Today’s report delivers promising updates, although the tarpon’s appetite seemed to wane. Nevertheless, fluctuations are common with these majestic creatures, and we remain hopeful for better prospects tomorrow. On a brighter note, cobia were on the move, providing exciting opportunities for anglers, with one memorable catch on a recent charter.
ALERT: Cobia are on the move and hanging around bridges ALERT: Black drum on the move with bull sharks not far behind!
Caladesi – Honeymoon Island – Anclote Island:
Anclote Island: Despite minimal changes, cobia sightings have increased on the flats. Redfish, snook, and big trout remain the primary targets, with live greenbacks preferred for trout, especially larger specimens. As water temperatures rise, redfish are transitioning to pinfish, while snooks are congregating on the beach, showing a preference for live grunts.
Honeymoon Island: Resembling Anclote Island, Honeymoon Island continues to offer rewarding fishing experiences, particularly with an abundance of redfish on the backside. Snooks readily feed on grunts and pinfish off the jetty, with dog beach proving fruitful for snook fishing. Recent reports indicate large schools of black drum on the island’s north end, all within the slot range, with live shrimp emerging as the bait of choice.
Honeymoon Causeway: The snapper bite has slowed, with keeper gag grouper caught on both bridges. A recent charter yielded a nice cobia catch, alongside sightings of these prized fish. Spanish mackerel sightings have increased during incoming tides, with threadfin bait readily available.
Dunedin Reef: This offshore or nearshore hotspot is teeming with giant mangrove snappers, alongside kingfish and bonito. Weather conditions may have been unfavorable today, but tomorrow promises better prospects.
Caladesi: Targeting redfish under the mangroves during high tide remains productive, with the island also yielding gator trout on the front side.
Intracoastal Anclote to Indian Rocks:
Spoil Islands: These islands continue to be productive, holding big trout, although larger specimens seem to prefer bottom feed. Redfish are smaller in size but readily bite on cut pinfish or live greenbacks. Massive snooks have also been sighted, particularly between Honeymoon and Clearwater.
Clearwater Beach: Fishing offshore within one to five miles promises exciting catches of Spanish mackerel, with some reaching up to 22 inches. Kingfish catches off Clearwater Beach Pier are also on the rise.
Sand Key Bridge: Mangrove snappers have been increasingly active, alongside snooks at the jetty and consistent pompano bites.
Indian Rocks Bridge: Mangrove snappers are biting well, with threadfins proving effective. Some noteworthy redfish sightings have been reported on the bridge’s backside.
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, offering an enjoyable fishing experience.
Bayside Bridge: Black drum sightings have increased, requiring anglers equipped with blue crab bait to mark them out accurately for successful catches.
Gandy Bridge: Snook bites have been active at the beginning of the bridge, with white bait being the preferred choice. Straggling black drums have also been sighted, alongside cobia.
Lower Tampa Bay:
Skyway Bridge: Tarpon sightings have been limited, but the Spanish mackerel bite remains red hot, 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.
Tampa Bay Shipping Channel: Rock piles on the channel are loaded with mangrove snappers, 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!
Leave a reply