Spring Tampa Fishing Charter Report:
Snook Fishing Tampa Bay:
Doubled up
During my recent Tampa Fishing Charter, we have been mainly targeting snook as the bite has been awesome. As always, Capt. Jay starts his mornings early catching plenty of bait for the day. Fishing has been really good all over Tampa Bay, but I have been fishing some areas with no other boats around. During a normal spring trip, we have been catching between 30 and 60 snook a day. Most of these fish are smaller in size, but plenty have been between 26-33 inches with a few over 33 inch fish being caught. During the low tides, we have been fishing deeper holes and troughs and when the tide starts getting a little higher, we are moving in and fishing by the mangroves. Due to last years red tide, snook season is temporarily closed in the Tampa region until September.
Trout Fishing Tampa Bay:
While the water was cooler earlier in the spring, we were catching great numbers of large trout (over 20 inches). The water has warmed up a bit driving the larger trout out of their winter holes. Recently we have landed lots of undersize trout with a few keepers here and there. This past weekend however, we caught a 26.5 inch trout. Due to last years red tide, trout season is still open, but you cannot keep any fish over 20 inches. Tampa Bay regulations are you can keep four trout per person between 15-20 inches.
Redfish in Tampa Bay:
Matt’s Redfish
The redfish numbers are still low, but recent Tampa Fishing Charters have provided a few fish. Most fish are smaller, but we have caught plenty that were in the slot range (18-27 inches). Again, due to the red tide, redfish is temporarily closed in the Tampa region through May (or until the FWC has their next meeting to discuss changes.
During recent tampa fishing charters, we have been catching good numbers of snook, trout, and mangrove snappers. Summer is right around the corner which means terrible heat, but awesome fishing. Parents don’t forget the Florida Fantasy Fishing Camp is filling quickly. Be sure to get your kids in on a great fishing week. As usual, I am on the water early gathering up plenty of bait for us to use. Normal pickup time is around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning. Capt. Jay provides a cooler with ice, waters, and various gatorade type drinks.
To book your Tampa fishing charter, call or text Capt Jay at 813-494-2048 or send me an email Jay@StealthFishingCharters.com. We look forward to fishing with you soon.