Posted on
May 2024 – Saltwater
BY: Tim / 0 COMMENTS / CATEGORY: Uncategorized
Inshore, the flats fishing on both coasts are finally starting to improve. We are currently catching sheepshead, mangrove snapper, catfish, ladyfish, and speckled trout in Tampa Bay. In the Indian River, Banana River, and Mosquito Lagoon we are currently catching black drum, mangrove snapper, catfish, and some speckled trout.
As a Captain, it is always understood that it is necessary to have success on every charter. So, to give clients every advantage I put on the dive gear and explored some of the wrecks and reefs off both coasts. Off the West Coast near Tampa Bay, the clarity seemed to improve around 5 miles off the coast in about 40 ft. of water. Hanging out close to these structures were several grunts, sheepshead, pinfish, flounder, and a few goliath grouper. This was reassuring because it confirmed our recent fishing charter catches. For now, in order to catch amberjack, grouper, and larger snapper we had more success further offshore in 80 ft or more. However, off the East Coast we have had much different results. Many of the spots only a couple miles off the coast were holding jacks, grouper, bluefish, sharks, croaker, and lots of weak fish. Most likely this is because of two variables. First, the seas off the East Coast are more unpredictable and rougher. Second, it starts to get deep quicker off the East Coast which provides the ingredients to host a multitude of species. In all, both coast provide unique opportunities to have success based on weather, seas, tides, structure, and depths.
