We are having some very productive fishing charters the last few weeks and we are looking forward to keeping it going through the end of the summer. The weather is hot but the fishing has been just as hot. We are concentrating on fishing the morning hours on our fishing trips lately to beat the heat and the late afternoon rain. Now is a great time to get the kids out for a half day inshore fishing charter for some great action.

We have experienced the bait hatch and a lot of “fry” bait has shown up. This is smaller versions of the same bait fish we use year round on our charters. The bait is very abundant and the fish are keying in on this making for great fishing action. One of the main targets for us on our fishing charters this time of year is the mangrove snapper. Along with the fry bait, the snapper are starting their biggest spawning cycle of the year for the next month or so. The presence of the abundant schools of fry bait will give the snapper the energy to engage in their spawn and this makes them super aggressive. They seem to be everywhere we go in the bay. Grass flats, bridges, rock piles, artificial reefs, and even the mangrove shorelines. A lot of the same areas that we are snook fishing will hold plenty of mangrove snapper this time of year. The trout fishing has picked up the last few days and there are some Spanish mackerel and ladyfish mixed in with the seatrout as well. The deeper grass areas 4- 10 feet deep are holding these fish.

There are still tarpon to be caught, although not as plentiful now that the bulk of the fish have left to spawn after the last moon. They are around the Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay and few schools still remain in the passes and off the beaches of Anna Maria Island. Next week we have another hill tide with the full moon and will be a good chance to land one of the last tarpon of the season.

The snook fishing out on the beaches is about as good as it gets right now. This is where we have a good chance at landing a large snook. Not as much action with the smaller school sized snook but a true chance at a trophy. There is also some great snook fishing going on at most of the passes leading into the smaller bays that branch off of Tampa Bay. Bishop Harbour just to the north of Joe Island is a good area to check out this time of year.

If you are looking for a fishing charter in the Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, or greater Tampa Bay area give me a call or text 813-220-8725. You can also book a fishing charter directly through my website. Only a couple more weeks of summer vacation with the kids to make lifelong memories!