Tampa Bay Weather Forecast

Fishing reports straight from our guides in Tampa Bay

Dustin Lambert
Dustin L.
Sarasota, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
Lots of amberjacks and cobia!
Dustin Lambert
Dustin L. Sarasota, Florida Reported 2 years ago
Lots of amberjacks and cobia!
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Cobia Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
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Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V.
Clearwater, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
Docks and canals are where the reds, blacks, and sheep's are!!
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V. Clearwater, Florida Reported 2 years ago
Docks and canals are where the reds, blacks, and sheep's are!!
Sheepshead Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Sheepshead Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Sheepshead Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Sheepshead Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Sheepshead Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
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Matt Fueyo
Matt F.
Sarasota, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
Fishing has been productive. We are catching kings and cobia off the beach. Snook and redfish are chewing in the passes.
Matt Fueyo
Matt F. Sarasota, Florida Reported 2 years ago
Fishing has been productive. We are catching kings and cobia off the beach. Snook and redfish are chewing in the passes.
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
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James Gibson
James G.
Sarasota, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
The holiday season is upon us in Sarasota, Florida and the fish seem to know it. Our fishing charter customers had success targeting Snook, Redfish, Trout and Jacks in the shallow flats of Sarasota bay. As water temperatures dropped we found fish congregated on low tides in deeper mud holes in the buttonwood bay area on the back side of Longboat Key. On higher tides we found fish on top of shallow oyster bars around the bully creek area near the Sarasota airport. The nearshore fishing in Sarasota was also hot on the public reefs in front of Siesta, Lido...
James Gibson
James G. Sarasota, Florida Reported 2 years ago
The holiday season is upon us in Sarasota, Florida and the fish seem to know it. Our fishing charter customers had success targeting Snook, Redfish, Trout and Jacks in the shallow flats of Sarasota bay. As water temperatures dropped we found fish congregated on low tides in deeper mud holes in the buttonwood bay area on the back side of Longboat Key. On higher tides we found fish on top of shallow oyster bars around the bully creek area near the Sarasota airport. The nearshore fishing in Sarasota was also hot on the public reefs in front of Siesta, Lido and Longboat Key. Our customers enjoyed catch and clean fishing charters catching Kingfish, Triple tail, Cobia and Snappers.
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in Sarasota, Florida
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Joe Burruezo
Joe B.
Tampa, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
Micro tarpon bite has been on fire for the 8hr trips
Joe Burruezo
Joe B. Tampa, Florida Reported 2 years ago
Micro tarpon bite has been on fire for the 8hr trips
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
Redfish Fishing in Holmes Beach, Florida
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Ray Culver
Ray C.
Seminole, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
The nearshore bite been really good, hogfish, kingfish, Cobia and Bonita. Depending on the weather.
Ray Culver
Ray C. Seminole, Florida Reported 2 years ago
The nearshore bite been really good, hogfish, kingfish, Cobia and Bonita. Depending on the weather.
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
Kingfish Fishing in St. Petersburg, Florida
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Ron Finger
Ron F.
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
The Best Snapper Species
Snappers are a fish family that need no introduction. Anglers from all over the world come to Florida to Target & catch them and love them for a variety of reasons. They’re usually easy to locate, are abundant in population, and provide a tasty treat. Just the names “Mangrove Snapper” and “Red Snapper” get every saltwater fisher’s heart racing.
But before you think about cooking one up for a tasty treat, we will get U locked & loaded to land a boat load full.
We are very fortunate on the West Coast Florida Gulf of Mexico...
Ron Finger
Ron F. Tierra Verde, Florida Reported 2 years ago
The Best Snapper Species
Snappers are a fish family that need no introduction. Anglers from all over the world come to Florida to Target & catch them and love them for a variety of reasons. They’re usually easy to locate, are abundant in population, and provide a tasty treat. Just the names “Mangrove Snapper” and “Red Snapper” get every saltwater fisher’s heart racing.
But before you think about cooking one up for a tasty treat, we will get U locked & loaded to land a boat load full.
We are very fortunate on the West Coast Florida Gulf of Mexico
with the Mangrove and the Red Snapper. But other common species include the Cubera Snapper, Lane Snapper, Mutton Snapper, and Yellowtail Snapper. There are actually a total of 125 Snapper species that inhabit the earth’s oceans!
Mangrove Snapper
