John Rivers

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters - R2B Fishing with Capt. John

The inshore bite has been very good for many species in Tampa Bay, so let’s start with Spanish Mackerel; they can be found all over Tampa Bay around the markers and near the flats where there is a lot of bait around.

Next on the menu is Mangrove Snapper; the bite has really picked up the past two weeks and is only going to get better, chum heavily, use a light leader and you’ll have good results.

Red fishing has been off and on, at least for me over the past few weeks. I know a few areas that are holding them, but getting them to eat is another story, you must catch the tide right and have the right bait, which is either a fresh cut pinfish or fresh dead threadfin.

Snook fishing has been great even though it’s July and it’s hot out. The fish that have been out on the beach are starting to make their way back into the bay, but if you’re out on the beach, no worries, there are still plenty of big snook to be caught, just remember they are out of season, so take extra care to make sure they swim off alive. One key thing is to find clean water and hit it on the right tide and you’ll have a productive day. On my last trip we crushed the Snook, with over 20+ fish with a few over 27”. On light tackle these fish are tons of fun, and great for families or the serious angler.

Trout fishing is also very good both in the bay and off the beaches. The key is to hit them early in the morning or close to sunset and you’ll do well.

Over the next month the fishing will pretty much stay the same, and you just need to find clean water for snook, fish shaded spots for reds in the middle of the day and mackerel are pretty much on every marker and near the flats.

Yes, July can be hot, but don’t let that prevent you from booking a Tampa Bay Fishing Trip with Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters, as we are still bending the rods and I’ll have plenty of water on board to keep you in the fight.

Hope to see you on the water. Tight Lines.
Capt. John

Tampa Bay Fishing Report

Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters - R2B Fishing with Capt. John

The inshore bite has been very good for many species in Tampa Bay, so let’s start with Spanish Mackerel; they can be found all over Tampa Bay around the markers and near the flats where there is a lot of bait around.

Next on the menu is Mangrove Snapper; the bite has really picked up the past two weeks and is only going to get better, chum heavily, use a light leader and you’ll have good results.

Red fishing has been off and on, at least for me over the past few weeks. I know a few areas that are holding them, but getting them to eat is another story, you must catch the tide right and have the right bait, which is either a fresh cut pinfish or fresh dead threadfin.

Snook fishing has been great even though it’s July and it’s hot out. The fish that have been out on the beach are starting to make their way back into the bay, but if you’re out on the beach, no worries, there are still plenty of big snook to be caught, just remember they are out of season, so take extra care to make sure they swim off alive. One key thing is to find clean water and hit it on the right tide and you’ll have a productive day. On my last trip we crushed the Snook, with over 20+ fish with a few over 27”. On light tackle these fish are tons of fun, and great for families or the serious angler.

Trout fishing is also very good both in the bay and off the beaches. The key is to hit them early in the morning or close to sunset and you’ll do well.

Over the next month the fishing will pretty much stay the same, and you just need to find clean water for snook, fish shaded spots for reds in the middle of the day and mackerel are pretty much on every marker and near the flats.

Yes, July can be hot, but don’t let that prevent you from booking a Tampa Bay Fishing Trip with Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters, as we are still bending the rods and I’ll have plenty of water on board to keep you in the fight.

Hope to see you on the water. Tight Lines.
Capt. John

Fish Species: Snook, Redfish, Jack Crevalle
Bait Used: Pilchards
Tackle Used:
Method Used:
Water Depth: 3-6 foot
Water Temperature:
Wind Direction:
Wind Speed:
John with nice Snook
John with nice Snook

Mack with a nice Jack
Mack with a nice Jack


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John Rivers

About The Author: Captain John Rivers

Company: Rivers to Bay Fishing Charters

Area Reporting: Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St Peterburg

Bio: Covering the Tampa Bay, Clearwater and St Petersburg area. Light tackle fishing for Snook, Redfish, Trout and more While cruising from spot to spot in our 24 ft custom Triton bay boat you will be riding in comfort, it has all the amenities. I\'m a veteran fishing guide of 18 years and you\'ll be in good hands. Thanks for stopping by. Tight Lines... John

727-313-1781
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