Florida Gulf Fishing Report

Anglers along the Florida Gulf Coast are enjoying a mix of summer species and seasonal favorites. Water temperatures are hovering in the mid-80s, creating ideal conditions for a variety of fish.

Nearshore:

Snapper: Lane, vermilion, and yellowtail snapper are biting well, especially around reefs and rock piles.
Trout: Speckled trout are still active in the early mornings and late evenings, hitting live shrimp and topwater lures.
Redfish: Schools of redfish are cruising the flats, providing opportunities for sight fishing and fly anglers.
Tarpon: Although the peak tarpon season is winding down, anglers are still reporting catches in deeper channels and passes.

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Offshore:

Grouper: Gag grouper season has reopened, and anglers are finding success on wrecks and ledges in deeper waters.
Kingfish: King mackerel are migrating along the coast, chasing baitfish and hitting trolled lures.
Mahi-Mahi: Mahi-mahi are showing up in good numbers around floating debris and weed lines.
Tuna: Blackfin tuna are being caught by anglers trolling offshore.

Tips:

Early mornings and late evenings: These are the prime times to fish for inshore species like trout and redfish, as the cooler temperatures make them more active.
Live bait: Live shrimp and pinfish are always a good choice for inshore fishing, while threadfin herring and cigar minnows are effective for offshore species.
Trolling: Trolling is a productive method for catching kingfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna offshore.
Check regulations: Be sure to check the latest fishing regulations for size and bag limits before heading out.

Safety first: Always wear a life jacket and be aware of changing weather conditions.

Enjoy your time on the water!

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