We are coming to an end for the summer of 2020. While this year has been full of surprises in the fishing world from Covid 19, we have stayed busy late summer and our fishing charters have been successful. Snook, Redfish, Grouper, Cobia, Tarpon, Trout and many others have been boat side this summer. Here is your Tampa fishing report for September.
Redfish
Redfish are the highlight this month as big schools of breeder fish gather up in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Redfish have been very plentiful this year with fish schooling up in good numbers especially around the new and full moons. I really like fishing the lower tides and finding fish on the outer flats roaming around eating anything in front of them. Both live and artificial baits are good options. I like throwing something with good weight to add to the distance on your cast. One of my favorite baits when fishing in Tampa bay is the z man chatter bait. The chatter bait works well when targeting big schools of Reds. It has plenty of weight, has flash and makes noise. This checks off all the boxes when looking for a bait to fish schools of Redfish in Tampa Bay.
Snook
Snook this time of year on the Tampa Bay flats. It’s not uncommon to catch 30 Snook on a fishing charter as we approach fall fishing in Tampa Bay. Snook are some of our top sought after species for the month of September. Its just another species we target and make September fishing in Tampa so good.
Grouper and Snapper
Next on the list for the Tampa fishing report in September would have to be Mangrove Snapper and Gag Grouper. Both fish are considered nearshore or offshore fish but with the great Tampa fishing we have the pleasure of catching both species right inside the bay. This happens just a few minutes from the dock. Both Grouper and Snapper are plentiful and make for a great table fair. Sizes on Grouper for Tampa Bay are seasonal and have a minimum size of 24 inches and a bag limit of 2. For more information of the Grouper regulations https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/
Snapper have a different size with a minimum size of 10 inches and 5 per person. They are also open year-round.
Looking forward to fishing with you!
Thanks!
Jason
