Summer Fishing Patterns in full swing in Tampa Bay
Capt. John Rivers
July 20, 2017
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Tampa Bay Fishing Report
July started out as hot one for sure, but that's typical summertime for Florida.
Snook fishing has been satisfactory in Tampa Bay; the water temps are high making the fishing a little tough some days. Make sure you watch the tides closely to get the best bites. If you are fond of tossing artificials like I am, then hit the water very early in the morning to get the bites and also to avoid the heat of the day. Top-water baits like Heddon's Zara-Spook have been great this year producing some nice fish. Red fishing has been good in upper Tampa Bay and down along south shore, with cut mullet and cut threadfin producing some quality catches.
July can be one of the tougher months to fish because of the hotter water temps, so don't get discouraged if you have a tough day on the water this month. I like an outgoing tide and fishing the cooler hours, which is either early morning or much later in the afternoon into the night for my best snook and redfish bites.
Tarpon fishing is still going strong as the fish are in post spawn and can be very aggressive. Areas to fish for Tarpon are the Skyway, Bean Point and Egmont Key, and live pass crabs and cut threadfin have been the keys to producing some nice fish.
Right now on the surf is a great time to sight fish for snook. But remember that snook season remains closed on the west coast of Florida until September 1st, so please handle them with care and release them quickly.
So to sum it up for the first week of July is that it has been HOT!
Fish cooler times or at night and you'll have a productive day/night on the water.
If you're looking for a fun family or professional inshore Tampa Bay or Clearwater charter, give me a ring while you're on vacation or if you're heading to my area this fall.
Tight Lines… Capt. John
727-313-1781
www.tampabayinshoreguides.com
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