Today’s report brings promising news, albeit with the looming challenge of increasing winds likely deterring many anglers from venturing out. Regrettably, a planned Boca trip had to be called off due to these adverse conditions. Nevertheless, let’s delve into the latest updates!
ALERT: Cobia are on the move and hanging around bridges
Caladesi – Honeymoon Island – Anclote Island:
Anclote Island: While there haven’t been significant changes, cobia sightings on the flats have increased. Target species like redfish, snook, and big trout remain active. Live greenbacks are the preferred bait for trout, especially larger ones, while redfish are transitioning to pinfish as water temperatures rise. Snooks are congregating on the beach, showing a preference for live grunts.
Honeymoon Island: Similar to Anclote Island, Honeymoon Island continues to offer rewarding fishing experiences, with more redfish sightings on the backside. Snooks are actively feeding off the jetty, and dog beach remains a hotspot for snook fishing. Recent reports indicate large schools of black drum on the island’s north end, with live shrimp emerging as the bait of choice. The area also presents an opportunity to catch greenbacks for bait.
Honeymoon Causeway: While the snapper bite has slowed, keeper gag grouper are being caught on both bridges. Cobia sightings are still frequent around the two bridges, making it an exciting spot for anglers. Threadfin is plentiful in this area.
Dunedin Reef: This offshore or nearshore hotspot is currently abundant with giant mangrove snappers, although their response to chumming seems inconsistent. Kingfish and bonito are also in the mix, making it an ideal destination once weather conditions improve.
Caladesi: Targeting redfish under the mangroves during high tide remains productive, with the island producing the most gator trout on the front side.
Intracoastal Anclote to Indian Rocks:
Spoil Islands: While previously red-hot, the quality of fish on the spoil islands has diminished, with smaller redfish dominating catches. Trout remains sizable, offering consistent opportunities for anglers.
Clearwater Beach Pier 60: Spanish mackerel bites are decent, with live greenbacks being effective bait. Large snooks are also making appearances, along with kingfish, providing ample excitement for dedicated anglers.
Sand Key Bridge: Mangrove snappers are increasingly active, although baby gag groupers pose a challenge. Snooks at the jetty are biting, but the pompano bite has slowed down from the peak spring action.
Indian Rocks Bridge: Mangrove snappers are biting well, particularly with threadfins, chum, and chunk bait. The bridge’s small flat on the backside has also seen redfish activity.
Indian Rocks Flats and Docks: Dock light fishing has been exceptional, yielding sizable snook and redfish catches. Additionally, large trout have been observed feeding on three-inch swimbaits in the area.
Tampa Bay:
Upper Tampa Bay: Courtney Campbell Bridge remains a hotspot, with big black drum sightings under some bridges. Abundant bait attracts predators like jacks and Spanish mackerel, providing an enjoyable fishing experience.
Bayside Bridge: Black drum sightings have increased, with blue crab bait being effective. Anglers are advised to mark out the drums accurately for successful catches.
Gandy Bridge: Snook bites have been active, particularly at the beginning of the bridge, with white bait proving effective. Straggling black drums have also been observed, along with cobia sightings.
Lower Tampa Bay:
Skyway Bridge: Tarpon sightings have been limited, but the Spanish mackerel bite remains strong, offering plenty of action. Mega mangrove snappers have been lurking around the rocks, presenting exciting opportunities for anglers.
Fort Desoto Pier: While bonito and Spanish mackerel showings have been decent, dolphins have posed a challenge for anglers.
Fort Desoto Beach: Small packs of tarpon have been spotted, but dedicating a whole day to chasing them may not be fruitful.
Tampa Bay Shipping Channel: Rock piles on the channel are loaded with mangrove snapper, offering quick limits with effective chumming.
That concludes today’s report. Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to book a charter at 714-661-6550, and if you have a report, submit it right here!
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