Hot Summer Fishing
Capt. Sean Goddard
May 22, 2017
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Fishing in Tampa Bay is incredible right now. Although it has been very hot out there and water temperatures are in the mid 80s the fish are still actively feeding. Bait is abundant and easy to find most days. We have been seeing good numbers of fish come over the rail on our Tampa fishing charters and the bite is going to remain strong throughout the summer.
Redfish
There are still schools of redfish roaming the flats. Chumming live whitebait is working well. Chunking cut bait is another tactic that is working well to catch reds. I prefer to fish reds in the mangroves and am finding plenty of larger fish mixed in with the snook.
Snook
The snook bite has been outstanding. There are still plenty of large fish to be found in the usual spots. Chumming whitebait is producing good number of Fish on our Tampa fishing charters. Most fish have been 22 to 26 inches with some bigger fish mixed in. It is important that you don't over-chum the fish. Present enough chum to pull them out of the roots. You don't want to feed them. The biggest mistake I see is people chumming non-stop. They'll catch a few fish but eventually the bite will shut down for them. Once the fish start to pop on the chum outside or on the outer edge of the mangroves stop chumming for a while.
Tarpon
Tarpon have invaded Tampa Bay and there are plenty of big fish to be found. I am seeing large schools of fish in the usual places. Cut threadfins, pass crabs, and large whitebaits are providing good results.
Sea Trout
Big trout are still around and can be found on deeper grass flats. Top water lures and live bait are working well. I am catching more trout early morning when the water temperature is slightly cooler.
Nearshore
Mangrove snapper are all over the nearshore reefs and rock piles. We are seeing some good sized fish coming over the rails consistently throughout the day. Live whitebait, cut whitebait, and shrimp are all working well to put fish in the box. Cobia are here and can be found easily around any structure. They are also following the big rays around in the bay. Look for schools of cow nose rays or large eagle rays and toss your baits just behind them. There are some large cobia right now with some people fish in the 20 to 30 pound class. Spanish mackerel have been spotty and harder to find than in previous years this is most likely due to the warmer than usual water temperatures.
Visit our webpage www.inshore2offshore.com to find more information on fall fishing charters in the Tampa Bay area. We offer online booking as well as military appreciation trips. You can find recipes and information on current weather. Or as always feel free to give me a call with any questions you may have, 813-731-3426. While visiting our website please take a moment to sign up for my newsletter and be first to receive reports, offers and updates.
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