Most Common Fish Species You Can Catch in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay offers some of Florida's richest fishing waters, packed with diverse fish species throughout its vast ecosystem. The shallow grass flats near St. Petersburg teem with gamefish, while the deeper channels around Apollo Beach hold bigger predatory species. Fish move between mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, and seagrass beds as seasons change and water temperatures shift. From backwater creeks to open bay waters, Tampa Bay's varied habitats support year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.

Snook

Snook are one of Tampa Bay's most wanted fish. These strong fighters live around mangroves, bridges, and dock structures from Ruskin to Safety Harbor. During summer, snook move to passes and beaches. In winter, they head to rivers and backwaters where water stays warmer. The best spots to catch snook include the Gandy Bridge area, Weedon Island, and the flats near Fort De Soto.

Redfish

Redfish, also called red drum, swim all over Tampa Bay's waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow water around oyster bars and mangroves from Apollo Beach to Pinellas Point. These copper-colored fish love eating crabs and shrimp. The best redfish spots include the Little Manatee River, Bishop Harbor, and the flats around MacDill Air Force Base.

Spotted Seatrout

Spotted seatrout are found year-round in Tampa Bay's grass flats. They like areas with mixed bottom and seagrass, especially near Port Tampa and Cockroach Bay. During winter, big trout move to deeper holes and channels. The flats near the Skyway Bridge and Upper Tampa Bay are great spots for catching trout.

Tarpon

From spring through fall, tarpon visit Tampa Bay's waters. These silver kings show up first near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and spread throughout the bay. Popular tarpon fishing spots include Egmont Key, the shipping channel edges, and the beaches from St. Petersburg to Anna Maria Island.

Spanish Mackerel

Spanish mackerel swim in schools around Tampa Bay, especially near passes and channels. They're most common from fall through spring, chasing bait schools near the Skyway Bridge, Egmont Key, and along St. Petersburg's shoreline. These fast fish provide great action on light tackle.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead gather around Tampa Bay's bridges, piers, and rocky areas. Winter brings the biggest numbers, with hot spots including the Gandy Bridge, Ballast Point Pier, and the rocks around Port Manatee. These striped fish are known for being tricky to catch but taste great.

Jack Crevalle

Jacks roam Tampa Bay in schools, creating surface commotion as they chase bait. Find them around markers, bridges, and channel edges from Safety Harbor to the Skyway Bridge. They're strong fighters that can show up anywhere in the bay, especially during summer and fall.

Flounder

Flounder hide on sandy or muddy bottoms throughout Tampa Bay. Good spots include the edges of channels, dock areas, and near bridge pilings from Apollo Beach to downtown St. Petersburg. Fall brings more flounder into the bay as water temperatures cool.

Cobia

Cobia visit Tampa Bay mainly in spring and summer. Look for them around markers, buoys, and following large rays. The shipping channels, Egmont Key area, and artificial reefs near St. Petersburg are prime spots to find cobia.

Mangrove Snapper

These tasty fish live around structure all over Tampa Bay. Find them near bridges, docks, and artificial reefs from the Courtney Campbell Causeway to the Skyway Bridge. Summer brings the biggest mangrove snapper into Tampa Bay's waters.

Black Drum

Black drum frequent Tampa Bay's deeper holes, bridge areas, and dock pilings. Popular spots include the Port Tampa area, Gandy Bridge, and the mouth of the Little Manatee River. These powerful fish are caught year-round but are most active in cooler months.

Grouper

While not as common as other species, gag and red grouper swim in Tampa Bay's deeper spots. Look for them around artificial reefs, shipping channel edges, and hard bottom areas near the Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key.

Ladyfish

Ladyfish provide fast action throughout Tampa Bay. These jumping fish follow bait schools and can be found from the flats of Upper Tampa Bay to the passes near Fort De Soto. They're great for teaching kids or new anglers about fishing.

Pompano

Pompano visit Tampa Bay's sandy areas and passes. Good spots include the beaches near Fort De Soto, the flats around Pinellas Point, and near the Skyway Bridge. Spring and fall typically bring more pompano into the bay.

Tampa Bay's mix of water types - from shallow flats to deep channels - creates homes for many fish species. Whether fishing the waters near downtown Tampa, the flats of St. Petersburg, or the passes near Egmont Key, anglers can find different fish throughout the year. Local knowledge and understanding these species' habits help make fishing trips in Tampa Bay more successful.

Ready to catch these amazing fish in Tampa Bay? Fishing Guide Tampa Bay's experienced guides know exactly where to find these species year-round. Whether you're after trophy snook, hard-fighting redfish, or your first tarpon, we'll put you on the fish. Contact Fishing Guide Tampa Bay at 813-540-4202 to book a Tampa Bay fishing charter today.

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