Anglers across the Florida Gulf Coast are enjoying good fishing conditions following the recent storms. Water temperatures are starting to cool down, and baitfish are plentiful, making for active fish.
Inshore:
- Tampa Bay: Redfish action is picking up around the mangroves and flats. Look for schools tailing in shallow water during high tides. Snook are also biting well, especially around bridges and docks at night. Trout fishing is steady, with good numbers being caught on live shrimp and artificial lures.
- Sarasota Bay: Trout are the main target here, with plenty of action around the grass flats. Drifting with live shrimp or casting jigs is producing good results. Redfish are also present, but they are more scattered.
- Charlotte Harbor: Redfish are biting well in the shallows, particularly around oyster bars and mangrove shorelines. Snook fishing is also good around the passes and inlets.
- Naples & Marco Island: Snook fishing is excellent around the passes and in the backcountry. Live bait is king, but artificial lures are also working well. Redfish are starting to school up, and the bite should improve in the coming weeks.
READ: Florida Fish And Wildlife’s TrophyCatch Program Celebrates 15,000 Trophy Bass Catches
Offshore:
- Panhandle: Red snapper season is closed, but anglers are finding good numbers of grouper, amberjack, and triggerfish. Pelagic species like king mackerel and mahi-mahi are also being caught offshore.
- Tampa Bay: Gag grouper season is open, and anglers are reporting good catches offshore. Kingfish and Spanish mackerel are also being caught near the reefs.
- Sarasota: Deep sea fishing is producing catches of yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. Closer to shore, anglers are finding red grouper and snapper.
Tips:
- Live bait is key: Live shrimp, pilchards, and greenbacks are all excellent choices for inshore fishing.
- Early mornings and evenings: Fish are generally more active during these cooler times of day.
- Pay attention to tides: Moving tides are often the best for inshore fishing.
- Check the regulations: Make sure you are familiar with the current fishing regulations for your area.
Enjoy your time on the water and tight lines!
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