These guys have a red or pinkish tint that covers their small, rough scales. And don’t be fooled by their little teeth – they’re seriously sharp! To know where to find these fish, take a hint from their name. You’ll find them in mangrove islands but you can also find them hanging around docks, piers, grass flats, and more.
Red Snapper
Next up we have one of the largest and most favorable Snapper species, the Red Snapper. This species puts up a tough fight in offshore waters and can weigh up to 50 pounds! They’re also among the best-tasting fish species, period. Unfortunately, though, they’ve been overfished in many places, so there are strict seasons in place, especially here in Florida.
Cubera Snapper
The Cubera Snapper is another large Snapper species, with the biggest recorded weighing 120 pounds. They can be harder to find and make more of a rare appearance. But that just makes it more exciting when you catch one! These fish are more commonly found in deeper wrecks and reefs.
Lane Snapper
Next up we have Lane Snapper. A step down from Cubera Snapper, these little guys reach maximum lengths of 20 inches. But what they lack in size, they make up in strength. Lane Snapper will try and take any bait you present, even if that means grabbing it before a larger fish can. They have a pretty mix of white, yellow, and pink to create a tropical-looking fish. And, as with most Snappers, their fillets are quite delicious as well.
Mutton Snapper
The Mutton Snapper almost looks like a mix of the Mangrove and Lane Snapper, except they’re quite a bit larger. These guys range in size and you catch smaller ones or large ones out on the reefs.
Yellowtail Snapper
Last on the list, we have Yellowtail Snapper. Another fish on the smaller side, these fish are cute and can be recognized easily by their yellow tails – hence their name. They heavily populate southern Florida, where anglers can constantly rip them up and head home with a small but delicious treat!
Snapper Fishing Rules and Regulations
Now that you’re aware of common Snapper species, let’s talk about rules and regulations. As mentioned, there are tons of Snapper species out there. That means there are different types of rules for different types of fish, including maximum and minimum lengths, bag limits, and more.
It’s very important that you know the difference in regulations for each species. We have You fully covered.
We have the Federal Pelagic Species's Permits & NOAA Reef Permits to legally land any/all these snapper Species including ARS - American Red Snapper during the Federal Regulation Season Gulf of Mexico June - Aug
We are Fully Credentialed to both Target & Deliver the Snapper Species you deserve & desire.
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Cubera Snapper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
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Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V.
Clearwater, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
Red snapper have been chewing the bottom out of the boat... Red grouper as well. Mahi are showing up strong in the gulf this year.
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V. Clearwater, Florida Reported 2 years ago
Red snapper have been chewing the bottom out of the boat... Red grouper as well. Mahi are showing up strong in the gulf this year.
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
False Albacore, Mahi Mahi Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
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Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V.
Clearwater, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
We have only been out for scallops in Pasco county but doing really well
Jim Vanderbeck
Jim V. Clearwater, Florida Reported 2 years ago
We have only been out for scallops in Pasco county but doing really well
Scallop Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
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Ron Finger
Ron F.
Tierra Verde, Florida
Reported 2 years ago
The Gulf of Mexico can be a challenge that we as a team welcome the opportunity w/day to day results vary as a shallow warm body water. Ideally, a 10-12 hr offshore fishing 50-70-90 miles out can increase the odds yet .... This approach may also hit or miss.
Our team's do their best every day to provide guests full efforts, positive attitude & attentive honorable respect to max out and size up the Pelagic Species's.
Since fishing is a lot like dating. It’s all about capitalizing on opportunity of the unknown. One of the first things that every fisherman...
Ron Finger
Ron F. Tierra Verde, Florida Reported 2 years ago
The Gulf of Mexico can be a challenge that we as a team welcome the opportunity w/day to day results vary as a shallow warm body water. Ideally, a 10-12 hr offshore fishing 50-70-90 miles out can increase the odds yet .... This approach may also hit or miss.
Our team's do their best every day to provide guests full efforts, positive attitude & attentive honorable respect to max out and size up the Pelagic Species's.
Since fishing is a lot like dating. It’s all about capitalizing on opportunity of the unknown. One of the first things that every fisherman
learns is that fish have their own agenda which causes them to move over time from one place to another. This change can be seasonal, daily, caused by wind, changing water temperature, changing water clarity, the movement of bait they feed on, fishing techniques, or the instinct to spawn. We study these variables, unlike others & apply Master Licensed Angler skills w/technique.
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
Gag Grouper Fishing in Clearwater, Florida
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What's Biting in Tampa Bay

