(Skyway Pier • Tampa Bay)
SNAPPER
Mangrove snapper have been steady on both spans, especially during tide changes. Most keepers are coming off the bridge pilings and rock lines using cut bait and live shrimp. Several anglers reported limits before 9 AM.
SHEEPSHEAD
The early sheepshead push continues. Pilings on the South Pier produced solid fish using fiddler crabs, shrimp, and barnacles. If you stop by a fishing bait shop near me, try some shucked clams too working well right now.
MACKEREL
Mackerel were hot mid-week with the clean water. The bite slowed slightly with wind shifts but they pop right back up when the tide speeds up. Gotcha plugs and Slayer’s Action jigs are still working. Look for birds.
GAG GROUPER
A handful of gag grouper were caught by those dropping big pinfish straight down off the edge. Not fast, but the ones landed were quality.
FLOUNDER
Good flounder action around the transition zones—edges of rubble piles and sandy pockets. Live shrimp and white baits working. A 19″ was reported Friday evening.
DRUM & REDFISH
Black drum were chewing at night using fresh dead shrimp. Redfish continue hitting cut bait on the bottom, mainly on the incoming tide.
BONUS SPECIES
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Bluefish (aggressive in the evenings)
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Pompano (a few, hitting Chili Pepper jigs)
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