Flats Fishing Report 11 5 -

Fishing-activity forecasts around areas like Gandy Bridge in Old Tampa Bay show very high activity for the next few days (e.g., Wednesday & Thursday) on flats/coastal shallows.
Tides and water movement are still providing good flushing and current on the flats — which is ideal for species like redfish and spotted sea trout.
Water clarity is generally decent; fish are still active in shallows and along grass edges.
The transition toward cooler water and shifting patterns is underway — many flats species are moving or adjusting.

Tailing reds are being found on skinny flats and grass flats in fall-type patterns.
Target areas: mangrove-lined flats, shallow edges, points adjacent to deeper grass channels.
Best action coming on tides with decent movement (incoming or outgoing) rather than slack.
Baits & lures: live shrimp, small pinfish, soft plastics trimmed to mimic glass minnows or baitfish.

Flats and grassy shallows continue to hold solid trout action — especially along deep grass pockets and edges of flats.
Key presentation: work shallow grass edges on the flats, use light jig heads or live shrimp/baitfish presentations.

While not as dominant on the flats as reds/trout, snook are still in play along mangroves, deeper edges and passes connecting flats.
Best during stronger tidal flows, especially near structure or shoreline channels.

Grass flats, shallow flats adjacent to deeper channels — look for drop-offs along grass that funnel bait.
Mangrove shorelines adjacent to flats — especially for reds and snook when tide is moving.
Flats near passes or where current moves through—fresh bait gets pushed in and fish stack up.
Early morning and late afternoon hours tend to be more productive, especially with sun low in the sky and shadows on flats.

Use medium/light tackle for flats action — e.g., 7′-7½′ rods with 10-15 lb braid backing and a 20-30 lb leader for reds/trout.
For first half of tide movement is key: strong tide typically equals more flush, more bait movement, more active fish.
Soft plastics, live shrimp, and small baitfish imitations are working well. For trout: half-ounce jig heads with shrimp/rigged plastics.
For flats with clear water: bump up presentation finesse — lighter lines, natural motions, minimize drag and shadows.
Since water is transitioning, cover water thoroughly: fish shallow flats early, then shift to slightly deeper structure in mid-day if things slow.
Watch the weather/change in water temperature — cooler fronts may drive fish slightly deeper or into more sheltered flats temporarily.

With the forecast showing very high activity over the next few days, flats fishing should be humming if you time the tide and pick the right areas.
Best windows: tide changes (incoming or outgoing) when water is moving and bait is being pushed across the flats.
If sun is strong midday and flats get blown out or fish pull back, consider shifting to slightly deeper grass edges or mangrove drop-offs.
Early mornings and late afternoons will likely be your highest-odds periods for flats sight-fishing or key presentations.
Keep an eye on wind + tide combination: heavy wind from the wrong direction can stain flats and make sight-fishing tougher — target edges where bait will be funneled.
Don’t forget to search for a bait shop near me to find Skyway Bait & Tackle and stop in for all your bait & tackle needs!