Fishing Reports by Capt. Dustin Hilliard

High Tide for Redfish - Redfish bite has been consistent on high to outgoing tides. Whitebait and shrimp have been the bait of choice. Snook bite continues to be off and on, changes from day to day. Pilchards and mullet have been getting the bites on the fish that will e more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tarpon Springs

Target Snook in Moving Water - As the summer heat continues, each day of fishing can be different from the next! Keep moving from spot to spot to try and find the fish that are willing to eat. Enticing them with different baits to see what they want can be the difference between more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tarpon Springs

Summertime is Here - It's been really hot out - not only the air temps - but the water temps are into the 90's making some days more difficult to get the fish to bite. Early morning or evening can make a difference, but a good moving tide can also increase your chances more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay

Find Moving Water for Snook - The snook bite has been good recently. Targeting snook in moving water will increase your chances. Also, snook are timing feeders - if the fish you are targeting won't eat, move on to a new group of fish, you can come back to try those fish again l more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay

Tarpon are Here! - Tarpon (silver kings) are here! Look for schools in passes on beaches under bridges and in the flats. Crabs, threadfins, pilchards and grunts are just some of the baits these guys love to eat. When sight fishing these poons, make sure to approach th more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay

Redfish on Incoming Tide - Redfish bite continues to be consistent on incoming tides. Pilchards and shrimp on a 2/0 circle hooks have been my baits of choice. Snook have made their way out to the beaches in preparation for their summer time spawn. Moving water and pilchards more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tarpon Springs

Snook on the Move - It's getting fishy out there! The redfish bite has been consistent on high tide, around oyster bars and mangrove points. For bait, shrimp and pilchards working the best. The snook are on the move to the beaches as they move into their spawnin more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay

Warmer Water and Spring Patterns - The water temperature has continued to increase as the transition from winter to spring takes place, with the cold fronts starting to be less repetitive. It has been making some good days on the water causing the fish to be more active. Redfish hav more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay

Slow Retrieve as Temperatures Drop - Winter time fishing or somedays what I call 'Florida Ice Fishing,' as the cold fronts move through on a weekly basis. Water temperatures drop into the upper 50's which can result in slow days as the fish can be a little lethargic. Working your bai more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay

Redfish Remain Consistent - November brings cooler weather to the Bay Area allowing you fish all day without sweating. In-between cold fronts, the fishing has been consistent for redfish using shrimp, greenbacks and artificial lures. A few snook have still been hanging around more...
Capt. Dustin Hilliard - Tampa Bay