Inshore fishing in areas where red tide doesn’t exist is resulting in some of the best fishing of the year for some anglers

Inshore fishing in areas where red tide doesn’t exist is resulting in some of the best fishing of the year for some anglers

 

Catch-and-release snook and redfish are being found in good numbers throughout the shallow grass flats of southern Tampa Bay. Moving to slightly deeper grass flats is yielding respectable numbers of spotted seatrout as well as Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper. Speaking of snapper, anglers fishing large structure such as the Sunshine State Skyway Bridge are cashing in. Limits of snapper 12-15 inches are regularly being caught. While fishing this structure, you can count on catching other species, too. Spanish mackerel, bluefish and large jack crevalle are available to add a variety to the bite.

On my own Southernaire fishing charters, I’m counting on catching the mangrove snapper. Fishing residential docks as well as artificial reefs and rock piles is yielding good results. After putting a few limits of snapper in the box, I’m moving to the grass flats to target spotted seatrout. Most trout catches are just under-slot, but patience is a virtue as I’m finding larger trout in the mix.

Lastly, catch-and-release snook and redfish fishing is quite good for anglers who just want to bend a rod.