Last Updated on February 19, 2025 by Capt. Bucky
One of the best times of year to fish here in Tampa Bay is quickly approaching. Spring time is such a great time of year. The weather is a nice temperature, the water temperature starts to heat up, the live bait pours into the bay, and the fish start gorging themselves. The only downfall can be the wind. We do get some strong winds, typically in the afternoon, but that is the cycle of things. The wind needs to carry all the seedlings around as well as the seagrass seedlings.
Spring time is a period of growth for the seagrass, and hopefully we see some major improvements to the quality and quantity of seagrass throughout all of Tampa Bay. One good thing I have noticed are the amounts of trout that have been around. Places that used to hold trout, that were devoid of life for the past few years, are now holding great concentrations of trout. A lot of smaller trout, but some really nice slot sized fish mixed in. A healthy trout population, in my opinion, is a better indicator of the health of an estuary, than the snook, and redfish populations. We should see a great increase in the size of trout over the next few years.
The snook fishing is starting to get really consistent and will only get better and better as we move further into Spring. The snook bite typically slows down to a halt in winter. Now these fish are coming out of the creeks and canals to meet the influx of bait fish on the flats and inside the mangrove root systems. Spring time also brings higher water levels and steady tides. Knowing where these fish like to stage is key to having a great day of snook fishing. Moving water (tides) also play a great role in appetites of snook. Trying to plan a trip around the incoming and outgoing tides can be greatly increase your likelihood of having a strong bite. I can’t always fish the best tides, but when I have the opportunity to, it is always a great day for fishing.
Redfish are also making their way out onto the flats, just like the snook. The redfish bite has been pretty consistent this winter, so I am definitely looking forward to what this Spring times bring to the boat. Some of the larger redfish I catch all year are around this time. Redfish will still be tailing in certain areas, looking for what remaining sea creatures are hiding in the grass and sand. The redfish will definitely school up, and if you can find them and get them fired up on chummers, you can have some banner days.
There is also plenty of action when it comes to ladyfish, sharks, and jacks. Some large schools of jack start coming through and sometimes they can be quite hefty. Drag screaming bruisers are also a welcome tug on the line. My client the other day almost got spooled by a large jack, unfortunately his line hit something and we lost the fish. You should have heard that drag screaming. Cobia will also grace us with their presence. You always have to have your head on a swivel and be ready for when they show up.
If you’re looking to book a Tampa Bay fishing charter, now is the time to get on the books. Book online or call me directly to save a little money. Fishing is fun!!
Capt. Bucky Goldman of BAG’EM FISHING CHARTERS 407-977-7650
