What’s Been Coming Over the Rail (Nearshore / Reefs / Deeper Water)
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Hogfish
The hogfish are being called “stars” of the nearshore in the 50-70 ft zone. Live shrimp on light knocker rigs are getting eaten.
Also, hogfish are showing up regularly on nearshore hard bottom / reef patches in the Gulf region. -
King / Spanish Mackerel
The kingfish / king mackerel are moving in with the fall migration. They’re being caught over hard bottoms and artificial reefs, often with spoons or live baits.
Spanish mackerel are mixed in with them in many nearshore runs. -
Red Grouper / Snapper / Reef Fish
On deeper structure and reefs, there are reports of grouper (reds / scamp) being active.
Snapper (lane, mangrove / near reef types) are being reported in association with reefs and rock piles. -
Flounder (on reefs / bottoms)
A few flounder have been showing up in nearshore artificial reef zones. -
Permit / Pelagics / Others
There are occasional mentions of permit showing around reefs and wrecks in Tampa Bay / nearshore zones.
Mixed pelagics along with mackerel (little tunny, etc.) are in the mix over reef / hard bottom structure.
Baits, Tactics & Depths That Are Working
Given what’s been caught, here are what people are using and how:
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Live shrimp on light knocker rigs (especially for hogfish) in 50–70 ft or so.
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Spoons / casting metals over reefs and hard bottom for king / Spanish mackerel.
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Small live baits (pinfish, scaled sardines) tossed around structure near reefs / wrecks.
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Bottom rigs / drop rigs on structure for grouper / snapper. Drop bait just off bottom and hold.
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Depth ranges to target: past inshore flats, around 40-80 ft, reefs, ledges, artificial structures (rock, wrecks).
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Quiet approach is advised — fish like hogfish especially can spook.
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Watch for baitfish activity or surface schools — that often marks pelagic opportunities (mackerel, tunny).