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Tampa Bay May Fishing Report

Hi all, everything is going great down here on Anna Maria Island.  Fishing has been good and the weather has been great as well, except for the little blow we had this past weekend.  It looks like the 10 day forecast is right back up to 85 degree highs.

The fishing on the flats has been incredible. We have been just smashing the Redfish.  I have had many days with 30 plus fish in the 22 to 35 inch class.  Some days nearly half of them are over 30 inches with plenty of smaller keeper size slot fish.

The Snook fishing has still been strong as well.  I have been starting the days off with Redfish and then finishing them off with some fun Snook action.   Most of the Snook are in the 20 to 25 inch class, but I have been getting a few 30 inchers.

Trout are also still biting well.  I have not been getting a lot of large ones, but plenty of keepers 16 to 17 inch fish with a few larger, along with a few Spanish Mackerel mixed in.

Offshore the King fishing remains strong and should stay that way after this little cold front we had.  One thing I have notice this year is the Kingfish action has been very consistent and they have averaged larger in size than the past few years.  15 or 20 pound has been very average size fish and we are at the very least hooking up multiple 25 to 30 pounders every day.

Tampa charter fishing report at www.captainmatt.com

Gag Grouper are still hitting good and although they are out of season they make for a nice fight on Kingfish gear.

A little further out there is plenty of Red Grouper to catch and we have been getting a few nice keepers.  Mangrove Snapper have also been biting well. Mixed in with the King fish are plenty of Spanish Mackerel as well, some close to 30 inches which makes for a nice added bonus.

Yes, Tarpon season is right around the corner, in a few more days it will make up the bulk of May fishing for the next 3 months.  I have been out there a few days testing the waters on some early season Tarpon fishing.  One day this past week we landed 3, an 80 pounder, 130 pounder and a 160ish pound fish.  We also hooked a few others and caught some nice Cobia while fishing for them.

May fishing is here and the Tarpon extravaganza is about to begin.  I can’t wait; it’s my favorite time of year.

I hope you have enjoyed my report.  I have a few Tarpon dates available, if anyone is interested in doing battle with my favorite sport fish let me know.

Capt.  Matt  

941-447-9888

Tampa fishing guide report at www.captainmatt.com