Head north to Tampa Bay to find clean water and fish

Fishing around Anna Maria Island remains consistent to the north. Fishing Tampa Bay and the Manatee River is yielding many species of fish —most of which are fleeing red tide.

Speaking of red tide, I am hearing reports that things are starting to clear up. Areas around Longboat Pass and Coquina Beach are showing signs of life once again. As red tide recedes we should see thing begin to return to normal in the weeks to come. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Reports of bait fish in Longboat Pass is encouraging. I’m also hearing about snook in the surf at Coquina and Whitney beaches.

Back to fishing in Tampa Bay. Numerous species of fish are being caught — Spanish mackerel and mangrove snapper are taking the hook in good numbers, especially around the Sunshine Skyway bridge. You’ll encounter bluefish, ladyfish and jack crevalle in these areas.

Fishing shallower around the flats of Terra Ceia Bay and Miguel Bay is proving to be good. Snook and redfish are being fairly cooperative. Spotted seatrout are taking the hook, too, but in the deeper grass areas. You can still count of catching mangrove snapper on the deep grass, too.