Summertime Fishing in Full Swing -Rivers To Bay Fishing Charters
Capt. John Rivers
July 4, 2018
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Summer fishing is in full swing in Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas.
Let's talk Snook for a minute; a large majority of snook have made their way out to the beaches to spawn and the bite has been fantastic. Live baits have been the best choice (Grunts, Pilchards and Pinfish), but you can catch the Snook on artificials as well. Inside Tampa Bay there are still plenty of Snook around if you can't make it out along the beaches, (some fish never leave Tampa Bay to spawn, instead they spawn in the bay, and some have spawned and are on their way back into the bay and St Joseph Sound). Speckled Trout fishing has also been pretty good in the early mornings and late afternoon. You want tidal flow, so watch the tides. The trout have been decent size the past few months which is nice, and they are pretty tasty, too.
Mangrove Snapper fishing is about to fire off big time. The wrecks, towers, rock piles and bridges are all holding nice Mangrove Snapper. Use a light leader, with a 1/0 J hook or circle hook, whichever you prefer, with a live shrimp or pilchard (aka White Bait).
Tripletail fishing was off the chain these past two months, but just remember that the size limit just changed as of July 1st to 18" in length, up from 15" in length. The Tarpon bite was tremendous last week and the week before. Lots of fish jumped, but few landed as they have been big fish. With this last full moon, lots of fish will have started to head out into the gulf to spawn, then come back in for a few weeks then the bite will slow down. Pass crabs, live threadfin or fresh cut threadfin are baits of choice when targeting these silver beauties.
Yes, it's hot out since it's summer time in Tampa Bay, but don't let the heat keep you off the water. The fishing is still satisfactory, just go early or a few hours before dark and enjoy some quality time fishing Tampa Bay.
If you're looking for a professional Tampa Bay Guide who's been guiding for over 15 years, feel free to give me a ring.
Thanks for stopping by, I look forward to showing you a great day on the water.
Tight Lines, and you R2B Fishing with Capt. John Rivers
Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters
www.tampabayinshoreguides.com
www.R2Bfishing.com
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