Rain cooled water has been helpful In keeping the fish active on recent trips in Tampa Bay. Snook, Redfish, mangrove snapper and Jack crevall are all targetable species this week. The red tide bloom has receded out of certain areas throughout the bay offering more options for fishing spots. Rocks and bridge structure serve as perfect habitat for mangrove snapper and passing schools of jack crevall. Fishing these structures during the the beginning of the incoming tide not only makes them easier to fish, but will typically provide some fast action while waiting for the tide to come up a bit before heading to the flats for Redfish and snook. Small pilchards free-lined against the structure while using a small hook will allow you to hook the sneaky snapper. Medium to high tides will have the Redfish and snook pushed up under the mangrove canopy. Target points and bushes near creek mouths. Live pilcharrds and pinfish will both get the job done when the perfect cast is made and as the tide continues to rise it becomes more critical to get your bait in the shade provide by the mangrove canopy.

We are now past the midway point for the summer fishing season. Fish in general aren’t going to feed the entire day right now, however there are a few fish that don’t seem to mind the heat as much. Tarpon and sharks are summer favorites for their willingness to feed even during the middle of the day. Late season tarpon fishing can be really good in our area. As we get further away from last week’s full moon, a good number of fish will make their way into Tampa Bay, deeper holes through ought the intercoastal waterway as well as pass bridges and nearshore mitigation reefs. These fish become more resident than migratory as they look to feed heavily at times after a long summer migration. Anglers often choose to cast artificial lures referred to as plugs this time of year as the fish are fairly stationary and spread out. Drifting thru an area of fish and casting to the ones that come up and roll is both exciting and effective. July / August is peak shark season for west central Florida. Sharks of all sizes can be targeted right now, large adult sharks including bulls, hammerheads, nurse and lemon sharks can all be caught right off the beach typically at night. Big baits such as bonita and jack crevalle are what you need to get the attention of a large shark. Small to medium sized blacktip sharks can be found patrolling the deeper water just off of the grass flats all along the Intercoastal waterway. A chum block and some live pinfish under a float is all you need for this sized shark which are a blast on medium sized tackle.

Schools of redfish are staged up in typical fall spots through ought the Intercoastal. The reds have been chewing on both live and cut bait with big days becoming more commonplace. Windy weather this week will only help to break up the Red tide off our coast. So far we haven't experienced any Red tide in the harbor.