While many are still enjoying their holiday feasts, the fish are biting along Florida’s Gulf Coast! Here’s the latest fishing report to help you plan your next trip.
Water Temperature: Water temperatures are cooling down, ranging from the mid-50s to low 60s.
Weather: Expect a mix of sun and clouds with comfortable temperatures today. Winds are generally light, creating favorable conditions for both inshore and offshore fishing.
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INSHORE:
Trout: Trout fishing remains good in the grass flats of Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Use jigs with soft plastic tails or live shrimp for best results.
Redfish: Redfish are being caught around mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. Target them with live bait or cut bait on the bottom.
Snook: Snook are moving into deeper channels and residential canals as the water cools. Try fishing with live bait or lures near structures.
Sheepshead: Sheepshead are becoming more active around bridges, docks, and piers. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp for bait.
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OFFSHORE:
Gag Grouper: Gag grouper season is open! Head to deeper waters and ledges to target these tasty fish. Live bait or large jigs are effective.
Hogfish: Hogfish are biting well in depths of 40-80 feet. Use live shrimp or small crabs for bait.
Snapper: Mangrove snapper and lane snapper are plentiful around reefs and wrecks. Use light tackle and small pieces of shrimp for bait.
Kingfish: Kingfish are migrating south, so keep an eye out for them near nearshore reefs and wrecks. Troll with spoons or live bait.
Even though the air temperatures are mild, the water is cooler, so dress in layers to stay comfortable on the water. Make sure you are familiar with current fishing regulations and size limits for the species you are targeting.
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