Fresh Palmetto Fishing Reports

Cold fronts and falling water temps have got the fish fired up. They are moving around and feeding in preparation for winter. The fish become much more predictable with cold weather and low tides. The wade fishermans dream!

As water temperatures begin to cool, anglers offshore are turning their attention to the prized Hogfish Snapper. This unique species tends to congregate around reefs and hard-bottom areas during the spawning season, which kicks off in November and continues through the spring months. These gatherings, known as harems, make this time of year ideal for targeting Hogfish along the Gulf waters off Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay. The bait of choice for targeting Hogfish is typically live shrimp or other small crustaceans, presented on a weighted jig head or “ball” jig. The ideal hook and weight size will vary based on factors such as current strength and fishing depth. Every angler seems to have their own preferred setup, so experimenting to find what works best for your local conditions is key.

As we move into fall, these big snook wil start to move up in the bays and onto the flats. For the wade fisherman it is a dream come true! Fall is my favorite time of the year. Big fish and an epic top water bite. What more could you ask?!? Let’s get out there and make some memories!

The fall transition is in full swing and the fish got the memo! Snook are moving in from the beaches and passes. Reds are all over the place and the trout are starting to stack up. It truly is my favorite time of the year to get after some fish! Get on the calendar soon and don’t miss out!

This is hands down my favorite time of the year for fishing. Now through Thanksgiving or so is always a special season. Snook are still around and moving from the beaches and passes up into the bays and flats. Big push of our larger reds in the bay and the big trout start showing their beautiful faces in preparation for winter. Forgot to mention that the top water bite is pretty epic as well! Get with me soon to chase some trophies and make some memories!

Inshore fishing is always a solid choice—even when the wind picks up. With so many options to target specific species, there’s no shortage of action. Snook, redfish, and trout top the list, but the possibilities don’t stop there. Sometimes, you even get a shot at jumping a silver king—another name for the mighty tarpon.