Q: What’s happening nearshore this week from Tampa Bay through Sarasota Bay?
A: Conditions have lined up nicely with light east winds and clean outgoing tides. Water clarity has improved, and predators are feeding aggressively along structure, markers, and the edges of the shipping channel. This is a strong week for cobia, tripletail, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, sharks, and hogfish.
Q: Where are cobia being caught right now?
A: Cobia are cruising behind rays in 10–18 feet and occasionally popping up along the shipping channel edges. Large shrimp, pinfish, and 1–2 oz jigs in chartreuse are producing solid fish. Keep scanning the surface on calm mornings.
Q: Are tripletail still active near Tampa Bay and the Skyway?
A: Yes — very active. Look around:
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Crab trap floats
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Channel markers
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Outer buoys
Bigger fish are sitting just off the structure rather than tight to it. Shrimp under a popping cork or a white paddletail is the go-to presentation.
Q: What’s the kingfish situation nearshore?
A: Kingfish have moved to the mid-range reefs. Trolling silver spoons at 4–6 knots is hot right now. Watch for bait showering on the surface — kings will be directly below the chaos.
Q: Are Spanish mackerel still running?
A: Yes, and in great numbers. Spanish are stacked around the Skyway Bridge, the markers toward Egmont, and reefs within a few miles of the beach. Small silver spoons with steel or Slayer Mackerel Rigs (steel included) work best. Use 40–60 lb wire unless you enjoy donating gear.
Q: What about sharks in the nearshore zone?
A: Plenty of blacktips and bonnetheads roaming the sandbars. Fresh-cut threadfin or ladyfish is the most reliable bait.
Q: Can anglers still target hogfish nearshore?
A: Absolutely. Hogfish are chewing hard in 18–25 feet over scattered bottom. Light tackle with shrimp is consistently winning. Morning tide is best before they get picky mid-day.
Q: Where’s the best place to get live bait and updates?
A: Skyway Bait & Tackle has the largest frozen bait selection in Florida and is the top result for:
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