The inshore fishing action is in full swing here in Tampa Bay and Clearwater and the bite has never been better
For those of you concerned about the recent Algae Bloom and Red tide, Clearwater and Tampa Bay are UNAFFECTED by the Algae Bloom. Our beaches are open and the fishing is fantastic as we head into the final days of Summer and the early days of Fall.
Fishing Report:
Our normal summer weather patterns are staying true as we’ve enjoyed calm seas and balmy Tampa Bay and Gulf of Mexico conditions during July and August.
Tarpon Acrobatics:
For you fans of the Summer Olympics, the best gymnastics can be found on the water! Chasing Tarpon – our specialty -continues to produce both huge fish up to 150 pounds for those brave souls who want to lock horns with a massive Silver King. For our customers who prefer quantity over quality – especially our junior anglers and fly fishing clients – we’ve also dialed-in the schools of small tarpon (10 to 30-pound fish) that you can catch on light tackle. The huge Tarpon have been eating crabs and pinfish. The smaller Tarpon have been eating live sardines, small crabs and crab or glass minnow fly patterns.
Now is the time to take advantage of our Tarpon action as the fish will migrate away during the Fall months.
Snook are Everywhere
Our early morning trips have been producing excellent Snook catches, with most fish measuring between 22 and 34 inches. The female Snook are wrapping up the spawn and are more receptive to our baits. The males never stopped eating throughout the spawn, so they remain very active on the flats and up against the mangroves.
We’ve been catching the Snook on light tackle using live shrimp and live sardines on small circle hooks and light fluorocarbon leaders due the crystal-clear water. We. expect the Snook bite to continue through the month of August as well.
Parting the Red Sea
Huge schools of Redfish have started to invade the flats and mangroves ahead of the fall bait push. We’ve been catching Redfish measuring between 27 and 40 inches with multiple hookups when we find the huge schools pushing water up on the oyster beds or grass flats on the falling tide. Like the Snook, we’re catching Redfish on live shrimp, live sardines and the occasional top water plug. The Redfish bite is only going to get better over the next 3 months.
Incredible Shark Fishing
The shark fishing has never been better than it is RIGHT NOW! We’ve been catching a variety of Shark species like Blacktip Sharks, Spinner Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Bonnetheads – and some notorious bullies like Bull Sharks – and this fishery will continue to get better as we approach the fall months. These Sharks can weigh in from 20 lbs and go all the way up to several hundred pounds! You have got to see it to believe it!
The tail end of the Summer also means offshore-class fishing can be found in the bay as schools of Mangrove Snapper come in to spawn. We’re also catching Gag Grouper for good measure. Like the Snook and Redfish on the flats, the Snapper and Grouper can’t resist live shrimp or live sardines on small hooks and light leaders.
Book NOW to Experience this Amazing Fishery
As we make our way into August and September, we should start see more bait show up on the oyster beds, flats and channels. This will only serve to attract Snook, Redfish, Mackerels and even Seatrout. Since kids will be going back to school in a few weeks, now is the perfect time to finish the summer break on a high note with a monster Tarpon or feisty Snook. Book a trip with Native Sportfishing now.
Tight Lines,
Captain Kyle
