Stretching across 400 square miles, Tampa Bay is a massive aquarium teeming with fish begging to be caught. Let’s focus on three biggies: tarpon, snook and redfish. Why? They’re everywhere, mostly great eating and strong fighters.
Tarpon
Known as the Silver King, Tampa Bay is its battleground. The season runs from April through August, often earlier, and during peak migration, tarpon can reach 140 pounds. The Tampa Bay record is an estimated 238 pounds. This ferocious fighter is also a spectacular leaper, but by law, it’s catch-and-release. Still, a tarpon gives anglers a run for their money, with fights lasting up to an hour. Use live bait such as pinfish or crabs, or artificial lures up to eight inches with 30-pound monofilament and sturdy rods.
Redfish
Also called red drum, this skinny-water favorite thrives in Tampa Bay’s shallow flats, mostly around 11 feet deep. Redfish can reach about 35 inches and are active year-round, though the daily bag limit is one fish per person and a maximum of two per vessel. With a sweet flavor and flaky meat, seafood lovers can grill, fry, bake or blacken them.
Snook
No boat? Snook, a popular Florida gamefish, can be caught from beaches, docks, seawalls and mangroves. Best from spring through fall, they are also nocturnal. Use live bait like shrimp or mullet, or soft plastic lures, jigs and plugs. Let the hook drift back to the snook, which feeds facing the current. The meat is mild, white and flaky, perfect for grilling, frying, baking or steaming.
Because snook were once considered nearly depleted, in 1985, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission implemented conservation management strategies to help the population recover. Many of those limits remain in place today. In Tampa Bay, snook season is closed from Dec. 1 through Feb. 28 and May 1 through Aug. 31. During the season, a snook permit and recreational fishing license are required. For full regulations, visit myfwc.com.
Where to Fish
Fishing charters are the most convenient option—no clean-up, reasonable cost for half- or full-day outings, plus night excursions. Popular spots include the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Bishop Harbor and lighted docks.
Tip: In Florida, a fishing license is required to fish legally. Without one, your catch could be very expensive. For licenses, visit myfwc.com/license.
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
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