Late Summer Fishing Report
Capt. Sean Goddard
August 15, 2016
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Inshore
Tampa fishing can be challenging with water temperatures in the 90's. Thunderstorms and heat can make for a long day on the water. But there still are plenty of fish to catch and relief from the weather and heat is right around the corner. We have provided a weather section for you to bookmark www.inshore2offshore.com/information/weather/ Find tide, wind weather and more here.
The snook are moving back into the mangrove shorelines throughout the backcountry. Look for them to be hanging on points with good water flow. There are still snook out on the flats but they are getting ready to transition to more of a fall pattern.
Trout fishing has slowed with many of the larger fish moving into their deep water. Smaller fish up to keeper size can still be found on deeper grass flats from 4 to 6 feet. Live bait suspended under a cork float is producing well as well as mirrolures and early morning top water plugs.
Redfish are beginning to school up. There is a very large school of fish working the south shore of the bay. Upper Tampa Bay is holding some very large reds with many over-slot fish to be caught. Early morning or around sunset is the best time to get the reds. Cut threadfins or pilchards are the bait of choice for redfish this time of year.
Near Shore
The mangrove snapper bite is awesome in Tampa bay with fish in the 2 pound range being caught in the shipping channels. You can find keepers around the mangroves as well mixed in with snook and reds. As a result the five fish limit is easily being caught providing one of the best eating meals you will have. Use small shrimp or small greenbacks near any decent structure and you will find them lurking, use chum to work them into a frenzy and limit out quickly.
Spanish Mackerel are still abundant. Look for them near the Bay artificial reefs and range markers. Because these toothy fish can easily bite through a leader a long shank hook is recommended. Mackerel are one of the best eating fish Tampa bay has to offer. Check out our recipe section for some ideas on what to do with your catch www.inshore2offshore.com/information/recipes/fish-spread/
Flounder are showing up. Target these delicious fish use either mud minnows, pilchards or chartreuse soft plastic tails and jig heads with a slow retrieve bouncing along the bottom. In addition shrimp work well but the sail cats beat the flounder to the shrimp most of the time. Target flounder at the mouth of creeks and rivers or in deeper water neer structure.
It Won't be long
It won't be long now when trolling the shipping lanes inside Tampa Bay will be an extremely productive way to earn a grouper dinner. Large deep diving plugs in 30-50 feet of water will produce some impressive sized grouper. Drifting hard bottom with pinfish in 50 feet is also productive for gags and occasionally a red grouper this time of year. Season and limits have changed on gags check the regulations before taking any fish. Check our site for up to date regulations www.inshore2offshore.com/information/
Book a trip Today
Tampa fishing can be a mixed bag of hard fighting fish and tasty table fare. Book a trip today with Inshore 2 Offshore Fishing adventures. We offer offers safe, secure and easy online booking. Visit our website www.inshore2offshore.com for information about Tampa Bay inshore fishing or call Captain Goddard at 813-731-3426.
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