Tampa Bay, nestled along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, is a fishing paradise teeming with an incredible diversity of aquatic life. With a blend of brackish water from freshwater rivers and the salty embrace of the Gulf of Mexico, it makes it a prime location for plenty of fish. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, Tampa Bay offers a variety of fish to catch. Please be diligent and always check https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snook/ for what fish are in season and to obtain your Florida fishing license.
Snook
Known as Tampa Bay’s premier inshore game fish, the snook is a prized catch for many anglers. These sleek predators are renowned for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. They’re especially active in the spring and fall. Typically, they inhabit bridges, mangrove shorelines, and docks are prime snook habitats. We seem to find them best while island hopping at Egmont and Bunces Pass which is more of a reason to always have a rod in tow at all times!
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are another popular species found in Tampa Bay. They’re known for their distinctive copper-colored scales and are often found in shallow waters. These fish are fantastic fighters, and you can catch them year-round. Look for them in seagrass beds, oyster bars, and sandy flats.
Speckled Trout
Speckled trout, also known as spotted seatrout, are another sought-after species in Tampa Bay. These fish are prized for their delicious, mild-tasting flesh. They can be caught in various spots around the bay, such as grass flats, channels, and oyster bars. Winter is a particularly good time to target them. Some of my best times are kayaking the mangroves catching trout!
Tarpon
Tampa Bay is famous for its tarpon fishing. These colossal silver kings can grow up to 8 feet in length and are known for their impressive jumps and powerful runs. Tarpon season in Tampa Bay typically runs from late spring to early fall. Fishing for tarpon is a thrilling experience, with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key being popular spots to hook one of these giants. Toss out some pass crabs or live whitebait for a chance with a tarpon! As we know, Tarpons are like a UFC fight night experience and the chance of a breakoff is high. Although, any amount of battle with this creature is guaranteed 10/10 fun.
Sheepshead
If you’re looking for a tasty catch, sheepshead should be on your radar. They’re most active during the winter months, making them a great choice for cold-weather fishing. Sheepshead often inhabits rocky areas, bridges, and docks. Toss about any bait on your small 1/0 hook and find them circling the pilings and you are almost guaranteed a sheepshead! Also, a perfect kid-friendly starter fish.
Spanish Mackerel
For those who enjoy fast-paced action and a delicious meal, Spanish mackerel are a great choice. These torpedo-like fish are swift swimmers and can be caught year-round. They’re typically found near the surface, so casting spoons or trolling can be effective techniques. Spanish mackerel are known for their tasty, white flesh. Find them splashing about off the beaches. Use a spinning rod like this Shimano Catana RC Spinning reel https://amzn.to/3Q7DjJs and set the drag a little over halfway while fighting a bigger mackerel and let them run before cranking down to ensure they don’t breakoff.
Grouper
For anglers seeking a bigger challenge, Tampa Bay offers various grouper species, including red, gag, and black grouper. Moreover, these bottom-dwelling giants can reach impressive sizes and provide a tough fight. You’ll find them around rocky ledges, reefs, and wrecks, with the summer months being the best time to target them. That being said, just drop down a piece of squid or live bait of your choice and you may be able to snag a keeper in Tampa Bay!
So, grab your fishing gear and head to Tampa Bay!
