Tampa Bay Fishing Report for May 4th, 2024

The weather is looking great for fishing, with clear skies and a temperature range of 75°F to 85°F. The winds will be light, and the water clarity is good for most areas. 

For inshore fishing, you can find redfish and snook in the flats and mangrove shorelines. You can use live bait such as shrimp or pilchards, or artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. Meanwhile, nearshore fishing is promising with species such as kingfish, snapper, and grouper. You can use threadfin herring or cigar minnows as live bait or jig with bucktail jigs or vertical jigs.

Anglers have reported successful outings with impressive catches of redfish, snook, trout, and sheepshead inshore. Nearshore, kingfish and snapper have been particularly active, providing exciting battles for anglers of all skill levels.

For a successful fishing trip, focus your efforts on mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and grass flats, especially during the incoming tide when targeting redfish and snook inshore. For nearshore fishing, anchoring near reefs and wrecks and dropping live baits or jigs can entice kingfish and snapper.

In conclusion, Tampa Bay offers fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers of all levels. With favorable weather and abundant fish populations, now is an excellent time to hit the water and make some unforgettable catches. Tight lines and happy fishing!