Tampa Fish Species

Common Questions:

What fish species can be caught in Tampa Bay?

In Tampa Bay, anglers can target a variety of species, including Snook, Redfish, Trout, Tarpon, Snapper, Sheepshead, and more.

When is the best time to catch Snook in Tampa Bay?

The best time to catch Snook in Tampa Bay is during the warmer months, from spring to early fall, when they are more active.

What is the best bait for Redfish in Tampa Bay?

Redfish in Tampa Bay are often caught using live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, or mullet, as well as artificial lures like spoons or soft plastics.

What is the size limit for keeping Trout in Tampa Bay?

The size limit for keeping Trout in Tampa Bay is 15 to 20 inches, with a daily bag limit of 4 fish per person.

Are there Sharks in Tampa Bay?

Yes, Tampa Bay is home to several species of Sharks, including Blacktip Sharks, Bull Sharks, and Hammerhead Sharks.

What is the best time of year for Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay?

The best time for Tarpon fishing in Tampa Bay is typically from May to July, during their annual migration.

What is the most common Snapper species in Tampa Bay?

The most common Snapper species in Tampa Bay include Mangrove Snapper and Lane Snapper.

How deep is Tampa Bay for fishing?

Tampa Bay varies in depth, with some areas reaching depths of over 20 feet, providing ample fishing opportunities for anglers.

What is the best bait for catching Sheepshead in Tampa Bay?

Sheepshead in Tampa Bay are often caught using live shrimp or fiddler crabs, as they are known to feed on crustaceans.

Can you catch Grouper in Tampa Bay?

Yes, Grouper can be found in Tampa Bay, particularly near structures such as rocks, reefs, and shipwrecks, where they like to hide.

A Optimus Fishing Charters Fishing Charter targets the top Tampa Fish species including Blacktip Shark (Also Called Shark, Blacktip Shark ), Bonnethead Shark (Also Called Bonnet Shark, Bonnetnose Shark, Shovelhead Shark), Bull Shark (Also Called Cub Shark, Ground Shark, Shark ), Cobia (Also Called Black Salmon, Crab Eater, Lemon Fish, Sergeant Fish ), Crevalle Jack (Also Called Horse Crevalle, Jack ), Gag Grouper (Also Called Charcoal Belly, Velvet Rockfish, Grouper ), King Mackerel (Also Called Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel ), Mackerel Scad (Also Called Cigarfish, Scad ), Red Grouper (Also Called Cherna De Vivero, Nègre, Cherna Americana, Grouper ), Redfish (Also Called Red Drum, Channel Bass, Spottail Bass), Sea Trout (Also Called Speckled Trout, Spotted Sea Trout), Sheepshead (Also Called Convict Fish, Sheephead ), Snook (Also Called Common Snook, Sergeant Fish, Thin Snook), Tripletail (Also Called Tripletail, Black Grunt, Black Perch, Bouyfish, Flasher, Chobie, Biajaca De La Mar, Flasher, Steamboat). We primarily Fish the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, Ruskin, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater, Apollo Beach, Bradenton, Skyway Fishing Pier, Skyway Bridge, Manatee River, Terra Ceia Bay, Fort De Soto, Old Tampa Bay.