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Recent Tampa Bay Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    My guys had a great time on their fishing trip with Captain Nick! The trip was booked per my 10 year old son’s request, and he was accompanied by his step dad and grandpas. Nick was very pleasant and friendly, experienced, and treated my boy as one of his own. They all had a really great time and learned a lot during their trip. Thanks Captain Nick!

    Aj W. | July 17, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Fishing - 22’ Aguasport

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day out on the water with Steven picking up all different species from Triple Tail to Trout.

    Steven F. | July 16, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time with Dan. We caught plenty of fish and he was great with our kids. Highly recommend using Dan if you’re in the area and want to take the family out.

    Andrew K. | July 16, 2026

    Trip: 3-6 Hour Inshore/Nearshore Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent trip! Great hospitality!

    Eric G. | July 15, 2026

    Trip: Clearwater Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a rough day on the water. He is an amazing guide does everything and more to get you on fish and on the hook! I would highly recommend Matt as your next fishing guide! Great guy and very experienced when it comes to fishing the clear water area!

    Jason K. | July 15, 2026

    Trip: St Pete Tarpon Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Steven gave us a great trip catching fish. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and was a great experience overall. I recommend Captain Steven for those of you looking to take advantage of the Tampa experience.

    Dennis J. | July 14, 2026

    Trip: Shark Fishing Charter

  • ★★★★★
    A+ service - everything we hoped for - professional and organized - highly recommend!

    Danny L. | July 13, 2026

    Trip: Clearwater Nearshore - 22’ Dusky

  • ★★★★★
    What an unforgettable experience!! We had so much fun and caught so many fish with Captain George- I’m also pretty sure he might actually be a fish whisperer! He was so personable and accommodating. We have fallen in love with this area and can’t wait to come back next year- and you can bet that we will definitely be booking another fishing trip! Thanks for the memories, Captain George!!

    Drew T. | July 12, 2026

    Trip: St Petersburg Inshore Fishing!!!

  • ★★★★★
    Great host. Great time. Fun for both my boy and I. Caught some fish and experienced the bay. Will going back soon. Thank you Chris.

    Dave D. | July 10, 2026

    Trip: Inshore Family Fun Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Brian and Captain Gerry were great! Great conversation and knows their stuff. We booked a 4 hour trip. Safety is priority and a storm was rolling in, so we had to head back after 2 hours. However, it passed after 30-45 minutes and we went back out. They took us to 4-5 different spots and we caught over 10 species of fish! Flounder, grouper, spades, sheeps head, lady fish, trout, silvers, mackerel, jack, pin, mangrove snapper, puffer. Many we had to release because they weren’t in season or were juveniles. However, the ones we did keep, the captains cleaned up for us. Overall, had a wonderful time. 10/10

    Win P. | July 7, 2026

    Trip: Tampa Bay Inshore Rodeo

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