Last Updated on June 1, 2026 by Capt. Bucky
The end of May fishing has been excellent fishing here in upper Tampa Bay. I have had quite a few kid’s trips, so I have been focusing on getting them action first thing and then switching gears to go after snook and redfish. The weather has been really hot and we are now starting to get some afternoon rains. Although the water temps are still in the mid-80s the fish don’t seem to mind. Bait fish have been readily available on the flats and we have had higher water levels allowing us to get up close to the mangrove shorelines and fish. June is shaping up to be an excellent month for fishing!
Bait has been scaled sardines and pinfish. With these warmer water temperatures, you have to be more careful about choaking out your live wells. Too much bait and they will start to die. Higher water temps means that there is lower oxygen content of the water. If you have bait dying try to get out the dead ones before they start a chain reaction. I have to be careful after a good rain not to get too close to the shorelines first thing in the morning. This is especially true with lower water levels. I like to wait until the tide starts coming in and brings fresh oxygenated water. Not only that you need that sun to come up and allow the grass to start photosynthesizing and releasing oxygen in to the water. Just keep a close eye on your bait this time of year.
Most of my mornings I have been starting off in the deeper water near oyster bars. There has been an abundance of action lately. Speckled seatrout have been excellent and we have landed some rather larger trout. Ladyfish, jacks crevelle, and Spanish mackerel have also been joining the party, but the stars of the shows have been the bonnethead sharks. Kids absolutely can’t get enough of these hard fighting fish. We have been focusing on trout, but there ae so many sharks that it’s only a matter of time before the kids hook up.
The snook bite has been really good and it’s only going to get better throughout June and July. Snook are hanging deep under the mangroves along with the redfish. Chumming baits into the trees at first and then on the out skirts of the mangroves has been key into bringing those fish into striking distance. 30-pound leader has been a must and we have certainly lost our fair share of snook the past two weeks. Some of my clients have had their feelings hurt by big snook they couldn’t stop. They don’t get big from being dumb. Snook are heading into their spawning season so now is the time if you want a chance to catch a big snook.
The redfish bite has been getting better. For a short-time there they didn’t seem to be around, but the last few trips we have been catching more. The rain has lowered the salinity and is pushing these redfish back to the flats and mangrove shorelines. Before that they seemed to be deep in the creeks. Scaled sardines and pinfish have been working best. Live or cut bait has been the key you just have to get your bait as close to the mangroves or under the mangroves as you can. Great casts get rewarded, but no guts no glory. We have had lots of hangups in the trees, but you have to try or die. Sometimes its best for the client to just let the captain cast. I have to say I am one of the best casters I have ever seen. Not to toot my own horn, but I am a sniper with a fishing rod. You can try all you want but after you lose a few of my hooks and make me retie leaders over and over again, I am taking over casting responsibilities, lol.
Trout fishing has been really solid with a lot of upper slot trout. This time of year they seem to be holding in deeper water and adjacent to the flats. Live bait and artificial paddled tailed jigs have been working best. Suspending twitch bait has been responsible for some of the bigger trout as of late. The trout population seems to be on the rise. I am still very careful when handling trout and always release fish over 20 inches. Let them go, let them grow!
I highly recommend getting out on the water this summer. Fishing is top notch and its almost a guarantee you are going to catch a lot of fish. Call, text or use my new booking system with no additional or hidden fees. I take on all those expenses to allow my client to get the best bang for their buck. If you are looking for guides in other areas of Florida besides Tampa, try and check out Guide Checker. Fishing is fun.
Capt. Bucky Goldman 407-977-7650
