Tampa Bay Fishing Report
Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters - R2B Fishing with Capt. John
Let’s first talk about the Red Tide that’s hit the gulf coast, I can to say that it has not hit Tampa Bay, St. Pete or Clearwater as of 8/26. I’ve been out a lot the past two weeks and fishing has been excellent. I do feel bad for my fellow captains down south of me that have had to deal with the effects of Red Tide and the fish kills that they have endured.
So, what are we catching in Tampa Bay right now? Lots of Mangrove Snapper and some of them are very good sized. I’ve been able to get two and three-man limits of Mangroves on most trips. Next is Speckled Trout; the bite for trout has been very good on both incoming and outgoing tides. I’m using both live and artificials on the trout. Next up is Snook, and again it’s been excellent for snook in the 18”-22” range, with a few fish over 26 inches.
Lastly let’s talk about redfish; the Red fishing in Tampa Bay has been hit and miss for me, where one day I’m on them and the next I’m not. I always say that there are no fences out there, and sometimes the fish move on.
I will say that the next three months is when the red fishing in Tampa Bay gets awesome. Starting now going into Labor Day and really getting good in late September and all of October.
As the water cools in October the inshore bite is going to be off the chain, so if you’re looking for some rod bending action with nonstop drag pulling, give me a ring in October and let’s get you hooked up.
You really R2B Fishing with Capt. John!
Hope to see you on the water. Tight Lines.
Capt. John
