The Florida Gulf Coast is buzzing with fishing activity as we hit mid-July, with anglers reporting success both inshore and offshore. Ideal kingfish weather is upon us, thanks to easterly winds, while nearshore waters offer plenty of opportunities for a variety of catches.
Inshore, bays from Sarasota to Tampa are yielding trout, redfish, snook, and even the occasional tarpon. Offshore, the King of the Beach tournament is in full swing, and blackfin tuna are making a showing. So grab your gear and get ready for a day on the water – the fish are biting!
Read: Florida Fishing: A Paradise For Anglers
Anglers can expect easterly winds of 10-15 knots with occasional gusts up to 20 knots, making for some ideal kingfish weather.
Inshore:
- Sarasota Bay: Reports of good action on trout, blues, and redfish.
- Bradenton/Anna Maria Island: Snook, seatrout, mackerel, sharks, and the occasional tarpon are being caught.
- Tampa Bay: Bluegill and bass are biting well, especially in the shallows where bluegill are spawning.
Offshore/Nearshore:
- Kingfish: Nearshore waters offer good conditions for slow-trolling live baits for kingfish. The Old Salt Spring King of the Beach Tournament is underway in Madeira Beach.
- Amberjack: Reopened for recreational harvest in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico through May 31st.
- Blackfin Tuna: Captain Morgan’s Fishing Adventures out of St. Petersburg is reporting catches of blackfin tuna.
Tips:
- Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to fish.
- Look for areas with structure, such as reefs, wrecks, and ledges.
- Use live bait or lures that imitate the natural prey of the fish you’re targeting.
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