Fall fishing is heating up along Florida’s Gulf Coast! While recent hurricanes Helene and Milton impacted some areas, fishing conditions are improving, and anglers are finding success.
Water temperatures are gradually cooling, and baitfish are moving, creating feeding opportunities for a variety of species.
Inshore:
- Tampa Bay: Redfish action is excellent around the flats and mangrove shorelines. Look for schools tailing in shallow water during high tides. Live bait like shrimp and pinfish are producing well, as are artificial lures like gold spoons and soft plastics. Snook are also biting well, especially around bridges and docks at night. Trout fishing is steady in deeper grass flats.
- Sarasota Bay: Hurricane Milton stirred things up, and fishing is rebounding nicely. Snook and redfish are feeding actively in the passes and around structure. Live bait is king, but topwater lures early in the morning can also be productive. Look for flounder around sandy patches near grass flats.
- Pine Island Sound: Redfish and snook are plentiful around the islands and mangrove shorelines. Try fishing with cut bait or live shrimp on the bottom. Spotted seatrout are hitting soft plastic jigs and topwater plugs in the early morning and late evening.
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Nearshore:
- Artificial Reefs: Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and mangrove snapper are congregating around artificial reefs and wrecks. Trolling with spoons or live bait is effective for mackerel, while bottom fishing with chum and cut bait will attract snapper.
- Stone Crab Season: Stone crab season is open! Traps can be placed in nearshore waters, and recreational harvesters can take up to 1 gallon of claws per person per day.
Offshore:
- Grouper: Gag grouper season is open! Target these prized fish on deepwater ledges and wrecks using live pinfish or heavy jigs. Red grouper are also biting well in depths over 100 feet.
- Pelagic Action: Keep an eye out for migrating pelagic fish like mahi-mahi and wahoo. Trolling with high-speed lures or live bait can be successful.
Important Notes:
- Red Tide: Always check current red tide reports before heading out.
- Licensing: Make sure you have the appropriate fishing license for the species you are targeting.
- Safety First: Be aware of changing weather conditions and always practice safe boating.
Tight lines!
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