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Summer Trout, Snook, and Flounder Providing Hot Summer Action
The summer heat and summer trout are in full swing across Tampa Bay. While many people are seeking relief from the rising temperatures, the fish are feeding aggressively during the early morning hours, making this one of the best times of year to get on the water.
We recently ventured out to one of Tampa Bay’s healthy grass flats with a couple of repeat clients whose primary goal was simple: put fresh fish in the cooler for dinner. Armed with a livewell full of frisky pilchards, we made our first casts onto the flat. The action started almost immediately. Every bait that landed near a pothole or edge in the grass was quickly crushed by hungry fish.
For nearly two hours straight, the bite was nonstop. Summer trout were stacked up across the flat, and we landed more than fifty keeper trout during the trip. Several quality fish stretched well over the average size, making for excellent table fare. Mixed in with the speckled trout were some beautiful silver trout, which are often overlooked but provide plenty of action on light tackle.
The diversity of species kept things exciting throughout the morning. In addition to the trout, we caught hard-fighting jack crevalle, Spanish mackerel, and even a few bluefish that added plenty of drag-screaming runs to the trip. When the water temperatures rise, these species often become more active and can provide some of the most exciting action available on Tampa Bay’s grass flats.
As we move through the new moon phase, large volumes of water are pushing in and out of the bay with each tide cycle. These stronger tides have fish positioned in predictable locations. Redfish are holding deep within the mangrove shorelines, often tucked far back into the cover where they feel secure. Snook are following a similar pattern, using shade, current breaks, and deeper pockets within the mangroves to ambush baitfish.
Anglers willing to put in the time and make accurate casts into these tight areas are being rewarded with quality fish. The key is finding moving water and concentrating on points, cuts, and small drains where bait is being funneled past waiting predators.
Flounder fishing has also been exceptionally productive recently. We continue to catch quality flounder around structure that features sandy bottoms and good water movement. Bridges, oyster bars, channel edges, and dock systems have all been producing fish. A live pilchard or pinfish bounced slowly along the bottom remains one of the most effective techniques. When a flounder commits, the reward is one of the finest meals Tampa Bay has to offer.
With water temperatures continuing to rise, timing has become increasingly important. The most productive fishing occurs during the major and minor feeding periods, particularly the first few hours of daylight and the last few hours before sunset. These “golden hours” provide cooler temperatures, lower light conditions, and more active fish.
My advice is simple: fish early. Not only is it more comfortable for anglers, but the reduced light also allows fish to feed more confidently before boat traffic and recreational pressure increase throughout the day.
Looking ahead, the summer fishing opportunities remain excellent. Summer trout, snook, redfish, flounder, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and even tarpon are all providing action throughout Tampa Bay. If you’ve been considering a fishing trip, now is a great time to get on the water.
I am currently booking fishing charters for July, and dates are filling quickly. Whether you’re looking to put fresh fish on the table, catch a trophy snook, or enjoy a memorable day on the water with family and friends, I’d love to help make it happen.
Tight lines,
Capt. Joshua Taylor
Salty Scales Fishing Charters
SaltyScalesCharter.com
USCG Licensed Captain • 30+ Years Tampa Bay Fishing Experience
