Fishing Report: November Update
Caladesi – Honeymoon Island – Anclote Island
Anclote Island – Honeymoon Island
Redfish are biting again and they’re hungry! If you’re looking to break your personal best, now is the time. Yesterday, we landed several 27-inch reds on live pinfish out on the flats. Most of the snook have returned and are feeding well; whitebait and swimbaits are especially effective. The trout action is absolutely on fire. There’s also plenty of whitebait along the beaches, including Honeymoon Island, where fishing conditions are identical. We expect it to improve even more in the coming weeks.
Honeymoon Causeway
The snapper bite is strong at the bridges here. Chum them up, and they’ll come. With fresh ballyhoo, you’re almost guaranteed a keeper-sized fish. Additionally, the bridges hold smaller tarpon willing to bite if you chum at the right time.
Honeymoon Island (Currently Closed)
Though the island itself is closed, the flats and mangroves are still accessible by boat or kayak and are seeing excellent action. The bite here mirrors Anclote Island’s, though redfish are biting better around Honeymoon, and they’re running larger in size.
Dunedin Reef
The nearshore report is promising! The reef is packed with giant mangrove snapper, though their response to chum varies. Spanish mackerel and bonito are also present, making this reef a better spot than Clearwater Reef. Large gag grouper are active here too, though they require skill to pull out of the reefs.
Intracoastal, Anclote to Indian Rocks
- Spoil Islands: Trout are biting well on these islands; swimbaits work wonders. Redfish and snook are also around and feeding well. On high tide, you may spot large snook—just add some chum to lure them in.
- Clearwater Beach Pier 60: This pier is currently closed.
- Sand Key Bridge: Nighttime snook fishing is the highlight here. For swimbait anglers targeting gag grouper, the night bite has been incredible! The jetty has also been productive for larger snook throughout the day. Mangrove snapper are biting well, and slack tide at Sand Key Bridge is ideal for sheepshead.
- Indian Rocks Bridge: Sheepshead action is HOT! Bring fiddler crabs, and you’ll do well. Water temperatures are optimal, and the fish are very hungry.
- Indian Rocks Flats and Docks: Dock light fishing is excellent, with sizeable snook and redfish being caught. Trout are also hitting three-inch swimbaits. Sheepshead are abundant on these docks, but finding them in clusters will yield the best results.
Tampa Bay
Upper Tampa Bay
- Dock Fishing: Dock fishing is on fire right now if you find the right spot. Redfish and snook are plentiful, and sheepshead are biting well. Focus on docks with pilings that aren’t wrapped.
- Courtney Campbell Causeway: Snook are biting well on this bridge, with redfish also moving back into the surrounding mangroves.
- Gandy Bridge: Snook are biting well at the start of the bridge, especially with whitebait. Black drum sightings have been reported too. Inside the bridge, near rocks by the boat ramp, you’ll find smaller snook.
- Flats: Redfish action is strong on the flats, though you’ll need to venture into shallow water. Trout fishing here is excellent, with some large catches reported.
Lower Tampa Bay
- Skyway Fishing Pier: The north pier is open, and fishing has been great. Spanish mackerel are the top target, especially around bait schools using spoons and lures. Sheepshead are occasionally biting on pilings.
- Skyway Bridge: Medium-sized tarpon have been active, and mangrove snapper are hitting well, especially near rocks. Watch for dolphins, though. Spanish mackerel and bonito are also present. Gag grouper bite best in the early morning, especially during slack tide.
- Fort DeSoto Pier: Not sure if this pier is open yet; if you know, please share in the comments!
- Islands: The islands are seeing excellent action with redfish and snook actively feeding. Bring plenty of whitebait or live pinfish, as both work well.
- Fort DeSoto Beach: Small packs of tarpon are moving through, though the action can be hit-or-miss. Yesterday was productive, but consistency varies. Keep threadfin ready, as it’s effective, especially with an outgoing tide and pass crabs.
- Tampa Bay Shipping Channel: Rock piles are loaded with mangrove snapper, and chumming on a slack tide can help you reach your limit quickly. Gag grouper action is solid here too, though water clarity can be an issue.
- Egmont Key: Limited action to report here; no tarpon and the area took on considerable damage.
- Tierra Verde: Snapper action on this bridge is heating up. Chum with whitebait, and you’ll see results. Snook and tarpon are also biting well.
Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to book a charter at 714-661-6550. If you have a fishing report to share, submit it right here!
Leave a reply