports validate the 2023 ARS Season is going to be dynamic - EPIC only for those whom have the required Federal Issued Credentials to legally Target & Keep the coveted Pelagic Species which includes American Red Snapper, Gag Grouper etc
Wade Osborne
Tampa, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
If you’re looking to keep some fish for dinner, the only species that’s closed to harvest right now is snook. Other than that, putting fish in the box has been a given.
So, if you’re looking to catch dinner or just catch and release, book your adventure today.
Ron Finger
with Fish Hawk Charters
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
As the summer progresses, anglers must stay informed about regulations and restrictions to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Ideal temperatures, calm seas and light current all add up to a formula for some tasty snapper dinners. ARS - American Red Snapper Mangrove snapper, Mutton snapper, Lane snapper and Vermilion snapper are all in the mix for bottom fishers throughout the Tampa Bay area along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Ideal conditions & Federal NOAA reports validate the 2023 ARS Season is going to be dynamic - EPIC only for those whom have the required Federal Issued Credentials to legally Target & Keep the coveted Pelagic Species which includes American Red Snapper, Gag Grouper etc
Phil Pegley
Ruskin, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
The water temps in Tampa Bay have soared into the upper 80s this brings extreme fishing to our doorstep . tarpon, Goliath, grouper and sharks are in the mix. Inshore. Fishing is still readily available. The trout have really rebounded nicely. After the big toxic dump, we had here three marches ago. Still lots of them on the flats. The snook have moved to areas near deeper water, and we're still getting some great redfish in the back country . The mangrove snapper spawn is driven by the moons in the summer and we will get the biggest of the year
Late summer means to Key West time for us we will be in Key West from July 23 until the end of August with the dates available for lobstering offshore, reef deep, dropping and back country hit us up through Captains experiences to book your trip today . tight lines until next time Captain Phil
Ron Finger
with Fish Hawk Charters
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
It is snapper city this weekend and throughout the next 2 months thru mid August.
Hot temperatures, calm seas and light current all add up to a formula for some tasty snapper dinners. Mangrove snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper and vermilion snapper are all in the mix for bottom fishers throughout the Tampa Bay area along the Gulf Coast.
Ideal conditions & Federal NOAA reports validate the 2023 ARS Season is going to be dynamic - EPIC only for those whom have the required Federal Issued Credentials to legally Target & Keep the covented Pelagic Species which includes American Red Snapper, Gag Grouper etc
We Deliver the Results Exceed Expectations!!"
Steve Hunsucker
Largo, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
Red grouper fishing can also be productive in the same depths as red snapper. Anglers are allowed to keep 2 red grouper per person per day with a minimum size limit of 20 inches.
When targeting red snapper and red grouper, it's important to use heavy tackle and live or cut bait. Squid and sardines are popular bait choices, but other options like pinfish, grunts, and cigar minnows can also be effective. Bottom fishing techniques like drifting and anchoring can both be effective, depending on the conditions.
Overall, Clearwater Beach offers excellent offshore fishing opportunities for red snapper and red grouper during the summer months. It's always a good idea to check local regulations and weather conditions before heading out and to consider hiring a local guide or charter to help you find the best spots and techniques. We recommend at least an 8 hour charter for red groupers and 10-12 hour charters are best for both grouper and red snapper.
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