The latest Tampa Bay fishing report shows excellent nearshore action on the calm weather windows. When the wind lays down, we’ve been running 5–9 miles offshore and putting clients on steady bottom fishing with great results. Current targets include hogfish, grunts, and porgies, with hogfish numbers especially strong right now.
We’ve been focusing on shallow water ledges and hard bottom structure in the nearshore Gulf waters off Tampa, Pasco County, and down toward Anna Maria Island. Live shrimp has been the top bait, fished on a simple and effective 2-ounce knocker rig. The key has been bringing plenty of bait — typically 10–20 dozen shrimp per trip — which allows us to sort through the grunts and dial in on quality hogfish. Recent trips have been producing an average of 12–20 hogfish, along with plenty of other fun bottom species mixed in.
On the runs in and out, we’ve also been checking crab trap buoys and floating structure for tripletail. This has added an exciting sight-fishing opportunity to many trips. Tripletail are not only excellent table fare, but they’re also a blast to fight on light tackle when sight casted with live shrimp.
For anglers who prefer staying inside the bay, our inshore fishing trips in Tampa Bay continue to produce redfish and sheepshead. On higher tides, residential canals have been especially productive using live shrimp and fiddler crabs around docks and structure.
Fin & Feather Charters operates out of Tampa, Florida, running a custom 19’ East Cape Vantage designed for shallow water performance and nearshore comfort. We specialize in 1–3 person private fishing charters, and all tackle, bait, and gear are provided. Trips are available from Pasco County through Tampa Bay and south to Anna Maria Island depending on conditions and target species.
If you’re looking for a current Tampa Bay fishing charter targeting hogfish, nearshore reef species, redfish, sheepshead, or tripletail, now is a great time to get on the water.
Book your trip at fishthetampabay.com – Fin & Feather Charters.
