Today’s weather along the Florida Gulf Coast is perfect for fishing, with calm seas and a gentle breeze. The temperature is expected to reach a high of 88°F with partly cloudy skies. Water temperatures are warm, averaging around 84°F, providing ideal conditions for a variety of fish species.
Inshore Fishing
Snook: Snook fishing has been excellent recently. Anglers are having great success around mangroves and inlets, particularly during the early morning and late evening hours. Live bait, such as pilchards and shrimp, are working well.
Read: Iconic Freshwater Fish Gets A New Name: Introducing The Florida Bass
Redfish: Redfish are abundant in the shallow flats and grassy areas. Look for them around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. Soft plastics and gold spoons are effective lures. High tide is the best time to target redfish today.
Spotted Seatrout: Spotted seatrout are biting well on the grass flats in 3 to 5 feet of water. Live shrimp under a popping cork and soft plastic jerk baits are producing good results. Focus on areas with a mix of sand and grass.
Sheepshead: Sheepshead are still being caught around docks, piers, and bridge pilings. Fiddler crabs and shrimp are the preferred baits. Use small hooks and light tackle to increase your chances.
Nearshore Fishing
Spanish Mackerel: Spanish mackerel are plentiful around the nearshore reefs and artificial structures. Silver spoons and Gotcha plugs are effective lures. Look for diving birds as a sign of feeding activity.
Cobia: Cobia are being spotted cruising nearshore waters and around buoys. Live eels and large jigs are enticing these fish. Sight fishing for cobia can be particularly exciting on calm days.
Mangrove Snapper: Mangrove snapper are hanging around nearshore reefs and wrecks. Live shrimp and cut bait on a light tackle rig are producing good catches. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to target them.
Read: The Best Beaches In Florida: A Paradise For Every Traveler
Offshore Fishing
Red Grouper: Red grouper are biting well on natural bottom and ledges in 60 to 120 feet of water. Squid, pinfish, and cut bait are the top choices. Be prepared for a strong fight as these fish are powerful.
Amberjack: Amberjack action has been hot on the deeper wrecks and reefs. Live blue runners and large jigs are the go-to baits. These fish are known for their hard fights, so heavy tackle is recommended.
Kingfish: King mackerel are patrolling offshore waters around wrecks and reefs. Slow trolling with live bait, such as threadfin herring and cigar minnows, is producing good results. Look for schools of baitfish as a sign of kingfish presence.
Final Tips
- Make sure to check local regulations and size limits for all species.
- Use a fishing app or marine radio to stay updated on weather conditions.
- Bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Enjoy your fishing trip along the Florida Gulf Coast today, and tight lines to all!
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