Tampa Bay Inshore Fishing

Table of Contents

The flats and back-country waters in and around Tampa Bay provide some of the best light tackle fishing grounds in the world for Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon and Cobia. These areas of shallow flats and miles of unspoiled mangrove estuaries provide optimal breeding grounds for most of the gamefish that live in the Tampa Bay inshore waters. The inshore fishing is year round in Tampa Bay and it is not uncommon to catch an “inshore slam” which includes a Redfish, Snook and a Trout all in one day. Snook fishing is best during mid spring to early summer and can be found around the beautiful beaches or along the miles of unspoiled mangrove shorelines and estuaries. Redfish in Tampa Bay peaks in mid to late spring and again in late fall. These species can be found tailing on the shallow inshore flats and provide some excellent rod bending action. Trout can be caught year around but are very active in the cooler months of winter as well as early fall and late spring. One of the most prized gamefish in the Tampa Bay area is the Tarpon, aka “Silver King.” Tarpon fishing really heats up in May and runs through early Fall. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island will be loaded with these Giants. Tarpon provide some of the best acrobatic shows and long runs that will give you the fight of your life! There is also fantastic reef and wreck fishing in and around Tampa Bay where you will find Grouper, Kingfish, Mangrove Snapper, Sharks and many other species that will make for a great day of fishing. To top off the amazing inshore fishery we have here in Tampa, the wildlife that you will see on a daily basis is incredible including birds, manatees and dolphins. It’s all waiting for you here in Tampa Bay!

 

 

Sharing is Caring...
Facebook
Twitter
Print
Pinterest
About the Author...
Matt Douglas

Matt Douglas

Captain Matt Douglas is the founder of YACHTFISH and is a licensed United States Coast Guard 100 ton Master Captain. Captain Matt grew up on the waters of Tampa Bay and lived and worked in Costa Rica for over 11 years. He has extensive experience in Central America, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and Florida. Captain Matt is a tournament-winning captain who has an intense passion for boating, fishing and creating life time memories for his Clients. These passions, combined with his experience, were the catalysts for YACHTFISH. Captain Matt is laser-focused on what he enjoys the most, and knows the best, in Tampa Bay and Costa Rica.
Related Posts...
Your St. Petersburg Fishing Charter Captain

GOOGLE REVIEWS
from our happy Guests

Captain Scott was great! Got us on the fish.
Thomas Talbert Avatar
Great Day on water with Scott Edwards with Yachtfish group…very professional…Fun…and Productive!
Henry Lawson Avatar
Took a trip with Capt. Nick. He put us on the fish quick. What a great day. Awesome boat, crew, and gear. Would definitely recommend YachtFish to anyone. Thanks again guys !!!
Brad Stoller Avatar
Unbelievable trips! Family did an offshore and inshore charter during our over 2 days and on both trips we killed lt. The Captain and Mate got us on fish instantly. Offshore hauls were Gag Grouper, Red Snapper, Wahoo and Tuna. Inshore was Snook, Red Fish, Trout and a Flounder. Captain... read more
John Douglas Avatar
We fished with Captain John aboard a 27ft Avenger. The boat was very clean, room enough for five, and the equipment was very good. Captain put us on fish early with a good variety too. We caught mackerel, mangrove snapper and several other species. Even the lady fish were fun... read more
Susan Steed Avatar
Coordination and booking was a breeze for, and our client had an amazing time on their private charters!
Katrina Bowman Avatar
The fishing excursion with YACHTFISH was fantastic and totally worth the cost. Sam and Captain Patrick put in endless hours to get us hooked on fish. It was fun reeling in all the fish that we were able to hook onto. In St. Petersburg, I would never even consider utilizing... read more
Joey Field Avatar
Awesome trip
J Birnbrich Avatar
YACHTFISH Fishing Charters was absolutely amazing! I took my two sons out on a fishing trip and we had the best time ever. Captain Nick and Ethan were awesome and they did such a great job teaching the kids how to fish while still making sure we caught some impressive... read more
Brandi Miller Avatar
The fishing trip with YACHTFISH was seriously epic and totally worth every penny. Captain Patrick and Sam were like machines, working hard to get us hooked onto some big fish. And let me tell you, we caught tons of them! It was an absolute blast reeling in all those fish.... read more
Carmen Rogers Avatar