Tarpon Springs fishing has been excellent this May, with warm Gulf water temperatures and strong bait activity creating ideal nearshore conditions. Red grouper fishing has been very productive on hard bottom and ledges in 20-35 feet of water, while gag grouper are showing up in better numbers closer inshore around heavy structure. Live whitebait, shrimp and cut bait have all been producing well, especially during lighter current conditions and calm morning weather windows. Hogfish action continues to be a standout this spring, with quality fish coming from nearshore hard bottom in 20–40 feet of water using shrimp on light tackle. Mangrove snapper fishing has also remained steady around reefs, rock piles, and artificial structure, with shrimp and small cut whitebait producing solid keeper catches. Overall, my anglers fishing out of Tarpon Springs are seeing strong bottom fishing opportunities and excellent variety heading into early summer.

As of late April 2026, Gulf hogfish fishing is on fire, particularly on nearshore spots in 20–30 feet of water. Anglers in the Tarpon Springs are seeing great success with live or dead shrimp on 1 oz knocker rigs or jig heads. The bite is strong during calm weather, with key activity around hard-bottom edges.