No Red Tide in Tampa Bay!
Capt. Trajan Rodriguez
September 12, 2018
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
With all of the talk of red tide here on the West Coast of Florida, it is easy to get caught up in the news. Red tide has devastated SW Florida but thankfully it has not gotten inside of Tampa Bay! The water is safe and the fish are hungry. Please continue to support local guides and small business as they are hurting just because of the craze. TAMPA BAY IS FREE OF RED TIDE!
The redfish are starting to push into the bay on the flats as they do every year. We are not seeing the same number we saw years ago but there are plenty around. Look for them on grass flats and mangrove points. Primarily these fish are feeding on shrimp and crabs. Although the season is still open in the bay, PLEASE practice catch and release of these fish.
The snook should be making their way back into the bay away from the beaches. They will be skinnier than they have been most of the summer but a properly presented white bait should have them chewing. Strong tidal flow will be the importance to catching these linesiders. Snook season is also open but PLEASE practice catch and release of these fish!
Mangrove snapper have invaded the bay and are arguably the best tasting fish inside Tampa Bay. If looking for a meat trip this is what you should target! The smaller bait on the flats right now is perfect for these snapper. Light leader and small hooks are key!
Juvenile and tarpon to 60 lbs are around in decent numbers. Early morning sight fishing tends to pay off for these fish this time of year.
As we recover from the red tide in the surrounding areas, please be mindful of the impact you could have harvesting fish. Although the legislation for closed seasons will be lifted, catch and release fishing will ensure the prosperity of our fishery for years to come.
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