Spring has definitely sprung along the Gulf Coast. Water temperatures are warming up nicely, which is really getting the fish active.
Expect warm weather, but keep an eye on the wind forecast, especially if you plan to head further offshore, as recent reports mention wind could be a factor. Tides will vary by location, so check your local charts for optimal fishing times around points, passes, and flats.
Tampa Bay: The bite is reported as HOT right now! Snook and Redfish are very active, feeding aggressively around mangrove shorelines, docks, and flats. Look for them busting bait, especially on moving tides. Live baits like pilchards (whitebait) and shrimp are working well, as are artificial lures fished under mangrove overhangs. Tarpon are just starting to show up, so keep an eye out in the passes and deeper channels – it’s prime time to start targeting the Silver King. Big Speckled Trout have also been caught recently on the grass flats.
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Sarasota Bay: Similar to Tampa, the inshore fishing is productive. Snook and Redfish are hitting well around structure and on the flats. Black Drum are also being caught. Live shrimp and whitebait are effective. Speckled Trout fishing remains steady on the deeper grass flats.
Panhandle (Pensacola, Panama City, Destin, etc.): Focus on the flats and bay systems. Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder are good targets. Sheepshead are likely still around bridges, docks, and jetties, though the main spawn might be tapering off. Pompano should be running along the beaches – try sand fleas or jigs in the surf.
Big Bend/Nature Coast (Crystal River, Homosassa, Cedar Key): Trout, redfish, and snook (as they move north) will be targets on the flats and around oyster bars. Sheepshead are still a good possibility around rocky structure.
Nearshore & Offshore Report:
King Mackerel (Kingfish): Reports indicate a strong Kingfish bite nearshore recently, particularly out of the Tampa Bay area. Trolling spoons or drifting live baits over structure and along shipping channels can be very effective. However, this bite can be wind-dependent, so check conditions.
Spanish Mackerel: Expect plenty of Spanish Mackerel action along the beaches, just offshore, and around passes and artificial reefs. Fast-retrieved small spoons, jigs, and gotcha plugs work well. Look for birds working over bait schools.
Snapper & Grouper: Bottom fishing over offshore reefs and wrecks should yield Lane Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, and various Grouper species.
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Important: Always check current FWC regulations for season closures, size limits, and bag limits, especially for Gag Grouper and Red Snapper (Red Snapper season is typically summer/fall in the Gulf). Sheepshead are also being caught on nearshore reefs.
Cobia & Tripletail: Keep an eye out around channel markers, buoys, wrecks, and any floating debris or weed lines for Cobia and Tripletail. Have a pitch bait ready (live pinfish, eel, or large shrimp).
Pelagics: Further offshore, early season Mahi Mahi are a possibility, though more common later in spring. Amberjack season may be open (check FWC regs) over deeper wrecks.
Bait: Live shrimp and pilchards/whitebait are excellent choices for most inshore species. Pinfish are great for larger predators. Nearshore and offshore, live baits, frozen baits (like squid or cigar minnows), trolling lures, and vertical jigs are all effective depending on your target.
General Outlook: This weekend looks promising, especially for inshore anglers targeting snook and redfish. Nearshore mackerel fishing could be great if the winds stay manageable. Remember to check the latest weather forecasts and FWC fishing regulations before you head out.
Have a great weekend on the water and tight lines!
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