Today’s report brings exciting news as the new moon cycle approaches, and the fishing scene remains exceptionally vibrant. With the new moon’s arrival, daytime fishing promises to be particularly fruitful. So, seize the opportunity and venture out, for some of the finest angling experiences await!
ALERT: Mangrove Snapper Have Been Insane ALERT: Redfish have been slowing down
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, for those aiming to reel in a true gator trout. As the water temperature rises rapidly, redfish are transitioning to pinfish on this island. Soon, they will exclusively favor cut bait. Snook are amassing on the beach, showing a particular fondness for live grunts.
Honeymoon Island: Mirroring Anclote Island, Honeymoon Island has seen an abundance of redfish, particularly on the island’s backside. Snooks are actively feeding on grunts and pinfish off the jetty, while dog beach offers excellent opportunities for snook fishing. Recent reports also indicate large schools of black drum on the north end of the island, all within the slot range, with live shrimp proving to be the bait of choice.
Honeymoon Causeway: Both bridges have witnessed good catches of snapper and small gag grouper. Spanish mackerel sightings have increased during incoming tides, and threadfin bait is readily available. Mangrove snappers have now made their presence felt around the bridges. Chumming significantly enhances the chances of a successful catch, with threadfins being the bait of choice.
Caladesi: Targeting redfish under the mangroves during high tide on the island’s backside has proven fruitful. Caladesi Island remains renowned for yielding the most gator trout on its front side, offering an equally rewarding angling experience as Anclote Island.
Intracoastal Anclote to Indian Rocks:
Spoil Islands: These islands have been thriving lately, with big trout being a common sight. While larger trout exhibit a preference for bottom feed, smaller ones readily bite swim baits. Redfish, albeit smaller in size, are eager to bite on cut pinfish or live greenbacks. Massive snooks have also been spotted around these islands, especially between Honeymoon and Clearwater.
Clearwater Beach: Fishing offshore within one to five miles and targeting stone crab trap buoy lines promises exciting catches of Spanish mackerel. Reports indicate successful bites, with some mackerel reaching up to 22 inches. Additionally, kingfish catches off Clearwater Beach Pier are on the rise.
Sand Key Bridge: Mangrove snappers have been increasingly active at this bridge, amid baby gag grouper sightings. Snooks have also filled in at the jetty, eagerly biting on greenbacks. Pompano bites have been consistent in this area.
Indian Rocks Bridge: Mangrove snappers have been biting consistently, with threadfins being the preferred bait. Some remarkable catches have been reported from this bridge.
Tampa Bay:
Upper Tampa Bay: Courtney Campbell Bridge has been bustling with activity, with big black drum sightings under some bridges on the causeway. Abundant bait in the area attracts predators like jacks and Spanish mackerel, offering an enjoyable fishing experience. Snooks have been actively hunting around this bridge, responding well to threadfin and cut ladyfish baits.
Bayside Bridge: Black drum sightings have increased, attracting anglers equipped with blue crab bait and side scan technology. Tarpon sightings have also been reported in the area.
Gandy Bridge: While relatively quiet, anglers have reported exciting catches, including black drum using blue crabs as bait, enhancing the allure of exploring Gandy Bridge waters.
Lower Tampa Bay:
Skyway Bridge: Despite a decline in tarpon sightings, anglers are still enjoying an exhilarating fishing experience, with notable catches of Spanish mackerel and bonito. Mega mangrove snappers have been lurking around the rocks, offering enticing opportunities for anglers willing to put in the effort.
Fort Desoto Pier: Decent showings of bonito and Spanish mackerel have been reported, albeit with some interference from dolphins. Anglers should be mindful of this when visiting the pier.
Tampa Bay Shipping Channel: Rock piles on the channel have been teeming with mangrove snappers. Chumming significantly enhances the chances of a successful catch.
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!

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