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Spring has Sprung! Spring Time Fishing Tampa Bay

Spring Break Tampa Bay

Springtime fishing in Tampa Bay is one of the best times of the year for inshore anglers. As the water warms up, fish become more active, baitfish move into the bay, and the flats come alive with action. Spring breakers from all over the country come down to Florida to seek more warmth and also to have a good time. Many of our beaches that surround Tampa Bay will attract thousands of people during this time of the year. However, if this is not your vibe you can always grab a fishing pole and go fishing while enjoying the water and the sun after a long winter we all have just went through. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your spring fishing trips:

Top Species to Target

  1. Snook – As water temps climb into the 70s, snook start moving out of their winter hiding spots and into shallower waters, including mangrove shorelines, docks, and flats. Live bait like pilchards and artificial lures like soft plastics and top waters work great.

  2. Redfish – Schools of redfish start to become more consistent, especially around oyster bars, grass flats, and mangroves. Gold spoons, paddle tails, and live shrimp are solid choices.

  3. Speckled Trout – Spring is a great time to target big “gator” trout in the deeper grass flats (3-6 ft). A popping cork with live shrimp or soft plastics can put plenty of trout in the boat.

  4. Tarpon – Early season tarpon start to show up around the bridges, passes, and along the beaches. If you’re looking to hook into a big fish, now’s the time to start scouting.

  5. Spanish Mackerel & Kingfish – The spring migration brings in these fast-moving predators, making for some fun light tackle action. Look for birds diving and schools of baitfish.

Best Techniques

  • Live Bait: Pilchards, shrimp, and pinfish are key live baits in the spring. If you’re fishing for snook and reds, chumming with live bait can turn on the bite quickly.

  • Artificial Lures: Soft plastics on jig heads, suspending twitch baits, and topwater plugs can be deadly in the warming waters.

  • Fly Fishing: Spring is a great time for fly anglers targeting snook, redfish, and trout on the flats.

Key Areas to Fish

  • Weedon Island – Great for redfish and snook in the mangroves.

  • Fort De Soto – Plenty of flats and channels for trout, snook, and tarpon.

  • Cockroach Bay – Excellent shallow-water fishing for reds and snook.

  • Skyway Bridge & Egmont Key – Hot spots for mackerel, kingfish, and early-season tarpon.

Tides & Weather

  • Moving tides are crucial in spring—both incoming and outgoing tides will have fish actively feeding.

  • Warmer afternoons can trigger strong bites as fish move onto the sun-warmed flats.

  • A few cold fronts may still push through in early spring, so check the weather and adjust accordingly.

Spring is an incredible time to fish Tampa Bay, and the action is only going to heat up as we move into summer. Whether you’re throwing artificial on the flats or soaking live baits near structure, the opportunities are endless.

Looking to get out on the water? Let’s book a trip and put you on the fish! 🎣

Spring time Tarpon fishing

If fishing is not your thing and you still like to enjoy your self in the Florida sunshine here are list of beaches that are visited frequently this time of the year.

Tampa Bay is home to some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, each offering something unique. Whether you’re looking for soft white sand, calm waters, or a vibrant atmosphere, there’s a beach for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches around Tampa Bay:

1. Clearwater Beach

  • Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.

  • Soft white sand and clear, shallow waters.

  • Pier 60 offers daily sunset festivals with street performers and vendors.

  • Plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby.

2. St. Pete Beach

  • Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning Gulf views.

  • Home to the historic Don Cesare Hotel.

  • Great for watersports, including parasailing and paddleboarding.

  • Beachfront bars like Jimmy B’s offer live music and drinks.

3. Fort De Soto Park

  • A natural and unspoiled beach with over 1,000 acres of parkland.

  • Features a historic fort, nature trails, and kayaking through mangroves.

  • Ideal for birdwatching and shell hunting.

  • Pet-friendly with a designated dog beach.

4. Honeymoon Island State Park

  • A quieter beach with pristine nature trails.

  • Offers beautiful shelling spots and great birdwatching.

  • A ferry runs to Caladesi Island, an even more secluded beach paradise.

5. Treasure Island Beach

  • Wide, sandy beaches with a relaxed vibe.

  • Known for its beachfront tiki bars and sunset views.

  • Great spot for families and casual beachgoers.

6. Pass-a-Grille Beach

  • Located at the southern tip of St. Pete Beach.

  • A charming, historic beach town with no high-rise hotels.

  • Small shops, beach bars, and a peaceful atmosphere.

7. Davis Islands Beach

  • A small, hidden beach close to downtown Tampa.

  • Popular for paddleboarding and dog-friendly areas.

  • Not as crowded as Gulf-side beaches but offers great views.

8. Ben T. Davis Beach

  • Located along the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

  • One of the closest beaches to downtown Tampa.

  • Perfect for picnicking and watching the sunset over the bay.

Each of these beaches offers something different, whether you want adventure, relaxation, or a lively beachside atmosphere. Which one sounds like your kind of spot?

Spanish Mackerel Schools

 

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