Fishing Tampa Bay in August can pose many challenges. It is how you adjust to those challenges that can make you successful. We are in the dog days of summer and it is HOT! There are a few ways to beat the heat, and getting an early start is the most important one. We have been starting our Tampa Bay inshore charters around 7:00 a.m. and are normally off the water before noon. This gives us the opportunity to fish the shallow waters before the sun heats the flats up. When temperatures on the flats get too hot, we shift our attention to deeper waters. Finding areas with deeper grass flats around the 4′-6′ range with good tidal flow, should hold fish.
Although temperatures on the flats in the morning have been ranging from 82-86 degrees, the redfish bite has been very productive. It has been hard finding the fish, but when you locate them, they have been willing to eat. On our last few charters, we have been catching some nice keepers and a few oversize fish. Working the schools of mullet with cut bait has been the key.
The snook bite has slowed down a little for us, but we are catching a few each trip. Most fish have spawned out and are on the move. Fishing live bait has produced some nice fish. A 30lb Berkley Pro Spec fluorocarbon leader with a 1/0 Daiichi circle hook is a great snook rig.
The trout, spanish mackerel, jacks, and sharks have kept rods bent. I have found that the deeper grass flats in our area have been holding plenty of fish. The key is to have plenty of bait to chum with.
To book a Tampa Bay fishing charter with FULL-TIME fishing guide, Captain Will Shook, call 813.732.5971 or email