Old Tampa Bay Weather Forecast
Fishing reports straight from our guides in Old Tampa Bay
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.
Ron Finger
with Fish Hawk Charters
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
Whether you are an avid angler or new to the sport, there is something for everyone here. With the vibrant & bountiful Gulf of Mexico, great fishing year-round and easy access to offshore fishing is a must do for anyone.
Go offshore and fish the deep blue waters for large Edible pelagic species like Grouper, Snapper, Wahoo, Tuna Or switch things up and target the Battlers such as AJ, Cobia, Kings, and Tarpon. There is some great fishing year round!
If you’re not sure where to go, don’t worry. We have U covered. Decide first what type of fishing you want to do and a Target Date that compliments your schedule.
With a good grasp on what to catch, finding the best time of year to enjoy a day on the water is easy.
Once you decide the species you want to catch and the time of year, We will hook U up!
Craig Lahr
St. Petersburg, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
in good numbers off the beaches of Indian Rocks Beach to the clearwater beach area. They can be found just out side the swim boys up and down all the beaches. They will be in the passes awell the backwaters of clearwater sound and Dunedin FL into Tampa Bay. We can hook you up to these
majestic fish. Redfish, Trout, and Snook have been scattered from the beaches to the flat. Most of the big speckled trout are off the beaches mixed with the snook witch make for great sight fishing. Scaled sardines,
Small Pinfish and Pigfish is producing the better fish. For edfish they are on the flats and spoil ilands with a abundant of mullet. Cut Lady Fish or threadfins have been working well but live punfish and grass grunts can make a difference
You don't want to kill the bait,
it just needs to flutter on the bottom with the tail trimed off . With so many species around nearshore and inshore you can have a shot at catching
some big fish to test your skills. Don't forget the shark fishing with many different species and size from 10lb up to hundreds of pounds.
Now is the time to start booking your summer trips for Tarpon, Redfish, Snook, Sharks and more.
Thanks,
Capt. Craig
John Rivers
Tampa, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
Live bait is the best choice, but if you like tossing artificials, no worries, you'll catch your fair share as well. Here are a few lures that I like when targeting snook, redfish and trout. Headon's Spookis my go to for top-water. For redfish, and trout, I like tossing a 4"paddle tail ( colors: white and clear with red metal-flake ). Snook in Tampa Bay are live bait feeders, but you can still get them to eat artificials. I like a 1/8oz snake-lock jig head with a ZMan Paddlerz. Schools of redfish are also showing up on the flats in a few areas. These fish are very boat shy, so be quiet and patient and you'll hook a few. Once again, live or cut bait has been the best way to hook these skittish bronze beauties.
Some of the redfish schools have been beat up by some fishermen, but that’s just how it goes with the amount of boaters on the water these days, so again, be patient and you'll hook a few. They are mostly oversized fish, which means your drag is gonna scream. The sheepshead bite is still going strong in Tampa Bay, and the rock piles, jetties and bridges have been producing some nice catches. Live shrimp, fiddler and mud crabs have been the baits of choice.
Mike Morse
Tampa, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
Jim Vanderbeck
Clearwater, Florida
Reported: 2 years ago
Need a Place to Stay?
What's Biting in Old Tampa Bay
Recent Old Tampa Bay Reviews
Top Fishing Trips in Old Tampa Bay
Inshore, River, Flats in St. Petersburg
St Petersburg Inshore Fishing!!!
Shallow Water Sightfishing
Inshore, Flats Fishing in Clearwater
