We are right in the middle of summer time fishing in Tampa Bay! The air temperature has been averaging in the low 90’s during the day and high 70’s in the evening. Afternoon showers have been consistent and helpful in cooling down the water temp which has been holding at the mid 80’s. You might think to yourself, “Am I reading a weather report or a fishing blog?” Well, weather is very important anytime that you’re planning a fishing trip; it can make things a lot easier or tough. There are many variables that weather can affect but to keep it short this time of year try to get out as early as possible. Cooler temps in the morning and a moving tides will give you the right conditions to have a successful fishing trip; the afternoon showers that start to show up will start to drop the atmospheric pressure activating a steady bite! Always keep an eye on the radar and be safe.
How is bait? Bait has been the toughest part of our day. We have a lot of hatchlings throughout the Tampa Bay area making it difficult on catching the size bait we would prefer. Good news is you can use the small baits to chum with and put the bigger baits on your hook. We have been using a 10’ 1/4” Humpback cast net on the flats. Plan B, has been to hit the towers after the sun comes up with a 12’ 3/8” Humpback cast net. You will catch a mix of Threadfins and Scaled Sardines of all different sizes.
What’s the hot bite this time of year? Snook, Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Snapper, Cobia and Tarpon. These are the species that we are targeting on our charters. We have been very dependent on the tides and the types of fish we are catching. The Mangrove Snapper bite has been better on the slack tides, use 20lbs leader with a 1/0 circle hook, small scaled sardine or shrimp should get you a bite. Fish near rocks, artificial reefs and any type of structure. Snook and trout have been hot on the incoming tides fishing with 30lbs leader with a 1/0 circle hook and a medium size scaled sardine. Spanish Mackerel probably the most underrated and most consistent fish on the list for summer time fishing have been chewing on the outgoing tide. Look for drop offs, shoals, artificial reefs and you will find the Spanish Mackerel. Switch up your gear and put on a 1/0 longshank Mustad hook to prevent break offs and use 30-40lbs leader.
We hope that you find this fishing report helpful! If you have any questions feel free to email us at InshoreSociety@gmail.com
Tight lines from Inshore society!
Captain Cristian Minami
Captain Kenneth Smith