Tampa, FL Fish Species

Common Questions:

What fish are biting in Tampa Bay right now?

The fish biting in Tampa Bay depend on the season, but you can usually find redfish, snook, trout, and tarpon inshore, while offshore waters hold grouper, snapper, kingfish, and cobia. At Ebb & Flow Charters, we provide updated fishing reports so you know what’s active before booking your trip.

What is the best time of year to fish in Tampa Bay?

Fishing in Tampa Bay is great year-round, but spring and fall offer peak action for snook, redfish, and tarpon inshore, while grouper, snapper, and kingfish are most active offshore. Summer is prime for tarpon, and winter offers excellent opportunities for sheepshead, trout, and redfish.

What fish are caught offshore in Tampa?

Offshore fishing charters in Tampa target species like grouper, snapper, kingfish, cobia, amberjack, and mahi-mahi. At Ebb & Flow Charters, we take anglers to deep reefs and wrecks for hard-fighting bottom fish and pelagic species.

What is the best bait for fishing in Tampa Bay?

Live bait like pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish works best for snook, redfish, and trout, while artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs are also effective. Offshore, we use live bait, jigs, and cut bait to target grouper, snapper, and kingfish.

Where can I catch redfish in Tampa Bay?

Redfish are commonly found along mangrove shorelines, grass flats, and oyster bars. The best spots include Weedon Island, Fort De Soto, and Cockroach Bay. Ebb & Flow Charters specializes in Tampa Bay redfish fishing, guiding anglers to the most productive areas.

When is the best time for tarpon fishing in Tampa?

Tarpon fishing in Tampa is at its peak from May through July when these giants migrate through the area. We offer expert Tampa tarpon fishing guide services, helping anglers hook into these incredible fish along the beaches, passes, and bridges.

What’s the best way to catch snook in Tampa Bay?

The best way to catch snook is by fishing near docks, bridges, and mangroves using live pilchards or artificial lures. At Ebb & Flow Charters, we specialize in Tampa Bay snook fishing, offering light tackle action for this prized game fish.

Can you catch sharks in Tampa Bay?

Yes, shark fishing in Tampa is popular, with species like blacktip, bull, hammerhead, and lemon sharks readily available. We take anglers on nearshore and inshore shark trips, using fresh bait and heavy tackle to battle these powerful fish.

What’s the best spot for flats fishing in Tampa Bay?

The best spots for flats fishing in Tampa Bay include Terra Ceia Bay, Weedon Island, and the South Shore. These shallow waters hold redfish, trout, and snook, making them perfect for light tackle fishing in Tampa with live or artificial baits.

What are the top fish to catch for beginners in Tampa Bay?

For those new to fishing, the easiest fish to catch in Tampa Bay include spotted sea trout, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and ladyfish. At Ebb & Flow Charters, we offer Tampa Bay fishing for beginners, providing all the gear and guidance needed for a fun and successful trip.

A Ebb & Flow Charters Fishing Charter targets the top Tampa, FL Fish species including Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Scallop. We primarily Fish the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, Rice Creek.