Tampa Bay Fishing Report May 5th 2024: Skyway Fishing Pier, Clearwater Beach, Snook, Tarpon, and Kingfish

Today’s report is an exciting one with the new moon cycle on the horizon, and the fishing has been nothing short of exceptional. As you know, daytime fishing during the new moon phase is particularly fruitful, so now is the perfect time to hit the waters for some of the best angling opportunities around.

Caladesi – Honeymoon Island – Anclote Island:

Anclote Island: Redfish, snook, and big trout have been the primary targets here! Live greenbacks are the preferred bait for trout, especially the larger ones if you’re aiming for a true gator trout. Redfish are transitioning to pinfish as the water temperature rises rapidly, indicating they’ll soon exclusively favor cut bait. Snook are congregating on the beach, so employing live grunts, which snooks disdain and readily consume, is recommended.

Honeymoon Island: The fishing scene here mirrors Anclote Island, with an abundance of redfish predominantly on the island’s backside. Snooks are already hitting grunts and pinfish off the jetty, and dog beach offers excellent snook fishing opportunities. Additionally, sightings of big sharks are reported.

Honeymoon Causeway: Snapper and small gag grouper are plentiful on both bridges, with Spanish mackerel making appearances during incoming tides. Threadfin bait is readily available here. While trout are present around the bridges, redfish activity has been sluggish.

Caladesi: Fishing in the skinny waters on the island’s backside offers the chance to hook redfish under the mangroves during high tide. Caladesi Island is renowned for producing the most gator trout on its front side. Overall, the fishing experience is comparable to Anclote Island.

Intracoastal Anclote to Indian Rocks:

Spoil Islands: These islands have been teeming with action lately! Big trout are abundant, with some reaching up to 24 inches. While the larger trout seem lethargic, preferring bottom feed, smaller fish are actively biting swim baits. Redfish are smaller but eager to bite on cut pinfish or live greenbacks. Massive snooks are also spotted between Honeymoon and Clearwater islands.

Clearwater Beach: Fishing offshore within one to five miles and targeting stone crab trap buoy lines promises exciting catches of Spanish mackerel, some reaching up to 22 inches. Kingfish are also being caught off Clearwater Beach Pier, offering thrilling experiences.

Sand Key Bridge: Mangrove snappers are making their presence felt, alongside baby gag grouper. Trout and snook are abundant from shore, with occasional pompano sightings.

Tampa Bay:

Upper Tampa Bay: Courtney Campbell Bridge has been a hotspot, bustling with activity. Predators like jacks and Spanish mackerel are abundant around bait-rich areas. Snooks are actively hunting, and cut ladyfish is proving effective. Redfish sightings are sporadic around the flats.

Bayside Bridge: Black drum sightings have increased, making them a target for anglers equipped with blue crab bait and side scan technology. A few tarpons are also spotted in the area.

Gandy Bridge: Although relatively quiet, anglers report exciting catches, including black drum using blue crabs as bait, adding to the intrigue of exploring Gandy Bridge waters.

Lower Tampa Bay:

Skyway Bridge: Despite a decline in tarpon sightings, anglers are still experiencing an exhilarating fishing experience, with notable catches of Spanish mackerel and bonito. Mega mangrove snappers add to the excitement.

Today has brought even more excitement to Lower Tampa Bay, with the snook bite reaching new heights. Anglers are reporting remarkable success with white bait and effective chumming techniques. If you’re seeking non-stop action, Lower Tampa Bay is the place to be!

That’s all for 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!