Tampa Bay Fishing Report

Lower Tampa Bay and Offshore written by: Captain Brent Gaskill (727)-343-1765
Upper Tampa Bay written by: Captain Sean Tanner (727)510-5226
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Capt. Brent Gaskill - Lower Tampa Bay
Summer Vacation Charters

Click Here to watch Capt. Brent's Trout Video

Report coming soon.

Capt. Sean Tanner - Upper Tampa Bay
Hooked Up Fishing Charters

The beginning stages of our summer fishing madness are here. I can’t imagine any more cold fronts coming through and knocking the water temperatures in reverse like we saw back in April. Since then, things got back on track where they should be. Bait has returned to the flats and should hold there more consistently over the summer months.

Snook are schooled up in spawning mode now and can be caught day or night along the rocks near Port Tampa and the Gandy and Franklin Bridges. Fishing with big baits on heavier tackle will give you an opportunity to hook and land a trophy sized female. Tackle size for these big gals should range from 40 to 60 lb Tarpon style gear which will allow you to land the fish in shorter time and lessen the chances of causing undue stress to the fish.

Speaking of Tarpon, the first wave of poons have hit the Upper Bay and can be targeted several different ways. Fishing the bridge lights at night would be the most productive method for anyone willing to stay up late. On calm mornings plug casters can cast to rolling fish on the southwest end of the Franklin Bridge or the north side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway between the big bridge and Clearwater end.

Anyone just looking to bend a rod or catch some tasty fish for dinner, the Snapper bite has started up along the rocks of Port Tampa and the bridges. Nothing beats live shrimp on light spinning tackle for these fish that make up for their lack in size with a pretty scrappy fight. Just make sure you have plenty of bait when the bite goes off.