Tarpon live in very clear and clean water, making fishing for them a challenge. Usually, tarpon will follow the tides, so during high tide, look for them closer to shore and for low tide look for them a little further out roaming for food. Huge tarpon will start to spawn in Tampa Bay at the start of May and stay there until mid to late July. Usually, fish will be in the bays at this time and somewhat close to shore during these times, making inshore fishing spectacular. Most of the fish will be migrating from the area between the Keys and Fort Myers. Late spring through early fall offers great fishing in this area, there are quite a few species moving north with the warming water. (Image courtesy of Baytime Charters (Tampa) & Fishing Booker) Best Time to Fish St. With two major bays, Tampa Bay and the smaller Old Tampa Bay, there is plenty of inshore fishing available. Tampa offers a very diverse and complex area that is an anglers heaven. The fishing here can be great if you’ve done your research and prepared properly. This doesn’t mean it’s bad, just less competition for you when you’re out on the water. Known for its city life, Tampa’s fishing can sometimes be overshadowed. Summer is the best season with mornings being especially good. June through October is the best fishing season for grouper.

May through August is the best fishing time for snook in these waters.Īvailable year-round April until early September is the best time. May through August is the best fishing season for local tarpon.

PetersburgĪvailable year-round summer until early September is the best time. Fish Speciesīest Times to Fish Tampa & St. Winter is typically the slowest fishing season in these coastal waters. Petersburg are from May through early September for king mackerel, grouper, permit, tarpon, snook, and redfish. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference. Petersburg & Tampa are overlooked fishing Florida fishing spots, but can actually offer some of the best fishing in Florida throughout the year.

Fishing tampa bay flats